Hey people, its so strange, I've been writing this story for so long and now its winding down to the final chapters. Anyway, there seemed to be a lot of confusion in regards to the parentage of Damien, Endymion and Serenity so I thought I'd take this time and just clearly state who's who.
First of all Serenity and Endymion are not brother and Sister.
Endymion: Queen Serenity is his mother, and The King of the Earth is his father.
Serenity: Her mother is unknown as yet, but her father is King Aura.
Damien: His mother is Queen Serenity and his father is King Aura.
I hope that clears up everything, but if you have anymore questions please don't hesitate to let me know.
To: Mysterious Writah, Sere Emberwave, SilverMo, Princess of the Saiyans 16, lyss, Emily, Lady of Enchantment, Taylor9.0, venusgoddess, charley, SilentStar-009, Loria, Tiffany, xmizzscarlet, Masquerade Ice Princess, baby love. KLG, devilsheart, Meghan McLaws, EtrnalRhapsodi: Hey people, hope I didn't keep you waiting for too long, and for all of you guys who want me to finish this story quickly rest assured that there are only 2-3 chapters left and I'll try and get them done ASAP. Thankyou all for your reviews they really mean everything to me and they are a big part of why I keep writing. To all of you who had questions about the character's paternity, if your questions have not been answered in the above blurb then drop me a line and I'll answer any queries you may have. A special not to Lady of Enchanment, I was beginning to wonder where you had gone, and I wanted to take this moment to thankyou for your continued support, you've been there from the beginning girl, and that means a great deal (this thankyou also extends to Silver Mo, Sere Emberwave and EtrnalRhapsodi). SilverMo, what do you mean by anticuban? And I really hope that the weather settles down over there, I'm praying for your safety girl!
To Sailor-Nekawaii: he he, you couldn't get be more right Endymion is going to get it and he's going to get it bad! I'm really glad that you've enjoyed my writing, and once again thankyou for your ongoing support.
To Twighunter: unfortunately I haven't read Kushiel's Dart, what's it about? I'm curious to know as the title is intriguing. Thankyou for your review and I hope that you enjoy this chapter.
To Silverwolf: I know I feel sorry for Damien as well, I mean he's the one that's been caught in the cross fire on this occasion, but Serenity has a point and he knew her, so he knew that in her mind he was betraying her. (does that make any sense) but don't worry to much about Damien. As for Endymion, I really think your being harsh on the poor boy, I mean he really is sorry about what he did, and much like Serenity he was blinded by his need for revenge, (not to mention his scheming mother.) Thanks heaps for the review, till next time!
To Chikara: Yep there is only one Queen to the Story, I hope my little blurb above help clear up any confusions. Thanks heaps for pointing out the typo, my editor has been busy and thus unable to edit my last few chapter, and my spelling is absolutely hopeless, but rest assured that the chapters will be edited and re-loaded. Thanks heaps for the review, and I hope you enjoy this chapter.
To Milla: Where are you girl? I was really looking forward to your review.
To Deadly Diva: Out of curiosity what was the disaster you were expecting. I know, the Queen did provoke it, but her personality is such that she always places blame on others, ie Serenity. As to Serenity staying with Endymion, all I shall say that all hope is not lost, but don't expect anything anytime soon. As to the child, well that you'll see more of in the next chapter. And for Damien, well you'll see what happens when you read the chapter. Endymion gets his power from his mother, remember in chapter 2 or so, Serenity found out that the Queen had telepathic powers? As to Jadeite's brother, all will be revealed in the next chapter. Your prediction is very close, but not quite there yet. If you need help with anything, I'd be more than happy to give you a hand, just drop me a line, and I'll do my best to help. Thankyou once again, and I look forward to hearing from you again.
Now, on with the story!
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Betrayal has been immortalised by various writers, it is always abhorred and to be avoided at all costs. Yet it has never been understood. Sometimes betrayal is the greatest gift one can bestow upon another.
From the diary of King Aura II Emperor of the Moon.
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The servants scurried out of my way in pure fear as I stalked down the halls of the palace. One of the younger female maids even unravelled into a mass of tears. Yet I was unmoved, I knew well that the anger that was cursing through my veins had transformed the colour of my eyes from their normal pale blue to a rich gold. However I made no effort to regain my composure. It was a wonder that I had even remembered to breathe during those moments. A red hue had misted my vision. Betrayal. Anger. Deceit. The more I thought about the things that had been hidden from me the more my rage grew.
