Okay people, sorry this one has taken so long to get out, but since a lot
of you were asking for a rivalry between Diamond and Endymion I'm going to
include it, and it took me a while to change the plot around it. (the
things I do for you people!) hehe...
Oh and by the way, I don't own sailormoon.
To Sailor-Nekawaii: hehe thankyou, I apreaciate your comments more than u know!! And about your question about Diamond, I can't say much cause that would give too much away...but go back and read the past chapters, they have hints about the identity of the one who murdered serenity's father.
To: EtrnalRhapsodi, Eo, Krissy Muffinhead, ConstantElation, Megan Consoer, InuNkagLvr, Tiffany, Becx, daisy31, SilverMo: First of all I love you guys!! As I said above, I'm sorry that this chapter took a little longer than usual, but I hope it was worth the wait. Your comments about my writing absolutely blew me away. Thankyou all for reviewing and giving me the inspiration that I need to continue this story. Daisy31, about the engagement, that will be clarified in this chapter...hehe. Oh and ConstantElation, your right about serenity!
To Lady of Enchantment : well, I'll have to keep you in suspence a little longer until you read and find out what happens..lol. and for your other question, I'm 17. hope you enjoy this chapter!
To Chikara: About your question, yep Damien would deffinatly be able to feel Serenity taking his powers, but he wouldn't be able to know who she was using them on or how she was using them. If any of the promised Knights use their own powers or borrow each others, the others will be able to feel it. Its sort of like a tracking device. And you'll see it being exploited in later chapters.
To devilsheart: Yes?
To Deadly Diva: Save the best for last eh? About the kings entries yes they are all original except the one in chapter 2, they're the first thing I write when I start a new chapter and sort of give me direction. Your right about Endymion, he's really experiencing the inner turmoil, and I hate to say it but its only going to get worse as the story progresses. As for Damien, I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out someone who would be right for him and I've come up with zilch...help? About Malachite, I dunno, it has more of an aristocratic air, and seems to fit his cold and mysterious air more than Kunzite. Once again thanks for all your support..big hugs
Alright guys, enough from me on with the story!
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Never let the men you trust gain power, nor the ones who seem to have the ability to understand your character. These men are the mirrors of one's self. They understand the way our minds work. They know our deepest desires and greatest fears. Keep them close, and keep them under a scrutinising watch at all times.
From the diary of King Aura II Emperor of the Moon.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
"Stay with me tonight." I stared at him, mesmerised by his eyes, their dark depths holding me in my place, his long lashes framing the magnificent orbs perfectly. My head was spinning, and for the first time I lost control of all my senses.
So, I resorted to my usual method of solving situations that I knew not how to handle.
Anger.
I pushed him away from me, and walked to the other side of the room, trying to regain my composure. Not to mention my senses.
"Is that all this is to you Endymion? A game. Well I'm sorry to spoil your fun, but I have already been tainted by another man's touch. You will never have the honour of being the first to seduce me. You will never be able to brag about it to your friends amidst cigars and brandy." My words were harsh and my voice rose slightly with each word. I stared at him with venom. His reaction was far from what I expected. Instead of anger, his eyes seemed to dance with amusement.
"And this is supposed to be new to me?" I resisted the urge to slap the man senseless. He, with perfect composure walked towards a table and poured himself another glass of brandy, taking a sip of the yellow liquid slowly. He turned his eyes to me before continuing. "I never did like virgins. They are always far to squeamish."
"You're speaking from experience, I'm sure." He smiled and shook his head.
"I was not the one that started this game Serenity. You managed to that all alone."
"Yes, and I had to resort to brute force to fight off all your objections." I did not attempt to mask the sarcasm in my words.
"Firstly, no man alive would object to being seduced by you. Secondly, I had no idea my kiss at the pomegranate stand could have had such a profound effect on you."
"My, my, aren't we getting ahead of ourselves. This may be a hard concept for you to grasp, but my actions are not solely determined by you." My words were convincing, yet inside I was reeling. He could not have been more right.
"Is it I that you're afraid of Serenity? Or the fact that you long for my touch?" His face was quite suddenly inches from mine, his breath on my neck.
"You are the most exasperating man on the face of this planet." I whispered furiously. His face changed slowly, and he slowly rested his head against my shoulder. After long moments he looked up at me again, and gently cupped my face between his hands.
"What happened to make you loose trust in all of us?" I moved away from him violently.
"How dare you imply-" I took a deep breath, attempting to control my anger. "I trust many men, including my knights. They are my closest friends."
"Yes, your so called friends, and your beloved brother. I assume they had no knowledge of your night time activities. No, I do not assume. I know. Now tell me Serenity, I can understand why you would conceal such things from your brother. But your dearest friends? You confide in them about matters of the state, of the weather, of every possible topic that allows them to open up to you and you to hide from them. Please explain to me how this lack of trust allows 'friendship' to be maintained." He had hissed the words. My hand made contact with his cheek before I could stop myself. His skin turned a slight shade of red and his eyes darkened.
"You have no idea." I was shaking with rage.
"Don't I? You have yet to deny it."
"I trust my friends with all my heart." I meet his glare, matching his passion and determination.
"Then why is it they know nothing about you."
"Because, it is of no importance." For long moments we stared at each other. I could see his inner conflict by looking at his eyes. The anger seemed to create an invisible barrier between us.
"Your father is dead Serenity. You cannot change that."
Silence.
"How dare you bring him into this." I had not yelled the words but whispered them with dangerous malice. I was trembling with anger. He moved his arms towards me but I moved away - I did not want his touch.
