Hey people, I know its been quite awhile since I've updated but I have a damn good excuse, I'm in my final year of high school and so both my editor and I have our end of year exams. So unfortunately due to the pressures of school etc...its taken a while for me to write this, this chapter has not been edited...cause I figured u guys were getting impatient for the next chapter...so if you guys find any mistakes..just let me know and when I upload the next chapter I'll fix it up okay? Thankyou all!!

To: shelum, Nicky, Viva, Forever His, Sere Emberwave, Sere, Yuna Second Star, Vera, Crystal-Winter, koldy, Eo, Lirael The Daughter Of Ri, SilverMo, Lady of Enchantment, darlinrandi, JaminJellyBean, jay : First of all guys thanks for your reviews, but I've explained why I haven't been updating consistently recently, please be patient, for I can promise you that I intend on finishing this story, (if that's any concession.) I'll try my best to update more frequently. On that you have my word.

To Chikara: It was a pleasure answering your question, fell free to ask me anything at all. I think Serenity figured that if she did attempt to correct their thoughts they would only think she was lying anyway, so yeah. (Let me apologise for the cliff-hanger now)

To EtrnalRhapsodi: What can I say I'm in complete agreement with you, I've had a crush on Endymion since I was very young, and the way I portray him in this story the way I envision him in my mind.

To Sailor-Nekawaii: I'd be really interested to now what your predictions are for this story, you might just give me a few ideas, but I've compiled a set of important bits from past chapters for you and Deadly Diva, to give you some clues as to the identity of the man who killed Serenity's father. Till next time.

To Deadly Diva: My favourite reviewer. To answer your question I've taken bits out from previous chapters to give you more of a clue. Hehe. But your prediction is very accurate, when Serenity finds out about Endymion's action there will be major consequences. (and believe me the forced marriage isn't the only thing Endymion has to hide.) As for Jadeite, well you don't miss a thing do you? That will be clarified in this chapter. Once again thankyou for all of your reviews. Thankyou thankyou thankyou.

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Previously:

Chapter 1.

"For the first time I saw his eyes. They were the colour of ice."

Chapter 1

"His clothes were black velvet embroidered with intricate silver designs."

Chapter 6

"He has interesting eyes." Malachite remarked, his tone detached.

"Indeed. They are the colour of ice."

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Love. A simple word that has been grossly misused over time. My children, never utter the word unless you know its true meaning and are aware of the repercussions that it may cause. No weapon could ever be more dangerous than that single word.

From the diary of King Aura II Emperor of the Moon.

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The sun had barely risen above the horizon. The air was moist and the ground damp. Nephrite ran a soothing hand through the mane of one of the horses. He was one of the few Promised Knights to have arrived on time for their meeting. He was accompanied by Malachite and surprisingly Jadeite. The latter had his head gripped in both hands in an obvious sign of a hangover. Nephrite could not prevent a smile from appearing on his lips while Malachite merely rolled his eyes heavenward. This they granted was perhaps not the best time to approach the impulsive friend on the subject that had concerned them for some time, yet another opportunity might not have presented itself to them.

"Did you make peace with Serenity?" Nephrite's soothing voice asked gently. He could feel Jadeite glare at him for the great sin of speaking and increasing the throbbing that was already resounding in his head.

"Yes. Remind me why I gave her my blessing to be with that bastard?" The words had been growled.

"Because that bastard, as you so eloquently put it, is now married to our leader. With the impending battles we cannot afford to have squabbles amidst ourselves." Malachite's tone had the gentle and slowly paced quality of a parent lecturing an ill-tempered child.

"While Serenity is an impeccable leader, she is more stubborn than a mule. She would not have backed down easily." Nephrite calmly chided Jadeite.

"What about Damien?" Jadeite resisted the temptation of sticking his tongue out to his friends. His usual somewhat immature gestures had become more pronounced under the still lurking affects of the alcohol.

"Damien is the Healer, and the heir to the throne. Hell itself will freeze over before Serenity allows him to walk into battle." Malachite's tone had now changed to one of impatience.

"I don't trust him." Jadeite muttered quietly, referring back to Endymion.

