Chapter 2
It was a week later and Serenity was in her secret abode, expecting her mother to come calling for her, announcing a new arrival of a prince.
She had spent the last seven days avoiding her mother and friends, finding time alone in order to contemplate her life.
Why could nobody see what she saw? A bunch of young (and old) boys attempting to overtake her kingdom and her life.
She did not want that. When growing up, she always believed that she would marry for love and rule their kingdom fairly. As did most other fairy tale reading young girls. She believed that she would find a love as her mother and father had.
None of this would have happened if Papa were here. She thought gloomily. Had her father not died, her mother would be happy and not so eager to retire from the responsibilities of the kingdom. She suspected that the queen would most probably welcome death, which was very flattering.
After the death of her father, Serenity found she could not cry. She was too shocked to shed tears and too angry to grieve. He was killed with a poisoned arrow on the verge of winning the battle. It was unfair that he was made to suffer throughout the celebration of their victory.
When Serenity heard the news, it took a year for her to come out of her morose trance-like state and join the living once again. Her mother, unfortunately, did not recover. It was her father, who taught her to fight with swords, ride horses in an un-ladylike fashion and so forth, while her mother took care of the education and mannerisms.
Although, her childhood was spent, running around untamed and free, happy to not have to abide by customs and traditions, climbing trees and causing trouble. She would send her parents into fits of laughter, knowing that they had reproduced a hellion for a daughter. Those were happy times.
Now, her mother would frown upon her wild nature and reprimand her instead of laugh. Nothing was much fun anymore.
Today however, she awaited the name and status of the new prince. Her mother had spent the last week, reading the replies and studying profiles. She was yet to make a decision.
"Senni." Yelled a voice, heading towards her. She looked at Mina expectantly as she approached Serenity who was standing at a canvas, a paintbrush and pellet in her hands. "Your mother wants you." She said quietly.
"So she picked the lucky winner, did she?"
Mina shrugged her shoulders and looked away repeating, "Your mother wants you."
Serenity sighed and brushed herself off replying, "Duty calls."
Once reaching the dining room, she saw the queen sitting at the table looking quite pleased with herself.
"You called, your Majesty?" Serenity said mockingly.
"So formal, daughter? This is about."
The queen did not get to finish as Serenity interrupted with, "I know what this is about, Mother. Why not cut to the chase and shorten this punishment?"
The queen frowned at her young daughter. She disapproved of her attitude and the way she was dressed. The princess was adorned in a man's trousers, shirt and apron, which were splattered with paint. Queen Selene wished she would not walk around like that throughout the palace. It was unladylike. Yet, she did not even try and reprimand her young daughter, knowing that it would only go unheeded.
"I wish you would not think of this as a punishment, daughter." The princess scowled.
"Whatever." She replied. "Who is the lucky winner this week?"
"We will be inviting the King and Queen of Earth to the moon. Their son, Prince Endymion, will be joining them."
"Oh goody." Serenity retorted with fake excitement.
Her mother ignored the comment and continued. "The King's first wife was once a good friend of mine, until she got sick and died. So will you please try and be civil to them?"
"Whatever do you mean, mother?" Serenity inquired innocently.
"Darling, do not test my patience, please? You know what I mean. I just want you to try and be nice." She declared, watching as her daughter rolled her eyes and exhaled loudly.
"When will they be arriving?"
"The day after tomorrow." The princess nodded deep in thought. It looked suspiciously like she was scheming.
"May I go now?" She asked eyebrows raised.
The queen narrowed her eyes at her daughter, knowing she was up to something. Then with a dismissive wave said, "Yes."
Serenity turned and fled out of the room.
Endymion walked into his room, placing his sword on a nearby table before removing his armour. He stopped short and scowled when he noticed the visitor waiting for him.
Upon his entry, Queen Vienna turned towards the young prince with a smile flickering across her ruby red lips. Her long red hair framed the length of her voluptuous body as her tight maroon bodice fitted her curves appropriately. She was beautiful, yet Endymion loathed the hunger in her eyes and the lustful display she would exhibit whenever he was around. Even in his oblivious father's presence.
"Get out." He said frostily, continuing to remove his armour.
"Now is that any way to speak to your mother?" She questioned silkily, gliding towards him.
He ignored her, while placing his armour on the table next to his sword and then walking over to his bed. His bedroom was elegant and large, with a double bed placed in the middle and a wardrobe and dressers adorning the sides. Opposite the doorway was another door leading to his private bathroom, which contained a large bathing area and toilet. To the side of that, was his balcony, over-looking the entire kingdom.
