Hey people, I know a lot of you have been long awaiting this chapter, to find out what the mother of all twists is, it may be a little confusing at times, if it is drop me a line and I'll answer any questions that you might have ok? Cool.
To kris cros, Amanda, Emily, Mouse32, Ms. Kitty Nora, lil lilly, Sailor-Nekawaii, venusgoddess, hit60, Eo, koldy, stargirl, fioremaryssa, Sere Emberwave, hopester002, Edens-MoonlightAngel, daisy31, SilverMo: Sorry about making you guys wait so long! But this chapter is officially the longest one I have ever written and I guess everything unravels in this chapter..(hint hint) enjoy, and thankyou so much for all your reviews! They mean everything to me! Love you all heaps. Oh and venus goddess, I'm really sorry, I just completely forgot to update on aria, but I'm honoured that you went to such lengths to read my story. Thankyou all once again!
To Chikara: Hey girl, well don't worry you'll get more details on what Serenity's father did in this chapter, and I'm glad that everythings starting to fall into the place, this is basically the chapter where everything is meant to make sense. So I hope you enjoy! And yeah, your definitely right Serenity isn't going to be impressed with Damien, or Endymion so expect fireworks!! Thanks so much for the review!
To SilverWolf2105: You have no idea how close you are to the truth..i mean woah, we are definitely on the same wave length! But all shall be revealed in this chapter so have a read and tell me what you think ok? Thanks heaps for your review girl, hope you enjoy this chapter!
To mila: No serenity is not aware about the kings past at all, and you'll see that in this chapter, as for the people who know well that's basically limited to the people who actually talk about it in this chapter nobody else really knows. (with minor exceptions.) and yes it is definitely ironic that Endymion has fallen for Serenity. Damien knows about Endymion, and that includes more than his involvement with the Kings death, and yes that's why I put that particular line in the story. Believe me Damien has his reasons for not saying anything. (he'll explain in this chapter) As for the Queen, well her relationship with the kings death will be better explained in this chapter (although maybe not fully) as for luna..you'll just have to wait a bit longer for that one. It's been a pleasure to answer your reviews, thankyou for the time you take to read and review my story. Thankyou.
To Deadly Diva: Thankyou so much for your comments on my writing, I mean that just gives me the motivation to continue with this story. (which unfortunately is winding down to an end) I agree, I don't want you to excuse Endymion, he is no saint, just keep in mind that Serenity has commit her share of horrible crimes as well. The reasons behind the Kings murder are reviled in this chapter. Damien knows a lot. And he knows more than just about the King's murder..and yes that was what that line was referring to. (you'll find out exactly what he knows in this chapter.) I agree, jadeite isn't the most credible person when it comes to Endymion. I'm really sorry about the spelling mistakes but they really are one my biggest weaknesses..if you pick up any more could you please just let me know and I'll change them. Thanks heaps. As for Sapphire deliberately seeking out Serenity, not really, I think he was genuinely scared of Endymion. And about the surprise..i know its stale and all, but you may just have hit the nail on the head on that one. Once again thankyou for your review!
Anyway, enough from me guys, on with the story!
wwwwwwwwwwwwww
Your curiosity shall be your downfall my child. Beware. Some secrets are never meant to be found.
From the diary of King Aura II Emperor of the Moon.
wwwwwwwwwwwwww
I woke up in the morning feeling warm, and even though I would not admit it then, safe. I snuggled closer to him, enjoying the feel of his bare skin against my own. I slowly traced his jaw with my fingers. The minute my fingers touched his skin, his eyes fluttered open and he tightened his hold on me. He took my fingers in his hand and kissed them lightly. It still amazed me that within a night I could know his body better than my own. I had memorized and explored every contour, every taunt muscle. My body was still haunted with the memory of the trail of his hands, that were so eagerly followed with his lips...
