Hey people! Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long but here's the next
chapter! Once again a big thanks to my fabulous editor, love u girl!!
Please leave a review, I'd love to know what u think or any suggestions u
might have!
To: SilverMo, moon,gates, slaying. Sailor-Nekawaii, Silver Hawk Angel, Lady of Enchantment, Chyna: First of all thankyou so much for all your kind words, I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long for this chapter, your reviews really gave me the inspiration to write..so thankyou once again.
To: secrets: It meant so much to me to read your review, I love fanfiction and I know how hard it is to come by a good story, I'm hounored for you to have placed me in that category.
Deadly Diva: Thankyou, I think if you're the future heir of a kingdom you have to be storng, so go us!! Hehe
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Never trust those who inhabit the planet of Earth. They may appear sincere, caring almost, but all their motives are drowned in selfish desires. They seduce us, lure us into the unknown with the promise of mystery. Enigmatic they may be but they are not to be trusted. Under no circumstances allow yourselves to fall into their hands.
From the diary of King Aura II Emperor of the Moon.
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The first thing I remember was waking up feeling my limbs being slowly devoured in a soft feather mattress. Sweet smells tantalised my senses. For a few moments I was in pure bliss and completely content with my situation.
Then I remembered the events of the night before.
As I bolted upright a sharp pain raced from my head down to my toes. As I closed my eyes I could feel strong hands push me back into the bed. I opened my eyes hastily only to be meet with Artemis's grey eyes peering down on me.
"You are not yet well enough to sit up."
"The man...is he?" I could feel my voice crack, and tears well up in my eyes.
"He is fine. Damien used his healing powers to make sure he was well." I closed my eyes as the relief washed over me.
"I do not know what came over me." It was a blatant lie, and not a very good one at that. I knew very well the reasons for my actions. What I did not know was how I had been provoked to such extremes. It was only then that the strangeness of the situation occurred to me. Why was I being rewarded when I was to be dismissed? I studied Artemis's face and to my amazement there were rings present under his eyes. His hair was slightly out of place.
"What has happened?" I looked at him with dread in my eyes. To my surprise a small smile formed on his lips.
"An event of great significance. One which I have been waiting for my whole life." This was defiantly not what I had expected, it was of course obvious to me that he had discovered the identity of the Galaxy Knight. I was curious to know who the Promised Knight was, but his identity destroyed any sense of security I had.
"May I inquire as to the identity of The Galaxy Knight?" A puzzled look slowly spread across his face, it was quickly replaced by his usual calm expression.
"I am sure you are well aware that the Galaxy Knight possesses a golden aura. In moments of great anger this aura can be made visible to the plain eye through the iris changing colour." I nodded my head, indicating that I understood. "Well, when you lost control in the market place for a brief moment your eyes were gold."
It took a few moments for his words to register in my mind. After long minutes when the his meaning finally dawned on me it seemed utterly ludicrous.
In many ways it still does.
"That is not possible." I replied using all my self control to stop myself from laughing.
"Why is it not so? Your skills with sword are undisputed, your magic remarkable. I'm beginning to believe that I was blind not to detect it earlier."
"But I'm a woman!" The words left my mouth without my consent. I could feel myself pale as I saw his eyes darken.
"If this is your idea of being amusing Sean." His voice held a deep warning that was verging on the edge of a threat.
I don't know why after all these years I blurted out my deepest secret. But it was the only way for me to prove to him that I was not what he believed me to be. I took a deep breath this time fully aware of what I was risking. I knew what the consequences would be. Then again a large part of me didn't care.
I was always a strange one. Asking me to explain my actions is often futile. My motives are often unknown even to myself.
"I assure you my Lord that what I just told you was a statement of fact."
I had never witnessed Artemis loose his composure the way he did that morning. His features became riddled with rage. His jaw was pressed together so tightly that I was afraid that any more force would cause it to shatter.
"Guards!" He yelled the command, the sound of his voice bouncing of the walls caused me to jump. A small plump man staggered into the room and at the sight of an Artemis in high rage he began trembling. I couldn't blame him. "Bring the priest here." His eyes remained on me as he whispered the words. A chill went down my spine. I could see the effort it took him to maintain his composure in the face of a revelation such as this. The guard scurried out hurriedly.
Long moments passed. Artemis slowly paced up and down the small room. I could hear him swearing quietly under his breath. Every now and then he would glance at me. I could feel his eyes burning into my soul. The rage intermingled with disbelief was rolling off him in angry waves.
"You summoned me my Lord?" The priest asked timidly. He was a little man, quite chubby with a good natured face. He had lost most of his dark hair yet his eyes still held undiminished intelligence. Artemis slowly faced him and straightened his posture.
"Check him. Inform me if you find anything peculiar." With that he stormed out of the room and slammed the door.
Never before did I feel so venerable, or so uncertain of what was to become of me.
My feelings would have been quite different had I been aware of the prediction of the prophecy of the Promised Knights:
"The fifth knight shall rise; unlike any other the world has previously seen."
Once the examination was complete the priest looked grimly at me.
"I shall pray for you my child, for I would not wish Artemis's wrath on the devil himself."
Slowly I willed myself out of bed. After my years of training under the command of Artemis I had become well acquainted with his disposition. I knew very well that the moment he returned into the room he would demand to know my real identity. I had to stand up to him in order to regain his respect. I would not allow him to dismiss me on grounds so trivial as my sex.
I stood beside the bed with my head held high.
And waited.
I watched as the old oak door opened, screeching in pain as its joints where pushed out. Artemis's eyes were grim, his jaw set firmly. I was mesmerised with his hair, slowly waving with every step he took. His normally pale complexion had now become ghostly. He stopped a meter away from me.
"Who are you?" It was not the yell that I had expected, but a defeated whisper. No more was there authority behind his words. He let his eyes meet with mine, almost pleading for an answer.
I knew I could only tell him the truth.
I could not speak. The walls of my mouth had become as dry as the deserts of the Earth. My breath as scarce as a black rose. I slowly ran my tongue along my lips willing myself to speak yet no words came. For long moments silence hung between us. Then I was finally able to gather my courage.
"I am Serenity, daughter of King Aura II, Princess of the Moon."
There was no longer any surprise riddled in his features. His complexion did not pale anymore at my declaration. He closed his eyes gently and after long moments a silent sigh escaped his lips.
"It is as I suspected."
His words caught me off guard I did not know how to reply. Fortunately he did not require one.
