A/N: If you haven't already realized, there was no proper way for me to separate the chapter. Normally I do it so that there's suspense…but I guess there's none now. Sorry guys, but please keep reading!

That afternoon at the brunch Princess Serenity's presence was missed. Endymion had attempted to coax her out of her moon but was only met with muffled cries. To cover for his foolish little brother he had told his mother and Queen Selenity that the Princess was tired and was taking a nap. Queen Selenity had been upset with her daughter until Endymion told her that it was his fault. He covered by explaining they'd played a vigorous game of tag and had insisted that she rest for a little while. The Queen had accepted that.

Once the meal was over Duo went straight to Serenity's room to apologize yet she wasn't there. Scratching the back of his head he absently wandered the palace halls. When he was nearing the glass doors that led to the gardens he came to a halt. His mood saddened as he laid eyes upon a family portrait of Serenity and her parents. Her father was sitting down, Queen Selenity by his side with a hand on his shoulder. Their warmth seemed to radiate from the picture. Then there was Serenity. She sat on her father's lap, a broad smile upon her four-year-old face. Her joy permeated the shield around his heart and he felt himself feeling as if he wanted to cry.

Tearing his vision from the captivating yet heart-wrenching portrait he made his way into the gardens. It took quite some time but he was able to find her in the moon lily garden. She was seated on a white marble bench, curled into a little ball. But she wasn't alone. Her head lay in Endymion's lap while he stroked her silken hair. Just as he was about to make his presence known her voice drifted to his ears.

"He's a horrid boy." Tears still streamed down her cheeks.

"He didn't know any better Sere, honestly. Give him a chance to apologize." Her delicate eyebrows furrowed together as she pouted.

"No. I don't like him. Ever since he laid eyes on me he's hated me. He's a spoiled brat and I hate him too!" Her voice cracked as she shouted.

"Don't hate Serenity, it doesn't do anyone any good. Duo is a good kid when he wants to be."

"I don't care." Sighing Endymion continued to stroke her head. Duo gathered his pride and his disappointment.

"Endymion? Let's go! Mom's ready to leave!" He walked into the garden as if he hadn't heard a thing. Serenity glared at him as they stood to walk back and he simply ignored her. For some reason it bothered him that she hated him. The walk back to the throne room was enveloped in silence. Endymion walked in front of Duo, Serenity by his side. The sight of them angered Duo. His brother was always the good guy. He could do no wrong.

"Ah, there you boys are. It's time to head back home."

"Yes mother." Endymion went to join his mother but was stopped as Serenity grasped him in a fierce hug.

"Don't leave!" Smiling softly he knelt in front of her, embracing her tightly. Tipping her face up he then wiped away her tears.

"I'll be back soon Sere. Won't I mother?" He turned to his mother for verification.

"Of course. That is, if Selenity will have us." The two women smiled at one another. Selenity then turned her gaze to Endymion and her daughter.

"He'll be back in two weeks sweetie. Don't worry about it." Serenity lowered her head.

"Okay." Endymion smiled and stood, ruffling her hair in the process.

"See you soon squirt." Serenity blushed as Earth's royal family filed out the side door to the transport room. Tears gathered in her eyes and quickly dispersed when she remembered he would be coming back. Jumping up she ran to the transmitter room to call her senshi. She couldn't wait to tell them about her encounter with the princes of Earth. Rae would be so jealous!