"Chère." He whispered quietly as he kissed my forehead. His comment caused me to smile, with a single word he had expressed all the emotions that had been exposed the night before. His lips found my own and I responded eagerly. Three little words were chocking in the back of my throat, yet no matter how much I tried I could not bring myself to say them. His lips slowly began moving down my neck.
"Your insatiable." I whispered breathlessly
"And your not?" He whispered quietly, a sly smile playing on his lips. I bit my lip slowly, it wasn't fair, why did he have to be the most handsome man that ever walked the galaxy with the body of Adonis? I tried to detangle myself from his arms but he only tightened his grip on my slim body. I glared at him pretending to be mad.
"Were leaving within the hour, we can't be late." I whispered quietly trying to ignore his lingering fingers on my hips.
"Are you sure I could not convince you otherwise?" He asked his eyes glittering with a dangerous gleam, his tongue ever so lightly caressing his upper lip. I smiled enigmatically, a plan forming itself in my mind. I had always enjoyed tempting him. So why stop now?
I brushed my lips against his lightly, and pulled back before he had a chance to deepen the kiss, eliciting a groan from his lips. I began to kiss my way down his neck, my pace agonizingly slow. His body grew increasingly tense under my touch. Then I simply walked away from the bed, extremely satisfied with myself.
That was before I found myself pinned under Endymion, his eyes once again dancing with a mischievous intent. He kissed me with the hunger of a man starving. When he broke the kiss we were both out of breath, my lips slightly bruised. I could feel his hands roaming once again, exploring, teasing. The man was definitely good with his hands, I could feel myself building to a climax, one more touch would send me over the edge.
"Check mate." He whispered the words huskily before walking away from the bed. I swore quietly under my breath, when it came to seducing a woman the man was an expert. I shook my head, my body reeling with frustration. Yet I smiled.
After all revenge was a dish best served cold.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Jadeite took one look at my expression and instantly knew what had occurred the night before. A scowl almost immediately appeared on his face, I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at him. He stalked up to me, his dark tunic contrasting against his pale skin, accentuating his golden hair.
"Your late." He said simply, I nodded at his words.
"Are the troops assembled?" I asked, smiling at him arrogantly, fuelling his anger.
"You have shown to be a good judge of character in the past, I'm amazed that Endymion has been able to fool you so easily." He was clenching his jaw tightly, I knew that that meant he was trying to control his temper.
"Do I have any reason not to trust him?" I asked somewhat dismissively. Yet something in his eyes, the way his lips formed a thinner line told me he was hiding something. "Do I?" I asked again, this time my tone was deadly serious.
"I don't trust the man, call it instinct." He all but sneered.
"I thought you said you were going to put this behind you." I remarked simply. He took a deep breath at my words. We silently moved towards the troops, and within half an hour we had begun our journey back towards the palace.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
The wind danced with his silver hair, making the strands move to its rhythm. His amethyst eyes stared out towards the ocean. He did not need to turn around to know that Nephrite had joined him on the marble balcony.
"Do you mind if I join you Malachite?" He simply nodded, already aware of the underlying concern present in Nephrite's tone.
"What has happened?" He asked simply turning towards his dark haired friend. Nephrite remained silent for long moments, simply staring at the ocean, admiring the way the light reflected off its curved surface. He swallowed the lump that had immerged in his throat before speaking.
"The stars are whispering." He did not turn to face Malachite's questioning eyes. Malachite sighed before releasing his hold on the carefully chiselled railing. It was plain that the prophecy would not be a favourable one. Slowly Nephrite turned to him, the fear was all too clear in his eyes.
"What have they predicted?" Malachite asked carefully, preparing himself for the worst.
"The beginning of the end." The statement was a simple one, yet its implications were profound.
"The end of what?" Malachite questioned, somewhat alarmed. It was true that he was not one for superstitious beliefs, but experience did not lie. Through the years Nephrite's psychic abilities had all to often proved to be disturbingly accurate.