"I never said we wouldn't keep a close eye on him." Nephrite whispered quietly, a slow smile forming on his lips.

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I walked into the stables and glanced slowly at the three knights that had already assembled there. Jadeite was outfitted in plain black breaches and a simple white peasant shirt. He was sitting on one of the stable hand's stools, his feet perched up on a stack of hay. His hands were behind his head acting as a pillow, causing his golden curls to frame his chiselled features. He was slowly chewing on a discarded piece of wheat. I shook my head at the sight of him; only he could manage to look regal in that position.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting." I said quietly. Malachite merely discarded my words with a gesture of hand. He was leaning on a pillar, his arms crossed in front of him, his eyebrows folded in a contemplative manner.

"It's not like Zoicite to be late." Nephrite stated plainly, a tinge of worry in his voice. He walked away from the chestnut coloured horse that he had been attending and started pacing. I smirked quietly. A moment later Zoicite appeared. He seemed to be delicately balancing a number of coiled maps of different sizes in his arms. His long blond hair had been restrained by an un-decorative rope, and he was attired in plain riding clothes. At his side was Damien, face cleanly shaven, his hair styled to an inch of perfection with his long silver tunic lacking the presence of even a single wrinkle. The instant he walked in a look of disgust passed his features.

"Whose god forsaken idea was it to meet in the stables amidst this stench?"

Jadeite snorted. "When did we turn into the imperial ass?" Jadeites words, while seemingly harsh, were delivered with good natured teasing. Damien's position as the Prince of the Moon had always exposed him to ridicule, (mine had not been for my status had been largely unknown.)

"Alright boys, let's start this meeting. We are leaving for Davenport in a matter of hours. We do not have time to waste." As I was speaking Zoicite slowly unravelled a map on a small oak table. Jadeite stood up from his position and moved toward the map.

"Davenport is already armed with a single ground troop division, and the presence of the armoury means that we need not trouble ourselves with taking numerous armed supplies. The weapons may be out of fashion but with a little polish and maintenance they will be quite effective." It never ceased to surprise me how Jadeite was able to transform from a seemingly immature little boy, to a man who was in control and demanded respect and radiated authority. I thought over his words carefully.

"What was the exact scale of the previous attacks?" I asked glancing at Zoicite. His face immediately clouded with worry.

"The military attacks were engaged in a fashion that seemed rather excessive for small villages. The damage that was inflicted would have been caused by at least 4 well-trained ground divisions. No traces of magic were detected at the sites." I spent a few moments in silence contemplating the information I had just received.

"We shall take two armed division with us, as a safety percussion." I glanced at Nephrite. "You and Damien shall ride ahead and prepare the villagers for our arrival, make sure they know that we are not trying to take over their territory and so on. Damien I want you to heal any wounded solders, and make sure their healing institutions are up to the standard that is needed." Both men nodded. "Zoicite I want you to find out any more information in regards to this Nega moon family. Malachite I want you to join them and train the troops in the village. Jadeite you will stay with me, and help me train the soldiers here. For the interests of this mission, Malachite you will act the part of the Galaxy Knight." The last command was part of a ploy not only to be able to win the co-operation of the villagers quickly but to give them a greater sense of reassurance. This would give me the opportunity to move from front to front without detecting too much attention. It was possible as our individual titles were not known outside the palace walls.

"And what of the Sailor Scouts?" Nephrite asked quietly. A sigh escaped my lips and I silently cursed the Queen once again.

"Let them accompany you, they have skills that will aid you in your individual missions. Do not place them in an endangering position, and if they enter a battlefield, make sure they are not hurt." Once that was said we quickly moved apart to go perform our individual tasks.

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Jadeite left the meeting muttering under his breath. He had spent the last twenty-four hours or so avoiding her. Now he was walking towards her bedroom, about to seek her out. He silently cursed the Queen for the hundredth time. Rei was now his responsibility, and while half of him was urging him to abandon her cruelly the other was over whelmed with the desire to protect her, although he would not admit the latter. He slowly reached her bedroom door. It was one of red oak and the sign of Mars had been engraved into it delicately. He straightened his collar and ran a hand through his hair. He took a deep breath, scolded himself for paying too much attention to the girl, and un-straightened his collar. He then gently knocked on the door. The door was opened by a small scurrying maid. Her head was bent so all he could see was her plump white bonnet.

