I'm sorry, everyone! I've had finals and finals and more finals. And I've
had to sign up for classes and I've had Spring break. . .but there's no
excuse. This should have been our sooner! But I hope you enjoy! I'll try
as hard as I can to get the next chapter out faster! If this is at all
confusing, just let me know and I'll try revising it. Enjoy! Read,
review, love the story line! Ja ne! ~Lady Hino
* * *
"Jadeite! Where are you Jadeite!" they heard someone shout. Jadeite knew who it was and how he had been found and yet he couldn't form even the tiniest hint of a smile. He felt empty inside. He couldn't stop staring at her either.
Rei turned her head away from him, but managed to keep her head held high. It was all over now, completely and utterly over. She couldn't look at him any more. His eyes. . .oh gods, those eyes that she loved so much. . .they were looking at her so differently now. He used to smile and laugh and every time he did those things, his eyes would light up and turn the most beautiful cerulean blue she had ever seen. But now his eyes were dark with azure ice. They were empty and cold and she could fell her blood freeze whenever she chanced a look into them.
"I am in the cave, Neph. . ." he called out emotionlessly.
Rei turned her back on Jadeite and let the tears that had collected trickle down her cheeks. She was breaking inside and she knew that her control was gone. Her will had been destroyed. "I wish I could take everything back. . ." she whispered to herself, "I want to go home. . ."
And then they heard the phoenix song drifting over them again.
Jed knew what that meant. Rei knew as well.
She had been found.
And as the tall brown-haired man came running into the cave, three soldiers running behind him, a phoenix came soaring over their heads. He was even more beautiful than Jadeite remembered but the beauty did not stir him to happiness and wonder as it had before, as it did to the other four men who were running into the cave.
'Princess!' Rei heard Eurus sing urgently. 'I have finally found you, princess! It took me so long! You have blocked all emotion from me! From everyone! It was so difficult to find your presence.'
"What are you talking about?" Jadeite ground out through clenched teeth. He couldn't stand to look at that bird and at that woman. He wanted to throttle them both, but he knew that he would wind up kissing one of them.
Rei, beautiful, innocent, lovely Rei, turned her head toward the bird and gave him the most stunning smile Jadeite had ever seen. She was truly happy to be found.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Eurus," she said extending her arm toward him, "but I'll go along with it."
You have used your psychic abilities to block every one of your friends and family out.
Jadeite gave a snort of laughter and walked to where Nephrite stood gawking at the girl and the bird. "Close your mouth," Jadeite said with deadly calm.
"I came to inform you that the princess of Mars was detected by Endymion and Serenity not but a minute ago. As soon as he felt her presence, he sent out a call to everyone where she was. . .but I see that there was no reason for me to tell you for you have found her yourself. How did you do it?" Nephrite asked looking intently at his blonde friend.
Jadeite turned away and focused his incensed stare on the cave wall beyond Nephrite's shoulder. "I got no such call," was his only reply.
"What do you mean you received no call? It was quite clear! An urgent tingle in the back of your mind did not surface with-"
"I tell you. . .I received no call," he said softly.
Nephrite could sense a change in his friend. The carefree attitude was gone, replaced with an anger that he had only witnessed once. He wasn't precisely certain what was bothering his friend, but he would wring it out of him one way or another. "It was lucky that I heard Endymion's call before I reached the palace. But you, you were so much closer than I was and I must applaud you for finding the girl."
"You do not have to speak of me as if I do not exist," Rei said airily. She was staring straight at him, but anyone could have realized that she was upset by something.
Nephrite approached her slowly and extended a hand. "I am glad we found you so soon, princess. You have been missing a good long time. I'm surprised that someone of your ability could not find her way back."
Rei chanced a glance in Jadeite's direction. He was still turned away from her, his broad back stiff with anger. "I am surprised myself," she said softly.
Nephrite turned his attention toward his friend for a brief second and then back at the lovely woman before him. Her skin was flushed slightly, from that fire that was burning so brightly his eyes began to water. "Would you care to venture to my palace with me and discuss your situation?" he asked politely.
Rei didn't want to go. She wanted to talk to Jadeite, make him understand why she had kept her identity a secret. How had he figured it out anyway? It was supposed to be kept a guarded secret, she had almost forgot that she was hiding her identity from him. So how had he figured it out?
Her gaze traveled over the entire cave and then back to Jadeite. She didn't know what to think any more. The fire near them warmed her skin, but left her cold inside. She had to explain things to him!
The fire. . .that's how he knew. . .she hadn't been watching.
Rei closed her eyes and turned back to Nephrite with a smile. "I would appreciate you taking me to your palace now, sir. Thank you."
Nephrite didn't bother to comment. Things were terribly wrong between these two people. "Jadeite, will you help me get your horses ready? I have a feeling that Endymion will not spare another minute of time and is most likely already at my palace awaiting our arrival."
"You are wrong in assuming such things, Neph."
Everyone turned at the sound of the deep voice. It was filled with relief, concern, and anger. And yet, the dark, handsome man turned his eyes toward the dainty raven-haired princess and offered her a smile that even Serenity would have been jealous of had she not known that he loved her. "Princess Rei. I am so glad I could finally pick up on your life energy. It has been a hard time. I had sent many men out to search for you. . .I had sent out my four generals in hopes of having you returned to our home shortly. Though I am saddened to say that one general refused to take my summons. . ."
Jadeite glared at his friend and king before picking up the saddlebags and making his way to the mouth of the cave. "The princess is cold, sire. I think it best we move forward now before any other mishaps occur."
"I agree with you," Endymion replied. He stared into his general's face for a long minute and the emotions that flickered in those clear blue eyes made him want to reel back. There was so much floating in those orbs that he could feel the pull of all that emotion crying out for him to join. "Are you well, Jadeite," Endymion asked carefully. And as soon as the words were out of his mouth, those blue orbs closed up on him and the cold ice that Jadeite was so known for came flooding back.
"I am," Jadeite replied with the barest trace of a smile.
"We will take the teleportation port near the main road," Endymion said with a nod.
"No!"
Endymion looked back and forth between the two people who spoke. "Princess. . .Jadeite. . .is there a problem?"
Rei looked nervously at Jadeite then back to Endymion. "There is no problem, sire," she replied quickly, "other than the fact that the teleportation ports. . .well. . .they. . .frighten me."
Endymion raised a dark brow at that and looked toward Jadeite. "Seems as though the two of you share something in common," he said. "Seeing as how I do not have a horse with me, I will borrow one of the soldier's and all of them will be sent to Nephrite's palace. Nephrite will accompany us as well. I fear these woods in his humid land that Nephrite loves so much."
There was a general nodding of heads and finally consent from Jadeite and Nephrite. Rei stood toward the side, Eurus guarding her like a hawk. 'What has happened, princess'? he asked softly.
Rei knelt beside the phoenix and brushed a hand over his deep red feathers. "There is so much to tell and no time to tell it."
'You must tell me, princess. Your mother and father are so worried about you. Not to mention your brother! He threw a fit when he learned that you were missing. I could not control him, nor could anyone else. He demanded to be let onto Earth to join the search.'
Rei knew her brother's temper and knew it well. When he wanted to protect someone, nothing would stop him. "What happened with Robun?" she asked hesitantly.
'He changed drastically when you moved to the moon kingdom seven years ago and he changed even more when you were reported missing and no one in the universe could pick up on your life energy. Why did you hide yourself from everyone?'
"But I did nothing of the-"
"Princess?"
Rei turned her head in the direction of Endymion's voice and forced a smile for his benefit. He had taken great care of her and reminded her so much of her older brother that she sometimes wanted to cry out that they were the same person. "Yes, I'm coming," she called out to him, "You and I will continue this conversation later, Eurus," she said before standing and making her way toward the dark prince.
"My Serenity has been worried greatly, princess," he said taking her hand and placing it on his arm. She was still as lovely as she had been when he last saw her over a month ago. He could not forget that beauty that was so renowned in his kingdom. The beauty had been blurred until he finally felt the presence of her spirit glide over him. He had gotten the familiar feeling of the senshi when he was sitting in his valley watching the wind weave in and out of the great willow that marked its center. He had been daydreaming of his beautiful Serenity-who had returned to the moon in hopes of discovering her friend's whereabouts-when the intimate fire swam through his senses. He nearly reeled with the strength of it. It was like liquid lightening searing through his mind, touching every nerve and bouncing back to pinch them again. He knew immediately that the Princes Mars had been found.
He had paused briefly to consider the strength of the heat that had settled down into his body. It was almost as though it had been held back by a strong stone wall that finally gave way under the pressure. But the thing that made his heart quicken and his mind ache was the realization that this fire had wanted to be held back. It had willingly been keeping itself at bay, giving him nothing but this stone wall to stare at. His subconscious had known what lay behind the stone wall, but he could not reach it.
