Back at last! Miracles DO happen! Enjoy! As always, thanks for the reviews!

Note: This was supposed to be a songfic chapter. But once again, stupid new rules have meant I've had to remove the lyrics. Unfortunately, I don't have an unedited version posted anywhere else, but if you would like to see that version, please email me and I will send it to you.

Thanks!

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Chapter 25

Endymion stood at the alter, Kunzite beside him. He was wearing a suit of golden armour, a family heirloom passed down through the generations. His father had worn it when he had married his mother, and his father before him. The armour had been polished until it gleamed like the sun, the reflection bouncing off and illuminating his eyes and hair. He shone, as only a true Prince of Earth could.

Looking around him, he saw that the massive cathedral was rapidly filling up, as the guests arrived from all over Earth and the Solar System. It was an unprecedented event, the joining of the Earth and Moon Kingdoms. He smiled nervously at Kunzite as more and more guests filed in and were seated. It seemed to him to be taking forever, despite the best efforts of the attendants. But at last all was ready and all they needed to do was to wait for Serena to arrive.

Maggie and Jessica were standing by the doors, resplendent and looking like princesses themselves in lilac gowns of finest silk. They carried bouquets of white and lilac roses and additional flowers were entwined in their hair. As the sound of a carriage was heard outside, they slipped out of the doors, while Endymion waited for his bride.

The prince started as the great doors were slowly opened. He looked up - and his heart stopped in his chest. Serena stood there, looking to his eyes, like a goddess. He was almost in awe of her, surpassingly beautiful in her wedding gown. The pure white dress fitted snugly at the top, while the skirt billowed like a cloud around her. A silver tiara sparkled on her head and the strange double-bunned hairstyle suited her perfectly.

Serena smiled as she saw him at the far end of the aisle. She was every bit as stunned by him as he was by her, even in the ceremonial armour he had worn previously; he had not looked so magnificent.

The music started and she made her way slowly down the aisle with Nephlite, followed by Maggie and Jessica. Endymion took a step down, extending his hand to her as he approached him. She slipped her gloved hand into his, meeting his eyes as she did so and smiling softly at the love she saw there. Together they stepped up to the altar, where the priest was waiting.

He bowed to the couple and began to speak. "We have come today to join two whose love is stronger than I have ever seen before. Their love has changed two worlds forever. It has vanquished evil and even defied death. Today we pray that they now find eternal happiness and lead us, their people, into a new era of peace." He smiled at them, taking their hands in his. Quietly, he began the ceremony, calling for their union to be blessed, even though he knew it must already be so.

They kept their eyes on each other as they exchanged vows, pledging their love in life and death. All knew them to be speaking the truth, for they had already proved it.
Only when the time came to exchange the rings did they break their gaze, lovingly sliding the gold and silver bands onto each other's fingers. Then finally the priest said the words they had feared they would never hear:
"I proclaim you now, husband and wife!"
Cheers broke out from the guests, getting louder as Endymion swept Serena into his arms and kissed her. Serena kissed him in return, before pulling back and grinning. "We did it! We actually got married!" He laughed, hugging her tightly. "Yes, we did! Now, let us start enjoying it!" Grabbing her hand, he all but ran down the aisle, pulling his laughing bride along with him.

They left the cathedral, to be showered by confetti thrown by friends and family. Smiles on their faces, they reached the carriage, Endymion delighting in helping his new wife in. To the cheers and greetings from well-wishers they rode away, back to the palace where a grand reception-ball was to be held in their honour.

The carriage moved slowly, allowing the others to get there before them and also giving the newly-weds a precious few moments alone. For Endymion, that would be the most memorable part of the day, just the two of them sharing a moment to peace. He wrapped his arms around her and she leaned into his embrace, resting her head on his chest, her hands still wrapped around the rose bouquet. Noticing that the flowers were beginning to look a little tired, he touched them, a slight golden glow coming from his hand. The flowers brightened up immediately and Serena was delighted. "I love you." He told her, kissing her softly. "I love you too." She replied, kissing him back. "So much."
She cuddled up to him and the rest of the journey was spent in content silence.