"We shall leave for the Moon Palace at dawn. There you shall be presented to your mother, her royal majesty the Queen. She shall decide your fate, for I cannot."
"You believe me guilty of what she accused me of." I whispered the words not being able to mask the hurt and betrayal that I felt.
"Quite on the contrary. I believe you are innocent. Although now I realise that you are capable of great deception, the years I have studied your character would not allow me to believe you capable of killing your father Sean" He took a moment and corrected himself. "My apologies, Princess."
"You need not apologise to me, nor address me by a title that I gave up years ago. I may have royal blood running through my veins, but I have no title. I am nothing more than an outlaw, who has trained to be a knight. So if you address me my Lord I request you use the title sir and nothing more."
"That is my concern. You may be female but that only further confirms that you are indeed the Promised Knight I have been searching for. Ask me not how at the moment, but I am obliged to take you the Queen. She is not foolish enough to kill the most powerful knight under her command." His features were growing more weary by the moment, his shoulders slouching slightly due to the weight that had been placed on them. Silently he turned his back on me and walked with heavy steps towards the oak door.
"Have you been able to identify the other Promised Knights?" I asked quietly as he reached for the handle. I was unable to see the small smile that danced on his lips at the question, but I knew it was there.
"It seems that your group of friends were destined for each other. Malachite is the Fighter, his calm countenance will help him fulfil his duties. Jadeite is the Warrior, I would keep an eye on that one as I am sure you are well aware his temper can cause a good deal of trouble. Nephrite is the Defender, his powers of illusion will be of great use to you, of that I am certain. Zoicite is the Protector, his intelligence is unrivalled in the realm. I do not need to tell you how valuable that is. Finally your brother is the Healer, a man destined never to fight but only to serve others. Especially his younger sister."
With those words he abandoned me to the cold arms of solitude. Only then did I consider how my identity would affect my friends. How it would hurt my brother. My heart ached. Yet all I could do was wait.
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Jadeite watched with detached eyes as the girl scurried around the room gathering her clothes. He took the bottle of brandy in his trembling hands and slowly poured himself yet another glass. Drowning the contents quickly he allowed its rich taste to grant him gratification. He did not hear the girl leave his room as he was too busy contemplating the flames within the fire place. For a moment he allowed to flames to comfort him with their warmth. Yet his anger soon returned. In his rage he threw the glass into the flames and watched as they roared appreciatively. He resumed his seat and took the bottle of brandy from its resting place. For a few moments he caressed the glass with his fingers, admiring its texture. He then placed it to his lips and filled his mouth yet again with the bitter yellow liquid.
His senses were too numbed to realise that Malachite had entered his room. Nor did he notice that his friend's usual rigid demeanour was even more stiff, his eyes a little more cold.
Malachite shook his head as he noticed his friend's blood shot eyes and detected the smell of sex in the room. Slowly he took the brandy out of his hands and placed it out of his reach. His friend was too drunk to fight.
"So I see Artemis has told you." Malachite's voice was bitter as he spat the words. Jadeite slowly lifted his head, but it seemed that his neck could not contain its weight.
"Bah." was the only meaningful word he could string together. They sat in silence for hours, Malachite making sure that Jadeite could not access any more alcohol. He held his head as Jadeite released the toxin from his stomach.
"How could he...she..." The alcohol had loosened his tongue and left him unable to control his emotions. Tears swam in Jadeite's blue eyes and spilled freely on his white cheeks. Malachite slowly helped his friend to bed, watching as he fell into a troubled sleep. Only then did he have time to confront his own feelings of anger and betrayal.
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It was past midnight and I was attempting to read a book. I could not sleep for my nerves were on edge, anticipating what would happen tomorrow. I once again tried to commit myself to the novel yet my concentration was broken by the sound of footsteps. I closed the book and listened intently. The footsteps grew louder with each passing moment.
My door floor open. I spun around about to protest my outrage when my eyes fell on Damien. I could feel a lump growing in my throat. I had left my hair out, the gold ringlets now fell to the small of my back. I had also left my chest unbound. I could feel his eyes studying me for long moments. I wanted him to yell, to scream, to do anything. The ominous silence was excruciating. His hair was wild, his eyes ablaze. For a moment I closed my eyes attempting to regain my composure. When I opened them he was no more than a few inches away from me. A small smile began to dance on his lips, he pulled me into his arms and gave me a violent hug.
"You're safe, you're here." He murmured the words over and over again. After long minutes he pushed me away from him. His hands were still resting on my shoulders, his eyes gazing into my own. Then I noticed that his complexion was no longer so pale, his countenance no longer so worn.
"Don't you dare ever scare me like that again. At the moment I'm too thankful that you are okay to scold you about keeping your identity from me. No matter what you think the Queen would do." I looked at him amazed. "I know you better than you may think kid." I smiled at him and embraced him yet again.
"You don't know what it did to me to see you that night." My emotions overwhelmed me at that moment. He gently brushed away a tear with his thumb.
"It does not matter. You are safe. You are safe Serenity. I'm sure that was our father's last wish." The mention of our father broke any form of composure I had. So I indulged in a luxury I had not had for many years. I cried in the arms of my beloved brother.
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The journey to the Queen's palace was a silent one. Jadeite and Malachite would not so much as look at me. Damien rode beside me at times reminding me that things would be alright. Zoicite and Nephrite had been courteous but even they had the mark of betrayal in their eyes.
"Let us stop for a few moments. I believe the horses are growing weary." Artemis instructed quietly. I secured my horse to a nearby tree as I approached Jadeite. He hurriedly left towards the bushes. I started to follow him when I felt a firm hand on my shoulder.
"Give him time." I slowly turned to look at Malachite, his tone had not held a request but a command.
"Will you not even look at me?" His head snapped up and I could feel his angry eyes burn into my soul.
"I found him last night on the brink of drinking himself to death." Malachite whispered furiously. "You know his disposition as well as I. Do not provoke him." He hissed the words.
"What about you. For all these years you have never confronted me with anything. Say what you will Malachite but have the courage to say it." I knew I was testing his patience, yet it was also the only way to communicate with him.
"And after all these years you never deemed us worthy of knowing this secret. That you are an outlaw with a bounty of god knows what on your head? Is your folly so great that it blinded you to all the dangers that surrounded you? Or did you just associate us with the Queen?" He had not made an attempt to mask the venom in his voice.
"I was attempting to protect you. Surely I do not have to explain my reasons for that." His eyes pierced my own looking to see if I was telling him the truth. His amethyst eyes darkened slightly. He took a deep breath and once again returned to his emotionless mask. He opened his mouth to say something but did not.