The moment he felt her fiery will seep comfortably back into his psyche, he had teleported himself from his beloved valley with the large willow, to the humid forests of Spain where he knew her fire would ignite.
"You have worried us all. Strangely, every being with the least bit of psychic power could not detect you. It frustrated us all," he said smiling down at her. He needed answers.
Rei stared straight ahead and waited patiently as he helped her mount her mare. Jadeite was somewhere behind her, but she dared not look back. "I see," she said after the long pause.
Endymion raised a dark brow at her and then turned to the mount that had been lent to him. He swung into the saddle gracefully and looked back to make certain that the soldiers had been sent on their way by Nephrite and that his two generals were following him. "Rei-chan. . ." he whispered.
She continued to look straight ahead. He was watching her. She could feel that blue ice on her back. She could sense his frustration, his anger, his feelings of betrayal and it made her heart ache. Why?
"Rei, please tell me what is going on. . .I can't understand the wall that was erected when you were gone. The day after you were reported missing, I still felt the smallest tingle in the back of my mind. I knew you were not in danger, yet I could not lock in on your soul. Your energy dispersed and you became nothing but emptiness to my senses. Even Eurus could not find you."
Rei closed her eyes and turned her attention to the phoenix that kept pace with her. "I do not know myself what has happened, sire," she said on a sigh.
Eurus sung her a soft note before gliding to her shoulder and resting weightlessly down.
Endymion inwardly sighed himself and turned his attention to the road they were coming upon. Something had happened and it did not merely center on this princess. He turned his head and looked back at the blonde general who rode stiffly beside Nephrite. He would have to speak to the silent man before the day was out. For some unknown reason he believed that Jadeite had not just stumbled upon the beautiful Rei but in fact had been with her for quite some time. What exactly was happening here?
* * *
It was the next morning before Endymion called a halt to the procession. "I think it best that we find a teleportation port. It is the only way, we have been riding for several hours and it will take us several more days at this snail's pace."
Rei turned slightly in the saddle and looked briefly at Jadeite. She saw the panic cross features and the pain in his eyes. She felt her heart go out to him at that moment, but drew back from the feeling. She shouldn't care about how he was feeling.
He was remembering the pressure on his body when the control panel had been destroyed, the sound of crushing bones, the awful pain. . .the smell of smoke and fear that he couldn't contain. He shook his head slightly and glanced in Rei's direction. She was staring at him as if she wanted to wrap her arms around him and never let him face the fears in his life. He ignored it. She was most likely plotting her next lie in that beautiful and intelligent mind of hers. He turned away from her and frowned at his horse's ears.
Rei knew he was dreading this, but he had to endure it because his king commanded it. She didn't want to see him get hurt. . .she didn't want to see him hurt any more than he was already. She could still feel the waves of animosity flowing off of him. She sighed heavily and turned to watch Endymion and Nephrite race through the forest in search of a transportation port.
"The nearest one is about a mile's ride away from here," Nephrite said after pulling his gaze away from the sky. He felt himself blush at the look that Endymion gave him.
"You live here and yet you do not know where your teleportation ports lie?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.
Nephrite looked away and then pointed to the right. "A mile this way and then we shall arrive at one. From what I saw in the sky, this teleportation port is not extremely large, nor has it been modernized, but it should suffice."
"Just how much does this port need to be modernized?" Jadeite asked, still staring at his horse's ears.
Rei tensed slightly. She was nervous on his account.
Eurus cocked his head slightly at his mistress.
Endymion frowned at the princess and then turned his attention to his general.
"Instead of blue diamonds at its center, it still runs off of crystals and the base is not the hexagon we are so used to these days, but a very old triangle. The points are laced with the same unicorn hairs, but there are much less."
"To sum it up, it is nothing but waste?" Jadeite asked with a sneer in his voice. He tried to sound nonchalant, Rei could see that, but he was failing terribly.
Nephrite gave his friend his most comforting smile then kicked his horse in the direction of the port. "Not to worry, Jadeite. Endymion is here and will ensure that we are safe.
"I am not worried," Jadeite said angrily.
Nephrite and Endymion exchanged knowing glances before turning back to look at the blonde general. He was clutching the reins in his hands as if they were the only thing keeping his feet on the ground.
They rode in silence for several minutes. Nephrite and Endymion rode at the head of the group in deep conversation about some sort of new blade Endymion's blacksmith had stumbled upon. Rei stared off into the distance, riding behind the two, her phoenix dozing slightly. She looked over her shoulder occasionally to find Jadeite staring fixedly at his fists. She felt extremely helpless in those several moments that she couldn't reach out to him and hold him like she had on the ship when he had come in from the storm half frozen. She couldn't fit herself against his back and soothe the coldness away. She couldn't rest her cheek against his back and listen to his heart beating and assure herself that he was well. She was completely and utterly helpless.
Jadeite clenched and unclenched his fists. He was going to have to go through with this. He was going to have to stand beside that beautiful, slender creature that made his blood boil. He was going to have stand beside her as their bodies turned into nothing and flew across the world until they landed in Nephrite's palace. He wasn't ready to face her yet. He was still flooded with anger at her lie. He still felt betrayed and helpless because he couldn't control how he felt. Why was this so difficult for him? He knew that women were not to be trusted. He understood that completely. Kat and Lily both betrayed him. Women were not to be trusted.
"We're here" Nephrite said and pulled to a stop. The other three gathered about him. "I'll go last. Endymion will have to go first and Rei next, Jadeite after."
"No," Jadeite heard himself say. What was he doing? He didn't want to stand beside her. He should have been applauding Nephrite's plan. "I will travel with the princess," he said, "It is for her own good," he added as a last thought.
Rei almost glared in his direction. How dare he think she could not do this alone? She had been doing it by herself for years! "I do not need protection."
"It is for your own good," Jadeite said. He was not backing down now.
Nephrite raised a brow at the two and then shrugged his shoulders. He would have to have a talk with Jadeite later about his behavior. "All right then. . .Endymion. . ."
Endymion reined in his horse on the platform and gave a silent nod to Nephrite.
Nephrite jumped down from his horse and rushed to the control panel. He turned several gems and then slipped in his own nephrite stone that hung about his neck into one of the holes. "Are you ready, sire?"
"Of course I am," Endymion responded just as the triangle began to glow an eerie blue. The light grew and grew, brighter than beams of light knifing through the trees and the three watching turned their heads to shade their eyes. When they looked back, the king was gone.
"Jadeite, Rei," Nephrite called as he pulled out his nephrite stone.
Rei stroked Eurus' neck and lifted him off her shoulder. "I will see you at the palace?" she asked sweetly.
'I must travel to Mars and tell your parents that you are safe and sound. I know they can feel your presence, but I want them to be assured. When I come back, I need to talk to you about your disappearance. I need to understand you and you need to understand me.' Eurus said with a beautifully executed squawk. He took off when she smiled at him and soared into the air far above their heads.
Jadeite reined his horse beside Rei's and pulled her off. "It is easier this way, trust me," he said gently.
Rei simply nodded and allowed herself to be pulled onto the horse in front of him. She could feel his chest, hard, against her back and his arms tight around her waist. He was holding himself very still as he made his way onto the platform, a shiver ran through him when they were finally centered on the triangle. "All will be well," she whispered to him.
Jadeite squeezed her in response then nodded to Nephrite. He took a deep breath and found himself surrounded by a scent her knew well, a scent that drove him to distraction. It was her, her soft and feminine jasmine aroma filled his nostrils, reminding him of smooth flushed flesh; delicate hands gliding over his chest and tentative lips exploring his own. He still found himself aroused by her and it hurt to think of it. He felt his flesh heat and a part of himself grew heavy with longing. He wanted to strip her clothes off in the midst of this bright light and-
Rei felt him tense even before she recognized the faint stirrings of desire in her. She had been leaning heavily against his chest, feeling his heart pound slow and deep. She had been wanting to slip her hand inside his tunic and strong his smooth skin, feel the heat pouring from him and let herself be consumed by him and while she allowed her thoughts to run wild, she felt the power run through her veins and she felt the lightheadedness seep into her soul. She didn't miss a beat of the teleportation because she was so accustomed to it, but she felt the change in Jadeite.
One minute he was slowly stroking a thumb over her arm where he held her, unconsciously she was sure. The next minute he was tensing and his thumb stopped its gentle caress. He was remembering.
She raised her head slowly for the magic was beginning to take its toll on her and raised a hand to his cheek. She felt him lean heavily into that touch. "All will be well," she said slowly to him again.