"Do you think he would have wanted his daughter to grow up this way? To become bitter, to stand in the face of something real and run, because she's too afraid of what might happen? You're a coward Serenity, and nothing more."
"How dare you judge me, and my actions. You were not there. You did not see your father stabbed like a wild beast before your eyes. You did not watch as he drew his last breath. You didn't watch your father seal his own fate because he could not control his own temper. I am a coward Endymion. And I do have the strength to admit it. If I wasn't a coward I wouldn't be standing here today. I would be with him and he wouldn't have left." I could feel the tears running down my face and my words were becoming muffled by sobs. I did not push him away as his arms wrapped around me and slowly carried me to the bed. I lay in his arms shaking, an emotional mess, ranting about the past. The grief, anguish and pain all overflowed from their deep confines in the darkest parts of my soul. He slowly ran his fingers through my hair, and whispered comforting words in my ear. I was already asleep from exhaustion, and so I did not see the tears that formed in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, chère. But it was the only way for you to let it go." He knew me well even then. He understood me well enough to know that the only way for me to confide in him would be through anger. He wrapped his arms around my body and eventually joined me in a dreamless slumber.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Then next morning I woke up feeling warm and, even though I refused to admit it then, safe. I opened my eyes, and saw him. His eyes were closed, his long lashes lightly resting on the tanned skin of his cheek. His hair was dishevelled and a soft smile was tugging at the corner of his lips. My breath caught as I noticed his bare torso. I could feel my cheeks flush at the sight of him. For a moment fear took hold of my being as I wondered what had happened the night before. Then the memories slowly came floating back.
I don't know what was worse; what I thought had happened, or what had actually taken place.
Slowly I tried to detangle my limbs from his warm embrace. My efforts were futile for he only tightened his grip on my body.
"Go back to sleep chère." He whispered softly. He slowly opened his eyes when I didn't answer. He looked at me slowly, letting me feel his gaze.
"How did you know?" I whispered softly, feeling more than a little vulnerable.
"Because we are two of the same kind." I turned my face away from him, not wanting to acknowledge what he had said. He slowly tipped my chin towards him and rolled on to his side. A soft sigh escaped his lips, and for a moment he closed his eyes. When he opened them the pain was all too clear. "My father loved my mother with his entire soul." I looked at him in confusion and when I opened my mouth to question him about what seemed a very random statement he silenced me with a finger. "He worshiped the ground she walked on, and bathed her in riches from all the kingdom. I grew up yearning to have the love my parents had." He clenched his jaw.
"But..."? My tone betrayed my curiosity.
"During my father's 50th jubilee, I spotted my mother leaving the party and entering the guest wing of the palace. Curiosity won over reason and I followed her. She had gone to the most obscure parts of the palace that were quite deserted. She then seemingly disappeared into a room. She did not stir for quite some time and fearing for her safety I entered the room without announcing my presence. There I saw her engaged in the act of making my illegitimate half brother. The man was no more than half her age."
"I'm sorry." He dismissed my words with a shake of his hand.
"I later found out that my mother's infidelity had been occurring for quite some time. After two years passed I could no longer withhold the knowledge from my father. When I told him, he looked up at me with worn eyes, telling me that he was well aware of the information I had disclosed. I watched over the years as my father slowly withered away, never speaking a foul word against her, never taking a lover of his own. It was then that I swore never to let myself love the way he had." He closed his eyes and sighed deeply.
"I don't understand." I whispered quietly. I did not see why he would disclose such information to me.
"We are even now." His words surprised me, but I understood his meaning.
"Your half brother, what is his name?"
"Diamond." For a few moments there was silence between us. Then I finally mustered up the courage to speak.
"Thankyou." He merely nodded. All time seemed to slow as he gently moved forward and tenderly kissed my lips.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
"You believe that Davenport is the next village they shall attack?" Jadeite asked, slowly letting his glance fall on Zoicite. They were in a small study, its walls made of red oak. A large desk covered in a series of detailed maps was the only noticeable furniture in the room.
"I do." Damien slowly nodded as he studied the map intently.
"How long is the journey?" He asked.
"A day's ride, no more." Artemis answered calmly.
"Does Serenity know of these events?" Damien asked glancing at Artemis. He shook his head indicating that she did not.
"Well, we shall go find her, and ask her what action she wants us to take." They had all been more than a little surprised when Serenity had not shown up for the meeting. Under normal circumstances she was usually first present at the meetings and the last to leave. Jadeite and Damien reached her chamber doors and knocked quietly. When no one answered, Damien slowly opened the door, only to be faced with an empty room. Jadeite walked in behind him and quietly swore under his breath.
"She better not be where I think she is." Damien sneered.
The two men stalked through the hallways, sending many servants scurrying in the hallways. Who could blame them for being afraid when two of the most powerful knights looked ready to draw blood?
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
I slowly wrapped my arms around Endymion's neck, causing him to deepen the kiss. At that moment the door flew open, knocking violently against the wall behind, and Damien stepped in. He took one look at me and then stalked out muttering obscenities under his breath. Jadeite merely shook his head and leaned against the doorframe. I knew well what they thought had happened. The thought was plausible considering Endymion's current state of undress and the passionate kiss we had been sharing moments ago.
"It's usually customary to knock." Endymion's voice was dry as he stared at Jadeite coldly.
"You missed the meeting this morning." His voice was clear in my head, although his lips had not moved. I could feel my annoyance growing at his rudeness.
"This better be important." I sneered back at him telepathically.
"There have been numerous attacks on villages, Zoicite believes that the next one will take place in Davenport." A sigh escaped my lips.
"Inform the Queen that we will leave in the morning." I replied out loud, so that Endymion could hear my words. Jadeite glared at the two of us and then stormed out of the room. I softly kissed Endymion again.
