Chapter 4
It was later on in the evening and both royal families were congregated around the dinner table eating silently along with some other nobles of the Moon kingdom.
Queen Selene was placed at the head of the table. King Damius was placed to her right and Queen Vienna on her left. Sitting next to the King was the Prince Endymion while next to him was General Kunzite. Along the row were a bunch of other nobles whom belonged to the court.
To Serenity's great surprise and great disappointment, she found herself sitting opposite the prince. She cursed her bad luck. Next to her sat Mina who, mysteriously, seemed equally disheartened.
When Serenity had run out of the garden earlier, she had collided straight into Mina who seemed worried at the princess's odd behaviour. When Serenity was asked what was wrong, she did not have an answer for her.
How could she possibly explain something that she herself did not even know? How could she tell her that every time she locked eyes with the Earth Prince, her heart skipped a beat and her knees grew weak?
She was more than a little startled by Endymion's desire for her, but she was absolutely astounded by her own desire for him. This had never happened to her before. Never. It was so foreign to her that she questioned her own ability to resist it. Was it even possible?
Of course it was possible. It had to be. Otherwise.no, she could not think about it. She could not think about how if she did give into temptation, how satisfying it would be. She could not think about how it would be if his mouth were able to -
Bloody hell! Stop it, she admonished herself. She just could not think about him full stop.
Unfortunately, that was easier said than done. Tonight, when she had walked into the dining room in a sapphire coloured gown covering her body, and her hair styled neatly on top of her head, she made the mistake of looking into Endymion's eyes. And what she saw there made her step falter.
His hunger was so startlingly compelling and so evident that she stopped completely.
Luckily Mina was behind her and she nudged the princess to get her going once more, breaking the locked gazes. Serenity made sure not to look into his eyes again. When she found herself seated opposite him, she sighed in frustration and kept her eyes completely off of him. Even so, she could feel his intense gaze burning into her and she nearly gave into the desire to glance at him. Fortunately when she did, her mother had directed a question to him causing him to turn away. This gave her a chance to study him.
She found that he had also changed. He was dressed in a black and red suit, which his body filled perfectly. His hair was left dry and disheveled across his forehead. She watched his mouth as they formed words. She loved the look of his mouth. It was not too thin and not too full. Not too wide and not too small. It was just right. She could not wait too kiss them, taste them, maybe have them trail kisses down -
What the hell? She violently broke that thought before it went any further. It was around about this time that she noticed he had directed a question to her.
"Huh?" Yeah, very sophisticated Serenity. The prince's lips curved a little distracting her and making her flinch in annoyance.
"I was just inquiring what the agenda might be tomorrow?" A scowl of confusion crossed Serenity's features.
"How should I know?"
"Well, I guess I generally assumed you would be showing us around your great kingdom." One elegant eyebrow rose in question.
Serenity stared at him in disbelief. Then stated quite calmly, "Well, you know what they say about one who assumes."
"And what is that?" She licked her lips, catching his gaze.
"They make an 'ass' out of 'u' and 'me'." Once she said this, she expected the prince to become angry and irritated but instead she received quite the opposite.
He smiled with genuine amusement at her subtle insult and his eyes burned scorch marks into her lips.
Her breath caught in her throat and a jolt flew through her stomach. Somewhere along the table, the King laughed jovially, his wife frowned with confusion, General Kunzite chuckled, Mina hid a smile behind her cup, a bunch of royals looked around nervously and her mother frowned with disapproval, but none of that mattered now when he was looking at her like that.
Like he was about to ravish her, right there, right then. As if he would taste every inch of her and leave none to spare. She could barely breathe when he looked at her like that.
Luckily, the servants came in with dessert and they were all saved from what could have resulted in the dinner being swept onto the floor, two interlocked bodies on the table and a roomful of shocked people.
Dinner plates were cleared and dessert was set down. Endymion broke eye contact with the flustered princess to smile charmingly at a blushing young maid. What annoyed the princess to no end was the fact of how much that action made her heart jolt in what may be. jealousy? Good God! This was not good. Serenity narrowed her eyes as the maid's chest brazenly brushed up against Endymion's back as she leaned over him. Oh no, this was not good at all!