He turned his head and kissed her palm. He did not speak, but she leaned into him when he pulled her hard against him and she pressed her ear to his heart, only to hear it pounding faster and harder than she had ever heard it. He raised a hand slowly, for the magic was beginning to twist and twine its way into his body as well, and grasped her hand firmly. "Rei. . ." he sighed before all speech was prevented by currents running in and out of them.
Jadeite felt like his body was being torn apart inch by small inch. He knew it was his mind making all this happen, but he felt it nonetheless. He pulled Rei closer to him and rested his head on top hers. The panic lessened. He felt soothed and warmed through by her presence. He was no longer fearing his demise, but fearing for her. He didn't want her to become frightened, he wanted her safe. He wanted her safe in his arms in his palace, in his bed. He moved his hand with much effort and laid it on her back. He didn't want to let her go.
Before either was aware of it, the pressure faded and their senses returned. Jadeite loosened his death grip on her and raised his head. The light was beginning to die away and faces were becoming more and more visible. He blinked several times before he realized that Endymion was looking at him curiously, then kicked the horse off the platform and went to wait patiently beside him.
"Jadeite. . ."
"Endymion, sire,"
"I see that you and Rei traveled together?"
"It was for the best. This way Nephrite would not have to use up so much of his energy sending an extra person alone."
Endymion eyed his friend skeptically then turned his attention back to the platform. Nephrite was just appearing in the light and he wanted to be in the palace and away from this forest.
When all four were finally in the gardens of Nephrite's Spain palace, they rode to the stables to dismount.
"Princess, would it please you to bathe and change before dinner is served?" Nephrite asked as they walked into the palace.
Rei looked around her and marveled at it all. The palace was made of a pale tan stone and connected not by stuffy hallways, but by open, lush garden. There were roofs only on portions of the palace that were bedrooms and dining areas, she supposed. Everything else was open and bright and smelled of blossoming flowers. The walkways were stone and lined with grasses varying in lengths and roses that climbed the walls. There were trellises covering certain hallways and more flowers bloomed overhead. Thousands of white roses trailed the walkway that Nephrite was gesturing to. "It is that way to the chamber I have chosen for you, princess," he said with a genuine smile. "I thought that you would enjoy the white roses and the white orchids."
"You are too kind," Rei said gently.
"Anything for a beautiful princess," he replied, taking her hand in his.
Jadeite saw red for an instant before he pointed toward a walkway lined with tall lilies. "I still have the same chamber, do I not?" he asked his friend.
Nephrite tore his eyes away from the lovely creation before him and nodded. "I have put you and Endymion in the same chambers as usual."
Jadeite nodded curtly and took himself down a walkway, then turned to the left halfway down.
"Where is he going?" Rei asked after he disappeared.
"Most likely to his room, my dear. Now, let me show you to your own," Nephrite said as he placed her hand on his arm. He strode down the white rose walk, Endymion following close behind, and then turned left at the end. All the way, Rei noted the courtyards and the small getaway nooks that were just lush gardens open to the brilliant blue sky. "Here we are," Nephrite said grandly as they entered a large chamber.
Immediately the scent of jasmine filled Rei's senses and she smiled at the thought. She had missed this scent, it was the scent of her homeland and the scent that she surrounded herself with.
"I hope it is to your liking," Nephrite said waving a hand in front of him.
Rei finally allowed her eyes to take in everything. A small gasp caught in the back of her throat, but she swallowed it, not wanting to draw too much attention to herself. A large bed stood at the center, covered with white linens and silks. The canopy was made of a wispy white silk, transparent when the sunlight caught it. There was a wall of windows that opened into a courtyard full of weeping willows and cherry trees. She wondered how all these plants grew in harmony with each other, but didn't dare question it after that thought.
"I shall leave you with Mistress Rosemary so you can get dressed and bathe," Nephrite said, smiling broadly at the look of pure glee on her face. He then took himself off, Endymion in tow. "I was going to have a word with our dear friend, Jadeite," he said with w frown.
Endymion nodded in agreement and the two headed for the blonde general's room with different thoughts running through their heads.
"We must talk to Rei about her disappearance. I don't understand it at all," Nephrite said.
"I agree, but I don't think it would be the best idea to ask her just yet. I want her to be comfortable. I want her to be willing to tell us and I don't want to simply question her. I want her to tell us her story."
"What of Jadeite?"
"There is something going on between those two, and I plan on finding out what it is," Endymion said as they rounded the corner.
Rei wandered about the room slowly after she had introduced herself to the pleasantly plump woman who stood near the wall of windows. She ran her hand across the delicately white bed coverings and then over the white and green silk wall hangings. She marveled at the pale pink, wool blanket draped over a white sofa. Everything in the room was feminine and delicate and crisp. She loved this room.
"Would her highness care for a bath in the courtyard?" Mistress Rosemary asked with a brilliant smile.
Rei felt her lips lifting in a smile of their own and she nodded appreciatively. "I would like that very much," she said softly.
Mistress Rosemary led her out into the lush courtyard and into a gazebo that was very likely half the size of her room. It was enclosed with walls of the same wispy, transparent cloth the bed was hung with and inside Rei could make out a deep white tub and a white chaise. "It is all so beautiful," she said to herself.
"Si," Mistress Rosemary answered as she held back the hangings. "This part of the palace was inspired by a painting the Lord Nephrite gazed upon when he visited Jupiter. He said that the greens and the whites made his heart flutter and his eyes tear. He wanted to recreate what he saw in this room."
Rei paused briefly at that. Makoto had once painted a painting in her youth. She said that she wanted to live in a place full of white flowers and green grass. She painted a picture of a courtyard with millions of white flowers and tall green trees and grasses. To the side, she made the outline of a room with a wall of windows. . .
She shook her head at the thought and stared down at the white tub. It was ivory.
"Lord Nephrite sent a missive with his guards earlier, said that he wanted this room to be ready for a princess, thus the bath was drawn straight away," she said as she helped Rei off with her white gown. The gown was stained and still tattered about the edges, but Rei discovered that she did not want to part with it.
"Please, have this gown washed and then return it to me," she said softly.
Mistress Rosemary nodded in understanding then helped Rei into the hot bathwater.
It felt divine! And the jasmine flowers floating around in the water only added to the sweetness of the experience. "I believe I have died and gone to heaven," Rei sighed as Mistress Rosemary soaped up her hands and began washing her hair.
* * *
She was all settled in for the night. The air was warm and humid, the breeze gentle and almost nonexistent, and yet, she could not sleep. Dinner had been wonderful, the food delicious and savory, the entertainment lively and the company delightful. However, she did not see Jadeite.
"Where is Lord Jadeite?" she asked Nephrite after the roast lamb was removed.
"I believe he is brooding in his chamber," Nephrite said, motioning for the footman to fill Rei's goblet with more rich red wine.
She didn't want it, had never liked wine, but pretended thanks when the footman stepped away. "Why would he be brooding, my lord?" she asked when the footman had taken his place by the door.
"I do not know. I went to talk to him earlier, but he was no where to be found. I believe he is angered by something, and yet I dare not ask."
Rei left it alone at that and turned her attention to the tart that had just been put onto her plate.
Now she wondered where he could have gone. She wanted to talk to him, to explain that was happening and to explain why she had done what she did.
She turned over onto her side and looked out the windows that Mistress Rosemary had left open.
Suddenly she saw a shadowy figure appear before the open doors. She sat up right, a spell at the ready in her mind. "Who are you?" she called out.
Jadeite stepped into the soft light that illuminated the room and stared at her with vague eyes. "Why, Rei?" he asked.
She quelled the spell and swung her legs over the side of the bed. She was dressed in a frothy piece of silk that Mistress Rosemary had ensured would keep the heat at bay, but now she wished she had something that covered her better. The silk negligee was sleeveless and outlined her figure, draping over all her curves and flowing about her legs like liquid fire. "Jadeite?" she whispered.
He walked to her when she called his name and she was in his arms before she could say anything. His mouth covered hers in the next instant and Rei tasted the brandy on his breath. "Jadeite, stop!" she said, pushing him away.
He allowed her to get the upper hand. He wasn't entirely certain if it was because he had consumed too much brandy or if he was weak with lust. "So I can have you in a cave, but not in a bed?" he asked, his words slurred slightly.
Rei shook her head and her hair brushed against her shoulders, making him itch to grab it. "Jadeite, you're drunk," she said.
Jadeite grinned at her and then made a grab for her. "I am no where near drunk," he said.
Rei eluded him and rushed to the sofa, at least now there was something between them. "Jadeite, you must leave," she said.
Jadeite ground his teeth and jumped over the sofa, much to Rei's surprise, and grasped her around her waist. He pulled her hard against him and settled his hands on her hips. He pressed his hips against her belly and smiled at her stunned expression. "Can you feel me, Rei? Can you feel how much I want you?"
"Jed. . ." she whispered, her body betraying her.