"I'm sorry about them." A troublesome smile began to dance on his lips.
"No need. If I were in their position I wouldn't want you in bed with me." He began to draw invisible patterns on my arm with his fingertips. "After all you never know what evil purposes I could have in mind." I smiled, and as much as my body objected I detangled myself from him.
"In anticipation then." I smiled at him seductively before leaving his room.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
As I was walking down a hall a small page scurried towards me. His dark hair was dishevelled and he was quite out of breath. It took him a few moments to regain his composure in order to deliver his message.
"You are wanted in the study my lady." He informed me, his voice quivering. He would not look at me. His fear was amusing in that it was so unnecessary.
"Thankyou." I bowed my head to him slowly and walked towards the study, drawing in a deep breath. I had sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. For a few moments I merely stood outside the study staring at the large red oak door. Slowly I turned the knob and entered the spacious room. It was furnished in red oak. The walls were lined with book cases and a large desk was placed in the centre of the room. A number of leather chairs were scattered around the room. The Queen was seated at the end of the table, her face slightly flushed from anger. Artemis was standing by the mantle, his white hair done up tightly. His fists were clenched and his was mouth tight. All of the knights were present, and all seemed to be in the same state of dissatisfaction as Artemis.
"I believe you asked for me." The Queen glared at me, and stood up slowly.
"You are not to leave the palace, I forbid it." I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at her.
"I'm afraid your majesty, that our duty as the Promised Knights demands that we help the villagers. Not even your authority can prevent us from straying from that oath." I saw a slow smile spread across her lips.
"You are right." I could feel my body tense at her words; she was defiantly up to something. "Then I shall give you my permission freely, however you are to be married before. I shall tend to the arrangements immediately." She then walked calmly to the door, her silk skirts flying around her form accentuating her every move. I looked up too see Damien quickly devouring the contents of a wine glass. I could feel my head beginning to throb.
"Could I have a moment alone with Serenity?" Jadeite asked the room. They all silently left, Damien giving me one last glare as he exited the room. I braced myself for another lecture. A gentle sigh escaped his lips, and I noticed that dark rings had formed under his eyes. I felt a pang of guilt within my being. He slowly raised his eyes and looked directly into my own. "What is between you and Endymion?" He asked softly.
"I don't believe that concerns you." I uttered the words, masking the resentment that had been formed towards him over the past few days. He slowly ran a hand through his long golden hair.
"It is as I feared."
"I'm not sure what you are referring to."
"You have developed emotions towards him have you not? No, do not answer that, I can see it when you're around him." I opened my mouth to protest but he raised his hand and stoped me. "Do you have a dress for tomorrow?" I smiled and shook my head. For a few minutes I could feel his eyes measuring me in a contemplative manner. Slowly silver ribbons began to form and intertwine together forming exquisite patterns.
In a flash of light a silver gown appeared, its bodice a riddle of intricate beading. The material was such that a single layer would have been completely sheer, yet several layers formed a crystal like effect.
"It's beautiful." I whispered, gazing at him with a warm smile on my lips. He slowly moved towards me and wrapped a hand around my shoulders.
"I only want you to be happy kid."
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
He cursed himself silently as he stared at himself in the mirror. He had no idea what to expect. He was not even sure if she would turn up to the wedding. A smile gently caressed his lips. The woman was many things, but predictable was not one of them. He threw the silk tie that he had been trying to fix to the corner of the room, and slowly ran a hand through his dark hair. He knew very well that although they had shared an intimate moment, it had changed nothing between them. Well, not a change that either of them was willing to admit. A sensuous smile began to play on his lips as he remembered her words the day before.
"In anticipation indeed..."
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
The wedding was simple yet elegant. The private chapel of the palace had been decorated with white and gold. I can still remember walking down the aisle, how fast my heart was beating as I moved closer to him. A smile passed my lips as I contemplated that though our marriage would be many things, boring would never be one of them. He looked absolutely breathtaking, wearing a navy uniform that accentuated every taunt muscle and brought out his sapphire eyes. His dark bangs fell gracefully into his eyes.
"I have never known true beauty till this night." He whispered the words in my ear quietly just before the ceremony began. He had charm, of that there was no doubt. We slowly said our vows, each one of us dwelling on the meaning of our words.
It is amazing is it not? I, like every other girl had fantasised about my wedding day. Now it was occurring the knowledge that time was passing by and I had no way of controlling it terrified me. Yet I could not be curious as to what this new chapter of my life would bring. The day would be one that I would describe as perfect. It seemed that nothing could have go wrong.
I had spoken too soon.
During the reception the Queen suddenly stood up, commanding the attention of the room. I could see the malice and excitement gleaming in her eyes. I could feel my heart beating against my chest. Endymion slowly put a gloved hand on my shoulder, sensing my anxiety.
"I believe that I have somewhat neglected my duties towards my dearest Promised Knights so far. A mistake, which I seek to rectify at this moment." I glanced around I could see Jadeite's grip tighten around his wine glass. Malachite's rigid posture seemed to grow even more tense. Nephrite clearly raised his eyes heavenward as a signal for help, while Zoicite seemed to be immersed in his thoughts. I could feel Damien's eyes on me, a way of expressing that he was concerned about my safety.
"It pains me to admit this, but I find the talents of the Sailor Scouts somewhat lacking. They have not applied themselves to their training and as this has occurred over a period of many months I have come to believe them incompetent. I thus entrust them to the guidance of the Promised Knights. They are to accompany you on your journey to Davenport."
My heart stoped at her words.