"I wish to see the Princess Rei." He made sure that his tone conveyed all the authority of a Galaxy Soldier.

"What do you want Jadeite?" He could see Rei moving towards the door in a flurry of red and black. She unceremoniously dismissed her maid, who scurried out of the room quickly. She turned to face him, and he could see that dark rings had formed under her eyes.

"To inform you that a change of schedule has occurred and we will be journeying to Davenport in the afternoon."

"A servant could have told me that, and then I wouldn't have had to look at your ugly face." A smile crossed his lips; at least the woman hadn't lost her fire.

"And you think I take pleasure looking at the face of a spoilt brat such as yourself?" I could see as a sinister smile appeared on her face as she thought of a comeback.

"I do believe you would be the best friend for every gentleman." She uttered the words slowly, letting each one play on her luscious lips.

"And why is that?" Jadeite could feel himself unconsciously drawing closer to her. He detected a mischievous gleam in her eyes, as she smiled seductively and took the slightest step towards him.

"You would provide them with a very through guide of all the traits they should not possess. For a gentleman is to be charming, well bred, and possess some degree of decorum. They are qualities that I am assured you have no possession of at all. Goodbye, my lord." With each word she had stepped ever so slightly closer. Her silk gown was not helping the matter, as it moved with every gesture clinging to a different curve, and he had to resist the urge to groan. As she uttered her goodbye she pressed her lips on his cheek, then pulled away and slammed the door in his face.

For a long moment all Jadeite did was stare at the door. Once his senses had returned to him, he swore profusely under his breath. Normally on such occasions he would have found solace in alcohol, Russian vodka to be precise. Yet he knew that Serenity would have his hide if he had the slightest trace of it in his breath when training the soldiers. A low groan escaped his lips as he marched towards the training grounds. It seemed that the soldiers would have to take the full burden of his wrath.

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I did not have to look at him to know that he was staring at me. I had dressed in loose peasant pants and a simple white top. Yet his gaze was devouring, even from his obscure hiding place amidst the shadows. I focused on the soldier before me, correcting his grip on his sword. Then I moved on to another group of training soldiers. Two men were engaged in hand-to-hand combat. I shook my head at them.

"Never sacrifice balance for a flashy kick. Your aim is to live, not to impress." I chided them slowly stepping in the match. The man ran a hand along his mouth; I could hear the material of his shirt scratch against his un-kept beard as he wiped away the drool that had collected there.

"I take no orders from a woman." Jadeite started making his way towards the fool when he heard the remark, but I raised my hand to stop him. I could feel the delicate smile tugging at my lips as I stepped towards him. I placed my hands behind my back, and tilted my head slightly. When I walked my movements imitated those of a vulnerable child.

"You are right. I am a mere woman, what would I know about the art of war?" I pouted my lips in a gesture that implied I was seeking his forgiveness. A small circle of onlookers had formed around us. I slowly placed a finger under his chin and lifted it so he was looking into my eyes. The ill-mannered soldier smirked, and I merely smiled in return. The smile died on his lips as he realised that his feet were no longer on the floor. I used my powers to lift him up until he was pinned against the ceiling. He had a horrified look on his features. I was not aiming to cause him any harm, merely to teach him a lesson. I turned my gaze to the onlookers. "If anyone else wishes to challenge my authority they can join him." Needless to say the soldiers rushed back to their training.

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The two men were riding in front while the women were behind. Damien had ridden ahead of their party. Both Mina and Lita had their hair pulled up into tight buns. However, while Mina was riding side-saddle Lita was riding the same way as the men. She had spent half the ride teasing Mina about the evils of side-saddles.

"How is it possible that they are so arrogant?" Lita sneered. The two men had not even given them a glance since they had left the palace.

"They have power, wealth and good looks. Is this not excuse enough for arrogance?" Lita merely growled at Mina's reply and straightened her already rigid posture.