"I love when you call me that," he said huskily. He raised a hand and began to draw imaginary circles beneath her right breast. Her breathing hitched.
He moved his hips back and then pushed against her again. "Can you imagine what it would feel like, Rei? Or shall I call you princess?"
Rei came back to her senses at that. She pushed with all her strength against his hard chest and succeeded in getting enough space in between them for her to look up into his face. "You are beyond drunk, sire, you are daft," she said harshly.
Jadeite felt his blood begin to boil. "You call me sire, do you?" he said through clenched teeth. "I have had enough games, Rei! Why do you play games with me like this?" He pulled her back hard and pressed his mouth to hers in a kiss that was meant to dominate and nothing more. He raised a hand and forced her chin down, giving him easy access to her mouth.
She should have bitten him, but she didn't have to. He pulled away.
"You don't know how much you've hurt me, Rei," he said softly, pressing his forehead to hers. "I have been so angered with you. So terribly angry with you that my brain no longer wants to follow."
"You aren't making very much sense," she said, stroking his shoulder. She felt him shudder, with lust or anger, she wasn't sure.
"You betrayed me," he said.
"I did nothing of the sort."
"You lied to me."
"I had to," she whispered.
"Why? Why did you do all this?"
Rei managed to pull away in the circle of his arms and looked at him fully then. Those eyes that had closed up on her in the cave were open and shining with pain. She felt her heart reach out to him, felt her arms struggle not to wrap around his back and hold him to her. She wanted to kiss away the frown in his brow and bring a smile to those lips. "It was necessary. . ." she managed.
He pulled away from her then. "You always elude my questions. I do not know why I didn't see it before, but you have managed to sidestep every important question I have ever asked you. . .why did you lie to me? Why?" he said facing the door to her chamber.
There was a faint catch in her words when she next spoke, but he chose to ignore it. "Jadeite. . .I lied to protect you. . .and to protect me."
She saw him shake his head and then move toward the door. She wanted to reach out and pull him back to her, but she was afraid that he would shrug her off and leave her to suffer in silence. "Please, you have to understand. . ."
"I don't understand." he said before opening the door. "I don't think I will ever understand you. . ." And with those last words, he stepped out of her bedchamber and made his way down the dark, moonlit walkways. The roses had closed in on themselves, afraid of the darkness and the birds had ceased their chirping. The crickets sung song after song and the branches lulled him into soberness.
"Lord, Jadeite," he heard someone call. Was it Rei? Had she finally decided to tell him the truth? The whole truth? Did he not believe her as it was? He turned around with an undisguised hope shining brightly in his blue eyes, and he encountered eyes of the deepest brown.
"Lily?" he croaked out.
"Sire. . ." she replied, a faint smile on her lips.
"Lily. . .what in the universe are you doing here?" he asked. He was so incredibly shocked he didn't think the words came out until she spoke.
"I was certain I would see you here sooner or later. . ." she said.
She had changed, he saw. She was thinner and her hair was pulled up high on her head. She had always worn it down when she was with him. And she wasn't dressed as she normally was, in flowing gowns with lace and ruffles. She was wearing a very odd concoction of transparent silks in light pink and dark rose. She reminded him of one of Nephrite's women in the harem. . .no. . .it couldn't be. "Lily, tell me what you're doing here," he demanded, finally getting a hold of himself.
She motioned him to one of the many hidden gardens and sat gracefully down on a stone bench. She didn't wait for him before she started speaking. "I ran away from you,"
Jadeite looked over his shoulder and saw that he was still close enough to Rei's room to feel her presence engulf him. He shook off the feelings of guilt and betrayal, an odd mixture if he had any say in it, and turned his attention to the lovely blonde woman speaking to him. "What do you mean?" he asked. Why was he always surrounded by women who never gave him direct answers?
"I had to run away from you," she said softly. "I left the children with Mrs. Dover and ran."
"Why was your home in shambles?"
"A man came. . ."
"What do you mean a man came? Lily, I will not have you dancing around my questions any more. I have had to deal with this enough and I'm tired of it from you women!"
Lily glanced up at him and frowned. What did that mean? Other women? Had he found a replacement for her already? Was it that black-haired harlot she saw him come to the palace with? The one who's room he had just emerged from? Was that his new slut? She tried to suppress her anger and gave him a beautiful smile. "He was bigger than I was, but I managed to escape him. He was mean and rough. I thought you had sent him. He did say that he was friends with you," she said innocently.
Jadeite glared down at her, unable to believe what she was saying. A man came and tried to claim he was a friend of his?
"He told me that he wanted my help, but I refused to give it and so he took himself off."
"This explains very little," Jadeite responded. He was completely sober now.
Lily shrugged dainty shoulders and pushed forward. "I didn't believe for a second that he was leaving for good, so I packed up the children's things and scooted them over to Mrs. Dover. I then went back to collect a few of my own things, but he came back before I had a chance to step out the door," she paused to give dramatic effect and then looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "He tried to tear off my clothes, threatening that if I didn't tell him what he wanted to know then he would kill me."
"What did he want to know?"
"He wouldn't say, just kept screaming, 'You will tell me anything I want to hear, is that clear?' and I just kept saying that I wouldn't, that I didn't know anything."
"What did he look like?"
"I don't know, he wore a black scarf over his nose and mouth and the house was too dark to see anything else."
"How did you escape?"
Lily looked up to him and her eyes changed. He didn't know how he knew, but he knew that the words that flew from her mouth next were not entirely true. "I somehow managed to twist away. When I did I grabbed up a candlestick and struck him on the head. Then I grabbed my back and ran as fast as I could."
Jadeite massaged his right temple and then leaned against an ivy covered wall. "Why did you come here? How did you get here?"
"I remembered you told me about this place. I remembered you said that you came here whenever you were feeling like things were coming to an end. You would sit one of the walled gardens and just enjoy being surrounded by so much beauty. You said you wanted to build a small house here and raise your children without all the pomp and circumstance of court life."
Jadeite remembered very well telling her about his haven. The palace of his friend where he could relax and enjoy life; never having to worry about what lay beyond the stone walls. "But-"
"How did I get here? I traveled slowly, by horse, wagon, boat, by any means I could. I wanted to get away. I knew the children would be safe with Mrs. Dover. I knew you would go and get them. I could trust that you would care for them. I needed to find a place where the man wouldn't get me."
"But why here?"
"Because you love it here and I wanted to be in the place that you loved," she said, rising. She wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her cheek against his chest. "I've missed you, darling," she said softly.
Jadeite didn't know what to feel in that moment. He stood still and waited to see what would happen next.
Lily pulled away from him and gave him a sweet smile. "I want to feel you inside me again. You are the only one who knows how to make me scream," she said. Slowly, she fell to her knees before him and ran her hands up and down his thighs.
He felt himself instantly aroused. He needed an outlet for his never- ending lust for the princess and here was a willing partner. He felt her unlace his breeches, felt her skilled fingers slip inside and caress him. He was hard and throbbing and ready to plunge into her, and yet he felt wrong, felt guilty for wanting her to pleasure him. He pictured Rei, her eyes burning with angry fire and pulled away from Lily's accomplished hands. "I can't, Lily," he said, his breathing labored.
She rose leisurely and looked at him. "Why not?"
"I'm not in the mood."
"You certainly felt like it. . ." she purred.
"No, Lily," he said, "By the by, how did you get accepted into the palace?" he asked as a way to curb her thoughts. He adjusted his clothing and tried to put his lust under control.
Lily shrugged again and moved toward the entrance to the garden. "I saw Lord Nephrite lazing under a tree near here and he fell instantly for me. He invited me to become a member of his harem."
He thought he'd be jealous, but instead he smiled. "You have slept with him then."
"Yes, I have," she said with a frown, "But you are by far better."
Jadeite shook his head and walked out of the garden ahead of her. "I don't understand you. . ." he whispered.
"What do you mean?"
"You lied to me. . .why?"
"I did not lie to you."
Jadeite shook his head again and tried to walk away from her. Before he got ten feet from her still and angry form, he heard a crash followed by a scream. He didn't think, just ran back toward the princess' chamber as fast as his legs would take him.
He was vaguely aware of Lily running behind him, but he ignored her and focused on getting to Rei as quickly as possible. He felt a fear unlike any he'd ever felt before consume him and he didn't know how to quench it. It was burning a hole in his body even before he pushed the door open and saw a shadowed figure backing Rei toward the wall.
"Rei!" he yelled, raising his hand. A blue light sparked to life in his palm and he hurled it at the figure without even blinking. The shadowed figure looked over its shoulder before jumping out of the light's flight and ran out the window.
Jadeite ran toward the glass wall and was almost out the door when he heard his name called tentatively from behind him.
"Jed. . ." she gasped.