I swore quietly under my breath. It may not have seemed like much, but the Queen's actions would destroy the Scout's respectability. Working as apprentices under men was considered forbidden, and only the work of the most impure women. I let my glance fall on my friends. They all had the look of defeated acceptance in their eyes. I could feel the hatred boil in my being. The Queen must have threatened them in the same manner she had threatened me. The Queen later revealed that Amy had been put under Zoicite, Rei with Jadeite, Mina with Malachite and Lita with Nephrite. My heart broke as I saw a single tear run down Amy's cheek as she walked out of the room as elegantly as she could. Lita on the other hand stalked out of the room, and the sound of shattered glass could be heard in the corridor seconds after her departure. Mina, on the other hand, could not react as she was to busy trying to stop an enraged Rei from throttling Jadeite. I could feel Endymion's hand on my waist steering me away from the ballroom. I was about to start my reprimand when he silenced me with a finger.
"You need time to cool down." An infuriating smile was playing on his lips. I waited until we reached "our" room before I turned to face him.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
"Princess?" He pressed his lips together as he saw her. Her blue hair was sprawled against the marble fountain while her body was shaking with quiet sobs. His voice had broken her quiet revere. She quickly wiped away her tears and tried to face him with perfect composure. He could have killed the Queen for what she had done.
"Please, I mean no disrespect my lord..."
"Zoicite."
"Excuse me?"
"Call me Zoicite." He sighed as she slowly diverted her eyes.
"I would like to be alone."
"I understand and I shall grant you your solitude, but first you must hear me out." She nodded, too exhausted to argue. "I too was raised in a household with a strict etiquette. I do not desire to jeopardise your reputation, nor your honour. I have the outmost respect for you Princess."
"If I am to call you by your first name, I would like you to bestow the same privilege on me."
"Then Amy, allow me to have the honour of asking you to be my wife." He could feel his heart race as he saw the sparkle in her eyes. Then his hope disappeared as she turned away and bit her lip slowly.
"I cannot allow you to marry me from a sense of obligation." He slowly moved forward and he took her hand in his, squeezing it softly.
"Amy, I admire and respect you more than any other woman I have known. I have been plagued by this foreign emotion from the very first moment I saw you. It is only now that I recognise it as an ardent passion and longing to be with you always. In time, I hope you will come to feel the same for me." He licked his lips slowly, an action she would later realise as a sign that he was anxious. Tears had once again formed in her eyes, yet these were tears of joy.
"Yes." She whispered the word quietly. Zoicite smiled, he slowly brought her hand to his lips, then he gently kissed her lips.
"You have granted me more happiness then I could have ever imagined." He whispered the words slowly before running off to make the arrangements.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Lita was covered in sweat. She had spent the better half of the hour beating the stuffing out of the practice dummy in the training room. She stood for a moment, her breathing short and rapid. Slowly she swept the beads of sweat that had formed on her forehead away with the back of her hand.
"Impressive." She recognised the voice immediately. She swore quietly hoping that he would simply leave. Yet her prayers were in vain, for the man with long curly auburn hair simply stood by the door. His tall body leaning against the frame, his lips curved into a slight smile.
"Is there something you needed?" She replied attempting to keep all emotion out of her voice.
"I was merely wondering if you always fight destiny."
"I make my own destiny." She replied in a huff as she once again punched the dummy.
"Perhaps."
"I do not appreciate being someone else's pawn. Destiny is for dreamers, a simple illusion. One gets far in life through sweat and blood." His eyes unnerved her; they seem to sparkle with an unearthly intelligence.
"But the determination that gives you the ability to get far in life, through sweat and blood as you so bluntly put it, how does one gain that?"
"It is a character trait." She had stopped her training and was looking at him with a confused expression on her face.
"And how does one acquire character traits?"
"It is predetermined." She answered, yet a minute after the words left her mouth she noticed the trap.
"Precisely." The smile on his face was infuriating. He walked out of the room, an air of smugness hanging around him. She was left to take even more of her frustrations out on the dummy.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
I waited until we reached "our room" before I turned to face him. The Queen's actions had angered me beyond belief and I needed to take it out on someone. I could not admit to him the extent to which his uncharacteristically selfless actions of the night before had affected me. Not when I had not even had time to fully reflect on them myself, and as such was not yet comfortable with the alarming messages my heart kept trying to force me to admit. Furthermore I was desperate to avoid the rituals that were often associated with a wedding night.
"Last night didn't change anything. Don't presume to know me because of it."
A sigh escaped his lips, and I could feel the guilt churn in my stomach as I witnessed the flash of hurt that passed his eyes.
"A little hypocritical don't you think?" He said the words with ease, maintaining perfect composure. He was leaning against the white marble wall, his sharp features accentuated as a result of the contrast.
"How so?" I replied, matching his poise with my own. His sapphire eyes slowly meet mine, his gaze piercing my very soul. He stepped closer to me until our bodies were almost touching.
"Did you not presume to know me the minute you laid your eyes on me?" His eyes were glittering with a mixture of lust and anger. I could feel my body flushing with fury, a soft hue appearing on my cheeks as a result. "Your silence only proves your guilt, chère."
"You are an exasperating..."
"Son of a bitch? Yes my dear I am well aware of that. But that does not change the fact that I have won this battle. I told you once that I would have you, and by god I will." His words had changed from light-hearted to a whisper riddled with spite.
"Never." I whispered slowly, his lips only inches from my own. Our eyes were locked in a dangerous assault. I closed my eyes waiting for his kiss, yet all that came was his warm breath drawing up goose bumps on my neck.