"There is no excuse for arrogance." Lita replied, tilting her head back to a ridiculous degree, eliciting a giggle from Mina.

"On the contrary my dear, arrogance and pride are always justified by a true superiority of mind." Lita froze as she heard Nephrite's reply. At first waves of embarrassment washed over her, however once the meaning of his words became clear to her it was replaced by anger. Mina noticed her friend clenching her jaw and the murderess gleam in her eye.

"Do you seek to imply that you are superior to us intellectually?" Mina replied before Lita had a chance to react. Her tone conveyed the full authority of an aristocrat. She did not have to see Malachite's face to know that there was a smile playing across his lips.

"I believe ladies that Nephrite's only motive was to tease. You seemed to have underestimated our hearing abilities."

"Judging from the volume of your words I believe you presumed we were deaf." Nephrite added. He glanced behind him to see two very unimpressed ladies, to put it most politely. He turned his eyes to Malachite for help. Malachite, while tempted to leave the women to fry Nephrite, was in an uncharacteristically playful mood.

"You cannot blame him if he had made such a presumption." Malachite declared his tone conveying every inch of arrogance that the ladies had accused him of.

"So do you prefer marble or basalt?" Nephrite's message was a telepathic one.

"Whatever for?" He replied mentally, glancing at Nephrite.

"The graves you just ordered for us." Both men chuckled quietly, highly amused with themselves.

"While we may be royalty we were all given very thorough educations. We possess the full qualifications of diplomats and are able to speak all the languages of the silver alliance..." Mina's tone was one of a self-assured royal talking to commoners.

"Why Mina, let us not challenge them." Mina was almost stunned into falling off her horse at Lita's comment. Even Nephrite was tempted to turn and gaze into the eyes of the demon that seemed to have possessed the body of the Princess of Jupiter. "We will just have to inform Serenity that her knights have enlightened us." Mina smiled triumphantly at Lita's remark while Nephrite could feel the hairs on the back of his neck starting to stand.

"Now ladies, there's no need to make impulsive decisions..."

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I don't know if he was avoiding me or if I was avoiding him. The troops had assembled and we were preparing to make the journey to Davenport. I was pacing in the stable, using the solitude to collect my thoughts. He did not have to make a sound for me to know that he had intruded on my privacy. I turned to face him, and saw that he was leaning against a white marble pillar.

He took slow steps towards me. The man had the audacity to stare at me in the eyes while he moved towards me with a panther-like grace. He gently took hold of my shoulders and brought his lips down on mine. I responded, my frustration pouring into the intimate gesture. Slowly my arms wrapped themselves around his neck while he pushed my body against his. He broke the kiss abruptly, an infuriating smile playing on his lips.

"Madame." I placed a hand on my hips and glared at him, resisting the urge to stamp my foot in frustration. The game had reached a stalemate. A war of attrition, designed to wear out the enemy.

"And what, may I ask, was that for?" I asked, tilting my head and arching an eyebrow at him. It crossed my mind to pin him to the ceiling as I had done to the soldier earlier that day. To this day I do not know why I didn't do just that.

"An apology." He whispered leaning closer to me. My face went blank at his words. Uncharacteristic was an understatement. It would be a cold day in hell when Endymion the Prince of Earth apologised.

Unless he was up to something.

"For what?" I asked, pretending to be innocently confused.

"For the games that I have played." He closed his eyes and looked away. "You deserve much better than me." While uttering the words he walked away from me, his head hung low. I could not help but snort at his antics. "Does my declaration mean nothing to you?" I will admit his puppy dog eyes were highly commendable. The man was a brilliant actor.

"Please do not insult my intelligence."

"I have no idea what you mean." He replied, pretending to look pained.

"It is convenient is it not, that you make this declaration after we are married, when you have no choice but to keep me confined in an unequal marriage. It is the perfect situation for you to gain sympathy, and the ability to perform the post marital rituals, no?" Instead of anger amusement danced in his eyes.

"How did you know?" He asked a flirtatious smile playing on his lips.

"As you have said, we are two of a kind. I've harnessed the same weapon before."