"That I do not know." The words had barely left Nephrites lips, when a servant emerged, walking towards them with two glasses of red wine balanced delicately on a tray. Unfortunately balance was a virtue that the young lad seemed to lack, for he tripped, sending the crystal glasses and their precious contents to a crashing end. The red liquid spread slowly over the marble floor, moving patiently, devouring everything within its path. The two men glanced at each other, no words were needed to express the fear they both felt.
They were both concerned with the safety of one individual.
Their leader.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Throughout the trip I could feel Endymion's gave attempting to devour me. What had occurred the night before was somewhat unsettling. Passion and lust had been present in overwhelming amounts during my liaisons with previous lovers. Yet after I had laid next to them breathless and spent, it had quickly diminished. I had always been able to walk away. That was not the case with Endymion. I could still feel the passion running through my veins, the lust controlling every fibre of my being. Zoicite pulled his hoarse next to mine, I smiled at him warmly welcoming the distraction.
"There is a matter I wish to discuss with you." He uttered the words, with the same rigid formality that was characteristic of his nature.
"So I gathered." I replied, glancing at him, I could not help but smile at his nervous gestures. It was clear that the subject he wished to discuss would somehow be related to his upcoming nuptials.
"I am well aware of my duties, and I will not neglect them." He was about to continue his well practiced, timed speech before I stopped him.
"Zoicite, we've been friends for so long that it is simply absurd for us to maintain the formalities that are deemed appropriate at court." A hue appeared on his cheeks as a result of my words. "If there is no sign of trouble, I do not see anything preventing you wedding Amy." I could not help but smile as his eyes sparked with excitement, he thanked me quietly. We rode alongside each other in comfortable silence for the remainder of the journey.
Of course I was forced to ignore Endymion's heated gazes for the duration of the trip.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Malachite and Nephrite greeted us at the doors of the palace. One glance at their weary expressions was enough to confirm in my own mind that something was most definitely wrong. Zoicite's stiff posture confirmed that he too sensed that something was out of place. I hurriedly gave instructions to the troops to dismount, and to return to their quarters for some well deserved rest. I embraced both of my friends warmly, the knowledge that Endymion was by my side allowed me to remain calm. Even though I would not willingly admit it.
"Where is Jadeite?" Nephrite asked.
"He fell behind of the party, I believe he was squabbling with Rei over a trifling matter that is not worth recollecting." We could not help but smile at the obvious attraction between the two and their reluctance to accept it. Yet the tension present between Nephrite and Malachite was to pronounced to ignore.
"Would you mind if I talked to the Knights in private?" I glanced at Endymion apologetically. He simply nodded, his dark bangs falling into his eyes. He leaned forward and kissed me on the cheek. It was a simple gesture, yet its intimacy caused a dark hue to appear on my features. Even with a simple touch he could set my senses on fire. I took a deep breath, attempting to regain my composure. I used my powers to call to Damien and Jadeite, informing them of the meeting. Damien replied that he would meet us shortly, while Jadeite informed me that he could not attend the meeting and would explain his reasons at a later date. With that, the rest of us slowly began walking to one of the palace's numerous libraries.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
The room was graced with solid oak floors and the walls were lined with book-shelfs. Each shelf held numerous books from a variety of subjects from fiction to anatomy. A long oblong desk sat in the middle of the room, adorned with six mahogany chairs. The chairs although curvatious would have been extraordinarily uncomfortable if it had not been for the deep burgundy leather lining. We all took our seats with myself and Malachite sitting at the ends of the table. Damien entered soon after we did, his golden hair perfectly in place. His dark tunic accentuated his eyes and his calm appearance. When everyone was seated, I got down to business.
"Tell me the situation of the palace, and then tell me what is wrong." I had glanced at Malachite and Nephrite as I had uttered the words.
"There have been no security breaches within or near the palace, yet the presence of the enemy is undoubtable." Malachite answered simply, his words were formol and possessed the authority that radiated from him so easily. I nodded at his words satisfied with the situation.