"In time, chère. In time." When I opened my eyes he was nowhere to be seen. In my frustration I hurled the closest object within reach, an antique vase, at the door through which he had no doubt left. I swore quietly. That man was going to be my downfall.
Oh and by the way, I don't own sailormoon.
To Sailor-Nekawaii: hehe thankyou, I apreaciate your comments more than u know!! And about your question about Diamond, I can't say much cause that would give too much away...but go back and read the past chapters, they have hints about the identity of the one who murdered serenity's father.
To: EtrnalRhapsodi, Eo, Krissy Muffinhead, ConstantElation, Megan Consoer, InuNkagLvr, Tiffany, Becx, daisy31, SilverMo: First of all I love you guys!! As I said above, I'm sorry that this chapter took a little longer than usual, but I hope it was worth the wait. Your comments about my writing absolutely blew me away. Thankyou all for reviewing and giving me the inspiration that I need to continue this story. Daisy31, about the engagement, that will be clarified in this chapter...hehe. Oh and ConstantElation, your right about serenity!
To Lady of Enchantment : well, I'll have to keep you in suspence a little longer until you read and find out what happens..lol. and for your other question, I'm 17. hope you enjoy this chapter!
To Chikara: About your question, yep Damien would deffinatly be able to feel Serenity taking his powers, but he wouldn't be able to know who she was using them on or how she was using them. If any of the promised Knights use their own powers or borrow each others, the others will be able to feel it. Its sort of like a tracking device. And you'll see it being exploited in later chapters.
To devilsheart: Yes?
To Deadly Diva: Save the best for last eh? About the kings entries yes they are all original except the one in chapter 2, they're the first thing I write when I start a new chapter and sort of give me direction. Your right about Endymion, he's really experiencing the inner turmoil, and I hate to say it but its only going to get worse as the story progresses. As for Damien, I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out someone who would be right for him and I've come up with zilch...help? About Malachite, I dunno, it has more of an aristocratic air, and seems to fit his cold and mysterious air more than Kunzite. Once again thanks for all your support..big hugs
Alright guys, enough from me on with the story!
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Never let the men you trust gain power, nor the ones who seem to have the ability to understand your character. These men are the mirrors of one's self. They understand the way our minds work. They know our deepest desires and greatest fears. Keep them close, and keep them under a scrutinising watch at all times.
From the diary of King Aura II Emperor of the Moon.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
"Stay with me tonight." I stared at him, mesmerised by his eyes, their dark depths holding me in my place, his long lashes framing the magnificent orbs perfectly. My head was spinning, and for the first time I lost control of all my senses.
So, I resorted to my usual method of solving situations that I knew not how to handle.
Anger.
I pushed him away from me, and walked to the other side of the room, trying to regain my composure. Not to mention my senses.
"Is that all this is to you Endymion? A game. Well I'm sorry to spoil your fun, but I have already been tainted by another man's touch. You will never have the honour of being the first to seduce me. You will never be able to brag about it to your friends amidst cigars and brandy." My words were harsh and my voice rose slightly with each word. I stared at him with venom. His reaction was far from what I expected. Instead of anger, his eyes seemed to dance with amusement.
"And this is supposed to be new to me?" I resisted the urge to slap the man senseless. He, with perfect composure walked towards a table and poured himself another glass of brandy, taking a sip of the yellow liquid slowly. He turned his eyes to me before continuing. "I never did like virgins. They are always far to squeamish."
"You're speaking from experience, I'm sure." He smiled and shook his head.
"I was not the one that started this game Serenity. You managed to that all alone."
"Yes, and I had to resort to brute force to fight off all your objections." I did not attempt to mask the sarcasm in my words.
"Firstly, no man alive would object to being seduced by you. Secondly, I had no idea my kiss at the pomegranate stand could have had such a profound effect on you."
"My, my, aren't we getting ahead of ourselves. This may be a hard concept for you to grasp, but my actions are not solely determined by you." My words were convincing, yet inside I was reeling. He could not have been more right.
"Is it I that you're afraid of Serenity? Or the fact that you long for my touch?" His face was quite suddenly inches from mine, his breath on my neck.
"You are the most exasperating man on the face of this planet." I whispered furiously. His face changed slowly, and he slowly rested his head against my shoulder. After long moments he looked up at me again, and gently cupped my face between his hands.
"What happened to make you loose trust in all of us?" I moved away from him violently.
"How dare you imply-" I took a deep breath, attempting to control my anger. "I trust many men, including my knights. They are my closest friends."
"Yes, your so called friends, and your beloved brother. I assume they had no knowledge of your night time activities. No, I do not assume. I know. Now tell me Serenity, I can understand why you would conceal such things from your brother. But your dearest friends? You confide in them about matters of the state, of the weather, of every possible topic that allows them to open up to you and you to hide from them. Please explain to me how this lack of trust allows 'friendship' to be maintained." He had hissed the words. My hand made contact with his cheek before I could stop myself. His skin turned a slight shade of red and his eyes darkened.
"You have no idea." I was shaking with rage.
"Don't I? You have yet to deny it."
"I trust my friends with all my heart." I meet his glare, matching his passion and determination.
"Then why is it they know nothing about you."
"Because, it is of no importance." For long moments we stared at each other. I could see his inner conflict by looking at his eyes. The anger seemed to create an invisible barrier between us.
"Your father is dead Serenity. You cannot change that."
Silence.
"How dare you bring him into this." I had not yelled the words but whispered them with dangerous malice. I was trembling with anger. He moved his arms towards me but I moved away - I did not want his touch.
"Do you think he would have wanted his daughter to grow up this way? To become bitter, to stand in the face of something real and run, because she's too afraid of what might happen? You're a coward Serenity, and nothing more."