He turned around and icy blue clashed with warm violet. "Rei." he breathed. He reached out a hand to her, but was too late. For the first time in her nineteen years, the Princess Rei of Mars fainted.
* * *
"Jadeite! Where are you Jadeite!" they heard someone shout. Jadeite knew who it was and how he had been found and yet he couldn't form even the tiniest hint of a smile. He felt empty inside. He couldn't stop staring at her either.
Rei turned her head away from him, but managed to keep her head held high. It was all over now, completely and utterly over. She couldn't look at him any more. His eyes. . .oh gods, those eyes that she loved so much. . .they were looking at her so differently now. He used to smile and laugh and every time he did those things, his eyes would light up and turn the most beautiful cerulean blue she had ever seen. But now his eyes were dark with azure ice. They were empty and cold and she could fell her blood freeze whenever she chanced a look into them.
"I am in the cave, Neph. . ." he called out emotionlessly.
Rei turned her back on Jadeite and let the tears that had collected trickle down her cheeks. She was breaking inside and she knew that her control was gone. Her will had been destroyed. "I wish I could take everything back. . ." she whispered to herself, "I want to go home. . ."
And then they heard the phoenix song drifting over them again.
Jed knew what that meant. Rei knew as well.
She had been found.
And as the tall brown-haired man came running into the cave, three soldiers running behind him, a phoenix came soaring over their heads. He was even more beautiful than Jadeite remembered but the beauty did not stir him to happiness and wonder as it had before, as it did to the other four men who were running into the cave.
'Princess!' Rei heard Eurus sing urgently. 'I have finally found you, princess! It took me so long! You have blocked all emotion from me! From everyone! It was so difficult to find your presence.'
"What are you talking about?" Jadeite ground out through clenched teeth. He couldn't stand to look at that bird and at that woman. He wanted to throttle them both, but he knew that he would wind up kissing one of them.
Rei, beautiful, innocent, lovely Rei, turned her head toward the bird and gave him the most stunning smile Jadeite had ever seen. She was truly happy to be found.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Eurus," she said extending her arm toward him, "but I'll go along with it."
You have used your psychic abilities to block every one of your friends and family out.
Jadeite gave a snort of laughter and walked to where Nephrite stood gawking at the girl and the bird. "Close your mouth," Jadeite said with deadly calm.
"I came to inform you that the princess of Mars was detected by Endymion and Serenity not but a minute ago. As soon as he felt her presence, he sent out a call to everyone where she was. . .but I see that there was no reason for me to tell you for you have found her yourself. How did you do it?" Nephrite asked looking intently at his blonde friend.
Jadeite turned away and focused his incensed stare on the cave wall beyond Nephrite's shoulder. "I got no such call," was his only reply.
"What do you mean you received no call? It was quite clear! An urgent tingle in the back of your mind did not surface with-"
"I tell you. . .I received no call," he said softly.
Nephrite could sense a change in his friend. The carefree attitude was gone, replaced with an anger that he had only witnessed once. He wasn't precisely certain what was bothering his friend, but he would wring it out of him one way or another. "It was lucky that I heard Endymion's call before I reached the palace. But you, you were so much closer than I was and I must applaud you for finding the girl."
"You do not have to speak of me as if I do not exist," Rei said airily. She was staring straight at him, but anyone could have realized that she was upset by something.
Nephrite approached her slowly and extended a hand. "I am glad we found you so soon, princess. You have been missing a good long time. I'm surprised that someone of your ability could not find her way back."
Rei chanced a glance in Jadeite's direction. He was still turned away from her, his broad back stiff with anger. "I am surprised myself," she said softly.
Nephrite turned his attention toward his friend for a brief second and then back at the lovely woman before him. Her skin was flushed slightly, from that fire that was burning so brightly his eyes began to water. "Would you care to venture to my palace with me and discuss your situation?" he asked politely.
Rei didn't want to go. She wanted to talk to Jadeite, make him understand why she had kept her identity a secret. How had he figured it out anyway? It was supposed to be kept a guarded secret, she had almost forgot that she was hiding her identity from him. So how had he figured it out?
Her gaze traveled over the entire cave and then back to Jadeite. She didn't know what to think any more. The fire near them warmed her skin, but left her cold inside. She had to explain things to him!
The fire. . .that's how he knew. . .she hadn't been watching.
Rei closed her eyes and turned back to Nephrite with a smile. "I would appreciate you taking me to your palace now, sir. Thank you."
Nephrite didn't bother to comment. Things were terribly wrong between these two people. "Jadeite, will you help me get your horses ready? I have a feeling that Endymion will not spare another minute of time and is most likely already at my palace awaiting our arrival."
"You are wrong in assuming such things, Neph."
Everyone turned at the sound of the deep voice. It was filled with relief, concern, and anger. And yet, the dark, handsome man turned his eyes toward the dainty raven-haired princess and offered her a smile that even Serenity would have been jealous of had she not known that he loved her. "Princess Rei. I am so glad I could finally pick up on your life energy. It has been a hard time. I had sent many men out to search for you. . .I had sent out my four generals in hopes of having you returned to our home shortly. Though I am saddened to say that one general refused to take my summons. . ."
Jadeite glared at his friend and king before picking up the saddlebags and making his way to the mouth of the cave. "The princess is cold, sire. I think it best we move forward now before any other mishaps occur."
"I agree with you," Endymion replied. He stared into his general's face for a long minute and the emotions that flickered in those clear blue eyes made him want to reel back. There was so much floating in those orbs that he could feel the pull of all that emotion crying out for him to join. "Are you well, Jadeite," Endymion asked carefully. And as soon as the words were out of his mouth, those blue orbs closed up on him and the cold ice that Jadeite was so known for came flooding back.
"I am," Jadeite replied with the barest trace of a smile.
"We will take the teleportation port near the main road," Endymion said with a nod.
"No!"
Endymion looked back and forth between the two people who spoke. "Princess. . .Jadeite. . .is there a problem?"
Rei looked nervously at Jadeite then back to Endymion. "There is no problem, sire," she replied quickly, "other than the fact that the teleportation ports. . .well. . .they. . .frighten me."
Endymion raised a dark brow at that and looked toward Jadeite. "Seems as though the two of you share something in common," he said. "Seeing as how I do not have a horse with me, I will borrow one of the soldier's and all of them will be sent to Nephrite's palace. Nephrite will accompany us as well. I fear these woods in his humid land that Nephrite loves so much."
There was a general nodding of heads and finally consent from Jadeite and Nephrite. Rei stood toward the side, Eurus guarding her like a hawk. 'What has happened, princess'? he asked softly.
Rei knelt beside the phoenix and brushed a hand over his deep red feathers. "There is so much to tell and no time to tell it."
'You must tell me, princess. Your mother and father are so worried about you. Not to mention your brother! He threw a fit when he learned that you were missing. I could not control him, nor could anyone else. He demanded to be let onto Earth to join the search.'
Rei knew her brother's temper and knew it well. When he wanted to protect someone, nothing would stop him. "What happened with Robun?" she asked hesitantly.
'He changed drastically when you moved to the moon kingdom seven years ago and he changed even more when you were reported missing and no one in the universe could pick up on your life energy. Why did you hide yourself from everyone?'
"But I did nothing of the-"
"Princess?"
Rei turned her head in the direction of Endymion's voice and forced a smile for his benefit. He had taken great care of her and reminded her so much of her older brother that she sometimes wanted to cry out that they were the same person. "Yes, I'm coming," she called out to him, "You and I will continue this conversation later, Eurus," she said before standing and making her way toward the dark prince.
"My Serenity has been worried greatly, princess," he said taking her hand and placing it on his arm. She was still as lovely as she had been when he last saw her over a month ago. He could not forget that beauty that was so renowned in his kingdom. The beauty had been blurred until he finally felt the presence of her spirit glide over him. He had gotten the familiar feeling of the senshi when he was sitting in his valley watching the wind weave in and out of the great willow that marked its center. He had been daydreaming of his beautiful Serenity-who had returned to the moon in hopes of discovering her friend's whereabouts-when the intimate fire swam through his senses. He nearly reeled with the strength of it. It was like liquid lightening searing through his mind, touching every nerve and bouncing back to pinch them again. He knew immediately that the Princes Mars had been found.
He had paused briefly to consider the strength of the heat that had settled down into his body. It was almost as though it had been held back by a strong stone wall that finally gave way under the pressure. But the thing that made his heart quicken and his mind ache was the realization that this fire had wanted to be held back. It had willingly been keeping itself at bay, giving him nothing but this stone wall to stare at. His subconscious had known what lay behind the stone wall, but he could not reach it.
The moment he felt her fiery will seep comfortably back into his psyche, he had teleported himself from his beloved valley with the large willow, to the humid forests of Spain where he knew her fire would ignite.