"I had not considered it. Yet with that statement I cannot forget this easily. That can only be achieved with time." His words were cold and they were the last he uttered as he returned to his horse. Yet they caused a smile to dance on my lips. He had not forgotten. But he had forgiven and that was all I desired.
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When we resumed our journey I silently rode alongside Jadeite.
"Running away was never your style."
A smirk creased his lips. "Perhaps." He replied with cold disdain. His reaction had surprised me, and forced me to change tactics.
"I heard you have taken to the drink again. Are you wholly devoid of sense or do you just take delight in vexing me?" The change in his demeanour was instantaneous. His eyes flashed with anger.
"What I choose to consume is none of your business, you..." He saw the smile in my eyes and the words died on his lips. After a few long moments he sighed. "You know me too well."
"It was never hard to gain a reaction from you."
"It least I am not made of ice."
"I am quite proud to be made of ice. It allows me to take any form I wish. Liquid, solid or gas."
"Pity about the solid. From all I've seen you seem no more than liquid and gas."
"Better to be made of gas than nothing at all." I could see that he was attempting to hide a smile.
"This does not mean we are friends Serenity." I smiled, his meaning was beyond clear.
"Of course not sir, please do not insult me with the idea of forming an acquaintance with you." He shook his head and smiled.
"I was a fool to believe you had changed." His eyes were now glowing with mirth.
"Well that is not new, I've been telling you for years that you didn't have any common sense." After the comment I caught Damien's gaze, the smirk on his lips clearly said 'I told you so.'
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Once we had reached the palace Artemis told me that he had informed the Queen of the discovery of the Promised Knights. There was to be a ball that night in their honour. He insisted that I wear a dress and that I be presented as a Princess.
Till this day I know not how they convinced me to go through with it.
Upon reaching my chambers I found a soft cream coloured silk dress. I let my fingers run along the soft material. Next to it was placed a note. It was, as I expected, from Artemis informing me that he and the others would meet me in the ball room. Slowly I slipped the dress on. I summoned a maid to assist me with my hair. She was quite puzzled and I told her that I was the Galaxy Knight's companion. She smiled and graciously tied my hair in a half bun allowing some of the ringlets to fall loosely around my shoulders.
"You are enchanting my lady." I blushed at her comment. Almost instantaneously I was angered with myself. I was already becoming weak at the hands of a simple white dress.
As you would assume at this time I was blissfully unaware of the on goings at the ball room. Believe me if I had known I might have avoided it entirely.
And I assure you, it would not have been on account of the Queen.
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"Where is she?" Jaedite whispered to Malachite, the worry evident in his tone. He allowed his gaze to fall on Damien. He looked regal sitting on a small throne next to the overbearing one of the Queen. While he was perfectly composed his brows were subtly arched indicating that he too was worried.
"Jadeite you have been asking that non stop for the past twenty minutes. If you so much as think of asking again I shall strangle you here with my bare hands." Malachite whispered furiously. Jadeite sighed, defeated. His eyes wandered over the ball room and rested on the Queen. No one could deny that she was beautiful. Yet her beauty was superficial, her taunt skin too much like marble, her rouged lips to overdone. He shifted his gaze quickly. Her very presence was unnerving.
"I have a strange feeling about tonight." Nephrite whispered. His long auburn hair had been tied firmly accentuating his pronounced features. Jadeite slowly studied the green eyes of his friend. At times he felt threatened by the mysticism present in those eyes. It scared him even more that he was starting to believe that he could talk to the stars.
"The Princesses of the Planets have not made their entrance yet. I would find it unusual indeed if Serenity was enounced at the ball before them." Zoicite added. Jaedite groaned. The man even made the most trivial expressions seem like a phrase from an academic textbook.
As if on que the first Princess was announced. All four men turned simultaneously to the staircase. And an angel stood there clad in a dress of turquoise blue, a shade slightly lighter then her hair. Her eyes were a deep sapphire and sparked with intelligence. Zoicite could feel himself pulled to her for some unknown reason. He didn't realise that he was smiling or that his face had lit up at the sight of her. Unfortunately for him he was the only one out of the four men that didn't realise this.
"Why, is it possible that our dear Zoi has finally reached puberty?" Nephrite teased. However the words were barely out of his mouth when a sight caused him to forgot all words. Zoicite and the others followed his gaze to the staircase. There stood a tall young woman, her brown hair flowing down her back with a green Greek style dress covering her curves.
"You were saying?" Zoicite whispered.
"The Princess Rei of Mars." Jadeite could feel the anger bubbling in his being threatening to break loose at any moment. Malachite's hand served as a warning for him to keep his composure. He stared at her silently with cold hatred. Yet he could not prevent his eyes from roaming on the blood red satin dress the clung to her like a second skin. He swore to himself quietly, hating that his body was already reacting to her.
The last Princess was announced, and while Malachite admired her figure and beauty he could not help but think that she was just another spoilt princess concerned with nothing more than herself and her perfectly manicured fingers.
He could not have been more wrong.
"It cannot be." Nephrite whispered.
"It is." Jaedite sneered.
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"What is it Rei?" Mina demanded of Rei, her tone conveying her annoyance. She followed the fiery princesse's gaze to a very handsome blonde man who looked like an Athenian God.
"I'll kill him...Mars Power-"
"No!" Ami's words caused her to stop. "Not here. And not before you tell us why." Rei took a deep breath. She could feel the fire surging through her veins. If not for her friends she would have torn him limb from limb.
"I'm sure you all remember the circumstances surrounding my brother's murder. A young man killed him in cold blood claiming it was revenge for the blood of his kin. Blood that was never spilt by Martians." A single tear slid down her cheek. The other remained silent. Without warning she broke away from her friends and came face to face with Jadeite.
"How dare you show yourself here." Her features had become riddled with rage, the mere sight of him was provoking too many emotions within her. Many she was not willing to acknowledge.
"I believe we have not been formally introduced. My name is Jaedite de Lioncourt." He replied, his voice flat, a cynical look in his eyes. He could feel his friends form a circle around him.
"I do not acquaint myself with murderers." She spat the words. Kunzite was the one who restrained Jadeite from attacking the foolish girl.
"It takes one to know one." Lita quickly took hold of Rei's wrist before she could slap the man before her.
"Keep out of our way, or else we will not be responsible for our actions." Lita sneered. They were about to move away from the enraged group of men when the announce's voice caused them to stop dead in their tracks.
"Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom."
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I took a deep breath as the door opened. There must have been over 500 courtiers in the hall and it seemed that not one of the was even drawing breath. My instincts were screaming at me to run away. I almost did. That was before my eyes fell on the Queen.
I calmly walked down the stairs holding my head high.
"Hello mother." My voice echoed off the walls. My tone had been harshly cold yet it had been well deserved. I watched as her features slowly twisted with hatred. She rose furiously from her throne trembling with anger.
"Guards, seize this insolent creature at once! You shall not live to see dawn!" The Queen had sneered at me. Her words made not a single impression on me. I stared at her coldly. I observed the guards coming closer through the corner of my eye. I knew very well that I could annihilate them easily if need be.
"No." The command was not yelled but simply given as a statement of fact. Its rich wine like texture no doubt belonged to Rei. She calmly stepped forward and placed herself between myself and The Queen. It was not long before the scouts and the Promised Knights had formed a tight wall between me and her.
"Kill them all." The Queen ordered, no a trace of emotion present in her voice.
"Will you kill the heir to the throne? The protectors of your crown and the Legendary Knights that are destined to protect your kingdom?" The voice belonged to Damien, he slowly stepped away from the throne and stood beside me taking my hand in his. His words were cold and firm. For a moment the Queen was stunned into defeat. Then a scream of rage escaped her lips and she left the room in a furious mess. Damien turned toward the crowd.
"Please let us continue the festivities. The Queen I dare say is felling a little ill." He had uttered the words with such conviction that I almost believed his words were true. I felt Rei's arms wrap around me immediately.
"Someone is playing for attention."
"Like you can talk Pyro." I embraced her warmly. Some things never change.
The girls swept me away to a silent corner. I was trying desperately to enjoy myself yet something was not right. I had the distinct impression someone was watching me.
"Did I tell you Serenity, the Prince of Earth is here." She instantly had my attention.
"The Earth?" I whispered with rage. "My father forbade them from ever coming to this court again. How dare she disobey him like this!"
"Well it is not all bad, at least he has given us something very pleasant to look at." I couldn't help but smile at this. No one could ever maintain anger around Mina.
"Some whisper that he lacks a soul, that he traded it for his handsome features." Rei whispered, a sly smile on her face.
"Do they indeed?" I will admit I was beginning to be very intrigued by this man.
"It would not surprise me if he was the devil himself. There's something inhuman about that man, he never shows any emotion and is heartless to the women who love him. And I assure you there have been many." Lita whispered.
"They say that no woman is immune to his charm." Rei returned. The man was becoming more appealing with every passing minute.
"Enough about the prince of Earth...I want to know about those dashing men with you." I smiled at Mina's comment and answered her questions as she slowly interrogated me about the silver haired knight.
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After spending an hour or so with my friends I had walked out onto the balcony in search of solitude. The air was crisp and the night calm. I gazed at the vast kingdom of the Moon. It extended to the very horizon and then seemed to disappear. It had been a very emotionally taxing night. A gentle sigh escaped my lips as I slowly tilted my head to feel the soft breeze on my hair. I was too wrapped up in my own thoughts to realise there was another presence on the balcony.
"Hello lover." The whisper was like a soft caress and caused a shiver to run down my spine. It awakened many emotions, emotions that I had been desperately trying to forget. I turned my head slightly and recognised him instantly. His face was hidden in the shadows, his tall form leaning lazily on the wall, his hands crossed carelessly against his chest.
"My Lord." I whispered quietly, trying to regain my composure. It had never occurred to me that he would be a member of my mother's court. I prayed that he would not remember the kiss we had shared.
As always it was in vain.
"You have grown." The words were simple, but I caught a glimpse of a mocking smile on his lips. I swore quietly. He took slow steps towards me. His movements had a panther-like grace. His face was a beautiful piece of chiselled marble. His dark blue tunic was embroidered with silver designs accentuating every taunt muscle of his broad chest, while emphasising his unearthly eyes. A jewelled sword lay at his slim waist while knee high black leather boots adorned his feet.
I couldn't breathe.
"I believe that I have the advantage over you." He closed the remaining distance between us with two strides. He leaned down so that our lips were almost touching. The mere proximity of him was intoxicating. "I am Endymion, Crown Prince of the Earth." He ever so slowly took my hand and graced it with a kiss. I moved slightly away from him, desperate for some distance.
"Your reputation precedes you." A sly smile graced his lips.
"Does it indeed?" He asked, his tone implying that he had no knowledge of what I was talking of. His eyes conveyed quite the opposite.
"Why, I have heard that you are a seducer, that you have no soul that you are..."
"The very devil himself." He moved behind me as he whispered the words, letting his warm breath crease my skin. "A reputation that is only rivalled by your own." He let his hands rest on my shoulders. "An outlawed princess who has become a knight." He let the tips of his fingers trace down my arms. "A rumoured seductress that some would swear a saint." His movements were almost enough to elicit a moan from my lips.
Almost.
"Why did you run away that day?" I remained silent. He smiled at the challenge. "Where you afraid?" He let his lips gently brush the bare skin of my neck. I turned around quickly, facing him. I could not let myself submit to him, for I knew that I would loose myself only too easily.
"Never."
Besides, I did not trust the man. My father's warning of his kind rang clear in my ears.
I could not yet admit that I didn't trust men.
I looked into his eyes only to witness the mischief dancing in them, a self assured smile was playing on his lips.
"I understand that it is entirely beyond your comprehension that a woman could resist you."
So I was also enjoying the game. He was my equal, not like all the other men I had been intimate with, who had fallen to their knees with profusions of love. This was a man, and I intended to be the one to seduce him. It wasn't a sin.
Much.
I turned on my heel and took a step to move away from him. I felt his arm wrap around my waist and pull me back into his embrace. Before I could even utter a word his lips came down on mine hard and possessively. The kiss was executed expertly and was demanding beyond belief. For the first few seconds all I could do was melt in his kiss. Then I could feel the passion and anger running violently through my veins and I kissed him back with the same hunger. In return his hold on me tightened, each of us fighting for the upper hand, yet being matched equal in every way. He broke the kiss abruptly. I stared at him, we were both out of breath and slightly dazed from the intensity of the kiss.
"Do you still intend on resisting me?" His arrogance was infuriating.
"Always." With that I walked very quickly back to the ball room.
"Serenity." He issued my name almost as a command. I stoped but I did not turn.