"Are you not even a little pleased to see me?" She asked, pouting her lips.
Endymion smirked and replied, "As pleased as I usually am."
Vienna walked to the bed and stood in front of him as he sat down. "Your father tells me we are going to the moon." She said, looking at the crown of his head as he bent to take off his boots.
Endymion snorted and asked, "What else did he tell you?"
A confused expression flittered across her face. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, did he tell you what for?" He raised an eyebrow and stared up at her expectantly.
"He said it was a business affair. What does it matter?" She asked, frowning.
Endymion chuckled at this. So it appears my father is not so oblivious after all.
"This 'business' as he so eloquently put it, is my marriage to the fair princess of the moon." He stated, smirking.
"What?" The queen asked outraged, "Why?"
"Why do you think? To produce heirs. To rule kingdoms and etc."
"But," Vienna stuttered, "She, she is just a girl. You need someone who is." She broke off and looked away. Endymion stood up, their faces close enough so she could feel his breath upon her cheek. A small shudder of longing ran through her body.
"Who is what, Vienna?" He asked, his breath feathering her bangs across her forehead.
She stared at his mouth in hunger and answered, "Who is more of a woman."
"Like you perhaps?"
Her green eyes filled with lust as she looked up into his striking blue one's and said, "Just give me a chance, Endymion. We would be good together." Her hands trailed their way slowly up his chest until they reached his shoulders.
Endymion leaned forward, his cheek brushing hers. She gasped in pleasure when his lips touched her ear as he whispered, "We will never be anything together. So stop wasting your time, and get out!" He pushed her back, turned away and headed for the bathroom.
"You can not deny wanting me Endymion." She called, stopping him in his tracks. "I can see it in your eyes. The same look every other man gets when he sees me. Yet, I only want you. Just give into temptation. I will make it worth your while." She smoothed her dress, running her hands over her breasts and flat belly, looking at him from beneath her lashes.
Endymion strode forward, ignoring her expectant expression as he cupped her face in his hands and roughly kissed her. Her gasp of surprise allowed his tongue to enter with strong, angry thrusts. She responded immediately by wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and pushing her hardened nipples against his chest. A loud moan escaped her lips and as she slid her hand into his pants she was shocked to find him still flaccid. At this he pulled away from her and smiled coldly. He took in her flushed face and swollen lips as she looked up at him with a mixture of desire and disappoint in her eyes.
"Was that what you wanted? Because, as you see, you do nothing for me." He said, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear and then settling his hand at the back of her neck. Her arms loosened their hold as she stared hungrily at his lips. "And that is because," He gripped her neck harshly relishing her gasp of pain and said, "You are nothing to me."
He finished, pushing her roughly away and walked to the door. Before he strode out, he turned back and stared coldly at Vienna as she rubbed her sore neck and said, "The next time you come into my room, I shall break your neck!"
And with that said, he slammed the door on the fuming queen.
It was a wonderfully sunny day when the royal family of Earth arrived on the Moon. King Damus and Queen Vienna walked towards the castle doorway, closely followed by Prince Endymion, General Kunzite and their servants.
On one side of them was a magnificent view of the silver laden countryside and on the other, the residents of the Moon Kingdom. Upon entering the palace doors they had sight of the parlour, which lead to the throne room where the Queen Selene awaited them.
"Stop fidgeting." The queen murmured out of the side of her mouth to her squirming daughter.
"I can not bloody help it. This dress itches." She replied, pulling at the silken fabric.
She was decorated in a pale pink gown that deftly clung to the right places, outlining her slim but curvy young body. Her long silver hair was done up in a high ponytail, which flowed elegantly down her back. Her unconscious beauty was breath taking.
"Serenity, darling, what did I tell you about swearing?" Her mother sang, plastering a smile on her face for the incoming guests.
"Bloody is not a swear word, mother. It is an adverb. Now, for instance, if I were to say - "
"Serenity, now is not the time to introduce us with your foul language." She ordered quickly, trying desperately not to move her lips.
"Mother, by all means, I think now is the perfect time to introduce us with some foul language." She said, eyeing the arriving party.
She could not yet see the royal family, who were flanked by their guards, but she happily noticed that there was only a small group of people, unlike other princes who felt the need to bring his entire kingdom and then some, with them. She glanced towards the balcony doors, praying for means of escape.