"You have worried us all. Strangely, every being with the least bit of psychic power could not detect you. It frustrated us all," he said smiling down at her. He needed answers.
Rei stared straight ahead and waited patiently as he helped her mount her mare. Jadeite was somewhere behind her, but she dared not look back. "I see," she said after the long pause.
Endymion raised a dark brow at her and then turned to the mount that had been lent to him. He swung into the saddle gracefully and looked back to make certain that the soldiers had been sent on their way by Nephrite and that his two generals were following him. "Rei-chan. . ." he whispered.
She continued to look straight ahead. He was watching her. She could feel that blue ice on her back. She could sense his frustration, his anger, his feelings of betrayal and it made her heart ache. Why?
"Rei, please tell me what is going on. . .I can't understand the wall that was erected when you were gone. The day after you were reported missing, I still felt the smallest tingle in the back of my mind. I knew you were not in danger, yet I could not lock in on your soul. Your energy dispersed and you became nothing but emptiness to my senses. Even Eurus could not find you."
Rei closed her eyes and turned her attention to the phoenix that kept pace with her. "I do not know myself what has happened, sire," she said on a sigh.
Eurus sung her a soft note before gliding to her shoulder and resting weightlessly down.
Endymion inwardly sighed himself and turned his attention to the road they were coming upon. Something had happened and it did not merely center on this princess. He turned his head and looked back at the blonde general who rode stiffly beside Nephrite. He would have to speak to the silent man before the day was out. For some unknown reason he believed that Jadeite had not just stumbled upon the beautiful Rei but in fact had been with her for quite some time. What exactly was happening here?
* * *
It was the next morning before Endymion called a halt to the procession. "I think it best that we find a teleportation port. It is the only way, we have been riding for several hours and it will take us several more days at this snail's pace."
Rei turned slightly in the saddle and looked briefly at Jadeite. She saw the panic cross features and the pain in his eyes. She felt her heart go out to him at that moment, but drew back from the feeling. She shouldn't care about how he was feeling.
He was remembering the pressure on his body when the control panel had been destroyed, the sound of crushing bones, the awful pain. . .the smell of smoke and fear that he couldn't contain. He shook his head slightly and glanced in Rei's direction. She was staring at him as if she wanted to wrap her arms around him and never let him face the fears in his life. He ignored it. She was most likely plotting her next lie in that beautiful and intelligent mind of hers. He turned away from her and frowned at his horse's ears.
Rei knew he was dreading this, but he had to endure it because his king commanded it. She didn't want to see him get hurt. . .she didn't want to see him hurt any more than he was already. She could still feel the waves of animosity flowing off of him. She sighed heavily and turned to watch Endymion and Nephrite race through the forest in search of a transportation port.
"The nearest one is about a mile's ride away from here," Nephrite said after pulling his gaze away from the sky. He felt himself blush at the look that Endymion gave him.
"You live here and yet you do not know where your teleportation ports lie?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.
Nephrite looked away and then pointed to the right. "A mile this way and then we shall arrive at one. From what I saw in the sky, this teleportation port is not extremely large, nor has it been modernized, but it should suffice."
"Just how much does this port need to be modernized?" Jadeite asked, still staring at his horse's ears.
Rei tensed slightly. She was nervous on his account.
Eurus cocked his head slightly at his mistress.
Endymion frowned at the princess and then turned his attention to his general.
"Instead of blue diamonds at its center, it still runs off of crystals and the base is not the hexagon we are so used to these days, but a very old triangle. The points are laced with the same unicorn hairs, but there are much less."
"To sum it up, it is nothing but waste?" Jadeite asked with a sneer in his voice. He tried to sound nonchalant, Rei could see that, but he was failing terribly.
Nephrite gave his friend his most comforting smile then kicked his horse in the direction of the port. "Not to worry, Jadeite. Endymion is here and will ensure that we are safe.
"I am not worried," Jadeite said angrily.
Nephrite and Endymion exchanged knowing glances before turning back to look at the blonde general. He was clutching the reins in his hands as if they were the only thing keeping his feet on the ground.
They rode in silence for several minutes. Nephrite and Endymion rode at the head of the group in deep conversation about some sort of new blade Endymion's blacksmith had stumbled upon. Rei stared off into the distance, riding behind the two, her phoenix dozing slightly. She looked over her shoulder occasionally to find Jadeite staring fixedly at his fists. She felt extremely helpless in those several moments that she couldn't reach out to him and hold him like she had on the ship when he had come in from the storm half frozen. She couldn't fit herself against his back and soothe the coldness away. She couldn't rest her cheek against his back and listen to his heart beating and assure herself that he was well. She was completely and utterly helpless.
Jadeite clenched and unclenched his fists. He was going to have to go through with this. He was going to have to stand beside that beautiful, slender creature that made his blood boil. He was going to have stand beside her as their bodies turned into nothing and flew across the world until they landed in Nephrite's palace. He wasn't ready to face her yet. He was still flooded with anger at her lie. He still felt betrayed and helpless because he couldn't control how he felt. Why was this so difficult for him? He knew that women were not to be trusted. He understood that completely. Kat and Lily both betrayed him. Women were not to be trusted.
"We're here" Nephrite said and pulled to a stop. The other three gathered about him. "I'll go last. Endymion will have to go first and Rei next, Jadeite after."
"No," Jadeite heard himself say. What was he doing? He didn't want to stand beside her. He should have been applauding Nephrite's plan. "I will travel with the princess," he said, "It is for her own good," he added as a last thought.
Rei almost glared in his direction. How dare he think she could not do this alone? She had been doing it by herself for years! "I do not need protection."
"It is for your own good," Jadeite said. He was not backing down now.
Nephrite raised a brow at the two and then shrugged his shoulders. He would have to have a talk with Jadeite later about his behavior. "All right then. . .Endymion. . ."
Endymion reined in his horse on the platform and gave a silent nod to Nephrite.
Nephrite jumped down from his horse and rushed to the control panel. He turned several gems and then slipped in his own nephrite stone that hung about his neck into one of the holes. "Are you ready, sire?"
"Of course I am," Endymion responded just as the triangle began to glow an eerie blue. The light grew and grew, brighter than beams of light knifing through the trees and the three watching turned their heads to shade their eyes. When they looked back, the king was gone.
"Jadeite, Rei," Nephrite called as he pulled out his nephrite stone.
Rei stroked Eurus' neck and lifted him off her shoulder. "I will see you at the palace?" she asked sweetly.
'I must travel to Mars and tell your parents that you are safe and sound. I know they can feel your presence, but I want them to be assured. When I come back, I need to talk to you about your disappearance. I need to understand you and you need to understand me.' Eurus said with a beautifully executed squawk. He took off when she smiled at him and soared into the air far above their heads.
Jadeite reined his horse beside Rei's and pulled her off. "It is easier this way, trust me," he said gently.
Rei simply nodded and allowed herself to be pulled onto the horse in front of him. She could feel his chest, hard, against her back and his arms tight around her waist. He was holding himself very still as he made his way onto the platform, a shiver ran through him when they were finally centered on the triangle. "All will be well," she whispered to him.
Jadeite squeezed her in response then nodded to Nephrite. He took a deep breath and found himself surrounded by a scent her knew well, a scent that drove him to distraction. It was her, her soft and feminine jasmine aroma filled his nostrils, reminding him of smooth flushed flesh; delicate hands gliding over his chest and tentative lips exploring his own. He still found himself aroused by her and it hurt to think of it. He felt his flesh heat and a part of himself grew heavy with longing. He wanted to strip her clothes off in the midst of this bright light and-
Rei felt him tense even before she recognized the faint stirrings of desire in her. She had been leaning heavily against his chest, feeling his heart pound slow and deep. She had been wanting to slip her hand inside his tunic and strong his smooth skin, feel the heat pouring from him and let herself be consumed by him and while she allowed her thoughts to run wild, she felt the power run through her veins and she felt the lightheadedness seep into her soul. She didn't miss a beat of the teleportation because she was so accustomed to it, but she felt the change in Jadeite.
One minute he was slowly stroking a thumb over her arm where he held her, unconsciously she was sure. The next minute he was tensing and his thumb stopped its gentle caress. He was remembering.
She raised her head slowly for the magic was beginning to take its toll on her and raised a hand to his cheek. She felt him lean heavily into that touch. "All will be well," she said slowly to him again.
He turned his head and kissed her palm. He did not speak, but she leaned into him when he pulled her hard against him and she pressed her ear to his heart, only to hear it pounding faster and harder than she had ever heard it. He raised a hand slowly, for the magic was beginning to twist and twine its way into his body as well, and grasped her hand firmly. "Rei. . ." he sighed before all speech was prevented by currents running in and out of them.