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There were many waiting when they arrived at the palace. They entered the room arm-in-arm; faces alight with happiness. Up to the King and Queen of Earth they walked, to receive the final blessing. Sol smiled at his son. No longer at odds with his choice of the servant girl turned Princess, he was fully prepared to welcome her into the family.

Endymion bowed to his father as Serena curtsied. They watched as Sol stepped up to them, Gaia behind him, Queen Serenity just a step away. "My Son," Sol began, "You stand before me with the one who would rule by your side. A servant by upbringing, a princess by birth. At first I did not approve, until I saw the depth of your love. You are as one heart, one soul. So I say to you - you have my blessing! May your lives be long and full of joy." The King turned to face the people who filled the room. "My people, I give to you Endymion and Serena, Prince and Princess of the Earth and Moon!"

Cheers filled the room as they formally accepted the wedding of their Prince. The newlyweds blushed, acknowledging as many as they could as they stepped hand-in-hand onto the dance floor. At a signal from the King, the cheering stopped and the music started. As the couple came to stand in the middle of the ballroom, the singing began.

Endymion held her close, love in his eyes and joy in his heart as he danced with his bride. That they were here, together, was almost beyond belief. He swore he'd never forget this day.

Serena leaned comfortably against him, their feet moving in time with the music. She never tired of being close to him, of the reassurance of knowing that he was really by her side.

They would never part. Not in life or death, this was their destiny. They had proved their devotion to each other time and again, now they would have their reward. The depth of their love was boundless and would never fail.

They remained in each other's arms after the song had ended. They hardly even noticed as other couples filed onto the floor to dance around them. On and on they danced, all the songs running into each other as they remained in their own little world. It was not until Sol came up and tapped Endymion on the shoulder that they remembered that there were others present. "We must speak to our guests." Endymion said softly. Serena nodded, too dazed by the dancing to say much, and allowed him to lead her from the dance floor.

Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice besides her.
"Hello, Serena." The voice said. Serena turned to the speaker - and gasped in shock.
"Matron!" She cried, throwing herself into the older woman's arms. "I did not think you were coming!" Matron laughed, hugging Serena warmly. "I would not miss this! I arrived late last night!" Serena understood, it was a lot of work, running an orphanage. She grinned. "Have I made you proud, Matron?" Her eyes sparkled as she asked the question. "Serena, no one has ever made me prouder!" Matron replied, smiling broadly. "I am so happy for you!" Reaching out, Serena pulled her husband over. "Endymion, this is the Matron of the Orphanage I grew up in."
The prince bowed. "A please to meet you, dear Lady." Matron blushed, dipping in a clumsy curtsey. "Thank you, your highness, the pleasure is mine. My best wishes to you and Serena." Endymion would have said more, but was cut off as Serena spotted the Moon Queen nearby.

"Mother!" She rushed to her. "Mother, this is the Matron of my Orphanage. She is the one who raised me."
Serenity turned to the woman, looking at her with eternal gratitude. "Thank you." she said simply. "I am forever in your debt. You did a wonderful job of raising my daughter. "
Matron smiled. "It was an honour, your majesty. She was always a lovely girl."

Serena leaned back against Endymion, smiling in pure contentment. She was surrounded by all the people she loved most, and she felt utterly complete. The future was as bright as the sun now; she could hardly wait for the new phase in her life to begin.

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The rest of the day was filled with dancing, speeches and excellent food. Serena was overwhelmed by the amount of well-wishers and the lack of those who resented her. She grew increasingly confident that she could indeed be the princess that everyone wanted.

At last the reception ended and Endymion and Serena once more got into the carriage that would take them to a private location for a wonderful two-month honeymoon and a quiet place to start their new lives together. The future had arrived.

End Chapter 25

TO BE CONCLUDED!

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