Hey, I'm back with another chapter! I know y'all are just dying to know
who's going to hook up first. Well, someone's going to get her general in
this chapter. You'll just have to wait and see who gets with their general
first. Oh, some Trista/Demando romance in this one. (I love that
pairing, even if I've never seen it before. Something about them just fits
in my opinion.)
Oh yeah, I'm dedicating this chapter to Jovian Goddess, cuz she helped me a lot. Thanks!
Disclaimer: The ideas are mine, but the characters are the work of Naoko Takeuchi, and don't belong to me.
Chapter Summary: Well, Hotaru tells Nephrite about Rubeus, and Rubeus tells Nephrite his intentions. Endymion catches Trista and Demando in each others arms, and its then his decision is unveiled. And what's this? A man hanging around the palace and questioning the servants? And why does he seem so familiar to Lita?
Chapter 4
"Neph, I care for him a lot, and he feels the same for me. I know how protective you can be, and I just need you to understand."
Hotaru smiled at her reflection. "Perfect. Now to go tell him for real." She smoothed down her hair and dress, and left.
Nephrite was in; you guessed it, the astronomy tower. He was poring over a few natal charts for his friends. Particularly Rei and Jadeite. Lady Ami had given him Rei's birthdate and time of birth, and he just had to figure out if they were made for each other or not. He had just worked out a tricky angle in Rei's chart when someone knocked. He could tell it was his sister because she always tapped three times, very softly. "Come in, Taru."
Hotaru walked in and closed the door. "Are you busy?"
"Not too busy to talk to you. Have a seat." Nephrite said, moving some papers from a stool and placing them on his over- crowded desk. Hotaru sat down and folded her hands in her lap.
"Well, Neph, I have something very important to tell you, and I don't want you to get mad over it."
Nephrite leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. "What is it?"
"Rubeus asked me to court him yesterday, and I said yes. The only problem is; he wants to ask your permission, since you're the only thing anywhere near family I have here. I want you to agree to this, because he won't court me without your and the king and queen's permission." Hotaru's speech came out in a rush.
"Yes."
"But Neph you can't just...Did you just say yes?" Hotaru asked in shock.
"Yes, I agree to it. Have someone send him up here to talk to me, so I can tell him the good news myself. And threaten him with death if he hurts you."
Hotaru hugged her adopted brother and kissed his cheek. "Thank you Neph! I love you!" She fairly ran out of the room to find her suitor. Nephrite chuckled and went back to work. He had barely restarted when someone else knocked.
"Come in."
Jadeite walked in and sat down. "What did you want to talk to me about? The thing that you were going to say when Kunzite interrupted us?"
"Oh yeah, that. What's up with you and Lady Rei? She said that you won't even give her a look, which I for one find hard to believe, considering she's gorgeous, and a nice rack hasn't turned you upside down yet."
"You think all I care about is a woman's body? I am mortally wounded sir!" Jadeite said, clasping a hand to his chest in fake pain. Then he straightened up. "She is built nicely, huh?"
"I knew it." Nephrite said, throwing up his hands in mock- frustration. "But she thinks you hate her."
Jadeite looked triumphant. "Ha! Lita was right!"
"What do you mean?"
"Lita said that if I was really cool towards Rei, she wouldn't be able to take it. And she was right!"
"So she can't stand being ignored. What are you going to do now?" Nephrite asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I don't know. I have to go find Lita!" Jadeite took off from the room. Nephrite gazed after his friend in amusement, and returned to his natal charts. He had just barely started when someone knocked again.
"Come in." Rubeus entered. Nephrite smiled at him and motioned him into a seat.
"Hotaru said you wanted to see me?"
"Yes, Lord, I did. She tells me that you are in love with her."
"I am."
Nephrite leaned forward and focused his gaze intensely and totally on the young lord. "Are you sure?"
Rubeus met Nephrite's gaze squarely. "Yes, I'm very sure."
"Will you treat her with the utmost respect and tenderness?"
"On my oath as a lord."
Nephrite leaned back. "Very well. I believe you, but if Hotaru tells me that you have done ONE thing wrong, I will kill you."
Rubeus nodded. "I understand. Believe me; I would kill mySELF if Hotaru's heart was broken." He left, and Nephrite continued his work.
Lita was helping Trista find the right materials for the Winter Solstice dresses when Jadeite came running in. "Lita, I need to talk to you." He panted. Without another word, he dragged the startled girl out of the sewing room.
"Jed, what's wrong?" Lita asked, after Jadeite stopped and let go of her.
"I don't know what to do now. Lady Rei is completely baffled, but what now?"
"Well, continue what you've been doing, until she approaches you directly. Then, you start warming up to her, but slowly, very slowly. She'll fall faster than a ton of bricks." Lita said patiently. "I thought it obvious."
"Thanks Lita!" Jadeite dashed off to do another errand. Then he ran back. "I almost forgot. This is for you." He thrust a folded piece of paper at Lita and took off once more. Lita stared after his wake, suppressing laughter. After he turned a corner, Lita opened the paper and read its contents out loud.
"Dear Lady Lita, I love you. You have only been at the palace for two days, yet I feel as though I have loved you for a long time. From the first time I saw you; I have been enchanted with your beauty, elegance, and kindness. I can only hope that someday I can tell you my feelings in person and that you will accept them. Your Secret Admirer." She folded the paper, emerald eyes wide. She ran back into the sewing room. "Princess, look!" She said, thrusting the paper into Trista's hands.