How dare he make her feel like this! How dare he conjure up these feelings within her that she did not even know were there. As if no matter what she did, or what she said, he would always rule the game. The game that she did not even know she played a part in. It was not how these meetings were usually done. She was the one that controlled these things. She was the one who set the rules and made them, the bewildered princes, play her way. They were the ones who blushed at a look or quivered at a smile. Not her.
Maybe something was wrong with her hormones this week. Yes, that must be it. Maybe all the frustration she had been feeling over her impending marriage decided to vent itself out through some hormonal overdrive. Yes, that was definitely it. So if that was the case, maybe that was a good enough reason for her to respond in some way? A cure for this strange sickness? Hmmm.. So perhaps, maybe she should pay him back a little. So perhaps, maybe this might be fun after all.
She decided to start by smiling enchantingly at the young male servant who set down her dessert. This made him falter and pause, nearly spilling the food all over them both.
Luckily, he recovered from his enchantment and balanced his tray out. Serenity peeked out of the corner of her eye at Endymion to find that not only was he not in the least bit perturbed; his blue eyes were dancing gaily. She frowned inwardly at how much he was not affected by this. Damn him! Well that plan was quick to fail.
"Princess, I pray you, tell me what that hostile creature was this afternoon?" The King asked as the servants cleared away from the table.
"A canandri." She said around a mouthful of food. "And I would just like to point out, it is only hostile towards stupid people who think they can handle her." So I suggest you all stay away from it, she added silently. Her mother sighed heavily at Serenity's rudeness of talking with food in her mouth.
"A canandri, you say? We do not have those on Earth."
"No shit." The princess mumbled quietly behind a spoonful of dessert.
"Pardon?" The King asked, a frown of confusion marring his handsome features.
"Nothing." Serenity replied, smiling brightly in answer.
She snuck a glance at Endymion to find his eyes alit with amusement, obviously catching on to Serenity's 'no shit' comment. She gulped at the image he made, licking the chocolate pastry off his lips, making the princess wish she could lick his lips instead, see what it might feel like to taste the food on his lips, food on his neck, maybe even food on-
Damn it Serenity. Stop! She silently scolded herself, angered at the illicit thoughts that seemed to flow through her head at the delectable image he made.
"Serenity, in answer to Prince Endymion's question earlier, I would like you to show him around the kingdom. I am sure he would not mind." The queen announced suddenly, shocking the princess into a wide-eyed, open-mouthed surprise.
Endymion's expression was one of nonchalance, showing he did not care one- way or the other. Then, smiling charmingly he replied smoothly, "No, of course I do not mind."
"Well I mind." Serenity sputtered, staring angrily at the prince and then at her mother.
"Serenity. As a respectable hostess of this kingdom, I expect you to show our guests proper courtesy. Therefore, tomorrow, you will take the prince on a tour." The steely expression on the queen's face kept Serenity from barking out and refusing the orders. She had seen that look upon her mother's face before and she knew what it meant. Her jaw hardened and her eyes dropped to the table in defeat.
"Of course, mother." She mumbled audibly enough for the table to hear.
Due to this command, something in Serenity filled up with anger. Anger at being reprimanded in front of these people, at being embarrassed and made to do something she did not want to, and yet, another part of her over inflated into a balloon of lust, where should someone pop it, her hormones would overtake her emotions and she would not be able to control the consequences that should occur. She was not particularly looking forward to the following day in any case.
Endymion on the other hand could not wait until tomorrow. He was quite eager to pay the silver-haired beauty back for the state he was left in at her untimely departure in the garden earlier. He honestly did not know what had come over him. He only knew that if he did not touch her, then and there, he would explode with desire. Perhaps his actions did seem a little rash and a bit out of character, but no matter how hard he tried, not one inch of him regretted it. He was driven by need and he was damned if he was going to ignore it.
Tonight, as she walked in to the dining room in her gown that clung to her most intimate parts, he could have murdered her for the condition she was putting his poor hormone induced anatomy through. Nobody had ever affected him this badly before. In fact, watching her eat her dessert and licking the creamy icing off her lips was complete torture. It would definitely be payback time soon.
He looked at the woman on Serenity's left. It was strange though; the acute pang of desire that Mina managed to unfurl within his being, even when this sensuous angel sat opposite him, he still felt a purging lust for the blonde girl next to her. Perhaps it was the call of a challenge that was left unanswered, due to the unexpected love from his best friend, which fired his loins. Either way, both girls were unattainable; therefore both girls were a temptation he could not refuse.