"Serenity, smile." Her mother commanded.
"What for?" She said with distaste.
"Because I said so."
"Oh. Well, in that case." Serenity broke off and put on her largest, fakest smile, which caused Mina to chuckle quietly. The princess looked towards her blonde friend and grinned before facing the front and scowling once again.
Did they have to walk so bloody slow?
"Can you see her yet?" Kunzite asked the prince, trying to get a glimpse of the Moon family.
He was dressed in a gray suit, which emphasized his striking gray-blue eyes. His long white hair was pulled back into a braid.
Next to him walked Endymion, adorned in a long black suit and cape, which filled his broad shoulders nicely. His black hair was slicked back leaving his sculptured face and stunning blue eyes clearly in view. He looked absolutely delectable.
"No, sadly."
"Well, it might help if you were actually looking for her." He snorted, staring at his friend as he instead took in his surroundings.
"Yes, I suppose it might." He replied on a yawn.
I knew I should have slept on the way here. Endymion thought, scowling about the young woman whom he had spent half the night with. Yes, her long legs and full breasts were much too tempting an offer to refuse. Plus, he had to get his frustration out somehow. It was either that or fight it off with Kunzite. The former was much easier.
Since the so-called 'marriage' announcement and the bet, Endymion had spent his days in a frustrated and anticipated state, as if something was coming and he eagerly awaited its arrival. What that something was, he did not know. He was not truly looking forward to seducing the young princess. She seemed too childish to bother with. But a bet was a bet, and the odds were too much in his favour.
"Can they not speed it up?" Serenity asked annoyed. Watching as the royal family of the Earth had only now just reached the doorway and was only a couple of hundred metres away from them.
"Serenity, - " The queen began, when all of a sudden she was interrupted by one of the guards.
"Queen Selene." He called quietly. "The canandri has escaped from its cage."
A Canandri was Earth's equivalent to a Snow Leopard, only they were much larger and contained long pointy horns. They were beautiful white creatures, which habituated mainly in the colder regions but were able to survive for lengths of time in your average warmer climates.
When Princess Serenity had stumbled upon the baby female Canandri that was injured and left to die by its mother after birth, she had mended and raised it as her own. She even had made one large portion of the castle, which was just snow and ice, temperatures that Canandris survived best in.
Ferinx, as Serenity had named her, would only respond to and obey her and had a large tendency to seek her out whenever she felt lonely. Now that she was taller than Serenity when standing on its hind legs, the queen ordered for there to be cage doors installed, which upset Ferinx greatly, leading to successful escape endeavors.
The first time, she had clawed a guard whom was trying to spear the unknown creature. The second it had sought out Serenity's scent and climbed upon her bed while she was sleeping which disturbed the queen enough to place a guard at her prison everyday, up until now when she thought it was not needed.
The princess found this opportunity very welcoming indeed. She picked up her dress and began walking towards the Animal Wing.
"Serenity, where are you going?" The queen demanded, glancing quickly at the incoming party.
"Mother, I have to go. Ferinx only responds to me." She said, backing slowly away.
"But you can not go now. We have guests only fifty feet away from us. I forbid it." She said desperately, knowing this was a losing battle.
"Look, I have to. Ferinx will be unused to their scent." She answered, gesturing towards the Earth royalties. "If I do not go now, she will make a snack of them. Mother I have to. I am sorry. I must." And with that, she picked up her skirts and fled out of the room, leaving a horrified queen staring in shock at her daughter's disappearance.
"Hey, what is happening here?" Kunzite asked Endymion, staring at the silver haired girl running out of the room.
His heart stood still as he caught sight of the young blond woman in tow of the princess. Mina. He silently cried out. He had noticed Endymion had seen what he saw also and replied with, "How should I know?" There were murmurs amongst the court as they all watched the scene at the front of the room, leaving a panic-looking queen.
Endymion stared at the proud queen. She was beautiful, yet seemed filled with sadness. Her regal composure suggested modesty, yet flattered her best parts. Her long silver hair was styled into the traditional royal style; two ponytails at the side of her head. As childish as the hairstyle seemed, the queen still maintained an air of dignity and wisdom. Endymion respected her right away.
As they approached the throne the queen smiled and took a step forward. "King Damius. Welcome to the Moon." She said smiling. Her eyes shiny as she added, "It is good to see you again."