"Lady Lita, please, call me Trista." Trista admonished before she opened the letter.
"Call me Lita. But look!" Trista read the letter, her lips moving silently. She refolded the letter, and smiled up at the mystified young woman.
"Well, Lita, it seems that you have a secret admirer. Who do you think it could be?"
Lita thought for a moment, chewing on her lower lip reflectively. "I don't know. It could be anyone at the palace." She said, sitting down and taking out the cloth she had been stitching. The two women continued their work.
"Lita, could it be General Nephrite?"
"I doubt it. I don't think he has the brainpower to come up with something like this." Lita said, smothering an unladylike snicker. The two women continued their work, with no further interruptions.
Mina and Ami were in their quarters, talking. Rei had gone for a walk in the gardens, and Lita was in the sewing room with Trista. "So he kissed me. Can you believe it?"
"Actually, no. He doesn't seem like the romantic type." Ami said thoughtfully.
"So, what's going on with you and General Zoicite?" Mina said, giving her sister a knowing wink.
"Nothing, nothing at all." Ami replied unconvincingly.
"Uh-huh. So I guess that little kiss in the library was nothing, huh?"
"How did you know?!" Ami said, aghast.
"So you did kiss him in the library!"
Ami sat back as the realization that she had been fooled struck her. "Well, since you already know, there's no point in hiding it. Yes, we did kiss in the library."
"Is he a good kisser?"
"I don't have anything to compare it to."
"Well, let me put it like this. Did you like it?"
"Of course!"
"So when are you going to become a couple?"
"I doubt that's going to happen."
"Of course it will! He's head over heels for you!"
"Do you really think so?"
"No, I know so."
"I doubt it. Love at first sight is something that only happens in fairytales."
"Hey, anything can happen!"
"Maybe. I'm going to the library." Ami said, standing and straightening out her dress.
"I don't suppose you're going because of a certain green-eyed general?" Mina asked slyly.
"No, I'd like to read a book." Ami replied before she left.
"Yeah, and I'm the Queen of Iless." Mina scoffed. Since the room was empty, she decided to head out onto the training grounds to practice. Before she did, she put on a pair of brown breeches and a loose cream colored shirt that she had found. To go with it, she wore a pair of brown riding boots that she had found in the men's clothing room. After tying her hair back into a braid, she left for the grounds. She chose a slightly heavier sword than she was used to, and began to practice. She had barely started, when someone called her name.
"Lady Mina?"
Mina turned and nodded. "General Zoicite. Is there something I can do for you?"
"I need your help." Zoicite said, his face already beginning to turn red.
Mina smiled softly at him. "With what, General?"
"I was wondering if you knew Lady Ami's favorite flower." He said.
Mina looked up at the sky. "Let's see. There are honeysuckle, roses, daisies, and lilies. Well, I like daisies, and Lita likes roses. So that leaves honeysuckle and lilies." She said thoughtfully. She brightened. "I remember! Rei likes honeysuckle and Ami likes lilies!"
"Thank you, Lady Mina, you've helped me greatly." Zoicite said, bowing to her. Zoicite walked off, and Mina continued her training.
{So love at first sight only happens in fairytales, huh? Ami's in for a surprise.} She thought.
Kunzite was watching Mina from his room, which was right above the ladies quarters. He had absolutely no clue where to go after the kiss the night before. He remembered the book he had found on battle strategies in the library, and decided to read some more from it to get his mind off Mina. He walked to the library, only to find that his favorite seat was occupied by Mina's sister, Lady Ami. He nodded civilly to her, and took another seat, this one directly across from her. A million thoughts ran through their minds, but Ami kept to herself, and Kunzite did likewise.
Lita had put away her sewing for a chance to stretch her muscles. Mina had told her about the training grounds, and Lita was dying to practice. Trista had given her a set of men's riding clothes, consisting of a white long-sleeved tunic, dark green breeches, and black boots. She put them on and went down to the training grounds, where Mina was practicing her swordswomanship. She decided against practicing with her, and chose to work on her archery skills. Soon both girls were completely immersed in their work, unmindful of the admiring glances of some of the common soldiers who were on guard duty around the palace.
"Lady Mina, may I?" Someone asked. Mina spun around to see Nephrite staring at her sword.
"May you what General?"
"I've noticed that while you have no problems with your right hand, you do not fight with your left. I came to offer my services, and teach you to work with your left hand."
"Well, General Nephrite, you are right. I'm not good at using my left hand. Could you really teach me?"
"I'm left-handed, so I think it shouldn't be too hard to teach you." Nephrite said gallantly. Mina nodded, and Nephrite motioned for her to pick up the sword with her left hand. He began showing her some simple strengthening exercises. At one point he had to put her hands in the right position, and Lita, who had been watching them for some time, bristled. Jadeite placed a hand on her arm to get her attention.
"What's this Lita? Jealous?" He asked, his cute little teasing grin in place.
"Of course not, Jed, whatever gave you that idea?" Lita asked, turning back to the target.
"The fact that you nearly broke your bow in half." He replied impudently, gesturing to her bow.
"Oh, shut up." She replied, shooting a bull's-eye.
"Why don't you talk to him?" He asked, watching her take aim again.
"Because he's a jerk." She replied, shooting again.