And a bet was a bet after all.
By the time Serenity made it to her bedroom she was exhausted. Physically, mentally, emotionally exhausted. Usually at night, when everyone had retired, she would sneak downstairs to the servant's quarters and play a game of cards with them. It was a regular routine she followed through with since she was fourteen.
Tonight however, she just did not have the energy. That damned arrogant prince! She thought to herself. He completely rubbed her the wrong way. A small amount of heat unfurled within her at the thought of rubbing anything with Endymion. Not only rubbing but also grind-
Would you stop? She chided tiredly. This was definitely not the time. She collapsed upon the bed with a somnolent groan. She did not even have the strength to take off her gown. If her mother could see her now, she would be scolded into the next century. Wrinkles and stains on such a fine gown would definitely not be a pleasing sight. Serenity snorted in derision. If only that were true.
She sighed in acquiescence and wearily stood up. Deciding to take off her dress and slip into her nightgown, she walked over to her wardrobe and began undressing. Taking out the pins from her hair, she let it unfold and flow down her back. The long silver strands almost reached the ground. She reached behind her and struggled with the laces of her corset. She should have known better than to have dismissed her maids, but she was so tired she just did not think.
She also should have known better than to have kept her back turned to the unlocked door. As she strived to free herself from her lace confines, two hands and a low husky voice froze her solid.
"Allow me." She was too shocked to react as Endymion's hands slipped behind her and undid her corset.
Serenity whirled around hastily; her hands flew up to cover her chest. Her mouth gaped open, as she stared up in complete horror at the amused prince. She attempted to make words but to her dismay none would come.
Blue eyes looked her up and down, darkening to the colour of thunderstorms as he took in her flushed, half-naked appearance and met her eyes directly.
Serenity's screams choked in her throat, gripping the flimsy piece of fabric to her like a lifeline. His eyebrow rose at her speechlessness.
"Well," he said, his voice a purr in the dark night. "would you like me to help you take off the rest of your clothes?" He was no more than a foot away from Serenity, sapphire eyes taking in her state of undress; her creamy skin that peaked in goose bumps to the cool night air, her long hair, shaping the tempting curves of her body, her sweet smell that drifted to his nose on the soft breeze.
Serenity stared, unable to find her voice, fingers aching. Irrationally, she thought maybe it was a hallucination brought on by her exhaustion, by the full impact of emotions that had assaulted her at the arrival of the prince.
Endymion leaned forward and kissed the hollow of her throat with his tongue.
The soft touch shattered this notion, and any other she might have entertained in that second. Serenity gasped, and shoved him away, a great heat spreading up and over her skin instantly, having nothing to do with embarrassment.
"What the hell are you doing?" She asked, her voice coming forth in a stifled whisper as she grasped the corset to her as close as possible.
Endymion just glanced at her mouth, then at her, and smirked. "Why, I just came to help the damsel in distress."
Serenity gave what sounded to be an incredulous laugh. More like help the damsel to undress. "What the hell are you doing in my room?" She squeaked out in astonishment.
Endymion shook his head. "Tsk, tsk. Such language for a young lady. I think perhaps you should put that mouth to a much better use."
As he said this, he stepped closer and lowered his head down to Serenity's only to have her scramble away from him. She walked over to her bed and grabbed her robe, pulling it tightly around her, then turned and faced him.
"Yes, I am sure that my mouth would be better used to scream for the guards." Endymion sighed and leaned back against her wardrobe, a few metres from where she stood. He still wore the same clothes he had on at dinner.
"And have them come in with you half dressed and the respected prince of Earth in your company? The scandals!" He said, putting a hand to his chest in mock horror.
"I could tell them you came in here unwelcome and touched me inappropriately. You know, the truth." She crossed her arms and lifted her chin up stubbornly. "I have done it before. I would not hesitate to do it again."
"Yes, so I have heard. Yet the circumstances this time are different, don't you think?" He stated, slowly walking towards her.
Serenity's body stiffened, nervously eyeing the prince. "No, I think they are exactly the same. One unwanted idiotic prince; one innocent, unknowing princess; four big and brutal guards who will not hesitate to kill you. So, I think the circumstances are pretty much, exactly the same. " Endymion took another step forward.