"How dare you judge me, and my actions. You were not there. You did not see your father stabbed like a wild beast before your eyes. You did not watch as he drew his last breath. You didn't watch your father seal his own fate because he could not control his own temper. I am a coward Endymion. And I do have the strength to admit it. If I wasn't a coward I wouldn't be standing here today. I would be with him and he wouldn't have left." I could feel the tears running down my face and my words were becoming muffled by sobs. I did not push him away as his arms wrapped around me and slowly carried me to the bed. I lay in his arms shaking, an emotional mess, ranting about the past. The grief, anguish and pain all overflowed from their deep confines in the darkest parts of my soul. He slowly ran his fingers through my hair, and whispered comforting words in my ear. I was already asleep from exhaustion, and so I did not see the tears that formed in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, chère. But it was the only way for you to let it go." He knew me well even then. He understood me well enough to know that the only way for me to confide in him would be through anger. He wrapped his arms around my body and eventually joined me in a dreamless slumber.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Then next morning I woke up feeling warm and, even though I refused to admit it then, safe. I opened my eyes, and saw him. His eyes were closed, his long lashes lightly resting on the tanned skin of his cheek. His hair was dishevelled and a soft smile was tugging at the corner of his lips. My breath caught as I noticed his bare torso. I could feel my cheeks flush at the sight of him. For a moment fear took hold of my being as I wondered what had happened the night before. Then the memories slowly came floating back.
I don't know what was worse; what I thought had happened, or what had actually taken place.
Slowly I tried to detangle my limbs from his warm embrace. My efforts were futile for he only tightened his grip on my body.
"Go back to sleep chère." He whispered softly. He slowly opened his eyes when I didn't answer. He looked at me slowly, letting me feel his gaze.
"How did you know?" I whispered softly, feeling more than a little vulnerable.
"Because we are two of the same kind." I turned my face away from him, not wanting to acknowledge what he had said. He slowly tipped my chin towards him and rolled on to his side. A soft sigh escaped his lips, and for a moment he closed his eyes. When he opened them the pain was all too clear. "My father loved my mother with his entire soul." I looked at him in confusion and when I opened my mouth to question him about what seemed a very random statement he silenced me with a finger. "He worshiped the ground she walked on, and bathed her in riches from all the kingdom. I grew up yearning to have the love my parents had." He clenched his jaw.
"But..."? My tone betrayed my curiosity.
"During my father's 50th jubilee, I spotted my mother leaving the party and entering the guest wing of the palace. Curiosity won over reason and I followed her. She had gone to the most obscure parts of the palace that were quite deserted. She then seemingly disappeared into a room. She did not stir for quite some time and fearing for her safety I entered the room without announcing my presence. There I saw her engaged in the act of making my illegitimate half brother. The man was no more than half her age."
"I'm sorry." He dismissed my words with a shake of his hand.
"I later found out that my mother's infidelity had been occurring for quite some time. After two years passed I could no longer withhold the knowledge from my father. When I told him, he looked up at me with worn eyes, telling me that he was well aware of the information I had disclosed. I watched over the years as my father slowly withered away, never speaking a foul word against her, never taking a lover of his own. It was then that I swore never to let myself love the way he had." He closed his eyes and sighed deeply.
"I don't understand." I whispered quietly. I did not see why he would disclose such information to me.
"We are even now." His words surprised me, but I understood his meaning.
"Your half brother, what is his name?"
"Diamond." For a few moments there was silence between us. Then I finally mustered up the courage to speak.
"Thankyou." He merely nodded. All time seemed to slow as he gently moved forward and tenderly kissed my lips.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
"You believe that Davenport is the next village they shall attack?" Jadeite asked, slowly letting his glance fall on Zoicite. They were in a small study, its walls made of red oak. A large desk covered in a series of detailed maps was the only noticeable furniture in the room.
"I do." Damien slowly nodded as he studied the map intently.
"How long is the journey?" He asked.
"A day's ride, no more." Artemis answered calmly.
"Does Serenity know of these events?" Damien asked glancing at Artemis. He shook his head indicating that she did not.
"Well, we shall go find her, and ask her what action she wants us to take." They had all been more than a little surprised when Serenity had not shown up for the meeting. Under normal circumstances she was usually first present at the meetings and the last to leave. Jadeite and Damien reached her chamber doors and knocked quietly. When no one answered, Damien slowly opened the door, only to be faced with an empty room. Jadeite walked in behind him and quietly swore under his breath.
"She better not be where I think she is." Damien sneered.
The two men stalked through the hallways, sending many servants scurrying in the hallways. Who could blame them for being afraid when two of the most powerful knights looked ready to draw blood?
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
I slowly wrapped my arms around Endymion's neck, causing him to deepen the kiss. At that moment the door flew open, knocking violently against the wall behind, and Damien stepped in. He took one look at me and then stalked out muttering obscenities under his breath. Jadeite merely shook his head and leaned against the doorframe. I knew well what they thought had happened. The thought was plausible considering Endymion's current state of undress and the passionate kiss we had been sharing moments ago.
"It's usually customary to knock." Endymion's voice was dry as he stared at Jadeite coldly.
"You missed the meeting this morning." His voice was clear in my head, although his lips had not moved. I could feel my annoyance growing at his rudeness.
"This better be important." I sneered back at him telepathically.
"There have been numerous attacks on villages, Zoicite believes that the next one will take place in Davenport." A sigh escaped my lips.
"Inform the Queen that we will leave in the morning." I replied out loud, so that Endymion could hear my words. Jadeite glared at the two of us and then stormed out of the room. I softly kissed Endymion again.
"I'm sorry about them." A troublesome smile began to dance on his lips.