"You like him."
"I know, that's the whole problem." Lita said, sighing.
"So why won't you talk to him?"
"Because he's a cute, charming, adorable, kissable, wonderful jerk."
"Do you know what Lady Rei thinks of me?"
"No, but I caught her looking at you in the courtyard and sighing. I think she's warming up to you."
"Really?"
"Really. I'm going to go change. Go think about honeysuckle." Jadeite got the hint and raced away.
Out of the corner of his eye, Nephrite had been watching Lita and Jadeite talk. He overheard Lita call him a 'cute, charming, adorable, kissable, wonderful jerk', and he was feeling pretty pleased with himself. Mina put her sword down, and faced her teacher. "You should ask her to take a walk with you."
"What?"
"Ask her to go for a walk. Show her around the gardens. She'd like that. Thanks for the lesson, General Nephrite." Mina said, turning to walk away.
"Neph please!" He called after her. He had an idea and sped away to talk to the only person who could help him put it into action: Serenity.
Lita had just finished with her shower and was walking the halls, when she saw Mildred and a man that she knew, but couldn't exactly place her finger on. He was tallish, and had blonde hair and deep violet eyes. Mildred shook her head repeatedly, and finally the man walked off, looking a little agitated. He brushed past Lita without really looking at her, and Lita ran up to Mildred.
"Mildred, is something wrong?"
"No Lady, but that awful man was asking me all sorts of questions about the Lady Rei, but I couldn't tell him anything."
"Did he tell you his name?"
"No ma'am; just mentioned that he was a friend of the Keahi family. I don't trust him; his eyes are shifty."
"I'll speak to the queen about it. Thank you Mildred. If he asks anything else, come straight to me or one of my sisters. If we're not around, find Jadeite."
"Yes'm." Mildred nodded and left. Lita continued her walk, this time with a purpose. She had to find Rei.
Rei was sitting in a room she had found, top of the highest tower. It was peaceful, and Rei enjoyed being up so high. It gave her time to think about her Jadeite dilemma. She just couldn't read him. Around Lita and her other sisters, he was joking and happy and utterly charming. Around her, however, it was a different story. He became stiff and formal, as if he wanted nothing to do with her. At first, she had completely detested him, but now, now she was starting to like him. She would have given anything for one of his beautiful smiles to be directed towards her. She sighed. Why, why, WHY must men be so difficult?
"Excuse me, Lady Rei. I didn't realize you had found my hiding place." Jadeite said, stepping into the room. He bowed and turned as if to go.
"No, stay." Rei said softly.
"Are you sure, milady?"
"Yes, I think I would like the company." She said, a half-smile forming on her face. Jadeite nodded and took a seat by the window, next to Rei.
"What would you like to talk about?"
"Do you hate me?" Rei asked softly. She twirled a lock of ebony hair around her index finger.
"Of course not, milady! Who told you I did?"
"No one, but I've noticed the way you act around me. It just seems like you don't like me."
"I was afraid you didn't like me, so I kept my distance."
"Oh. What gave you that idea?"
"The way you acted."
Rei bit her lower lip. "Oh."
"Don't worry about it. The past is the past. Perhaps now we can be friends?" Jadeite asked.
Rei smiled softly. "I think that I'd like that."
Jadeite smiled at her winningly. "That's great! So, as a friend, would you like to go on a picnic with me?"
"When?"
"Now, I guess. I'm not doing anything; are you?"
"No. I think that if we track down Lita; she would provide us with the food."
"She's probably in the kitchen."
"Probably."
Jadeite grabbed Rei's hand and dragged her out the door. "This is an opportunity too good to miss! We have to hurry!" He pulled Rei all the way to the kitchen, where Lita was making a pie. Jadeite explained their plans, and Lita fixed them a big picnic lunch. They thanked her and left.
"Jadeite, where are we going?"
"To the stables. We need horses to get to where we're going."
"Where are we going?"
"It's a secret." Jadeite led Rei to the stables, where he began saddling up a blondish stallion and a purple-black mare. He led Rei to the stallion. "This is Firebrand. You'll be riding him, and I'll be riding Honey. Do you know how to ride?"
"Yes, I do." Rei swung herself up into the saddle expertly. "Lita taught me."
Jadeite swung into his saddle. "Let's go then." They rode off. From his hiding place, the man that Lita couldn't recognize stepped out and watched Rei and Jadeite riding away. He would soon have enough information to take back to his queen. Then he could rid himself of the one person standing in his way: his daughter.
Mina was in her room, freshly showered and relaxing. Her left arm muscles were a bit sore, but not overly so. She decided she wanted to wander a bit, and get her mind off Kunzite. Guess who she bumped into as soon as she set foot outside the door?
"Mina, I was just coming to see you."
"Z! I was just going to take a walk. Do you want to come?"
"Sure. These are for you." Mina found a bunch of daisies staring her in the face.
"Thank you. Could you wait while I put them in water?" Kunzite nodded, and Mina went back into her room. She came back out all smiles. "Shall we go?" Kunzite nodded, and they strolled off.
"Well, Lady Rei, this is it." 'This' was a beautiful clearing in the middle of the forest, with a huge willow tree right in the middle. Its hanging branches swayed lightly in the summertime breeze.