"There has been a prophecy, it is vague and worrisome to say the least." Nephrite's words exposed his concern yet his composure showed no sign of the emotion. I could feel my brows pulling together and I pressed my lips together tightly.
"What is the prediction exactly?" I asked simply.
"All I have been informed of is that an event has triggered the beginning of the end." I nodded my head letting the words sink in. I rubbed my chin with my fingers slowly assessing the vast implications of the words. I sighed deeply.
"The words are too vague, and thus it would be a waste of time for us to deliberate over them. I suggest that we move on to other matters and deal with events as they present themselves." The knights simply nodded one by one indicating their agreement. "Tell me more about the nega-moon, I believe you told me that their leader went by the name of Diamond." Zoicite nodded his head confirming my words.
"I had done much research in regards to the Nega-moon family, yet there is very little I can find about their beginnings, except that they originated on Earth. The knowledge that I have acquired indicates that Diamond is rather lacking academically, and possesses little tact. This leads me to believe that Diamond is not the true leader of the Nega-moon family, that there is a far more charismatic, intelligent individual that is leading this group." I slowly massaged my throbbing temples; that was definitely not the information that I had desired to hear.
"Do we have any indication of who this leader might be?" Damien asked carefully, the tips of his fingers pressed together in front of him.
"All I have found is that Diamond has a brother, as too wether this man is in fact the leader of the Nega-moon family, I am not certain." We talked well into the day, discussing tactics, the nega-moon, strategies and honeymoon locations (to Zoicite's obvious embarrassment). When we left the room we were all emotionally exhausted and mentally drained, not to mention intrigued as to what had prevented Jadeite from attending the meeting.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
A flicker of sunlight caught a stray strand of silver hair. The owner, a young man, hurriedly pulled the wayward strand back into the confines of his dark overbearing cloak. He had carefully manipulated the security system of the palace in order to gain entry into its walls. A routine he had practiced many times. He slowly made his way to one of the Queen's private chambers, he knew her schedule well and sat down, partially hidden by shadows and awaited her arrival.
The door opened within the next ten minutes as he had predicted. The Queen walked into the room, a long silver gown clinging to her form, hugging her curves like a second skin. Her long golden hair was left down, flying around her form like the smooth curves of smoke. The Queen of the Moon did not at first notice him, but when she did she gasped in surprise. Her hand flew to her mouth as she attempted to calm her shaken nerves.
"What are you doing here? Are you quite out of your mind Diamond?" She whispered furiously checking the door once again to confirm it was locked.
"There is a matter of great importance which I need to discuss with you mother." He replied swiftly, the anger already dancing in his eyes. The Queen narrowed her eyes, worry already beginning to take hold of her being.
"What has happened, tell me that the plan has not been jeopardised." She had meant the words to have the resonance of a command yet they held the tone of desperation.
"I am afraid I cannot. My dearest brother Endymion has relieved me of my position because he is to busy lusting over Serenity." The venom in Diamond's sneer was all to plain. The fury that emerged on the Queen's features was instantaneous. Her cheeks flushed with anger and her eyes darkened.
"After all that that whore has done to us. How dare he!" It took all her self-control to not scream the words. "He who saw our people slaughtered at her father's hands."
"A slaughter, which was provoked by your actions mother dearest." The Queen turned around sharply on hearing Endymion's voice. His long frame was casually leaning against the door. At first his presence shocked the Queen, she swore quietly as she remembered that he possessed a key to her chambers. His words had been riddled with dangerous malice, yet his features were perfectly composed, and this, quite justifiably scared the Queen. "It is not wise for you to be here, when all the Promised Knights have assembled." He remarked simply staring coldly at Diamond. The Queen stalked towards Endymion, glaring at him.
"Tell me it is not true. Tell me that you have not sacrificed everything that we have planned to roll around with that slut." Endymion's eyes narrowed and his lips formed a thin line. His reaction caused the Queen to unconsciously take a step back away from him.