"I will have you, make no mistake about that." I reassumed my journey, seeming to ignore his words completely.
So it began...
To: SilverMo, moon,gates, slaying. Sailor-Nekawaii, Silver Hawk Angel, Lady of Enchantment, Chyna: First of all thankyou so much for all your kind words, I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long for this chapter, your reviews really gave me the inspiration to write..so thankyou once again.
To: secrets: It meant so much to me to read your review, I love fanfiction and I know how hard it is to come by a good story, I'm hounored for you to have placed me in that category.
Deadly Diva: Thankyou, I think if you're the future heir of a kingdom you have to be storng, so go us!! Hehe
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Never trust those who inhabit the planet of Earth. They may appear sincere, caring almost, but all their motives are drowned in selfish desires. They seduce us, lure us into the unknown with the promise of mystery. Enigmatic they may be but they are not to be trusted. Under no circumstances allow yourselves to fall into their hands.
From the diary of King Aura II Emperor of the Moon.
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The first thing I remember was waking up feeling my limbs being slowly devoured in a soft feather mattress. Sweet smells tantalised my senses. For a few moments I was in pure bliss and completely content with my situation.
Then I remembered the events of the night before.
As I bolted upright a sharp pain raced from my head down to my toes. As I closed my eyes I could feel strong hands push me back into the bed. I opened my eyes hastily only to be meet with Artemis's grey eyes peering down on me.
"You are not yet well enough to sit up."
"The man...is he?" I could feel my voice crack, and tears well up in my eyes.
"He is fine. Damien used his healing powers to make sure he was well." I closed my eyes as the relief washed over me.
"I do not know what came over me." It was a blatant lie, and not a very good one at that. I knew very well the reasons for my actions. What I did not know was how I had been provoked to such extremes. It was only then that the strangeness of the situation occurred to me. Why was I being rewarded when I was to be dismissed? I studied Artemis's face and to my amazement there were rings present under his eyes. His hair was slightly out of place.
"What has happened?" I looked at him with dread in my eyes. To my surprise a small smile formed on his lips.
"An event of great significance. One which I have been waiting for my whole life." This was defiantly not what I had expected, it was of course obvious to me that he had discovered the identity of the Galaxy Knight. I was curious to know who the Promised Knight was, but his identity destroyed any sense of security I had.
"May I inquire as to the identity of The Galaxy Knight?" A puzzled look slowly spread across his face, it was quickly replaced by his usual calm expression.
"I am sure you are well aware that the Galaxy Knight possesses a golden aura. In moments of great anger this aura can be made visible to the plain eye through the iris changing colour." I nodded my head, indicating that I understood. "Well, when you lost control in the market place for a brief moment your eyes were gold."
It took a few moments for his words to register in my mind. After long minutes when the his meaning finally dawned on me it seemed utterly ludicrous.
In many ways it still does.
"That is not possible." I replied using all my self control to stop myself from laughing.
"Why is it not so? Your skills with sword are undisputed, your magic remarkable. I'm beginning to believe that I was blind not to detect it earlier."
"But I'm a woman!" The words left my mouth without my consent. I could feel myself pale as I saw his eyes darken.
"If this is your idea of being amusing Sean." His voice held a deep warning that was verging on the edge of a threat.
I don't know why after all these years I blurted out my deepest secret. But it was the only way for me to prove to him that I was not what he believed me to be. I took a deep breath this time fully aware of what I was risking. I knew what the consequences would be. Then again a large part of me didn't care.
I was always a strange one. Asking me to explain my actions is often futile. My motives are often unknown even to myself.
"I assure you my Lord that what I just told you was a statement of fact."
I had never witnessed Artemis loose his composure the way he did that morning. His features became riddled with rage. His jaw was pressed together so tightly that I was afraid that any more force would cause it to shatter.
"Guards!" He yelled the command, the sound of his voice bouncing of the walls caused me to jump. A small plump man staggered into the room and at the sight of an Artemis in high rage he began trembling. I couldn't blame him. "Bring the priest here." His eyes remained on me as he whispered the words. A chill went down my spine. I could see the effort it took him to maintain his composure in the face of a revelation such as this. The guard scurried out hurriedly.
Long moments passed. Artemis slowly paced up and down the small room. I could hear him swearing quietly under his breath. Every now and then he would glance at me. I could feel his eyes burning into my soul. The rage intermingled with disbelief was rolling off him in angry waves.
"You summoned me my Lord?" The priest asked timidly. He was a little man, quite chubby with a good natured face. He had lost most of his dark hair yet his eyes still held undiminished intelligence. Artemis slowly faced him and straightened his posture.
"Check him. Inform me if you find anything peculiar." With that he stormed out of the room and slammed the door.
Never before did I feel so venerable, or so uncertain of what was to become of me.
My feelings would have been quite different had I been aware of the prediction of the prophecy of the Promised Knights:
"The fifth knight shall rise; unlike any other the world has previously seen."
Once the examination was complete the priest looked grimly at me.
"I shall pray for you my child, for I would not wish Artemis's wrath on the devil himself."
Slowly I willed myself out of bed. After my years of training under the command of Artemis I had become well acquainted with his disposition. I knew very well that the moment he returned into the room he would demand to know my real identity. I had to stand up to him in order to regain his respect. I would not allow him to dismiss me on grounds so trivial as my sex.
I stood beside the bed with my head held high.
And waited.
I watched as the old oak door opened, screeching in pain as its joints where pushed out. Artemis's eyes were grim, his jaw set firmly. I was mesmerised with his hair, slowly waving with every step he took. His normally pale complexion had now become ghostly. He stopped a meter away from me.
"Who are you?" It was not the yell that I had expected, but a defeated whisper. No more was there authority behind his words. He let his eyes meet with mine, almost pleading for an answer.
I knew I could only tell him the truth.
I could not speak. The walls of my mouth had become as dry as the deserts of the Earth. My breath as scarce as a black rose. I slowly ran my tongue along my lips willing myself to speak yet no words came. For long moments silence hung between us. Then I was finally able to gather my courage.
"I am Serenity, daughter of King Aura II, Princess of the Moon."
There was no longer any surprise riddled in his features. His complexion did not pale anymore at my declaration. He closed his eyes gently and after long moments a silent sigh escaped his lips.
"It is as I suspected."
His words caught me off guard I did not know how to reply. Fortunately he did not require one.
"We shall leave for the Moon Palace at dawn. There you shall be presented to your mother, her royal majesty the Queen. She shall decide your fate, for I cannot."