"It's beautiful." Rei breathed, dismounting and tying Firebrand to a tree on the edge of the forest. She brushed him down, and sat underneath the willow. Jadeite joined her after tending to his own mount. Rei began setting out the food Lita had packed. Jadeite leaned in to help her, and their heads banged together.
"Ow! Damn." They chorused. Jadeite was the first to chuckle, and Rei soon joined in.
"I believe we might share similar thinking."
"Or at least like using the same curse word." Rei said, giggling again. The wind blew her hair across her face, and Jadeite pushed it away gently. A bolt of electricity shot through Rei's body. Without really knowing what she was doing, she leaned in until she could feel Jadeite's breath on her cheeks. Jadeite closed the distance between their lips. It wasn't a heavy kiss, but soft and gentle. Rei was the first to pull away, blushing.
"Is that a blush I see, milady?" Jadeite said, running his finger over Rei's cheek.
"Shut up and kiss me again." She whispered. Jadeite complied happily. When he pulled away, Rei was no longer blushing.
"I guess this means you don't hate me as much as you used to."
"It means, I like you a lot, dummy."
Jadeite reeled back, clutching his heart theatrically. "Oh, a barbed arrow from my beloved! No pain is greater than the hurt you have just given me, oh flame of my heart." He fell on the ground.
Rei swiped at him playfully. "Oh you!"
"Oh you what? Oh you are a great kisser? Or oh you are a wonderful man?"
"Neither, just oh you." Rei stretched out next to Jadeite and put her head on his chest. He put an arm around his shoulders and another behind his head. Together they watched the sunlight streaming through the willow branches.
"Well, I suppose I have to ask you if you would consider my courting you." Jadeite murmured.
"You don't even have to ask."
"That's good. Are you really hungry?"
"Not yet. I don't want to move."
"We don't have to until later. I'm not hungry either."
"I thought we were going on this picnic as friends."
"I think you like this better."
Rei's reply was a sleepy nod.
Back at the palace, Trista was in one of her chambers, the 'living room'. It was her place of relaxation, decorated in her favorite colors garnet red, and jet-black. She was lying on her red chaise lounge, sketching some more outfits, in an effort to relax. She had been on pins and needles ever since her talk with Endymion last night, and aside from being with Demando, sketching was her only way to relax. Someone knocked, and Trista jumped, startled.
"Come in, please." Demando walked in and sat down.
"You've been avoiding me all day."
"I have not. I've just been so busy sketching these winter solstice outfits."
"You've been avoiding me. Why? Did Endymion say something?"
"He doesn't want me to marry you."
"Is it because I'm a lord and not a prince?"
"No, it's because he doesn't trust you."
"He trusts me in matters of state. I am among his most trusted advisors."
"He trusts you in anything that doesn't have to do with me."
Demando stood and pulled Trista up to her feet. "I talked to the queen today, and she agreed to talk to him." He said, pulling her into an embrace.
"Demando, what if someone walks in?" Trista protested, struggling back.
"Let them. Trista, I love you, you know that."
Trista sighed and settled her head on his chest. "I know, but Endy does not."
"We'll just have to tell him."
"I've tried that."
"Then we'll try again, and again. Trista, I'm not losing you."
"I don't want to lose you either."
"Then we need to keep on trying. We'll make him see."
"I hope so."
"I've seen enough, thank you." Trista and Demando leapt apart. Endymion was watching them calmly.
"Your Majesty." Demando said, bowing to his monarch.
"Lord Demando." Endymion motioned to a servant that had been standing outside, and whispered something to him. He nodded and left.
"Endy, I..."
"Don't say anything until Serenity comes. I don't want to have to repeat myself." Trista sat back down on her chaise lounge with her hands folded in her lap. Demando stood by a window, and Endymion was seated in a huge armchair. Serenity showed up ten minutes later, and took a seat next to Trista.
"Trista, do you remember our talk yesterday?"
"Yes."
"I believe you said that if I were to make a decision, you would follow it."
"Yes, I did say that."
"Well, after talking to Serenity, Demando, and you, I have made my decision."
Trista closed her eyes. Serenity took her hand and grasped it tightly.
"I will allow you to get married." Trista's eyes flew open. She ran to her brother and hugged him around the neck, nearly choking him.
"Oh Endy, thank you!" Trista said, squeezing hard. Endymion choked, and Trista relinquished her death grip and turned to Serenity. They hugged each other, and then Trista turned to Demando. He lifted her up off the ground and spun her around. Serenity took her husband's hand and they left, leaving the happy couple to rejoice.
"You are sure?"
"Very sure, my Queen."
"If we kidnap them and hold them for ransom, the King will pay a good deal for them."
"I'm not holding them for ransom. They are to be the bargaining pieces for getting the Generals and the king."
"Why do we need the Generals?"
"If I want to rule the world, I will need steady and trustworthy generals by my side. I will also need a king to help me rule. If I brainwash them, they will be totally under my control."
"But Majesty, they might not agree."
"Of course they will, if I also kidnap Hotaru and Trista. I imagine the King of Tailon and General Nephrite would give anything to have their siblings back."
"Would they trade their own lives?"
"I believe we can count on that fact."
"When should we put the plan into motion?"
"We will bide our time until we are absolutely sure they have all fallen in love. Then, we will strike!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *
Well, that's it! I hoped y'all liked it, even though it was kinda shorter than the other chapters. Do you want a hint about the next chapter? One word: Powers. That's all I can tell you, because I haven't started the next chapter yet. Yes, I am one of the few, the proud, the PROCRASTINATORS! Till the next chapter, Ja Ne!