Jadeite felt like his body was being torn apart inch by small inch. He knew it was his mind making all this happen, but he felt it nonetheless. He pulled Rei closer to him and rested his head on top hers. The panic lessened. He felt soothed and warmed through by her presence. He was no longer fearing his demise, but fearing for her. He didn't want her to become frightened, he wanted her safe. He wanted her safe in his arms in his palace, in his bed. He moved his hand with much effort and laid it on her back. He didn't want to let her go.
Before either was aware of it, the pressure faded and their senses returned. Jadeite loosened his death grip on her and raised his head. The light was beginning to die away and faces were becoming more and more visible. He blinked several times before he realized that Endymion was looking at him curiously, then kicked the horse off the platform and went to wait patiently beside him.
"Jadeite. . ."
"Endymion, sire,"
"I see that you and Rei traveled together?"
"It was for the best. This way Nephrite would not have to use up so much of his energy sending an extra person alone."
Endymion eyed his friend skeptically then turned his attention back to the platform. Nephrite was just appearing in the light and he wanted to be in the palace and away from this forest.
When all four were finally in the gardens of Nephrite's Spain palace, they rode to the stables to dismount.
"Princess, would it please you to bathe and change before dinner is served?" Nephrite asked as they walked into the palace.
Rei looked around her and marveled at it all. The palace was made of a pale tan stone and connected not by stuffy hallways, but by open, lush garden. There were roofs only on portions of the palace that were bedrooms and dining areas, she supposed. Everything else was open and bright and smelled of blossoming flowers. The walkways were stone and lined with grasses varying in lengths and roses that climbed the walls. There were trellises covering certain hallways and more flowers bloomed overhead. Thousands of white roses trailed the walkway that Nephrite was gesturing to. "It is that way to the chamber I have chosen for you, princess," he said with a genuine smile. "I thought that you would enjoy the white roses and the white orchids."
"You are too kind," Rei said gently.
"Anything for a beautiful princess," he replied, taking her hand in his.
Jadeite saw red for an instant before he pointed toward a walkway lined with tall lilies. "I still have the same chamber, do I not?" he asked his friend.
Nephrite tore his eyes away from the lovely creation before him and nodded. "I have put you and Endymion in the same chambers as usual."
Jadeite nodded curtly and took himself down a walkway, then turned to the left halfway down.
"Where is he going?" Rei asked after he disappeared.
"Most likely to his room, my dear. Now, let me show you to your own," Nephrite said as he placed her hand on his arm. He strode down the white rose walk, Endymion following close behind, and then turned left at the end. All the way, Rei noted the courtyards and the small getaway nooks that were just lush gardens open to the brilliant blue sky. "Here we are," Nephrite said grandly as they entered a large chamber.
Immediately the scent of jasmine filled Rei's senses and she smiled at the thought. She had missed this scent, it was the scent of her homeland and the scent that she surrounded herself with.
"I hope it is to your liking," Nephrite said waving a hand in front of him.
Rei finally allowed her eyes to take in everything. A small gasp caught in the back of her throat, but she swallowed it, not wanting to draw too much attention to herself. A large bed stood at the center, covered with white linens and silks. The canopy was made of a wispy white silk, transparent when the sunlight caught it. There was a wall of windows that opened into a courtyard full of weeping willows and cherry trees. She wondered how all these plants grew in harmony with each other, but didn't dare question it after that thought.
"I shall leave you with Mistress Rosemary so you can get dressed and bathe," Nephrite said, smiling broadly at the look of pure glee on her face. He then took himself off, Endymion in tow. "I was going to have a word with our dear friend, Jadeite," he said with w frown.
Endymion nodded in agreement and the two headed for the blonde general's room with different thoughts running through their heads.
"We must talk to Rei about her disappearance. I don't understand it at all," Nephrite said.
"I agree, but I don't think it would be the best idea to ask her just yet. I want her to be comfortable. I want her to be willing to tell us and I don't want to simply question her. I want her to tell us her story."
"What of Jadeite?"
"There is something going on between those two, and I plan on finding out what it is," Endymion said as they rounded the corner.
Rei wandered about the room slowly after she had introduced herself to the pleasantly plump woman who stood near the wall of windows. She ran her hand across the delicately white bed coverings and then over the white and green silk wall hangings. She marveled at the pale pink, wool blanket draped over a white sofa. Everything in the room was feminine and delicate and crisp. She loved this room.
"Would her highness care for a bath in the courtyard?" Mistress Rosemary asked with a brilliant smile.
Rei felt her lips lifting in a smile of their own and she nodded appreciatively. "I would like that very much," she said softly.
Mistress Rosemary led her out into the lush courtyard and into a gazebo that was very likely half the size of her room. It was enclosed with walls of the same wispy, transparent cloth the bed was hung with and inside Rei could make out a deep white tub and a white chaise. "It is all so beautiful," she said to herself.
"Si," Mistress Rosemary answered as she held back the hangings. "This part of the palace was inspired by a painting the Lord Nephrite gazed upon when he visited Jupiter. He said that the greens and the whites made his heart flutter and his eyes tear. He wanted to recreate what he saw in this room."
Rei paused briefly at that. Makoto had once painted a painting in her youth. She said that she wanted to live in a place full of white flowers and green grass. She painted a picture of a courtyard with millions of white flowers and tall green trees and grasses. To the side, she made the outline of a room with a wall of windows. . .
She shook her head at the thought and stared down at the white tub. It was ivory.
"Lord Nephrite sent a missive with his guards earlier, said that he wanted this room to be ready for a princess, thus the bath was drawn straight away," she said as she helped Rei off with her white gown. The gown was stained and still tattered about the edges, but Rei discovered that she did not want to part with it.
"Please, have this gown washed and then return it to me," she said softly.
Mistress Rosemary nodded in understanding then helped Rei into the hot bathwater.
It felt divine! And the jasmine flowers floating around in the water only added to the sweetness of the experience. "I believe I have died and gone to heaven," Rei sighed as Mistress Rosemary soaped up her hands and began washing her hair.
* * *
She was all settled in for the night. The air was warm and humid, the breeze gentle and almost nonexistent, and yet, she could not sleep. Dinner had been wonderful, the food delicious and savory, the entertainment lively and the company delightful. However, she did not see Jadeite.
"Where is Lord Jadeite?" she asked Nephrite after the roast lamb was removed.
"I believe he is brooding in his chamber," Nephrite said, motioning for the footman to fill Rei's goblet with more rich red wine.
She didn't want it, had never liked wine, but pretended thanks when the footman stepped away. "Why would he be brooding, my lord?" she asked when the footman had taken his place by the door.
"I do not know. I went to talk to him earlier, but he was no where to be found. I believe he is angered by something, and yet I dare not ask."
Rei left it alone at that and turned her attention to the tart that had just been put onto her plate.
Now she wondered where he could have gone. She wanted to talk to him, to explain that was happening and to explain why she had done what she did.
She turned over onto her side and looked out the windows that Mistress Rosemary had left open.
Suddenly she saw a shadowy figure appear before the open doors. She sat up right, a spell at the ready in her mind. "Who are you?" she called out.
Jadeite stepped into the soft light that illuminated the room and stared at her with vague eyes. "Why, Rei?" he asked.
She quelled the spell and swung her legs over the side of the bed. She was dressed in a frothy piece of silk that Mistress Rosemary had ensured would keep the heat at bay, but now she wished she had something that covered her better. The silk negligee was sleeveless and outlined her figure, draping over all her curves and flowing about her legs like liquid fire. "Jadeite?" she whispered.
He walked to her when she called his name and she was in his arms before she could say anything. His mouth covered hers in the next instant and Rei tasted the brandy on his breath. "Jadeite, stop!" she said, pushing him away.
He allowed her to get the upper hand. He wasn't entirely certain if it was because he had consumed too much brandy or if he was weak with lust. "So I can have you in a cave, but not in a bed?" he asked, his words slurred slightly.
Rei shook her head and her hair brushed against her shoulders, making him itch to grab it. "Jadeite, you're drunk," she said.
Jadeite grinned at her and then made a grab for her. "I am no where near drunk," he said.
Rei eluded him and rushed to the sofa, at least now there was something between them. "Jadeite, you must leave," she said.
Jadeite ground his teeth and jumped over the sofa, much to Rei's surprise, and grasped her around her waist. He pulled her hard against him and settled his hands on her hips. He pressed his hips against her belly and smiled at her stunned expression. "Can you feel me, Rei? Can you feel how much I want you?"
"Jed. . ." she whispered, her body betraying her.
"I love when you call me that," he said huskily. He raised a hand and began to draw imaginary circles beneath her right breast. Her breathing hitched.