"Impressive."

"Is it really?" I moved closer to him, placing my hands on his shoulders.

"Among other things." He pulled me to his body so I was pressed up against him. I kissed him on the lips, but pulled away before he could deepen it. He groaned in response. I leaned closer to him so my lips were against his ear.

"How do you know I haven't used it on you?" With that I walked out quite impressed with myself. No, I hadn't used that tool against him, but could it really hurt to have him squirming a little?

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The journey to Davenport was a long one. Serenity was at the front of the party, Zoicite by her side. Amy and Rei were riding along together; Rei seemed to have a satisfied smirk on her face while Amy was blushing furiously. Jadeite sighed and reluctantly pulled his horse in line with Endymion's.

"I just wanted to let you know you have my blessing." Jadeite declared, masking the disdain in his voice effectively.

"I was not aware that we were in need of your blessing. But I am glad to possess it nonetheless. Serenity has a great respect for the opinions of her knights." Jadeite nodded.

"I'm certain that you will take every measure to treat her well." The statement was a threat and Endymion was well aware of it. Jadeite would have been quite content to spend the rest of the ride in silence, but Endymion had other plans. A mischievous smile was already dancing on his lips.

"It is only fair that I give you something in return for your kindness." Endymion declared, the sarcasm barely masked as he uttered the last word.

"Really? What could you possible offer me?" Jadeite asked, his curiosity effectively awakened.

"Simply the knowledge that Martian uniforms are black with red embroidery." Jadeite looked at him questioningly for a few moments. Then a smile formed on his lips. He believed that he had overestimated the man.

"I'm afraid you are mistaken. I know that Martian uniforms are decorated with silver embroidery."

"Perhaps." With that enigmatic remark Endymion rode on ahead of Jadeite.

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"As I have told you numerous times, the armed forces are coming to Davenport in order to complete their training in a variety of environments." He was standing on the small stage of the town hall, the villagers all gathered around. They were not poor, as they were an upper class of farmers. Simple people content with working their land and gaining a fair margin of profit.

"I've heard that there've bin attacks. Is that why yer here?" At the villager's words Malachite straightened his already rigid posture.

"The troops are coming here because of training as I have repeated several times. However all of the Promised Knights shall be in Davenport. If an attack did occur, which is highly unlikely considering the geographic location of the village, then you would have the most powerful beings in the universe protecting you." He had not disclosed the truth to the villagers, for if he did it would no doubt cause panic. He watched amusedly as a silence of awe descended the villagers. After long moments one of them finally spoke up.

"Allow us to throw a banquet in honour of them." Malachite smiled softly.

"We would not want to distract the soldiers with wine and alluring ladies. Leave the banquet for the end of the trip. But I appreciate the gesture." He instantly regretted his words.

"You are one of the Promised Knights?" One young lady practically screeched, and Malachite groaned. He had to spend the rest of the night fending off ambitious women, while avoiding glares from the Princess of Venus.

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"So you and Amy are engaged. I'm so happy for both of you Zoicite." I smiled, genuinely pleased. They were well suited to each other both being level headed, extremely intelligent, and meticulous in matters of etiquette.

"I never believed I could develop such feelings in such a short amount of time."

"Amy is no normal lady. She is extraordinary, quite appropriate too for she deserves you as much as you deserve her." A gentle blush caressed Zoisite features, but I resisted the urge to tease him.

"What of you and Endymion?"

"What of us?" I asked pretending that I had not understood his question.

"You were married a day ago. Has nothing changed between you?"

"I was never one for the blushing bride image." A smile started to form on his lips, a sign of his agreement.

"Indeed. You have no idea what it means to me to have your blessing Serenity."

I smiled slightly embarrassed. "You did not require my blessing."

"Perhaps not legally, but for every other reason." I smiled at him gently and then steered the conversation to the battle ahead and the information he had gained.

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We reached Davenport just before nightfall. The townsfolk had already set up makeshift tents for us. I got off my horse and walked towards Malachite. I tried to hide a smile as a young girl tried to hurl herself into his arms. He turned his eyes to me, and while his annoyance was masked I knew he desired me to help him. I approached him with a mischievous smile on my face. As I moved closer the girl turned her eyes on me, and her eyes darkened with mistrust.