"You will take care to address my wife with the respect that is required, mother." He placed particular emphasis on the last word. The Queen only became more infuriated at his words.
"So that is it, you are going to allow our people's blood to have been spilled in vain. Her father killed our people because of her. He brought his own bastard into this court, forced me to accept her as my heir and ordered me to treat her as my daughter while he would not even acknowledge you. You who had aristocratic blood running through your veins." For an instant it seemed that Endymion's eyes were covered in mist, as he was no doubt reliving the events the Queen had described. Yet her words did not have the effect she desired for after a moment he simply walked to the nearby table and poured himself a glass of whisky, before sitting quite calmly on a large crimson chair.
"You forget one vital fact mother, the King found that you were still visiting my dearest brother's father, for shall we say entertainment. He came to the earth, and ordered the murder of everyone who you held dear in order to punish you for your infidelity." He had uttered the words with plain indifference as he twirled the crystal glass in his hand, admiring the way the light reflected on it's surface. He took a sip of the liquid before turning his eye's towards the Queen's. The malice in his eyes were unmistakable.
"For years I have heard your tale, you placing the blame on Serenity because she was not of your blood, because her mother was a nameless woman without title or fortune. All these years I have believed that your actions to destroy Serenity were motivated by a desire to seek revenge for the deaths of our people." He slowly drained the remaining liquid before continuing, his grip of the crystal glass deadly.
"I allowed my own desire for revenge to blind me to your motives. You knew that Damien would never be a decisive King, that he would never be able to fulfil your thirst for power adequately. You also knew that my dearest Diamond possesses the tact of an overgrown ape, that he is far to unguarded in his emotions to be a leader of the Nega-moon." He slowly placed the glass on a side table, the thick silence allowing the slight clank of its contact with the wood to resound through the room. He slowly stood up, his tall frame dominating the small chamber. His bangs were falling into his face, and his eyes were burning with rage. The Queen could feel her heart pounding against her chest, Endymion in that moment was the image of the devil himself. He took long strides towards her, his large black knee-high boots thumping quietly on the cold polished floors.
"Which leaves me mother dearest. I am already in control of the Earth, and if I had succeeded in gaining control of the Moon, then your influence over me would have granted you the power you craved." The words were whispered calmly, too calmly. "Yet beyond that there is something more, you hated Serenity for she represented the fact that Aura chose another woman over you. You did not care that he had placed a dagger to my throat while he had ordered his soldiers to one by one bring the people of my court before us. That each one of them had been killed in front of my eyes, while his taunting voice had told me over and over again that he was killing my people because my mother was a whore. No, you only cared about your pride." A single tear fell from the Queen's eyes, eyes that so closely resembled Serenity's. A resemblance that could have only been produced by magic as the two women were not related by blood.
"All I did, I did for you." The Queen whispered quietly, the corner's of Endymion's lips curved into a sardonic smile. Diamond, who was also quite shaken by Endymion's words suddenly raced to his mother's side and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You have no right, bastard." He sneered at Endymion, his eyes darkening with rage.
"I believe you are mistaken brother, the only bastard in this room is yourself." Diamond flew at Endymion in an attack motivated by rage. Endymion blocked the attack easily, he placed a large hand around Diamond's throat and raised him from the floor. Diamond lost a significant amount of colour from lack of air. "Do not test my patience brother." He had whispered the words quietly in Diamond's ear before releasing his hold on him, allowing his almost limp form to fall on the floor with a dull thump. Endymion then calmly walked towards the door, the Queen was beginning to regain her composure to a degree that would allow her to respond to the unfolding events.
"The plan is over. If I am informed of the slightest rumour that my wife's life is in danger I will have no hesitation in killing you both. I suggest you stay out of my way." The warning was not uttered in the form of a threat but a statement of fact.
"My dearest Endymion, you are too hasty. You are in no position to threaten me, have you not considered what your little lady love will do If she finds out about your connection to me and her fathers death? Or the fact that you orchestrated the wedding without her consent?" Endymion's back tensed considerably, he turned on his heel a mischievous smile playing on his features.