"You believe me guilty of what she accused me of." I whispered the words not being able to mask the hurt and betrayal that I felt.
"Quite on the contrary. I believe you are innocent. Although now I realise that you are capable of great deception, the years I have studied your character would not allow me to believe you capable of killing your father Sean" He took a moment and corrected himself. "My apologies, Princess."
"You need not apologise to me, nor address me by a title that I gave up years ago. I may have royal blood running through my veins, but I have no title. I am nothing more than an outlaw, who has trained to be a knight. So if you address me my Lord I request you use the title sir and nothing more."
"That is my concern. You may be female but that only further confirms that you are indeed the Promised Knight I have been searching for. Ask me not how at the moment, but I am obliged to take you the Queen. She is not foolish enough to kill the most powerful knight under her command." His features were growing more weary by the moment, his shoulders slouching slightly due to the weight that had been placed on them. Silently he turned his back on me and walked with heavy steps towards the oak door.
"Have you been able to identify the other Promised Knights?" I asked quietly as he reached for the handle. I was unable to see the small smile that danced on his lips at the question, but I knew it was there.
"It seems that your group of friends were destined for each other. Malachite is the Fighter, his calm countenance will help him fulfil his duties. Jadeite is the Warrior, I would keep an eye on that one as I am sure you are well aware his temper can cause a good deal of trouble. Nephrite is the Defender, his powers of illusion will be of great use to you, of that I am certain. Zoicite is the Protector, his intelligence is unrivalled in the realm. I do not need to tell you how valuable that is. Finally your brother is the Healer, a man destined never to fight but only to serve others. Especially his younger sister."
With those words he abandoned me to the cold arms of solitude. Only then did I consider how my identity would affect my friends. How it would hurt my brother. My heart ached. Yet all I could do was wait.
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Jadeite watched with detached eyes as the girl scurried around the room gathering her clothes. He took the bottle of brandy in his trembling hands and slowly poured himself yet another glass. Drowning the contents quickly he allowed its rich taste to grant him gratification. He did not hear the girl leave his room as he was too busy contemplating the flames within the fire place. For a moment he allowed to flames to comfort him with their warmth. Yet his anger soon returned. In his rage he threw the glass into the flames and watched as they roared appreciatively. He resumed his seat and took the bottle of brandy from its resting place. For a few moments he caressed the glass with his fingers, admiring its texture. He then placed it to his lips and filled his mouth yet again with the bitter yellow liquid.
His senses were too numbed to realise that Malachite had entered his room. Nor did he notice that his friend's usual rigid demeanour was even more stiff, his eyes a little more cold.
Malachite shook his head as he noticed his friend's blood shot eyes and detected the smell of sex in the room. Slowly he took the brandy out of his hands and placed it out of his reach. His friend was too drunk to fight.
"So I see Artemis has told you." Malachite's voice was bitter as he spat the words. Jadeite slowly lifted his head, but it seemed that his neck could not contain its weight.
"Bah." was the only meaningful word he could string together. They sat in silence for hours, Malachite making sure that Jadeite could not access any more alcohol. He held his head as Jadeite released the toxin from his stomach.
"How could he...she..." The alcohol had loosened his tongue and left him unable to control his emotions. Tears swam in Jadeite's blue eyes and spilled freely on his white cheeks. Malachite slowly helped his friend to bed, watching as he fell into a troubled sleep. Only then did he have time to confront his own feelings of anger and betrayal.
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It was past midnight and I was attempting to read a book. I could not sleep for my nerves were on edge, anticipating what would happen tomorrow. I once again tried to commit myself to the novel yet my concentration was broken by the sound of footsteps. I closed the book and listened intently. The footsteps grew louder with each passing moment.
My door floor open. I spun around about to protest my outrage when my eyes fell on Damien. I could feel a lump growing in my throat. I had left my hair out, the gold ringlets now fell to the small of my back. I had also left my chest unbound. I could feel his eyes studying me for long moments. I wanted him to yell, to scream, to do anything. The ominous silence was excruciating. His hair was wild, his eyes ablaze. For a moment I closed my eyes attempting to regain my composure. When I opened them he was no more than a few inches away from me. A small smile began to dance on his lips, he pulled me into his arms and gave me a violent hug.
"You're safe, you're here." He murmured the words over and over again. After long minutes he pushed me away from him. His hands were still resting on my shoulders, his eyes gazing into my own. Then I noticed that his complexion was no longer so pale, his countenance no longer so worn.
"Don't you dare ever scare me like that again. At the moment I'm too thankful that you are okay to scold you about keeping your identity from me. No matter what you think the Queen would do." I looked at him amazed. "I know you better than you may think kid." I smiled at him and embraced him yet again.
"You don't know what it did to me to see you that night." My emotions overwhelmed me at that moment. He gently brushed away a tear with his thumb.
"It does not matter. You are safe. You are safe Serenity. I'm sure that was our father's last wish." The mention of our father broke any form of composure I had. So I indulged in a luxury I had not had for many years. I cried in the arms of my beloved brother.
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The journey to the Queen's palace was a silent one. Jadeite and Malachite would not so much as look at me. Damien rode beside me at times reminding me that things would be alright. Zoicite and Nephrite had been courteous but even they had the mark of betrayal in their eyes.
"Let us stop for a few moments. I believe the horses are growing weary." Artemis instructed quietly. I secured my horse to a nearby tree as I approached Jadeite. He hurriedly left towards the bushes. I started to follow him when I felt a firm hand on my shoulder.
"Give him time." I slowly turned to look at Malachite, his tone had not held a request but a command.
"Will you not even look at me?" His head snapped up and I could feel his angry eyes burn into my soul.
"I found him last night on the brink of drinking himself to death." Malachite whispered furiously. "You know his disposition as well as I. Do not provoke him." He hissed the words.
"What about you. For all these years you have never confronted me with anything. Say what you will Malachite but have the courage to say it." I knew I was testing his patience, yet it was also the only way to communicate with him.
"And after all these years you never deemed us worthy of knowing this secret. That you are an outlaw with a bounty of god knows what on your head? Is your folly so great that it blinded you to all the dangers that surrounded you? Or did you just associate us with the Queen?" He had not made an attempt to mask the venom in his voice.
"I was attempting to protect you. Surely I do not have to explain my reasons for that." His eyes pierced my own looking to see if I was telling him the truth. His amethyst eyes darkened slightly. He took a deep breath and once again returned to his emotionless mask. He opened his mouth to say something but did not.