He moved his hips back and then pushed against her again. "Can you imagine what it would feel like, Rei? Or shall I call you princess?"
Rei came back to her senses at that. She pushed with all her strength against his hard chest and succeeded in getting enough space in between them for her to look up into his face. "You are beyond drunk, sire, you are daft," she said harshly.
Jadeite felt his blood begin to boil. "You call me sire, do you?" he said through clenched teeth. "I have had enough games, Rei! Why do you play games with me like this?" He pulled her back hard and pressed his mouth to hers in a kiss that was meant to dominate and nothing more. He raised a hand and forced her chin down, giving him easy access to her mouth.
She should have bitten him, but she didn't have to. He pulled away.
"You don't know how much you've hurt me, Rei," he said softly, pressing his forehead to hers. "I have been so angered with you. So terribly angry with you that my brain no longer wants to follow."
"You aren't making very much sense," she said, stroking his shoulder. She felt him shudder, with lust or anger, she wasn't sure.
"You betrayed me," he said.
"I did nothing of the sort."
"You lied to me."
"I had to," she whispered.
"Why? Why did you do all this?"
Rei managed to pull away in the circle of his arms and looked at him fully then. Those eyes that had closed up on her in the cave were open and shining with pain. She felt her heart reach out to him, felt her arms struggle not to wrap around his back and hold him to her. She wanted to kiss away the frown in his brow and bring a smile to those lips. "It was necessary. . ." she managed.
He pulled away from her then. "You always elude my questions. I do not know why I didn't see it before, but you have managed to sidestep every important question I have ever asked you. . .why did you lie to me? Why?" he said facing the door to her chamber.
There was a faint catch in her words when she next spoke, but he chose to ignore it. "Jadeite. . .I lied to protect you. . .and to protect me."
She saw him shake his head and then move toward the door. She wanted to reach out and pull him back to her, but she was afraid that he would shrug her off and leave her to suffer in silence. "Please, you have to understand. . ."
"I don't understand." he said before opening the door. "I don't think I will ever understand you. . ." And with those last words, he stepped out of her bedchamber and made his way down the dark, moonlit walkways. The roses had closed in on themselves, afraid of the darkness and the birds had ceased their chirping. The crickets sung song after song and the branches lulled him into soberness.
"Lord, Jadeite," he heard someone call. Was it Rei? Had she finally decided to tell him the truth? The whole truth? Did he not believe her as it was? He turned around with an undisguised hope shining brightly in his blue eyes, and he encountered eyes of the deepest brown.
"Lily?" he croaked out.
"Sire. . ." she replied, a faint smile on her lips.
"Lily. . .what in the universe are you doing here?" he asked. He was so incredibly shocked he didn't think the words came out until she spoke.
"I was certain I would see you here sooner or later. . ." she said.
She had changed, he saw. She was thinner and her hair was pulled up high on her head. She had always worn it down when she was with him. And she wasn't dressed as she normally was, in flowing gowns with lace and ruffles. She was wearing a very odd concoction of transparent silks in light pink and dark rose. She reminded him of one of Nephrite's women in the harem. . .no. . .it couldn't be. "Lily, tell me what you're doing here," he demanded, finally getting a hold of himself.
She motioned him to one of the many hidden gardens and sat gracefully down on a stone bench. She didn't wait for him before she started speaking. "I ran away from you,"
Jadeite looked over his shoulder and saw that he was still close enough to Rei's room to feel her presence engulf him. He shook off the feelings of guilt and betrayal, an odd mixture if he had any say in it, and turned his attention to the lovely blonde woman speaking to him. "What do you mean?" he asked. Why was he always surrounded by women who never gave him direct answers?
"I had to run away from you," she said softly. "I left the children with Mrs. Dover and ran."
"Why was your home in shambles?"
"A man came. . ."
"What do you mean a man came? Lily, I will not have you dancing around my questions any more. I have had to deal with this enough and I'm tired of it from you women!"
Lily glanced up at him and frowned. What did that mean? Other women? Had he found a replacement for her already? Was it that black-haired harlot she saw him come to the palace with? The one who's room he had just emerged from? Was that his new slut? She tried to suppress her anger and gave him a beautiful smile. "He was bigger than I was, but I managed to escape him. He was mean and rough. I thought you had sent him. He did say that he was friends with you," she said innocently.
Jadeite glared down at her, unable to believe what she was saying. A man came and tried to claim he was a friend of his?
"He told me that he wanted my help, but I refused to give it and so he took himself off."
"This explains very little," Jadeite responded. He was completely sober now.
Lily shrugged dainty shoulders and pushed forward. "I didn't believe for a second that he was leaving for good, so I packed up the children's things and scooted them over to Mrs. Dover. I then went back to collect a few of my own things, but he came back before I had a chance to step out the door," she paused to give dramatic effect and then looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "He tried to tear off my clothes, threatening that if I didn't tell him what he wanted to know then he would kill me."
"What did he want to know?"
"He wouldn't say, just kept screaming, 'You will tell me anything I want to hear, is that clear?' and I just kept saying that I wouldn't, that I didn't know anything."
"What did he look like?"
"I don't know, he wore a black scarf over his nose and mouth and the house was too dark to see anything else."
"How did you escape?"
Lily looked up to him and her eyes changed. He didn't know how he knew, but he knew that the words that flew from her mouth next were not entirely true. "I somehow managed to twist away. When I did I grabbed up a candlestick and struck him on the head. Then I grabbed my back and ran as fast as I could."
Jadeite massaged his right temple and then leaned against an ivy covered wall. "Why did you come here? How did you get here?"
"I remembered you told me about this place. I remembered you said that you came here whenever you were feeling like things were coming to an end. You would sit one of the walled gardens and just enjoy being surrounded by so much beauty. You said you wanted to build a small house here and raise your children without all the pomp and circumstance of court life."
Jadeite remembered very well telling her about his haven. The palace of his friend where he could relax and enjoy life; never having to worry about what lay beyond the stone walls. "But-"
"How did I get here? I traveled slowly, by horse, wagon, boat, by any means I could. I wanted to get away. I knew the children would be safe with Mrs. Dover. I knew you would go and get them. I could trust that you would care for them. I needed to find a place where the man wouldn't get me."
"But why here?"
"Because you love it here and I wanted to be in the place that you loved," she said, rising. She wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her cheek against his chest. "I've missed you, darling," she said softly.
Jadeite didn't know what to feel in that moment. He stood still and waited to see what would happen next.
Lily pulled away from him and gave him a sweet smile. "I want to feel you inside me again. You are the only one who knows how to make me scream," she said. Slowly, she fell to her knees before him and ran her hands up and down his thighs.
He felt himself instantly aroused. He needed an outlet for his never- ending lust for the princess and here was a willing partner. He felt her unlace his breeches, felt her skilled fingers slip inside and caress him. He was hard and throbbing and ready to plunge into her, and yet he felt wrong, felt guilty for wanting her to pleasure him. He pictured Rei, her eyes burning with angry fire and pulled away from Lily's accomplished hands. "I can't, Lily," he said, his breathing labored.
She rose leisurely and looked at him. "Why not?"
"I'm not in the mood."
"You certainly felt like it. . ." she purred.
"No, Lily," he said, "By the by, how did you get accepted into the palace?" he asked as a way to curb her thoughts. He adjusted his clothing and tried to put his lust under control.
Lily shrugged again and moved toward the entrance to the garden. "I saw Lord Nephrite lazing under a tree near here and he fell instantly for me. He invited me to become a member of his harem."
He thought he'd be jealous, but instead he smiled. "You have slept with him then."
"Yes, I have," she said with a frown, "But you are by far better."
Jadeite shook his head and walked out of the garden ahead of her. "I don't understand you. . ." he whispered.
"What do you mean?"
"You lied to me. . .why?"
"I did not lie to you."
Jadeite shook his head again and tried to walk away from her. Before he got ten feet from her still and angry form, he heard a crash followed by a scream. He didn't think, just ran back toward the princess' chamber as fast as his legs would take him.
He was vaguely aware of Lily running behind him, but he ignored her and focused on getting to Rei as quickly as possible. He felt a fear unlike any he'd ever felt before consume him and he didn't know how to quench it. It was burning a hole in his body even before he pushed the door open and saw a shadowed figure backing Rei toward the wall.
"Rei!" he yelled, raising his hand. A blue light sparked to life in his palm and he hurled it at the figure without even blinking. The shadowed figure looked over its shoulder before jumping out of the light's flight and ran out the window.
Jadeite ran toward the glass wall and was almost out the door when he heard his name called tentatively from behind him.
"Jed. . ." she gasped.
He turned around and icy blue clashed with warm violet. "Rei." he breathed. He reached out a hand to her, but was too late. For the first time in her nineteen years, the Princess Rei of Mars fainted.