"Mother, you forget that if my relationship with Serenity were to be tarnished in any way by yourself, or your pathetic little minion, I would have no hesitation in revealing your connections to the resistance, in addition to your night time pleasures. If your secrets were to become common knowledge then you would spend the rest of your life in a small cell, condemned to only rule the rats that would share your cold kingdom." With those words he left, no more than a few moments passed before the sound of glass crashing against the walls could be heard resounding from the Queen's chambers.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Damien turned the pages of the ancient book carelessly, he had been attempting to read a passage for the last half hour unsuccessfully. Finally he closed the book and placed it on the large table beside him. A deep sigh escaped his lips as he placed his head in his hands. He had battled with himself, since Serenity's marriage as to wether he should divulge Endymion's true identity to her. He was well aware that Endymion was his half brother, and that he was in fact responsible for the death of King Aura. Yet he could not bring himself to face the fact that Serenity was only his half sister. Nor did he have the heart to tell her that their father was responsible for the cold blooded murder of hundreds.
He ran a hand through his golden hair before leaning back in his chair, staring intently at the ceiling. Aura had made sure that the truth was never made known to Serenity. For him, Serenity had been his last chance at redemption, and she had granted him that desire fully. Aura had been unjust to many yet to Serenity he had been a loving father, and she had worshiped him for it. The memory of Serenity cradling his dead body against his chest still ripped his heart to shreds. He swore quietly to himself, he knew that he should be in fact worried for their safety. But a part of him was certain that he could trust Endymion, that the fact that they shared the same mother was a bond that he would respect. Somehow Damien knew that Endymion would not hurt them directly. In fact when one considered all the circumstances the situation was far more dangerous for him than it was for the Knights. After all Endymion was outnumbered, and if Serenity ever learned of his deceit he would have to face her wrath. He slowly closed his eyes, for the first time he wished that his father was still alive, for this was one of the few situations where he felt that he required Aura's advice.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Rei slowly assessed Jadeite from the corner of her eye. He was riding his black stallion like a prince. His golden hair was illuminated by the rays of the sun, and his chin looked almost stern. For the first time Rei could see not only the flirtatious, somewhat immature playboy, but the great military leader. A blush crept over her cheeks as her glance feel on the mocking smile playing on his lips, exposing that he knew she was studying him.
"Do I pass your examination my lady?" He turned his face to her slowly, his tone riddled with amusement. Rei only snorted at his remark and rolled her eyes at him.
"You still have not disclosed where we are going. Or why you dismissed the troops." She threw back haughtily. When he shook his head in a bemused fashion she narrowed her eyes and glared at him.
"We are heading to the palace, furthermore I did not dismiss the troops I merely instructed them to ride on with a greater speed." Rei resisted the urge to groan loudly in frustration. The man simply knew how to play on her emotions, a fact that irritated her to no end.
"You still did not answer my original question." She stated as calmly as she could at the time. (although her words did still posses an underlying irritation that was all too plain.)
"You are my apprentice, and thus my responsibility."
"I am quite capable of taking care of myself." Rei snorted, interrupting Jadeite's words. He merely glanced at her with the expression of a parent scowling an ill-mannered child.
"There is no doubt of that my lady. If nothing else your tongue could make the flames of hell look welcoming to any man." Rei's face flushed with anger, but before she could interrupt him again, Jadeite continued. "As you are my apprentice I need to understand the way you think, and how you respond to certain situations. For that knowledge is not only vital to your safety but my peace of mind."
"And what should you care if anything happened to me." Rei growled, not impressed at being spoken to like a child.
"I assure you my lady I would not, I am doing this in the interest of my own safety." Rei laughed quietly at his words.
"Are you really that afraid of Serenity?" Rei asked somewhat seriously, the anger in her eyes had left and were replaced by laughter. Jadeite did not fail to notice the change. He allowed the corners of his lips to curl up in satisfaction at her response.