"You will not call the guards, Serenity." The way he said her name caressed its way across her skin. It almost stopped her from rising to the challenge. Almost.
"Oh really?" Her eyebrows rose in question.
"Really." His expectant expression faltered when Serenity inhaled deeply and exhaled with a large shout.
"Guar-" Her yell was cut off and muffled by Endymion's strong hand covering her mouth. He cursed softly and listened for running footsteps. When none came, he gave a surprised yelp when the princess bit his hand and shoved him away.
"Not so sure of yourself now are we?" Serenity stated smugly, watching him as he stared at her teeth marks in his hand and then glared down at her.
"You bit me." His unbelieving, soft tone had a dangerous edge to it.
"You deserved it." She said matter-of-factly. He stepped up closer to her and she stood her ground, refusing to be intimidated. "What are you doing in my room, Endymion?"
His blue eyes glinted in the darkness and Serenity had the intense feeling of being prey to a dangerous, hungry animal.
"I simply came in to wish you good night." His husky voice replied.
And before Serenity could blink, Endymion framed her face with his hands and placed his lips upon her own.
She went still, like a small animal trying to hide from a predator. Her hands came up to wrap around his wrists, grasping them in shock.
He wanted to crush her mouth with his, hard, hot and demanding, yet strained to gentle the kiss. Her lips opened on a gasp and that was enough for his tongue to plunge in and seek hers. Heat roared through him, white- hot and urgent. His entire body tightened with the need to cover and enter.
It was then she began kissing him back. The movement of her lips and tongue were tentative, almost shy at first, and then a low moan vibrated in her throat and her hands slid down his arms, gripping the crease at his elbows. The pressure of his lips quickly intensified and his hands tangled in her hair, tilting her head back plunging his tongue in deeper.
He gave a low groan as she strained upwards, she felt herself slipping away on a wave of unparalleled sensual desire.
Then suddenly, it was over.
He lifted his head and gazed at her half closed eyes and heated cheeks. His thumb swept over her swollen lips and, as if a reassurance to himself, he bent down again and sucked on her lower lip once more before pulling away.
Stunned, Serenity could only stare at him.
"Goodnight." His husky voice said before turning and walking toward the door, shutting it behind him.
And then it was like the room had suddenly filled up with air. Serenity drew in a ragged breath and closed her eyes in wonderment. Her fingers came up to her mouth, touching the aching lips craving for his touch.
It was the single most incredible experience she had ever had, leaving her knees weak and her heart beating rapidly. Never had such a small amount of time made such a monumental impact within her life.
His kiss left her body yearning for more. For his hands and mouth to soothe the throbbing tingling beneath her skin.
His kiss shattered any concept of ever ignoring her feelings for him. It strengthened them to a mighty roar.
She wanted more.
Lying on his bed, Endymion stared up at the ceiling. Sleep evaded him. He was left thinking about all the events that had happened that day.
First, with his arrival and the shock of meeting an enchantress for a moon princess, not to mention seeing the beautiful Mina once again; Then the encounter in the gardens, where the reasons for his actions continued to elude him; Right up till tonight with the kiss.
He could still taste her on his lips.
He had no idea what possessed him to kiss her like that. Actually, that was a lie. He knew exactly what possessed him to kiss her like that; lust. Pure, unadulterated lust. Lust that could knock the wind from his lungs and set his body aflame. Lust that left the ache to see her, touch her so raw, he could do nothing but obey the need and go to her. Yet, he had not planned to kiss her.
Especially not like that.
And when he did, he had been completely unprepared for the impact of that kiss. That captivating young temptress had responded so achingly it almost pushed him over the edge.
Luckily, somewhere within the confines of that sensual interlude he managed to regain his senses somewhat and prevent the moment from exceeding further. The last thing he needed was to be kicked off the planet by a distraught mother because of one night of mind-blowing passion that deflowered her innocent daughter.
He knew she wanted him, and he knew he could have had her, but the time was not right. He did not doubt that that was her first kiss and she would not have accused him of taking advantage of her if he had taken it any further, because eventually that is what she would have wanted and afterwards, she would have hated him for it. She would have hated herself for it. And for some unimaginable reason, that did not settle too well with him. He did not want to make her hate him or make her hurt at all. He did not know why, but somehow, the thought of causing her any pain was extremely unsettling.
He frowned in irritation. Since when did I care about how a woman felt?
Evidently, since now.