The King smiled and took her hand in his, tenderness filling his eyes, while replying, "It is good to see you too, Selene." He placed his free hand on top of their joined ones while adding, "I am sorry about Azrael." Pain flittered across her features before she composed herself with a smile. "Thank you. I, too, am sorry to hear about Gaea."
The king nodded and smiled sadly replying, "We all knew the circumstances. But let us forget the past and put our future into our next generation?" His eyebrows rose in question.
The queen rolled her eyes. "That is easier said than done, my lord."
"Tell me about it." He said scowling. "Let me introduce you to my family." Turning, he gestured for Vienna to take a step forward.
"This is my wife, Queen Vienna. Darling, may I introduce Queen Selene." Vienna gave a small smile and took Selene's hand.
"It is an honour to finally meet you, your Majesty."
"As it is you, Queen Vienna." She answered, nodding her head in greeting. The young queen stepped aside, looking down, avoiding the prince's mocking gaze.
"And my son, Prince Endymion." The King said, somewhat indifferently.
The prince stepped forward, taking Selene's hand and kissing it gently before saying, "Your Highness."
The queen took in his beautiful character in marvel while saying quietly, "You have a lot of your mother in you, young prince. She was the most beautiful person I knew."
Endymion looked up startled at this. Nobody had ever associated his looks to his mother before. They said his beauty was a blessing straight from the gods.
"That is a great compliment, Majesty. Thank you." Selene gave a small smile in reply.
"And this is my son's Commanding Officer, General Kunzite."
The white-haired youth stepped up to the queen and bowed low before greeting, "Your Majesty."
The queen smiled widely and said, "It is a great pleasure to meet all of you. I am so happy that you were able to come. Unfortunately," Selene broke off on a exasperated sigh, looking towards the doors Serenity had escaped through, "the princess as you may have seen, left in such a hurry due to a.uh.family crisis I guess you could say." She finished weakly.
"Is all well, Selene?" The King enquired politely.
"Yes, yes, of course. In fact, she should be back very soon." The queen stated, mentally crossing her fingers. "It is nothing she can not handle." She assured, just in time to hear a rather large roar and a male scream outside the palace doors.
Everyone situated around the throne, whipped their heads around to the noise and then followed it to its source.
It was a week later and Serenity was in her secret abode, expecting her mother to come calling for her, announcing a new arrival of a prince.
She had spent the last seven days avoiding her mother and friends, finding time alone in order to contemplate her life.
Why could nobody see what she saw? A bunch of young (and old) boys attempting to overtake her kingdom and her life.
She did not want that. When growing up, she always believed that she would marry for love and rule their kingdom fairly. As did most other fairy tale reading young girls. She believed that she would find a love as her mother and father had.
None of this would have happened if Papa were here. She thought gloomily. Had her father not died, her mother would be happy and not so eager to retire from the responsibilities of the kingdom. She suspected that the queen would most probably welcome death, which was very flattering.
After the death of her father, Serenity found she could not cry. She was too shocked to shed tears and too angry to grieve. He was killed with a poisoned arrow on the verge of winning the battle. It was unfair that he was made to suffer throughout the celebration of their victory.
When Serenity heard the news, it took a year for her to come out of her morose trance-like state and join the living once again. Her mother, unfortunately, did not recover. It was her father, who taught her to fight with swords, ride horses in an un-ladylike fashion and so forth, while her mother took care of the education and mannerisms.
Although, her childhood was spent, running around untamed and free, happy to not have to abide by customs and traditions, climbing trees and causing trouble. She would send her parents into fits of laughter, knowing that they had reproduced a hellion for a daughter. Those were happy times.
Now, her mother would frown upon her wild nature and reprimand her instead of laugh. Nothing was much fun anymore.
Today however, she awaited the name and status of the new prince. Her mother had spent the last week, reading the replies and studying profiles. She was yet to make a decision.
"Senni." Yelled a voice, heading towards her. She looked at Mina expectantly as she approached Serenity who was standing at a canvas, a paintbrush and pellet in her hands. "Your mother wants you." She said quietly.
"So she picked the lucky winner, did she?"
Mina shrugged her shoulders and looked away repeating, "Your mother wants you."
Serenity sighed and brushed herself off replying, "Duty calls."
Once reaching the dining room, she saw the queen sitting at the table looking quite pleased with herself.
"You called, your Majesty?" Serenity said mockingly.
"So formal, daughter? This is about."