How did I feel exactly in those moments?
Anger could not describe it in its most minute form. Enraged is still somewhat of an understatement. My blood had turned to ice, and it was seeping through my veins causing my body to glow slightly with the colour of my power.
Finally I reached the large golden doors of the throne room. I threw the doors open with my magical abilities, not caring in the slightest if I was disturbing the occupants of the room. Fortunately no one but the Queen was present. Before she had a chance to react to my outburst, I used all my powers to violently push her against the wall. Her body impacted against the white marble and then slowly slid to the floor with a sickening thud. She slowly attempted to get back to her feet. She glared at me, hatred plain in her eyes as she yelled for the guards. The guards ran towards me their weapons drawn. I merely glared at them, allowing them to see my golden eyes, and they each backed away, terror riddled in their features.
I slowly walked towards the Queen's trembling form; by this time she was back on her feet (with the support of the arm of the throne). I could feel my power devouring me, preventing me from being able to control my temper. I slowly extended my hand and opened my clenched fist, my palm directed towards the Queen. The energy bolt left my fingers, I watched as the attack slowly edged towards the Queen. Her eyes grew large and her lips parted in order to make way for a scream, yet it never came.
The attack was absorbed into a translucent shield that seemed to be surrounding her body. I turned around sharply to see Jadeite, his brow covered in beads of sweat, his breathing rapid as a result of using his powers to create the shield. Endymion and Damien were standing by his side, with Malachite, Zoicite and Nephrite standing close behind. They had sensed me using my powers no doubt and had come to see what had occurred. I ignored their questioning gazes and turned back to the Queen.
"Give me one reason why I shouldn't kill you right now." My voice was deadly calm, for a moment the Queen's eyes widened with surprise and then slowly narrowed in understanding. She slowly sat on her throne, pretending that my attacks had not so much as injured her.
"Serenity, What in the Moon's name is going on?" Jadeite's voice echoed through the room, but did not gain my attention. I could sense Endymion moving towards me, yet I closed my eyes and allowed my power to engulf me in flames. I yelled at him telepathically to stay away from me. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. I could see the pain in his eyes, however it was quickly masked with fury, a fury that remained present as he turned his gaze towards the Queen. I once again turned to her, and raised a brow, indicating that she had not yet answered my question. To my surprise her lips curved into a small smile and she began to laugh.
My blood began to boil.
"So you finally figured out that Endymion is my son, and that you are nothing more than the daughter of a common whore." I could hear Malachite drawing breath in surprise. While Jadeite clearly expressed his shock by swearing profusely. I merely stared at her, narrowing my eyes further.
"Did you also know that your darling little husband, not only orchestrated your father's murder but arranged your marriage? Unfortunately he's become increasingly sentimental, fearing you were to weak for us to carry out our original plan, for him to make sure you were with child and then pass you on to his brother." I was numb, I let my hand slowly brush against my still flat stomach, so he had succeeded in his aims. I would be dammed before I let him know that.
"Is it true?" I asked, turning to face Endymion. His hands were in fists and at his sides, while his jaw was clenched. He gazed at me in silence, with remorse in his eyes.
His silence was a dagger that ripped through my heart and shattered my soul.
"It is not as it seems, Serenity." I closed my eyes at the sound at Damien's voice and turned to face him slowly.
"So you were aware of this." I gazed at him coldly, I could see the colour drain from the face of what I had once believed to be my brother. "As were the rest of you." I turned my glare towards Jadeite as I recalled the warning he had given me in regards to Endymion. Jadeite opened his mouth to protest but the words seemed to die on his lips. I turned to face the Queen, a satisfied smirk was playing across her lips.
"May your appearance always reflect your inner beauty." A heavy silence fell on the room, as they realised the extent of my curse. In the past I had become aware that the Queen used magic in order to hide her age. The spell I had cast was a simple one that would merely prevent the illusion from working. I turned on my heel and left the room, not acknowledging any of the men that had been present.
I had never felt more isolated in my life.
It took all my power to simply control my breathing. For if I focused on anything else I knew that the lives of many would be placed in danger, as I did not have complete control over my powers. I stalked through the halls, not wanting to stop, not wanting to face what the Queen had revealed to me.