"She can be a tyrant when she wants to be. Was she always like that?" He asked smiling at Rei warmly.
"Yes, even before the King's death she would run around the palace with swords, her hair was always in a mess and half the servants were to scared to approach her. I think once she slipped a whole family of cockroaches into the Queen's bed, and got into a good deal of trouble for it." Rei's face had lit up with the memory, and a charming smile graced her lips. Suddenly Jadeite was finding it difficult to breathe in the presence of the breath-taking woman beside him.
"Your beautiful." He whispered the words quietly. Rei's warm expression turned into one of shock as she suddenly realised her surroundings and company. Not to mention the fact that they were very alone. "I would never hurt you, or any other woman in that way." Jadeite whispered somewhat hurt by her thoughts. Anger caused her cheeks to flush, as she narrowed her eyes at him.
"How dare you read my personal thoughts." She whispered furiously. Jadeite swore quietly under his breath and ran a hand through his head.
"I'm sorry, I have had the power for so long that I don't even know if I'm using it most of the time." He whispered quietly. For long moments Rei stared at him dumbfounded, although she had known him for a limited amount of time, she knew that Jadeite never apologised that quickly. Even if he knew he was in the wrong. They continued their journey in an awkward silence.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
I opened the door to my new chamber, it had been decorated in different shades of cream and brown. The light walls complementing the dark oak furniture exquisitely. The large bed in the centre of the room was a dominating feature. It was covered in a mass of delicately embroidered chocolate brown satin. The sheer curtains that adorned the entrance to the spacious balcony were dancing with the wind. I slowly walked closer only to see Endymion's back, an empty wine glass in his hands and half empty bottle beside him. His head was bent, and his ebony locks were dancing freely in the wind. I slowly walked up beside him, I glanced at the never ending tides of the blue ocean before turning to him.
"Do you want to talk about it?" I whispered quietly, covering his hand with my own, squeezing it lightly.
"Sometimes the only way to escape the shadows of the past is to numb the mind." He whispered, his voice was not slurred. It was obvious that he could hold his liqueur well, but the alcohol had affected him slightly. I nodded my head in understanding. I slowly walked back into a room and fetched two glasses of water. I don't know how long we spent on the balcony. We must have stood there for hours, simply enjoying each other's company in silence. It was strange but somehow his simple presence could relax my nerves and calm my senses. He took my hand in his and led me to the bed. I fell asleep in his arms, with my head cradled against his chest.
When I woke the next morning I felt nauseous, at first I put it to my often overactive imagination. Yet the feeling did not go away, forcing me to rush to the bathroom. When the daze that always fallows sickness faded panic gripped my being. I tried to recollect my composure as I walked out of the bathroom only to be faced by Endymion. Concern danced in his eyes, as he gently squeezed my shoulder.
"Are you alright?" I simply nodded in response, before telling him that I had some urgent matter to deal with. I did not fail to notice his brows coming together, indicating that he did not believe me. But at that moment, I did not want to even consider that my thoughts could be true.
I practically ran down to the stables and mounted a dark stallion. I rode at breakneck speak through the forest ignoring the stray branches grazing harshly against the bare skin of my face. It could not be true, I had taken lovers before and never before had I been in such a situation. I could feel my heart pounding against my chest as I drew closer to the small familiar cottage. I knocked on the small wooden door and waited anxiously for Luna to open the door.
Never before in my life had I been so happy to see anyone in my life. I embraced her warmly, amazed that time had not touched her dark hair or her soft skin since I had last seen her. For a few moments we exchanged polite formalities, but I knew that Luna was well aware something was wrong from my shaken demeanour.
"What is wrong my child? Something was not right from the very moment you walked in that door." I nodded quietly, as I took a deep breath.