The queen did not get to finish as Serenity interrupted with, "I know what this is about, Mother. Why not cut to the chase and shorten this punishment?"
The queen frowned at her young daughter. She disapproved of her attitude and the way she was dressed. The princess was adorned in a man's trousers, shirt and apron, which were splattered with paint. Queen Selene wished she would not walk around like that throughout the palace. It was unladylike. Yet, she did not even try and reprimand her young daughter, knowing that it would only go unheeded.
"I wish you would not think of this as a punishment, daughter." The princess scowled.
"Whatever." She replied. "Who is the lucky winner this week?"
"We will be inviting the King and Queen of Earth to the moon. Their son, Prince Endymion, will be joining them."
"Oh goody." Serenity retorted with fake excitement.
Her mother ignored the comment and continued. "The King's first wife was once a good friend of mine, until she got sick and died. So will you please try and be civil to them?"
"Whatever do you mean, mother?" Serenity inquired innocently.
"Darling, do not test my patience, please? You know what I mean. I just want you to try and be nice." She declared, watching as her daughter rolled her eyes and exhaled loudly.
"When will they be arriving?"
"The day after tomorrow." The princess nodded deep in thought. It looked suspiciously like she was scheming.
"May I go now?" She asked eyebrows raised.
The queen narrowed her eyes at her daughter, knowing she was up to something. Then with a dismissive wave said, "Yes."
Serenity turned and fled out of the room.
Endymion walked into his room, placing his sword on a nearby table before removing his armour. He stopped short and scowled when he noticed the visitor waiting for him.
Upon his entry, Queen Vienna turned towards the young prince with a smile flickering across her ruby red lips. Her long red hair framed the length of her voluptuous body as her tight maroon bodice fitted her curves appropriately. She was beautiful, yet Endymion loathed the hunger in her eyes and the lustful display she would exhibit whenever he was around. Even in his oblivious father's presence.
"Get out." He said frostily, continuing to remove his armour.
"Now is that any way to speak to your mother?" She questioned silkily, gliding towards him.
He ignored her, while placing his armour on the table next to his sword and then walking over to his bed. His bedroom was elegant and large, with a double bed placed in the middle and a wardrobe and dressers adorning the sides. Opposite the doorway was another door leading to his private bathroom, which contained a large bathing area and toilet. To the side of that, was his balcony, over-looking the entire kingdom.
"Are you not even a little pleased to see me?" She asked, pouting her lips.
Endymion smirked and replied, "As pleased as I usually am."
Vienna walked to the bed and stood in front of him as he sat down. "Your father tells me we are going to the moon." She said, looking at the crown of his head as he bent to take off his boots.
Endymion snorted and asked, "What else did he tell you?"
A confused expression flittered across her face. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, did he tell you what for?" He raised an eyebrow and stared up at her expectantly.
"He said it was a business affair. What does it matter?" She asked, frowning.
Endymion chuckled at this. So it appears my father is not so oblivious after all.
"This 'business' as he so eloquently put it, is my marriage to the fair princess of the moon." He stated, smirking.
"What?" The queen asked outraged, "Why?"
"Why do you think? To produce heirs. To rule kingdoms and etc."
"But," Vienna stuttered, "She, she is just a girl. You need someone who is." She broke off and looked away. Endymion stood up, their faces close enough so she could feel his breath upon her cheek. A small shudder of longing ran through her body.
"Who is what, Vienna?" He asked, his breath feathering her bangs across her forehead.
She stared at his mouth in hunger and answered, "Who is more of a woman."
"Like you perhaps?"
Her green eyes filled with lust as she looked up into his striking blue one's and said, "Just give me a chance, Endymion. We would be good together." Her hands trailed their way slowly up his chest until they reached his shoulders.
Endymion leaned forward, his cheek brushing hers. She gasped in pleasure when his lips touched her ear as he whispered, "We will never be anything together. So stop wasting your time, and get out!" He pushed her back, turned away and headed for the bathroom.
"You can not deny wanting me Endymion." She called, stopping him in his tracks. "I can see it in your eyes. The same look every other man gets when he sees me. Yet, I only want you. Just give into temptation. I will make it worth your while." She smoothed her dress, running her hands over her breasts and flat belly, looking at him from beneath her lashes.