It was later on in the evening and both royal families were congregated around the dinner table eating silently along with some other nobles of the Moon kingdom.
Queen Selene was placed at the head of the table. King Damius was placed to her right and Queen Vienna on her left. Sitting next to the King was the Prince Endymion while next to him was General Kunzite. Along the row were a bunch of other nobles whom belonged to the court.
To Serenity's great surprise and great disappointment, she found herself sitting opposite the prince. She cursed her bad luck. Next to her sat Mina who, mysteriously, seemed equally disheartened.
When Serenity had run out of the garden earlier, she had collided straight into Mina who seemed worried at the princess's odd behaviour. When Serenity was asked what was wrong, she did not have an answer for her.
How could she possibly explain something that she herself did not even know? How could she tell her that every time she locked eyes with the Earth Prince, her heart skipped a beat and her knees grew weak?
She was more than a little startled by Endymion's desire for her, but she was absolutely astounded by her own desire for him. This had never happened to her before. Never. It was so foreign to her that she questioned her own ability to resist it. Was it even possible?
Of course it was possible. It had to be. Otherwise.no, she could not think about it. She could not think about how if she did give into temptation, how satisfying it would be. She could not think about how it would be if his mouth were able to -
Bloody hell! Stop it, she admonished herself. She just could not think about him full stop.
Unfortunately, that was easier said than done. Tonight, when she had walked into the dining room in a sapphire coloured gown covering her body, and her hair styled neatly on top of her head, she made the mistake of looking into Endymion's eyes. And what she saw there made her step falter.
His hunger was so startlingly compelling and so evident that she stopped completely.
Luckily Mina was behind her and she nudged the princess to get her going once more, breaking the locked gazes. Serenity made sure not to look into his eyes again. When she found herself seated opposite him, she sighed in frustration and kept her eyes completely off of him. Even so, she could feel his intense gaze burning into her and she nearly gave into the desire to glance at him. Fortunately when she did, her mother had directed a question to him causing him to turn away. This gave her a chance to study him.
She found that he had also changed. He was dressed in a black and red suit, which his body filled perfectly. His hair was left dry and disheveled across his forehead. She watched his mouth as they formed words. She loved the look of his mouth. It was not too thin and not too full. Not too wide and not too small. It was just right. She could not wait too kiss them, taste them, maybe have them trail kisses down -
What the hell? She violently broke that thought before it went any further. It was around about this time that she noticed he had directed a question to her.
"Huh?" Yeah, very sophisticated Serenity. The prince's lips curved a little distracting her and making her flinch in annoyance.
"I was just inquiring what the agenda might be tomorrow?" A scowl of confusion crossed Serenity's features.
"How should I know?"
"Well, I guess I generally assumed you would be showing us around your great kingdom." One elegant eyebrow rose in question.
Serenity stared at him in disbelief. Then stated quite calmly, "Well, you know what they say about one who assumes."
"And what is that?" She licked her lips, catching his gaze.
"They make an 'ass' out of 'u' and 'me'." Once she said this, she expected the prince to become angry and irritated but instead she received quite the opposite.
He smiled with genuine amusement at her subtle insult and his eyes burned scorch marks into her lips.
Her breath caught in her throat and a jolt flew through her stomach. Somewhere along the table, the King laughed jovially, his wife frowned with confusion, General Kunzite chuckled, Mina hid a smile behind her cup, a bunch of royals looked around nervously and her mother frowned with disapproval, but none of that mattered now when he was looking at her like that.
Like he was about to ravish her, right there, right then. As if he would taste every inch of her and leave none to spare. She could barely breathe when he looked at her like that.
Luckily, the servants came in with dessert and they were all saved from what could have resulted in the dinner being swept onto the floor, two interlocked bodies on the table and a roomful of shocked people.
Dinner plates were cleared and dessert was set down. Endymion broke eye contact with the flustered princess to smile charmingly at a blushing young maid. What annoyed the princess to no end was the fact of how much that action made her heart jolt in what may be. jealousy? Good God! This was not good. Serenity narrowed her eyes as the maid's chest brazenly brushed up against Endymion's back as she leaned over him. Oh no, this was not good at all!