Oh yeah, I'm dedicating this chapter to Jovian Goddess, cuz she helped me a lot. Thanks!
Disclaimer: The ideas are mine, but the characters are the work of Naoko Takeuchi, and don't belong to me.
Chapter Summary: Well, Hotaru tells Nephrite about Rubeus, and Rubeus tells Nephrite his intentions. Endymion catches Trista and Demando in each others arms, and its then his decision is unveiled. And what's this? A man hanging around the palace and questioning the servants? And why does he seem so familiar to Lita?
Chapter 4
"Neph, I care for him a lot, and he feels the same for me. I know how protective you can be, and I just need you to understand."
Hotaru smiled at her reflection. "Perfect. Now to go tell him for real." She smoothed down her hair and dress, and left.
Nephrite was in; you guessed it, the astronomy tower. He was poring over a few natal charts for his friends. Particularly Rei and Jadeite. Lady Ami had given him Rei's birthdate and time of birth, and he just had to figure out if they were made for each other or not. He had just worked out a tricky angle in Rei's chart when someone knocked. He could tell it was his sister because she always tapped three times, very softly. "Come in, Taru."
Hotaru walked in and closed the door. "Are you busy?"
"Not too busy to talk to you. Have a seat." Nephrite said, moving some papers from a stool and placing them on his over- crowded desk. Hotaru sat down and folded her hands in her lap.
"Well, Neph, I have something very important to tell you, and I don't want you to get mad over it."
Nephrite leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. "What is it?"
"Rubeus asked me to court him yesterday, and I said yes. The only problem is; he wants to ask your permission, since you're the only thing anywhere near family I have here. I want you to agree to this, because he won't court me without your and the king and queen's permission." Hotaru's speech came out in a rush.
"Yes."
"But Neph you can't just...Did you just say yes?" Hotaru asked in shock.
"Yes, I agree to it. Have someone send him up here to talk to me, so I can tell him the good news myself. And threaten him with death if he hurts you."
Hotaru hugged her adopted brother and kissed his cheek. "Thank you Neph! I love you!" She fairly ran out of the room to find her suitor. Nephrite chuckled and went back to work. He had barely restarted when someone else knocked.
"Come in."
Jadeite walked in and sat down. "What did you want to talk to me about? The thing that you were going to say when Kunzite interrupted us?"
"Oh yeah, that. What's up with you and Lady Rei? She said that you won't even give her a look, which I for one find hard to believe, considering she's gorgeous, and a nice rack hasn't turned you upside down yet."
"You think all I care about is a woman's body? I am mortally wounded sir!" Jadeite said, clasping a hand to his chest in fake pain. Then he straightened up. "She is built nicely, huh?"
"I knew it." Nephrite said, throwing up his hands in mock- frustration. "But she thinks you hate her."
Jadeite looked triumphant. "Ha! Lita was right!"
"What do you mean?"
"Lita said that if I was really cool towards Rei, she wouldn't be able to take it. And she was right!"
"So she can't stand being ignored. What are you going to do now?" Nephrite asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I don't know. I have to go find Lita!" Jadeite took off from the room. Nephrite gazed after his friend in amusement, and returned to his natal charts. He had just barely started when someone knocked again.
"Come in." Rubeus entered. Nephrite smiled at him and motioned him into a seat.
"Hotaru said you wanted to see me?"
"Yes, Lord, I did. She tells me that you are in love with her."
"I am."
Nephrite leaned forward and focused his gaze intensely and totally on the young lord. "Are you sure?"
Rubeus met Nephrite's gaze squarely. "Yes, I'm very sure."
"Will you treat her with the utmost respect and tenderness?"
"On my oath as a lord."
Nephrite leaned back. "Very well. I believe you, but if Hotaru tells me that you have done ONE thing wrong, I will kill you."
Rubeus nodded. "I understand. Believe me; I would kill mySELF if Hotaru's heart was broken." He left, and Nephrite continued his work.
Lita was helping Trista find the right materials for the Winter Solstice dresses when Jadeite came running in. "Lita, I need to talk to you." He panted. Without another word, he dragged the startled girl out of the sewing room.
"Jed, what's wrong?" Lita asked, after Jadeite stopped and let go of her.
"I don't know what to do now. Lady Rei is completely baffled, but what now?"
"Well, continue what you've been doing, until she approaches you directly. Then, you start warming up to her, but slowly, very slowly. She'll fall faster than a ton of bricks." Lita said patiently. "I thought it obvious."
"Thanks Lita!" Jadeite dashed off to do another errand. Then he ran back. "I almost forgot. This is for you." He thrust a folded piece of paper at Lita and took off once more. Lita stared after his wake, suppressing laughter. After he turned a corner, Lita opened the paper and read its contents out loud.
"Dear Lady Lita, I love you. You have only been at the palace for two days, yet I feel as though I have loved you for a long time. From the first time I saw you; I have been enchanted with your beauty, elegance, and kindness. I can only hope that someday I can tell you my feelings in person and that you will accept them. Your Secret Admirer." She folded the paper, emerald eyes wide. She ran back into the sewing room. "Princess, look!" She said, thrusting the paper into Trista's hands.