Endymion strode forward, ignoring her expectant expression as he cupped her face in his hands and roughly kissed her. Her gasp of surprise allowed his tongue to enter with strong, angry thrusts. She responded immediately by wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and pushing her hardened nipples against his chest. A loud moan escaped her lips and as she slid her hand into his pants she was shocked to find him still flaccid. At this he pulled away from her and smiled coldly. He took in her flushed face and swollen lips as she looked up at him with a mixture of desire and disappoint in her eyes.
"Was that what you wanted? Because, as you see, you do nothing for me." He said, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear and then settling his hand at the back of her neck. Her arms loosened their hold as she stared hungrily at his lips. "And that is because," He gripped her neck harshly relishing her gasp of pain and said, "You are nothing to me."
He finished, pushing her roughly away and walked to the door. Before he strode out, he turned back and stared coldly at Vienna as she rubbed her sore neck and said, "The next time you come into my room, I shall break your neck!"
And with that said, he slammed the door on the fuming queen.
It was a wonderfully sunny day when the royal family of Earth arrived on the Moon. King Damus and Queen Vienna walked towards the castle doorway, closely followed by Prince Endymion, General Kunzite and their servants.
On one side of them was a magnificent view of the silver laden countryside and on the other, the residents of the Moon Kingdom. Upon entering the palace doors they had sight of the parlour, which lead to the throne room where the Queen Selene awaited them.
"Stop fidgeting." The queen murmured out of the side of her mouth to her squirming daughter.
"I can not bloody help it. This dress itches." She replied, pulling at the silken fabric.
She was decorated in a pale pink gown that deftly clung to the right places, outlining her slim but curvy young body. Her long silver hair was done up in a high ponytail, which flowed elegantly down her back. Her unconscious beauty was breath taking.
"Serenity, darling, what did I tell you about swearing?" Her mother sang, plastering a smile on her face for the incoming guests.
"Bloody is not a swear word, mother. It is an adverb. Now, for instance, if I were to say - "
"Serenity, now is not the time to introduce us with your foul language." She ordered quickly, trying desperately not to move her lips.
"Mother, by all means, I think now is the perfect time to introduce us with some foul language." She said, eyeing the arriving party.
She could not yet see the royal family, who were flanked by their guards, but she happily noticed that there was only a small group of people, unlike other princes who felt the need to bring his entire kingdom and then some, with them. She glanced towards the balcony doors, praying for means of escape.
"Serenity, smile." Her mother commanded.
"What for?" She said with distaste.
"Because I said so."
"Oh. Well, in that case." Serenity broke off and put on her largest, fakest smile, which caused Mina to chuckle quietly. The princess looked towards her blonde friend and grinned before facing the front and scowling once again.
Did they have to walk so bloody slow?
"Can you see her yet?" Kunzite asked the prince, trying to get a glimpse of the Moon family.
He was dressed in a gray suit, which emphasized his striking gray-blue eyes. His long white hair was pulled back into a braid.
Next to him walked Endymion, adorned in a long black suit and cape, which filled his broad shoulders nicely. His black hair was slicked back leaving his sculptured face and stunning blue eyes clearly in view. He looked absolutely delectable.
"No, sadly."
"Well, it might help if you were actually looking for her." He snorted, staring at his friend as he instead took in his surroundings.
"Yes, I suppose it might." He replied on a yawn.
I knew I should have slept on the way here. Endymion thought, scowling about the young woman whom he had spent half the night with. Yes, her long legs and full breasts were much too tempting an offer to refuse. Plus, he had to get his frustration out somehow. It was either that or fight it off with Kunzite. The former was much easier.
Since the so-called 'marriage' announcement and the bet, Endymion had spent his days in a frustrated and anticipated state, as if something was coming and he eagerly awaited its arrival. What that something was, he did not know. He was not truly looking forward to seducing the young princess. She seemed too childish to bother with. But a bet was a bet, and the odds were too much in his favour.
"Can they not speed it up?" Serenity asked annoyed. Watching as the royal family of the Earth had only now just reached the doorway and was only a couple of hundred metres away from them.
"Serenity, - " The queen began, when all of a sudden she was interrupted by one of the guards.
"Queen Selene." He called quietly. "The canandri has escaped from its cage."
A Canandri was Earth's equivalent to a Snow Leopard, only they were much larger and contained long pointy horns. They were beautiful white creatures, which habituated mainly in the colder regions but were able to survive for lengths of time in your average warmer climates.