How dare he make her feel like this! How dare he conjure up these feelings within her that she did not even know were there. As if no matter what she did, or what she said, he would always rule the game. The game that she did not even know she played a part in. It was not how these meetings were usually done. She was the one that controlled these things. She was the one who set the rules and made them, the bewildered princes, play her way. They were the ones who blushed at a look or quivered at a smile. Not her.
Maybe something was wrong with her hormones this week. Yes, that must be it. Maybe all the frustration she had been feeling over her impending marriage decided to vent itself out through some hormonal overdrive. Yes, that was definitely it. So if that was the case, maybe that was a good enough reason for her to respond in some way? A cure for this strange sickness? Hmmm.. So perhaps, maybe she should pay him back a little. So perhaps, maybe this might be fun after all.
She decided to start by smiling enchantingly at the young male servant who set down her dessert. This made him falter and pause, nearly spilling the food all over them both.
Luckily, he recovered from his enchantment and balanced his tray out. Serenity peeked out of the corner of her eye at Endymion to find that not only was he not in the least bit perturbed; his blue eyes were dancing gaily. She frowned inwardly at how much he was not affected by this. Damn him! Well that plan was quick to fail.
"Princess, I pray you, tell me what that hostile creature was this afternoon?" The King asked as the servants cleared away from the table.
"A canandri." She said around a mouthful of food. "And I would just like to point out, it is only hostile towards stupid people who think they can handle her." So I suggest you all stay away from it, she added silently. Her mother sighed heavily at Serenity's rudeness of talking with food in her mouth.
"A canandri, you say? We do not have those on Earth."
"No shit." The princess mumbled quietly behind a spoonful of dessert.
"Pardon?" The King asked, a frown of confusion marring his handsome features.
"Nothing." Serenity replied, smiling brightly in answer.
She snuck a glance at Endymion to find his eyes alit with amusement, obviously catching on to Serenity's 'no shit' comment. She gulped at the image he made, licking the chocolate pastry off his lips, making the princess wish she could lick his lips instead, see what it might feel like to taste the food on his lips, food on his neck, maybe even food on-
Damn it Serenity. Stop! She silently scolded herself, angered at the illicit thoughts that seemed to flow through her head at the delectable image he made.
"Serenity, in answer to Prince Endymion's question earlier, I would like you to show him around the kingdom. I am sure he would not mind." The queen announced suddenly, shocking the princess into a wide-eyed, open-mouthed surprise.
Endymion's expression was one of nonchalance, showing he did not care one- way or the other. Then, smiling charmingly he replied smoothly, "No, of course I do not mind."
"Well I mind." Serenity sputtered, staring angrily at the prince and then at her mother.
"Serenity. As a respectable hostess of this kingdom, I expect you to show our guests proper courtesy. Therefore, tomorrow, you will take the prince on a tour." The steely expression on the queen's face kept Serenity from barking out and refusing the orders. She had seen that look upon her mother's face before and she knew what it meant. Her jaw hardened and her eyes dropped to the table in defeat.
"Of course, mother." She mumbled audibly enough for the table to hear.
Due to this command, something in Serenity filled up with anger. Anger at being reprimanded in front of these people, at being embarrassed and made to do something she did not want to, and yet, another part of her over inflated into a balloon of lust, where should someone pop it, her hormones would overtake her emotions and she would not be able to control the consequences that should occur. She was not particularly looking forward to the following day in any case.
Endymion on the other hand could not wait until tomorrow. He was quite eager to pay the silver-haired beauty back for the state he was left in at her untimely departure in the garden earlier. He honestly did not know what had come over him. He only knew that if he did not touch her, then and there, he would explode with desire. Perhaps his actions did seem a little rash and a bit out of character, but no matter how hard he tried, not one inch of him regretted it. He was driven by need and he was damned if he was going to ignore it.
Tonight, as she walked in to the dining room in her gown that clung to her most intimate parts, he could have murdered her for the condition she was putting his poor hormone induced anatomy through. Nobody had ever affected him this badly before. In fact, watching her eat her dessert and licking the creamy icing off her lips was complete torture. It would definitely be payback time soon.
He looked at the woman on Serenity's left. It was strange though; the acute pang of desire that Mina managed to unfurl within his being, even when this sensuous angel sat opposite him, he still felt a purging lust for the blonde girl next to her. Perhaps it was the call of a challenge that was left unanswered, due to the unexpected love from his best friend, which fired his loins. Either way, both girls were unattainable; therefore both girls were a temptation he could not refuse.