"Lady Lita, please, call me Trista." Trista admonished before she opened the letter.
"Call me Lita. But look!" Trista read the letter, her lips moving silently. She refolded the letter, and smiled up at the mystified young woman.
"Well, Lita, it seems that you have a secret admirer. Who do you think it could be?"
Lita thought for a moment, chewing on her lower lip reflectively. "I don't know. It could be anyone at the palace." She said, sitting down and taking out the cloth she had been stitching. The two women continued their work.
"Lita, could it be General Nephrite?"
"I doubt it. I don't think he has the brainpower to come up with something like this." Lita said, smothering an unladylike snicker. The two women continued their work, with no further interruptions.
Mina and Ami were in their quarters, talking. Rei had gone for a walk in the gardens, and Lita was in the sewing room with Trista. "So he kissed me. Can you believe it?"
"Actually, no. He doesn't seem like the romantic type." Ami said thoughtfully.
"So, what's going on with you and General Zoicite?" Mina said, giving her sister a knowing wink.
"Nothing, nothing at all." Ami replied unconvincingly.
"Uh-huh. So I guess that little kiss in the library was nothing, huh?"
"How did you know?!" Ami said, aghast.
"So you did kiss him in the library!"
Ami sat back as the realization that she had been fooled struck her. "Well, since you already know, there's no point in hiding it. Yes, we did kiss in the library."
"Is he a good kisser?"
"I don't have anything to compare it to."
"Well, let me put it like this. Did you like it?"
"Of course!"
"So when are you going to become a couple?"
"I doubt that's going to happen."
"Of course it will! He's head over heels for you!"
"Do you really think so?"
"No, I know so."
"I doubt it. Love at first sight is something that only happens in fairytales."
"Hey, anything can happen!"
"Maybe. I'm going to the library." Ami said, standing and straightening out her dress.
"I don't suppose you're going because of a certain green-eyed general?" Mina asked slyly.
"No, I'd like to read a book." Ami replied before she left.
"Yeah, and I'm the Queen of Iless." Mina scoffed. Since the room was empty, she decided to head out onto the training grounds to practice. Before she did, she put on a pair of brown breeches and a loose cream colored shirt that she had found. To go with it, she wore a pair of brown riding boots that she had found in the men's clothing room. After tying her hair back into a braid, she left for the grounds. She chose a slightly heavier sword than she was used to, and began to practice. She had barely started, when someone called her name.
"Lady Mina?"
Mina turned and nodded. "General Zoicite. Is there something I can do for you?"
"I need your help." Zoicite said, his face already beginning to turn red.
Mina smiled softly at him. "With what, General?"
"I was wondering if you knew Lady Ami's favorite flower." He said.
Mina looked up at the sky. "Let's see. There are honeysuckle, roses, daisies, and lilies. Well, I like daisies, and Lita likes roses. So that leaves honeysuckle and lilies." She said thoughtfully. She brightened. "I remember! Rei likes honeysuckle and Ami likes lilies!"
"Thank you, Lady Mina, you've helped me greatly." Zoicite said, bowing to her. Zoicite walked off, and Mina continued her training.
{So love at first sight only happens in fairytales, huh? Ami's in for a surprise.} She thought.
Kunzite was watching Mina from his room, which was right above the ladies quarters. He had absolutely no clue where to go after the kiss the night before. He remembered the book he had found on battle strategies in the library, and decided to read some more from it to get his mind off Mina. He walked to the library, only to find that his favorite seat was occupied by Mina's sister, Lady Ami. He nodded civilly to her, and took another seat, this one directly across from her. A million thoughts ran through their minds, but Ami kept to herself, and Kunzite did likewise.
Lita had put away her sewing for a chance to stretch her muscles. Mina had told her about the training grounds, and Lita was dying to practice. Trista had given her a set of men's riding clothes, consisting of a white long-sleeved tunic, dark green breeches, and black boots. She put them on and went down to the training grounds, where Mina was practicing her swordswomanship. She decided against practicing with her, and chose to work on her archery skills. Soon both girls were completely immersed in their work, unmindful of the admiring glances of some of the common soldiers who were on guard duty around the palace.
"Lady Mina, may I?" Someone asked. Mina spun around to see Nephrite staring at her sword.
"May you what General?"
"I've noticed that while you have no problems with your right hand, you do not fight with your left. I came to offer my services, and teach you to work with your left hand."
"Well, General Nephrite, you are right. I'm not good at using my left hand. Could you really teach me?"
"I'm left-handed, so I think it shouldn't be too hard to teach you." Nephrite said gallantly. Mina nodded, and Nephrite motioned for her to pick up the sword with her left hand. He began showing her some simple strengthening exercises. At one point he had to put her hands in the right position, and Lita, who had been watching them for some time, bristled. Jadeite placed a hand on her arm to get her attention.
"What's this Lita? Jealous?" He asked, his cute little teasing grin in place.
"Of course not, Jed, whatever gave you that idea?" Lita asked, turning back to the target.
"The fact that you nearly broke your bow in half." He replied impudently, gesturing to her bow.
"Oh, shut up." She replied, shooting a bull's-eye.
"Why don't you talk to him?" He asked, watching her take aim again.
"Because he's a jerk." She replied, shooting again.
"You like him."
"I know, that's the whole problem." Lita said, sighing.
"So why won't you talk to him?"