"No need. If I were in their position I wouldn't want you in bed with me." He began to draw invisible patterns on my arm with his fingertips. "After all you never know what evil purposes I could have in mind." I smiled, and as much as my body objected I detangled myself from him.
"In anticipation then." I smiled at him seductively before leaving his room.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
As I was walking down a hall a small page scurried towards me. His dark hair was dishevelled and he was quite out of breath. It took him a few moments to regain his composure in order to deliver his message.
"You are wanted in the study my lady." He informed me, his voice quivering. He would not look at me. His fear was amusing in that it was so unnecessary.
"Thankyou." I bowed my head to him slowly and walked towards the study, drawing in a deep breath. I had sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. For a few moments I merely stood outside the study staring at the large red oak door. Slowly I turned the knob and entered the spacious room. It was furnished in red oak. The walls were lined with book cases and a large desk was placed in the centre of the room. A number of leather chairs were scattered around the room. The Queen was seated at the end of the table, her face slightly flushed from anger. Artemis was standing by the mantle, his white hair done up tightly. His fists were clenched and his was mouth tight. All of the knights were present, and all seemed to be in the same state of dissatisfaction as Artemis.
"I believe you asked for me." The Queen glared at me, and stood up slowly.
"You are not to leave the palace, I forbid it." I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at her.
"I'm afraid your majesty, that our duty as the Promised Knights demands that we help the villagers. Not even your authority can prevent us from straying from that oath." I saw a slow smile spread across her lips.
"You are right." I could feel my body tense at her words; she was defiantly up to something. "Then I shall give you my permission freely, however you are to be married before. I shall tend to the arrangements immediately." She then walked calmly to the door, her silk skirts flying around her form accentuating her every move. I looked up too see Damien quickly devouring the contents of a wine glass. I could feel my head beginning to throb.
"Could I have a moment alone with Serenity?" Jadeite asked the room. They all silently left, Damien giving me one last glare as he exited the room. I braced myself for another lecture. A gentle sigh escaped his lips, and I noticed that dark rings had formed under his eyes. I felt a pang of guilt within my being. He slowly raised his eyes and looked directly into my own. "What is between you and Endymion?" He asked softly.
"I don't believe that concerns you." I uttered the words, masking the resentment that had been formed towards him over the past few days. He slowly ran a hand through his long golden hair.
"It is as I feared."
"I'm not sure what you are referring to."
"You have developed emotions towards him have you not? No, do not answer that, I can see it when you're around him." I opened my mouth to protest but he raised his hand and stoped me. "Do you have a dress for tomorrow?" I smiled and shook my head. For a few minutes I could feel his eyes measuring me in a contemplative manner. Slowly silver ribbons began to form and intertwine together forming exquisite patterns.
In a flash of light a silver gown appeared, its bodice a riddle of intricate beading. The material was such that a single layer would have been completely sheer, yet several layers formed a crystal like effect.
"It's beautiful." I whispered, gazing at him with a warm smile on my lips. He slowly moved towards me and wrapped a hand around my shoulders.
"I only want you to be happy kid."
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
He cursed himself silently as he stared at himself in the mirror. He had no idea what to expect. He was not even sure if she would turn up to the wedding. A smile gently caressed his lips. The woman was many things, but predictable was not one of them. He threw the silk tie that he had been trying to fix to the corner of the room, and slowly ran a hand through his dark hair. He knew very well that although they had shared an intimate moment, it had changed nothing between them. Well, not a change that either of them was willing to admit. A sensuous smile began to play on his lips as he remembered her words the day before.
"In anticipation indeed..."
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
The wedding was simple yet elegant. The private chapel of the palace had been decorated with white and gold. I can still remember walking down the aisle, how fast my heart was beating as I moved closer to him. A smile passed my lips as I contemplated that though our marriage would be many things, boring would never be one of them. He looked absolutely breathtaking, wearing a navy uniform that accentuated every taunt muscle and brought out his sapphire eyes. His dark bangs fell gracefully into his eyes.
"I have never known true beauty till this night." He whispered the words in my ear quietly just before the ceremony began. He had charm, of that there was no doubt. We slowly said our vows, each one of us dwelling on the meaning of our words.
It is amazing is it not? I, like every other girl had fantasised about my wedding day. Now it was occurring the knowledge that time was passing by and I had no way of controlling it terrified me. Yet I could not be curious as to what this new chapter of my life would bring. The day would be one that I would describe as perfect. It seemed that nothing could have go wrong.
I had spoken too soon.
During the reception the Queen suddenly stood up, commanding the attention of the room. I could see the malice and excitement gleaming in her eyes. I could feel my heart beating against my chest. Endymion slowly put a gloved hand on my shoulder, sensing my anxiety.
"I believe that I have somewhat neglected my duties towards my dearest Promised Knights so far. A mistake, which I seek to rectify at this moment." I glanced around I could see Jadeite's grip tighten around his wine glass. Malachite's rigid posture seemed to grow even more tense. Nephrite clearly raised his eyes heavenward as a signal for help, while Zoicite seemed to be immersed in his thoughts. I could feel Damien's eyes on me, a way of expressing that he was concerned about my safety.
"It pains me to admit this, but I find the talents of the Sailor Scouts somewhat lacking. They have not applied themselves to their training and as this has occurred over a period of many months I have come to believe them incompetent. I thus entrust them to the guidance of the Promised Knights. They are to accompany you on your journey to Davenport."
My heart stoped at her words.