And a bet was a bet after all.
By the time Serenity made it to her bedroom she was exhausted. Physically, mentally, emotionally exhausted. Usually at night, when everyone had retired, she would sneak downstairs to the servant's quarters and play a game of cards with them. It was a regular routine she followed through with since she was fourteen.
Tonight however, she just did not have the energy. That damned arrogant prince! She thought to herself. He completely rubbed her the wrong way. A small amount of heat unfurled within her at the thought of rubbing anything with Endymion. Not only rubbing but also grind-
Would you stop? She chided tiredly. This was definitely not the time. She collapsed upon the bed with a somnolent groan. She did not even have the strength to take off her gown. If her mother could see her now, she would be scolded into the next century. Wrinkles and stains on such a fine gown would definitely not be a pleasing sight. Serenity snorted in derision. If only that were true.
She sighed in acquiescence and wearily stood up. Deciding to take off her dress and slip into her nightgown, she walked over to her wardrobe and began undressing. Taking out the pins from her hair, she let it unfold and flow down her back. The long silver strands almost reached the ground. She reached behind her and struggled with the laces of her corset. She should have known better than to have dismissed her maids, but she was so tired she just did not think.
She also should have known better than to have kept her back turned to the unlocked door. As she strived to free herself from her lace confines, two hands and a low husky voice froze her solid.
"Allow me." She was too shocked to react as Endymion's hands slipped behind her and undid her corset.
Serenity whirled around hastily; her hands flew up to cover her chest. Her mouth gaped open, as she stared up in complete horror at the amused prince. She attempted to make words but to her dismay none would come.
Blue eyes looked her up and down, darkening to the colour of thunderstorms as he took in her flushed, half-naked appearance and met her eyes directly.
Serenity's screams choked in her throat, gripping the flimsy piece of fabric to her like a lifeline. His eyebrow rose at her speechlessness.
"Well," he said, his voice a purr in the dark night. "would you like me to help you take off the rest of your clothes?" He was no more than a foot away from Serenity, sapphire eyes taking in her state of undress; her creamy skin that peaked in goose bumps to the cool night air, her long hair, shaping the tempting curves of her body, her sweet smell that drifted to his nose on the soft breeze.
Serenity stared, unable to find her voice, fingers aching. Irrationally, she thought maybe it was a hallucination brought on by her exhaustion, by the full impact of emotions that had assaulted her at the arrival of the prince.
Endymion leaned forward and kissed the hollow of her throat with his tongue.
The soft touch shattered this notion, and any other she might have entertained in that second. Serenity gasped, and shoved him away, a great heat spreading up and over her skin instantly, having nothing to do with embarrassment.
"What the hell are you doing?" She asked, her voice coming forth in a stifled whisper as she grasped the corset to her as close as possible.
Endymion just glanced at her mouth, then at her, and smirked. "Why, I just came to help the damsel in distress."
Serenity gave what sounded to be an incredulous laugh. More like help the damsel to undress. "What the hell are you doing in my room?" She squeaked out in astonishment.
Endymion shook his head. "Tsk, tsk. Such language for a young lady. I think perhaps you should put that mouth to a much better use."
As he said this, he stepped closer and lowered his head down to Serenity's only to have her scramble away from him. She walked over to her bed and grabbed her robe, pulling it tightly around her, then turned and faced him.
"Yes, I am sure that my mouth would be better used to scream for the guards." Endymion sighed and leaned back against her wardrobe, a few metres from where she stood. He still wore the same clothes he had on at dinner.
"And have them come in with you half dressed and the respected prince of Earth in your company? The scandals!" He said, putting a hand to his chest in mock horror.
"I could tell them you came in here unwelcome and touched me inappropriately. You know, the truth." She crossed her arms and lifted her chin up stubbornly. "I have done it before. I would not hesitate to do it again."
"Yes, so I have heard. Yet the circumstances this time are different, don't you think?" He stated, slowly walking towards her.
Serenity's body stiffened, nervously eyeing the prince. "No, I think they are exactly the same. One unwanted idiotic prince; one innocent, unknowing princess; four big and brutal guards who will not hesitate to kill you. So, I think the circumstances are pretty much, exactly the same. " Endymion took another step forward.
"You will not call the guards, Serenity." The way he said her name caressed its way across her skin. It almost stopped her from rising to the challenge. Almost.