"Because he's a cute, charming, adorable, kissable, wonderful jerk."
"Do you know what Lady Rei thinks of me?"
"No, but I caught her looking at you in the courtyard and sighing. I think she's warming up to you."
"Really?"
"Really. I'm going to go change. Go think about honeysuckle." Jadeite got the hint and raced away.
Out of the corner of his eye, Nephrite had been watching Lita and Jadeite talk. He overheard Lita call him a 'cute, charming, adorable, kissable, wonderful jerk', and he was feeling pretty pleased with himself. Mina put her sword down, and faced her teacher. "You should ask her to take a walk with you."
"What?"
"Ask her to go for a walk. Show her around the gardens. She'd like that. Thanks for the lesson, General Nephrite." Mina said, turning to walk away.
"Neph please!" He called after her. He had an idea and sped away to talk to the only person who could help him put it into action: Serenity.
Lita had just finished with her shower and was walking the halls, when she saw Mildred and a man that she knew, but couldn't exactly place her finger on. He was tallish, and had blonde hair and deep violet eyes. Mildred shook her head repeatedly, and finally the man walked off, looking a little agitated. He brushed past Lita without really looking at her, and Lita ran up to Mildred.
"Mildred, is something wrong?"
"No Lady, but that awful man was asking me all sorts of questions about the Lady Rei, but I couldn't tell him anything."
"Did he tell you his name?"
"No ma'am; just mentioned that he was a friend of the Keahi family. I don't trust him; his eyes are shifty."
"I'll speak to the queen about it. Thank you Mildred. If he asks anything else, come straight to me or one of my sisters. If we're not around, find Jadeite."
"Yes'm." Mildred nodded and left. Lita continued her walk, this time with a purpose. She had to find Rei.
Rei was sitting in a room she had found, top of the highest tower. It was peaceful, and Rei enjoyed being up so high. It gave her time to think about her Jadeite dilemma. She just couldn't read him. Around Lita and her other sisters, he was joking and happy and utterly charming. Around her, however, it was a different story. He became stiff and formal, as if he wanted nothing to do with her. At first, she had completely detested him, but now, now she was starting to like him. She would have given anything for one of his beautiful smiles to be directed towards her. She sighed. Why, why, WHY must men be so difficult?
"Excuse me, Lady Rei. I didn't realize you had found my hiding place." Jadeite said, stepping into the room. He bowed and turned as if to go.
"No, stay." Rei said softly.
"Are you sure, milady?"
"Yes, I think I would like the company." She said, a half-smile forming on her face. Jadeite nodded and took a seat by the window, next to Rei.
"What would you like to talk about?"
"Do you hate me?" Rei asked softly. She twirled a lock of ebony hair around her index finger.
"Of course not, milady! Who told you I did?"
"No one, but I've noticed the way you act around me. It just seems like you don't like me."
"I was afraid you didn't like me, so I kept my distance."
"Oh. What gave you that idea?"
"The way you acted."
Rei bit her lower lip. "Oh."
"Don't worry about it. The past is the past. Perhaps now we can be friends?" Jadeite asked.
Rei smiled softly. "I think that I'd like that."
Jadeite smiled at her winningly. "That's great! So, as a friend, would you like to go on a picnic with me?"
"When?"
"Now, I guess. I'm not doing anything; are you?"
"No. I think that if we track down Lita; she would provide us with the food."
"She's probably in the kitchen."
"Probably."
Jadeite grabbed Rei's hand and dragged her out the door. "This is an opportunity too good to miss! We have to hurry!" He pulled Rei all the way to the kitchen, where Lita was making a pie. Jadeite explained their plans, and Lita fixed them a big picnic lunch. They thanked her and left.
"Jadeite, where are we going?"
"To the stables. We need horses to get to where we're going."
"Where are we going?"
"It's a secret." Jadeite led Rei to the stables, where he began saddling up a blondish stallion and a purple-black mare. He led Rei to the stallion. "This is Firebrand. You'll be riding him, and I'll be riding Honey. Do you know how to ride?"
"Yes, I do." Rei swung herself up into the saddle expertly. "Lita taught me."
Jadeite swung into his saddle. "Let's go then." They rode off. From his hiding place, the man that Lita couldn't recognize stepped out and watched Rei and Jadeite riding away. He would soon have enough information to take back to his queen. Then he could rid himself of the one person standing in his way: his daughter.
Mina was in her room, freshly showered and relaxing. Her left arm muscles were a bit sore, but not overly so. She decided she wanted to wander a bit, and get her mind off Kunzite. Guess who she bumped into as soon as she set foot outside the door?
"Mina, I was just coming to see you."
"Z! I was just going to take a walk. Do you want to come?"
"Sure. These are for you." Mina found a bunch of daisies staring her in the face.
"Thank you. Could you wait while I put them in water?" Kunzite nodded, and Mina went back into her room. She came back out all smiles. "Shall we go?" Kunzite nodded, and they strolled off.
"Well, Lady Rei, this is it." 'This' was a beautiful clearing in the middle of the forest, with a huge willow tree right in the middle. Its hanging branches swayed lightly in the summertime breeze.
"It's beautiful." Rei breathed, dismounting and tying Firebrand to a tree on the edge of the forest. She brushed him down, and sat underneath the willow. Jadeite joined her after tending to his own mount. Rei began setting out the food Lita had packed. Jadeite leaned in to help her, and their heads banged together.