"I had not considered it. Yet with that statement I cannot forget this easily. That can only be achieved with time." His words were cold and they were the last he uttered as he returned to his horse. Yet they caused a smile to dance on my lips. He had not forgotten. But he had forgiven and that was all I desired.
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When we resumed our journey I silently rode alongside Jadeite.
"Running away was never your style."
A smirk creased his lips. "Perhaps." He replied with cold disdain. His reaction had surprised me, and forced me to change tactics.
"I heard you have taken to the drink again. Are you wholly devoid of sense or do you just take delight in vexing me?" The change in his demeanour was instantaneous. His eyes flashed with anger.
"What I choose to consume is none of your business, you..." He saw the smile in my eyes and the words died on his lips. After a few long moments he sighed. "You know me too well."
"It was never hard to gain a reaction from you."
"It least I am not made of ice."
"I am quite proud to be made of ice. It allows me to take any form I wish. Liquid, solid or gas."
"Pity about the solid. From all I've seen you seem no more than liquid and gas."
"Better to be made of gas than nothing at all." I could see that he was attempting to hide a smile.
"This does not mean we are friends Serenity." I smiled, his meaning was beyond clear.
"Of course not sir, please do not insult me with the idea of forming an acquaintance with you." He shook his head and smiled.
"I was a fool to believe you had changed." His eyes were now glowing with mirth.
"Well that is not new, I've been telling you for years that you didn't have any common sense." After the comment I caught Damien's gaze, the smirk on his lips clearly said 'I told you so.'
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Once we had reached the palace Artemis told me that he had informed the Queen of the discovery of the Promised Knights. There was to be a ball that night in their honour. He insisted that I wear a dress and that I be presented as a Princess.
Till this day I know not how they convinced me to go through with it.
Upon reaching my chambers I found a soft cream coloured silk dress. I let my fingers run along the soft material. Next to it was placed a note. It was, as I expected, from Artemis informing me that he and the others would meet me in the ball room. Slowly I slipped the dress on. I summoned a maid to assist me with my hair. She was quite puzzled and I told her that I was the Galaxy Knight's companion. She smiled and graciously tied my hair in a half bun allowing some of the ringlets to fall loosely around my shoulders.
"You are enchanting my lady." I blushed at her comment. Almost instantaneously I was angered with myself. I was already becoming weak at the hands of a simple white dress.
As you would assume at this time I was blissfully unaware of the on goings at the ball room. Believe me if I had known I might have avoided it entirely.
And I assure you, it would not have been on account of the Queen.
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"Where is she?" Jaedite whispered to Malachite, the worry evident in his tone. He allowed his gaze to fall on Damien. He looked regal sitting on a small throne next to the overbearing one of the Queen. While he was perfectly composed his brows were subtly arched indicating that he too was worried.
"Jadeite you have been asking that non stop for the past twenty minutes. If you so much as think of asking again I shall strangle you here with my bare hands." Malachite whispered furiously. Jadeite sighed, defeated. His eyes wandered over the ball room and rested on the Queen. No one could deny that she was beautiful. Yet her beauty was superficial, her taunt skin too much like marble, her rouged lips to overdone. He shifted his gaze quickly. Her very presence was unnerving.
"I have a strange feeling about tonight." Nephrite whispered. His long auburn hair had been tied firmly accentuating his pronounced features. Jadeite slowly studied the green eyes of his friend. At times he felt threatened by the mysticism present in those eyes. It scared him even more that he was starting to believe that he could talk to the stars.
"The Princesses of the Planets have not made their entrance yet. I would find it unusual indeed if Serenity was enounced at the ball before them." Zoicite added. Jaedite groaned. The man even made the most trivial expressions seem like a phrase from an academic textbook.
As if on que the first Princess was announced. All four men turned simultaneously to the staircase. And an angel stood there clad in a dress of turquoise blue, a shade slightly lighter then her hair. Her eyes were a deep sapphire and sparked with intelligence. Zoicite could feel himself pulled to her for some unknown reason. He didn't realise that he was smiling or that his face had lit up at the sight of her. Unfortunately for him he was the only one out of the four men that didn't realise this.
"Why, is it possible that our dear Zoi has finally reached puberty?" Nephrite teased. However the words were barely out of his mouth when a sight caused him to forgot all words. Zoicite and the others followed his gaze to the staircase. There stood a tall young woman, her brown hair flowing down her back with a green Greek style dress covering her curves.
"You were saying?" Zoicite whispered.
"The Princess Rei of Mars." Jadeite could feel the anger bubbling in his being threatening to break loose at any moment. Malachite's hand served as a warning for him to keep his composure. He stared at her silently with cold hatred. Yet he could not prevent his eyes from roaming on the blood red satin dress the clung to her like a second skin. He swore to himself quietly, hating that his body was already reacting to her.
The last Princess was announced, and while Malachite admired her figure and beauty he could not help but think that she was just another spoilt princess concerned with nothing more than herself and her perfectly manicured fingers.
He could not have been more wrong.
"It cannot be." Nephrite whispered.
"It is." Jaedite sneered.
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"What is it Rei?" Mina demanded of Rei, her tone conveying her annoyance. She followed the fiery princesse's gaze to a very handsome blonde man who looked like an Athenian God.
"I'll kill him...Mars Power-"
"No!" Ami's words caused her to stop. "Not here. And not before you tell us why." Rei took a deep breath. She could feel the fire surging through her veins. If not for her friends she would have torn him limb from limb.
"I'm sure you all remember the circumstances surrounding my brother's murder. A young man killed him in cold blood claiming it was revenge for the blood of his kin. Blood that was never spilt by Martians." A single tear slid down her cheek. The other remained silent. Without warning she broke away from her friends and came face to face with Jadeite.
"How dare you show yourself here." Her features had become riddled with rage, the mere sight of him was provoking too many emotions within her. Many she was not willing to acknowledge.
"I believe we have not been formally introduced. My name is Jaedite de Lioncourt." He replied, his voice flat, a cynical look in his eyes. He could feel his friends form a circle around him.
"I do not acquaint myself with murderers." She spat the words. Kunzite was the one who restrained Jadeite from attacking the foolish girl.
"It takes one to know one." Lita quickly took hold of Rei's wrist before she could slap the man before her.
"Keep out of our way, or else we will not be responsible for our actions." Lita sneered. They were about to move away from the enraged group of men when the announce's voice caused them to stop dead in their tracks.
"Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom."