I swore quietly under my breath. It may not have seemed like much, but the Queen's actions would destroy the Scout's respectability. Working as apprentices under men was considered forbidden, and only the work of the most impure women. I let my glance fall on my friends. They all had the look of defeated acceptance in their eyes. I could feel the hatred boil in my being. The Queen must have threatened them in the same manner she had threatened me. The Queen later revealed that Amy had been put under Zoicite, Rei with Jadeite, Mina with Malachite and Lita with Nephrite. My heart broke as I saw a single tear run down Amy's cheek as she walked out of the room as elegantly as she could. Lita on the other hand stalked out of the room, and the sound of shattered glass could be heard in the corridor seconds after her departure. Mina, on the other hand, could not react as she was to busy trying to stop an enraged Rei from throttling Jadeite. I could feel Endymion's hand on my waist steering me away from the ballroom. I was about to start my reprimand when he silenced me with a finger.
"You need time to cool down." An infuriating smile was playing on his lips. I waited until we reached "our" room before I turned to face him.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
"Princess?" He pressed his lips together as he saw her. Her blue hair was sprawled against the marble fountain while her body was shaking with quiet sobs. His voice had broken her quiet revere. She quickly wiped away her tears and tried to face him with perfect composure. He could have killed the Queen for what she had done.
"Please, I mean no disrespect my lord..."
"Zoicite."
"Excuse me?"
"Call me Zoicite." He sighed as she slowly diverted her eyes.
"I would like to be alone."
"I understand and I shall grant you your solitude, but first you must hear me out." She nodded, too exhausted to argue. "I too was raised in a household with a strict etiquette. I do not desire to jeopardise your reputation, nor your honour. I have the outmost respect for you Princess."
"If I am to call you by your first name, I would like you to bestow the same privilege on me."
"Then Amy, allow me to have the honour of asking you to be my wife." He could feel his heart race as he saw the sparkle in her eyes. Then his hope disappeared as she turned away and bit her lip slowly.
"I cannot allow you to marry me from a sense of obligation." He slowly moved forward and he took her hand in his, squeezing it softly.
"Amy, I admire and respect you more than any other woman I have known. I have been plagued by this foreign emotion from the very first moment I saw you. It is only now that I recognise it as an ardent passion and longing to be with you always. In time, I hope you will come to feel the same for me." He licked his lips slowly, an action she would later realise as a sign that he was anxious. Tears had once again formed in her eyes, yet these were tears of joy.
"Yes." She whispered the word quietly. Zoicite smiled, he slowly brought her hand to his lips, then he gently kissed her lips.
"You have granted me more happiness then I could have ever imagined." He whispered the words slowly before running off to make the arrangements.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Lita was covered in sweat. She had spent the better half of the hour beating the stuffing out of the practice dummy in the training room. She stood for a moment, her breathing short and rapid. Slowly she swept the beads of sweat that had formed on her forehead away with the back of her hand.
"Impressive." She recognised the voice immediately. She swore quietly hoping that he would simply leave. Yet her prayers were in vain, for the man with long curly auburn hair simply stood by the door. His tall body leaning against the frame, his lips curved into a slight smile.
"Is there something you needed?" She replied attempting to keep all emotion out of her voice.
"I was merely wondering if you always fight destiny."
"I make my own destiny." She replied in a huff as she once again punched the dummy.
"Perhaps."
"I do not appreciate being someone else's pawn. Destiny is for dreamers, a simple illusion. One gets far in life through sweat and blood." His eyes unnerved her; they seem to sparkle with an unearthly intelligence.
"But the determination that gives you the ability to get far in life, through sweat and blood as you so bluntly put it, how does one gain that?"
"It is a character trait." She had stopped her training and was looking at him with a confused expression on her face.
"And how does one acquire character traits?"
"It is predetermined." She answered, yet a minute after the words left her mouth she noticed the trap.
"Precisely." The smile on his face was infuriating. He walked out of the room, an air of smugness hanging around him. She was left to take even more of her frustrations out on the dummy.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
I waited until we reached "our room" before I turned to face him. The Queen's actions had angered me beyond belief and I needed to take it out on someone. I could not admit to him the extent to which his uncharacteristically selfless actions of the night before had affected me. Not when I had not even had time to fully reflect on them myself, and as such was not yet comfortable with the alarming messages my heart kept trying to force me to admit. Furthermore I was desperate to avoid the rituals that were often associated with a wedding night.
"Last night didn't change anything. Don't presume to know me because of it."
A sigh escaped his lips, and I could feel the guilt churn in my stomach as I witnessed the flash of hurt that passed his eyes.
"A little hypocritical don't you think?" He said the words with ease, maintaining perfect composure. He was leaning against the white marble wall, his sharp features accentuated as a result of the contrast.
"How so?" I replied, matching his poise with my own. His sapphire eyes slowly meet mine, his gaze piercing my very soul. He stepped closer to me until our bodies were almost touching.
"Did you not presume to know me the minute you laid your eyes on me?" His eyes were glittering with a mixture of lust and anger. I could feel my body flushing with fury, a soft hue appearing on my cheeks as a result. "Your silence only proves your guilt, chère."
"You are an exasperating..."
"Son of a bitch? Yes my dear I am well aware of that. But that does not change the fact that I have won this battle. I told you once that I would have you, and by god I will." His words had changed from light-hearted to a whisper riddled with spite.
"Never." I whispered slowly, his lips only inches from my own. Our eyes were locked in a dangerous assault. I closed my eyes waiting for his kiss, yet all that came was his warm breath drawing up goose bumps on my neck.
"In time, chère. In time." When I opened my eyes he was nowhere to be seen. In my frustration I hurled the closest object within reach, an antique vase, at the door through which he had no doubt left. I swore quietly. That man was going to be my downfall.