"Ow! Damn." They chorused. Jadeite was the first to chuckle, and Rei soon joined in.
"I believe we might share similar thinking."
"Or at least like using the same curse word." Rei said, giggling again. The wind blew her hair across her face, and Jadeite pushed it away gently. A bolt of electricity shot through Rei's body. Without really knowing what she was doing, she leaned in until she could feel Jadeite's breath on her cheeks. Jadeite closed the distance between their lips. It wasn't a heavy kiss, but soft and gentle. Rei was the first to pull away, blushing.
"Is that a blush I see, milady?" Jadeite said, running his finger over Rei's cheek.
"Shut up and kiss me again." She whispered. Jadeite complied happily. When he pulled away, Rei was no longer blushing.
"I guess this means you don't hate me as much as you used to."
"It means, I like you a lot, dummy."
Jadeite reeled back, clutching his heart theatrically. "Oh, a barbed arrow from my beloved! No pain is greater than the hurt you have just given me, oh flame of my heart." He fell on the ground.
Rei swiped at him playfully. "Oh you!"
"Oh you what? Oh you are a great kisser? Or oh you are a wonderful man?"
"Neither, just oh you." Rei stretched out next to Jadeite and put her head on his chest. He put an arm around his shoulders and another behind his head. Together they watched the sunlight streaming through the willow branches.
"Well, I suppose I have to ask you if you would consider my courting you." Jadeite murmured.
"You don't even have to ask."
"That's good. Are you really hungry?"
"Not yet. I don't want to move."
"We don't have to until later. I'm not hungry either."
"I thought we were going on this picnic as friends."
"I think you like this better."
Rei's reply was a sleepy nod.
Back at the palace, Trista was in one of her chambers, the 'living room'. It was her place of relaxation, decorated in her favorite colors garnet red, and jet-black. She was lying on her red chaise lounge, sketching some more outfits, in an effort to relax. She had been on pins and needles ever since her talk with Endymion last night, and aside from being with Demando, sketching was her only way to relax. Someone knocked, and Trista jumped, startled.
"Come in, please." Demando walked in and sat down.
"You've been avoiding me all day."
"I have not. I've just been so busy sketching these winter solstice outfits."
"You've been avoiding me. Why? Did Endymion say something?"
"He doesn't want me to marry you."
"Is it because I'm a lord and not a prince?"
"No, it's because he doesn't trust you."
"He trusts me in matters of state. I am among his most trusted advisors."
"He trusts you in anything that doesn't have to do with me."
Demando stood and pulled Trista up to her feet. "I talked to the queen today, and she agreed to talk to him." He said, pulling her into an embrace.
"Demando, what if someone walks in?" Trista protested, struggling back.
"Let them. Trista, I love you, you know that."
Trista sighed and settled her head on his chest. "I know, but Endy does not."
"We'll just have to tell him."
"I've tried that."
"Then we'll try again, and again. Trista, I'm not losing you."
"I don't want to lose you either."
"Then we need to keep on trying. We'll make him see."
"I hope so."
"I've seen enough, thank you." Trista and Demando leapt apart. Endymion was watching them calmly.
"Your Majesty." Demando said, bowing to his monarch.
"Lord Demando." Endymion motioned to a servant that had been standing outside, and whispered something to him. He nodded and left.
"Endy, I..."
"Don't say anything until Serenity comes. I don't want to have to repeat myself." Trista sat back down on her chaise lounge with her hands folded in her lap. Demando stood by a window, and Endymion was seated in a huge armchair. Serenity showed up ten minutes later, and took a seat next to Trista.
"Trista, do you remember our talk yesterday?"
"Yes."
"I believe you said that if I were to make a decision, you would follow it."
"Yes, I did say that."
"Well, after talking to Serenity, Demando, and you, I have made my decision."
Trista closed her eyes. Serenity took her hand and grasped it tightly.
"I will allow you to get married." Trista's eyes flew open. She ran to her brother and hugged him around the neck, nearly choking him.
"Oh Endy, thank you!" Trista said, squeezing hard. Endymion choked, and Trista relinquished her death grip and turned to Serenity. They hugged each other, and then Trista turned to Demando. He lifted her up off the ground and spun her around. Serenity took her husband's hand and they left, leaving the happy couple to rejoice.
"You are sure?"
"Very sure, my Queen."
"If we kidnap them and hold them for ransom, the King will pay a good deal for them."
"I'm not holding them for ransom. They are to be the bargaining pieces for getting the Generals and the king."
"Why do we need the Generals?"
"If I want to rule the world, I will need steady and trustworthy generals by my side. I will also need a king to help me rule. If I brainwash them, they will be totally under my control."
"But Majesty, they might not agree."
"Of course they will, if I also kidnap Hotaru and Trista. I imagine the King of Tailon and General Nephrite would give anything to have their siblings back."
"Would they trade their own lives?"
"I believe we can count on that fact."
"When should we put the plan into motion?"
"We will bide our time until we are absolutely sure they have all fallen in love. Then, we will strike!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *
Well, that's it! I hoped y'all liked it, even though it was kinda shorter than the other chapters. Do you want a hint about the next chapter? One word: Powers. That's all I can tell you, because I haven't started the next chapter yet. Yes, I am one of the few, the proud, the PROCRASTINATORS! Till the next chapter, Ja Ne!