"I think I may be with child." I stated, even the sound of the words on my lips terrified me. Luna's eyes widened considerably, but the shock was soon fallowed with a satisfied smile. She instructed me to lie down, and then spent long agonizing moments examining me with the aid of various charms.
"I'm afraid your suspicions are correct my child." I could feel the blood slowly draining from my face. I bit my lip attempting to prevent the tears that had formed in my eyes from spilling. Luna placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.
"The situation could be much worse, you are married, to a man who I dare say cares about you dearly." She whispered calmly in an attempt to console me.
"Yes, but I am a warrior. This child will always be in danger, for it will provide my enemies for something to use against me. How will I be able to resist their demands when the life of my own blood is at stake?" I cried, never in my life had I felt so powerless.
Luna spent quite some time attempting to convince me to stay in her company but I reluctantly refused. The journey back to the palace was a long one. I spent the duration of the trip assessing the consequences of the knowledge I had just gained. I sighed deeply, I had no idea how I was going to tell Endymion.
By the time I reached the palace half the day had already passed. I slowly walked through the cold white marble halls of the palace that had been adorned with overbearing portraits when I crossed a familiar door. For long moments I simply stared at the delicate carvings in the door of my father's study. After much deliberation I turned the knob and entered the room. It was unchanged since I had last seen it. I let a hand linger on my stomach, for some unknown reason the memories of his death did not taunt me then, I was much more overcome by the good times that we had shared reading together. I smiled as I noticed an old secret passage that we had built together. I calmly stepped towards the wall and pushed a single brick, the wall opened slowly much like an ordinary door, revealing a small sitting room.
In the centre of the room sat a small chess table with two leather chairs. However in the corner of the room there was a small book shelf. The ancient volumes within it were enclosed in glass. I was intrigued by the mysterious books and attempted to open the case. To my surprise it was not only locked but protected by magic. I placed my palm on the cool glass and with great force pushed my own power into it. The magical seal, not surprisingly shattered. I slowly took one of the volumes out of the shelf and made myself comfortable on one of the large leather chairs.
As I turned the pages of the book I came across a family tree. What made it so intriguing was the fact that the names of the family members were written in an ancient language that had been lost long ago. Furthermore two of the names had been hidden behind a thick layer of black ink. I slowly used my knowledge to sound out the first name. I stared at the book for long moments completely dumbfounded. I re-read the name, but I had not been mistaken. The first name on the tree was my fathers. I could feel my heart quicken with excitement. A delicate line passed through my father's name to another. After a few attempts I discovered that the name was the Queen's.
I was quite surprised to find another line extending from the Queen's name, the name attached to hers was that of the old King of the Earth. I slowly rubbed my chin, could it be possible that the Queen had been married to the King of the Earth before she had married my father? After long moments I returned my attention to the book, a single line went down from between the names of my father and that of the Queen. There lay the name of Damien. I stared at the page, utterly confused, why was my name not present along side Damien's? As I was pondering this thought I noticed that a single line went down from my father's name and my father's alone. There lay my name.
My heart skipped a beat.
It could not be true, if the tree was correct then it would mean, that the Queen was not my real mother. Suddenly I realised why the book had been hidden in a secret passage and guarded by magic. I slowly glanced at the two names that had been covered with black ink. What other secrets could this book yield? What could be so damaging that anyone would go to such lengths to prevent it from being found? One of the names was attached to the Queen's alone, while the other was shared by the Queen and the old King of the Earth. I slowly drew on my powers to remove the ink particles from the paper.
Endymion.
I re-read the name several times, but I had not been mistaken. Suddenly the memories flowed back. I could hear Damien's words in my mind only too clearly, informing me that the Nega-moon family had originated on Earth, that Diamond had a brother. The tears and realisation came in unison as I recollected Endymion informing me that Diamond was the name of his illegitimate brother. I could feel the anger flowing through my veins. The sting of betrayal causing a tightening in my chest, breaking my heart.
The book fell to the floor with a dull thump.
Followed by the sound of my footsteps, as I stalked out of the room.