"Lord Malachite, how could you be so deceitful? The healers have told you several times that the rash that has enveloped your body is highly contagious." The girl's eyes widened in response and she very quickly walked away. I smiled innocently as he glared at me. "It worked did it not?" He shook his head, but said nothing, and that was enough to indicate that he was amused with the situation. "How is everything?" I asked, changing the subject.

"The villagers are honoured to have us here. I have scouted the borders and have found the potential attack points. Their homes are mostly made of wood so we will have to contain any fire magic." I nodded to him. Zoicite had already gathered two other commanders and was explaining strategies to them, while Jadeite was already ordering troops into various defensive and offensive positions around the village.

"Serenity?" I turned in the direction of Rei's voice. She looked slightly exhausted from the trip, her hair lacking its usual brilliant lustre and her features smeared with dirt. Beside her stood Amy. She too looked exhausted from the trip. "Where do you want us?" I embraced her gently.

"I want you all to stay away from the main battleground." I could see that Rei was about to protest but I raised my hand and silenced her. "I need you guys as a last line of defence. If something should happen to us it would be left to you to protect the village and evacuate the citizens. I cannot spare them now for I may be forced to call some of them into battle, and enlist the women and children in the healing tents. That's if an attack does take place." I then turned to one of the soldiers and told him to take the ladies to their tents.

"Perhaps you should retire for the night as well." Malachite suggested gently.

"No, I'm too on edge. You can feel the ominous presence as well as I."

"All the more reason for you to get some rest. I know how you work in battle Serenity, you try to be everywhere at once. If you're not rested then you will not last more than ten minutes and we cannot afford that." I smiled, letting him guide me to a tent.

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The moment I entered the tent I regretted it. His back was toward me, his shirt untucked and falling loosely around his shoulders. Any possibility of rest seemed to have flown out of the window with his presence. A part of me wanted to demand a separate tent, but I could not. He was after all my husband now. He was gently sipping on white wine, the glass shimmering in his hands.

"I don't want you to fight." The words were simple, yet he uttered them with a conviction that I had not heard him use before.

"I'm not in the mood for another one of your games Endymion." I replied simply. He turned around sharply, slamming his glass on the table. His shirt buttons were undone exposing the muscles of his chest and the flat expanse of his stomach. He walked towards me so there was an arms distance between us.

"Damn it Serenity, this is not a game." His voice was dangerously low, and his eyes were flashing with determination.

"I am one of the Promised Knights. I have a duty to protect these people. I will not forgo that for anyone. How dare you ask me too?" It took all my control to stop my voice rising.

"Then I shall fight with you." He was combating my heated gaze with his own.

"Hell will freeze over first."

"I am a trained fighter Serenity. I am capable of taking care of myself." He spat the words, his eyes never leaving mine. I moved closer to him, cursing myself for being shorter than him.

"You are an heir to a throne Endymion, and this is a real battle, I don't have time to baby-sit you. I don't care how good you think you are, I do not know the standard of the Nega Moon army and till I do you shall stay away from the battle ground even if I have to tie you to the furthest tree myself." He moved closer to me so that our noses were almost touching. I could see how long his lashes were, and I could decipher the different shades of dark blue present in his eyes.

"I am not one of your soldiers Serenity. I am your equal."

"I will not have you being killed because of your swelled head." I sneered at him.

"And I am meant to stand by and watch as you put yourself in jeopardy? I do not take my vows lightly Serenity." He placed his large palms on my shoulders and squeezed them so I would feel the full impact of his words.

"Why would you care if I was killed? If anything it would only benefit you." With those words I turned to move out of the tent. Before I could he grabbed my wrist and spun me around so my body hit his with a loud thud. Neither of us flinched. His eyes were almost black and were flashing with the intent of drawing blood.

"Because I love you, fool." He released his hold on me as soon as the words had left his mouth. He swore quietly under his breath and ran a shaky hand through his hair. He gazed at me with anger playing on his features before storming out of the tent.