When Princess Serenity had stumbled upon the baby female Canandri that was injured and left to die by its mother after birth, she had mended and raised it as her own. She even had made one large portion of the castle, which was just snow and ice, temperatures that Canandris survived best in.
Ferinx, as Serenity had named her, would only respond to and obey her and had a large tendency to seek her out whenever she felt lonely. Now that she was taller than Serenity when standing on its hind legs, the queen ordered for there to be cage doors installed, which upset Ferinx greatly, leading to successful escape endeavors.
The first time, she had clawed a guard whom was trying to spear the unknown creature. The second it had sought out Serenity's scent and climbed upon her bed while she was sleeping which disturbed the queen enough to place a guard at her prison everyday, up until now when she thought it was not needed.
The princess found this opportunity very welcoming indeed. She picked up her dress and began walking towards the Animal Wing.
"Serenity, where are you going?" The queen demanded, glancing quickly at the incoming party.
"Mother, I have to go. Ferinx only responds to me." She said, backing slowly away.
"But you can not go now. We have guests only fifty feet away from us. I forbid it." She said desperately, knowing this was a losing battle.
"Look, I have to. Ferinx will be unused to their scent." She answered, gesturing towards the Earth royalties. "If I do not go now, she will make a snack of them. Mother I have to. I am sorry. I must." And with that, she picked up her skirts and fled out of the room, leaving a horrified queen staring in shock at her daughter's disappearance.
"Hey, what is happening here?" Kunzite asked Endymion, staring at the silver haired girl running out of the room.
His heart stood still as he caught sight of the young blond woman in tow of the princess. Mina. He silently cried out. He had noticed Endymion had seen what he saw also and replied with, "How should I know?" There were murmurs amongst the court as they all watched the scene at the front of the room, leaving a panic-looking queen.
Endymion stared at the proud queen. She was beautiful, yet seemed filled with sadness. Her regal composure suggested modesty, yet flattered her best parts. Her long silver hair was styled into the traditional royal style; two ponytails at the side of her head. As childish as the hairstyle seemed, the queen still maintained an air of dignity and wisdom. Endymion respected her right away.
As they approached the throne the queen smiled and took a step forward. "King Damius. Welcome to the Moon." She said smiling. Her eyes shiny as she added, "It is good to see you again."
The King smiled and took her hand in his, tenderness filling his eyes, while replying, "It is good to see you too, Selene." He placed his free hand on top of their joined ones while adding, "I am sorry about Azrael." Pain flittered across her features before she composed herself with a smile. "Thank you. I, too, am sorry to hear about Gaea."
The king nodded and smiled sadly replying, "We all knew the circumstances. But let us forget the past and put our future into our next generation?" His eyebrows rose in question.
The queen rolled her eyes. "That is easier said than done, my lord."
"Tell me about it." He said scowling. "Let me introduce you to my family." Turning, he gestured for Vienna to take a step forward.
"This is my wife, Queen Vienna. Darling, may I introduce Queen Selene." Vienna gave a small smile and took Selene's hand.
"It is an honour to finally meet you, your Majesty."
"As it is you, Queen Vienna." She answered, nodding her head in greeting. The young queen stepped aside, looking down, avoiding the prince's mocking gaze.
"And my son, Prince Endymion." The King said, somewhat indifferently.
The prince stepped forward, taking Selene's hand and kissing it gently before saying, "Your Highness."
The queen took in his beautiful character in marvel while saying quietly, "You have a lot of your mother in you, young prince. She was the most beautiful person I knew."
Endymion looked up startled at this. Nobody had ever associated his looks to his mother before. They said his beauty was a blessing straight from the gods.
"That is a great compliment, Majesty. Thank you." Selene gave a small smile in reply.
"And this is my son's Commanding Officer, General Kunzite."
The white-haired youth stepped up to the queen and bowed low before greeting, "Your Majesty."
The queen smiled widely and said, "It is a great pleasure to meet all of you. I am so happy that you were able to come. Unfortunately," Selene broke off on a exasperated sigh, looking towards the doors Serenity had escaped through, "the princess as you may have seen, left in such a hurry due to a.uh.family crisis I guess you could say." She finished weakly.
"Is all well, Selene?" The King enquired politely.
"Yes, yes, of course. In fact, she should be back very soon." The queen stated, mentally crossing her fingers. "It is nothing she can not handle." She assured, just in time to hear a rather large roar and a male scream outside the palace doors.
Everyone situated around the throne, whipped their heads around to the noise and then followed it to its source.