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I took a deep breath as the door opened. There must have been over 500 courtiers in the hall and it seemed that not one of the was even drawing breath. My instincts were screaming at me to run away. I almost did. That was before my eyes fell on the Queen.
I calmly walked down the stairs holding my head high.
"Hello mother." My voice echoed off the walls. My tone had been harshly cold yet it had been well deserved. I watched as her features slowly twisted with hatred. She rose furiously from her throne trembling with anger.
"Guards, seize this insolent creature at once! You shall not live to see dawn!" The Queen had sneered at me. Her words made not a single impression on me. I stared at her coldly. I observed the guards coming closer through the corner of my eye. I knew very well that I could annihilate them easily if need be.
"No." The command was not yelled but simply given as a statement of fact. Its rich wine like texture no doubt belonged to Rei. She calmly stepped forward and placed herself between myself and The Queen. It was not long before the scouts and the Promised Knights had formed a tight wall between me and her.
"Kill them all." The Queen ordered, no a trace of emotion present in her voice.
"Will you kill the heir to the throne? The protectors of your crown and the Legendary Knights that are destined to protect your kingdom?" The voice belonged to Damien, he slowly stepped away from the throne and stood beside me taking my hand in his. His words were cold and firm. For a moment the Queen was stunned into defeat. Then a scream of rage escaped her lips and she left the room in a furious mess. Damien turned toward the crowd.
"Please let us continue the festivities. The Queen I dare say is felling a little ill." He had uttered the words with such conviction that I almost believed his words were true. I felt Rei's arms wrap around me immediately.
"Someone is playing for attention."
"Like you can talk Pyro." I embraced her warmly. Some things never change.
The girls swept me away to a silent corner. I was trying desperately to enjoy myself yet something was not right. I had the distinct impression someone was watching me.
"Did I tell you Serenity, the Prince of Earth is here." She instantly had my attention.
"The Earth?" I whispered with rage. "My father forbade them from ever coming to this court again. How dare she disobey him like this!"
"Well it is not all bad, at least he has given us something very pleasant to look at." I couldn't help but smile at this. No one could ever maintain anger around Mina.
"Some whisper that he lacks a soul, that he traded it for his handsome features." Rei whispered, a sly smile on her face.
"Do they indeed?" I will admit I was beginning to be very intrigued by this man.
"It would not surprise me if he was the devil himself. There's something inhuman about that man, he never shows any emotion and is heartless to the women who love him. And I assure you there have been many." Lita whispered.
"They say that no woman is immune to his charm." Rei returned. The man was becoming more appealing with every passing minute.
"Enough about the prince of Earth...I want to know about those dashing men with you." I smiled at Mina's comment and answered her questions as she slowly interrogated me about the silver haired knight.
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After spending an hour or so with my friends I had walked out onto the balcony in search of solitude. The air was crisp and the night calm. I gazed at the vast kingdom of the Moon. It extended to the very horizon and then seemed to disappear. It had been a very emotionally taxing night. A gentle sigh escaped my lips as I slowly tilted my head to feel the soft breeze on my hair. I was too wrapped up in my own thoughts to realise there was another presence on the balcony.
"Hello lover." The whisper was like a soft caress and caused a shiver to run down my spine. It awakened many emotions, emotions that I had been desperately trying to forget. I turned my head slightly and recognised him instantly. His face was hidden in the shadows, his tall form leaning lazily on the wall, his hands crossed carelessly against his chest.
"My Lord." I whispered quietly, trying to regain my composure. It had never occurred to me that he would be a member of my mother's court. I prayed that he would not remember the kiss we had shared.
As always it was in vain.
"You have grown." The words were simple, but I caught a glimpse of a mocking smile on his lips. I swore quietly. He took slow steps towards me. His movements had a panther-like grace. His face was a beautiful piece of chiselled marble. His dark blue tunic was embroidered with silver designs accentuating every taunt muscle of his broad chest, while emphasising his unearthly eyes. A jewelled sword lay at his slim waist while knee high black leather boots adorned his feet.
I couldn't breathe.
"I believe that I have the advantage over you." He closed the remaining distance between us with two strides. He leaned down so that our lips were almost touching. The mere proximity of him was intoxicating. "I am Endymion, Crown Prince of the Earth." He ever so slowly took my hand and graced it with a kiss. I moved slightly away from him, desperate for some distance.
"Your reputation precedes you." A sly smile graced his lips.
"Does it indeed?" He asked, his tone implying that he had no knowledge of what I was talking of. His eyes conveyed quite the opposite.
"Why, I have heard that you are a seducer, that you have no soul that you are..."
"The very devil himself." He moved behind me as he whispered the words, letting his warm breath crease my skin. "A reputation that is only rivalled by your own." He let his hands rest on my shoulders. "An outlawed princess who has become a knight." He let the tips of his fingers trace down my arms. "A rumoured seductress that some would swear a saint." His movements were almost enough to elicit a moan from my lips.
Almost.
"Why did you run away that day?" I remained silent. He smiled at the challenge. "Where you afraid?" He let his lips gently brush the bare skin of my neck. I turned around quickly, facing him. I could not let myself submit to him, for I knew that I would loose myself only too easily.
"Never."
Besides, I did not trust the man. My father's warning of his kind rang clear in my ears.
I could not yet admit that I didn't trust men.
I looked into his eyes only to witness the mischief dancing in them, a self assured smile was playing on his lips.
"I understand that it is entirely beyond your comprehension that a woman could resist you."
So I was also enjoying the game. He was my equal, not like all the other men I had been intimate with, who had fallen to their knees with profusions of love. This was a man, and I intended to be the one to seduce him. It wasn't a sin.
Much.
I turned on my heel and took a step to move away from him. I felt his arm wrap around my waist and pull me back into his embrace. Before I could even utter a word his lips came down on mine hard and possessively. The kiss was executed expertly and was demanding beyond belief. For the first few seconds all I could do was melt in his kiss. Then I could feel the passion and anger running violently through my veins and I kissed him back with the same hunger. In return his hold on me tightened, each of us fighting for the upper hand, yet being matched equal in every way. He broke the kiss abruptly. I stared at him, we were both out of breath and slightly dazed from the intensity of the kiss.
"Do you still intend on resisting me?" His arrogance was infuriating.
"Always." With that I walked very quickly back to the ball room.
"Serenity." He issued my name almost as a command. I stoped but I did not turn.
"I will have you, make no mistake about that." I reassumed my journey, seeming to ignore his words completely.
So it began...