"Oh really?" Her eyebrows rose in question.
"Really." His expectant expression faltered when Serenity inhaled deeply and exhaled with a large shout.
"Guar-" Her yell was cut off and muffled by Endymion's strong hand covering her mouth. He cursed softly and listened for running footsteps. When none came, he gave a surprised yelp when the princess bit his hand and shoved him away.
"Not so sure of yourself now are we?" Serenity stated smugly, watching him as he stared at her teeth marks in his hand and then glared down at her.
"You bit me." His unbelieving, soft tone had a dangerous edge to it.
"You deserved it." She said matter-of-factly. He stepped up closer to her and she stood her ground, refusing to be intimidated. "What are you doing in my room, Endymion?"
His blue eyes glinted in the darkness and Serenity had the intense feeling of being prey to a dangerous, hungry animal.
"I simply came in to wish you good night." His husky voice replied.
And before Serenity could blink, Endymion framed her face with his hands and placed his lips upon her own.
She went still, like a small animal trying to hide from a predator. Her hands came up to wrap around his wrists, grasping them in shock.
He wanted to crush her mouth with his, hard, hot and demanding, yet strained to gentle the kiss. Her lips opened on a gasp and that was enough for his tongue to plunge in and seek hers. Heat roared through him, white- hot and urgent. His entire body tightened with the need to cover and enter.
It was then she began kissing him back. The movement of her lips and tongue were tentative, almost shy at first, and then a low moan vibrated in her throat and her hands slid down his arms, gripping the crease at his elbows. The pressure of his lips quickly intensified and his hands tangled in her hair, tilting her head back plunging his tongue in deeper.
He gave a low groan as she strained upwards, she felt herself slipping away on a wave of unparalleled sensual desire.
Then suddenly, it was over.
He lifted his head and gazed at her half closed eyes and heated cheeks. His thumb swept over her swollen lips and, as if a reassurance to himself, he bent down again and sucked on her lower lip once more before pulling away.
Stunned, Serenity could only stare at him.
"Goodnight." His husky voice said before turning and walking toward the door, shutting it behind him.
And then it was like the room had suddenly filled up with air. Serenity drew in a ragged breath and closed her eyes in wonderment. Her fingers came up to her mouth, touching the aching lips craving for his touch.
It was the single most incredible experience she had ever had, leaving her knees weak and her heart beating rapidly. Never had such a small amount of time made such a monumental impact within her life.
His kiss left her body yearning for more. For his hands and mouth to soothe the throbbing tingling beneath her skin.
His kiss shattered any concept of ever ignoring her feelings for him. It strengthened them to a mighty roar.
She wanted more.
Lying on his bed, Endymion stared up at the ceiling. Sleep evaded him. He was left thinking about all the events that had happened that day.
First, with his arrival and the shock of meeting an enchantress for a moon princess, not to mention seeing the beautiful Mina once again; Then the encounter in the gardens, where the reasons for his actions continued to elude him; Right up till tonight with the kiss.
He could still taste her on his lips.
He had no idea what possessed him to kiss her like that. Actually, that was a lie. He knew exactly what possessed him to kiss her like that; lust. Pure, unadulterated lust. Lust that could knock the wind from his lungs and set his body aflame. Lust that left the ache to see her, touch her so raw, he could do nothing but obey the need and go to her. Yet, he had not planned to kiss her.
Especially not like that.
And when he did, he had been completely unprepared for the impact of that kiss. That captivating young temptress had responded so achingly it almost pushed him over the edge.
Luckily, somewhere within the confines of that sensual interlude he managed to regain his senses somewhat and prevent the moment from exceeding further. The last thing he needed was to be kicked off the planet by a distraught mother because of one night of mind-blowing passion that deflowered her innocent daughter.
He knew she wanted him, and he knew he could have had her, but the time was not right. He did not doubt that that was her first kiss and she would not have accused him of taking advantage of her if he had taken it any further, because eventually that is what she would have wanted and afterwards, she would have hated him for it. She would have hated herself for it. And for some unimaginable reason, that did not settle too well with him. He did not want to make her hate him or make her hurt at all. He did not know why, but somehow, the thought of causing her any pain was extremely unsettling.
He frowned in irritation. Since when did I care about how a woman felt?
Evidently, since now.