"Serenity." I stoped dead in my tracks at the sound of Endymion's voice. I could feel every muscle in my body tense at just the sound of him approaching me. As I felt his hand on my shoulder and quickly turned to face him. The swift movement allowed me to brush his hand away from my body. He looked away and swore quietly under his breath.
"Do not judge on face value." His voice had the same arrogance that it always held, yet it also held a condensation that only added to my anger.
"You are the only person that would deem betrayal of this magnitude as insignificant." I replied coldly. It was as if a large wall had been placed between us. He ran a hand through his dark hair.
"My actions have been misguided at times, that I will grant you. But you are the last person that can condemn me for them." His eyes were burning with a fire that could only be matched by my own.
"I beg to differ." I practically spat the words at him. A small crowd had formed around us, on seeing this Endymion swore loudly, grabbed my elbow and lead me back to our chamber. I could have easily pushed him away, but I was too drained to do so. Once we were hidden in the confines of our room he reassumed.
"I lied to you Serenity, I do not deny it. I lied about my paternity, but you of all people should understand my motives behind that. Or do I have to remind you that you deceived your brother and closest friends about your sex for years?"
"And what of us? Go on, congratulate yourself Endymion, I have become yet another of your conquests. When where you planning on throwing me to your brother?" He grabbed my shoulders roughly, and pinned me to the wall, his hard body pressed against my own.
"You are not a conquest Serenity, you are my wife." I pulled out of his grasp almost violently, and glared at him with disgust.
"Your wife? This marriage is a sham Endymion. It is based on nothing more than your lies and deceit."
"Then what about the night we shared? I know you well Serenity, and I know that even though you would never admit it, you feel for me what I feel for you. Don't you see the only way to make you face those feelings was through marriage." He had not yelled the words but whispered them with anger.
"That was never your decision to make." I hissed at him. "I'm afraid your sorely mistaken Endymion, I never felt anything for you. I would have liked to believe that one so experienced as yourself in the ways of the world would have been able to distinguish between lust and love."
"Prove it." He slowly moved closer to me until his body was pressed against mine.
"I am not obliged to prove anything to you." I declared slowly, ignoring the arousal that was so quickly intermingling with the anger.
"Damn it Serenity." He growled moments before his lips came crashing down on my own. I could feel my heart pounding against my chest, every nerve in my body wanted to respond. Yet I refused to give in to him. I knew that he wanted me to yell, to lash out at him yet I prevented myself from doing so. I knew full well that silence would be a greater torment to him than anything I could have ever said. I pushed him away, my eyes burning with anger, my senses still soaring from the effects of the kiss.
"What occurred between us was not a façade. You must know that." I turned my attention from his unsettled blue eyes to the luxurious bed where we had made love only hours ago. I cursed myself silently as my composure began to crumble, allowing a single tear to fall from my eyes and cascade down my cheek. I glanced at him once again memorising the colour of his eyes, the delicate curve of his nose. Slowly I began to focus my energy, drawing on Malachite's power of teleportation.
"Say something damn it!" I almost flinched from his harsh tone. I glared at him allowing him to see the torment, hurt and anger that was rolling through me like waves.
"Goodbye Endymion." I whispered the words quietly, and within a moment I was gone.
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Jadeite rammed his fist into the cold marble wall. He ignored the pain that shot sharply up his arms causing his nerves to scream in pain. Nor did he care that small cracks had formed where he had hit the wall. He took a deep breath attempting to control his temper yet it was of no use. He glared at the empty throne. The Queen had ran out of the room moments after Serenity, if she had stayed he would have quite easily strangled her with his bare hands.
"Taking out vengeance on the walls will not help matters." Malachite's calm tone only increased Jadeite's anger. Jadeite glared at him, Malachite's hand was pressed against the marble while his head bent, a reaction no doubt to the shock. Slowly Jadeite nodded his head in agreement, before turning to Damien. He stalked towards where Damien sat. Damien's head was in his hands and his eyes had misted with tears. Yet Jadeite was too enraged to be empathetic, he grabbed the Prince roughly by the collar and threw him against the wall. Almost immediately Nephrite and Zoicite restrained him, each on holding one of his arms, preventing him from tackling Damien's fallen form.
"How dare you keep this from us? From Serenity! What gave you the right to bring an enemy into our midst?" Jadeite yelled the words with a fury that left his body reeling. Damien slowly got back to his feet and wiped a trickle of blood that had emerged from his upper lip with the back of his hand.
"He was my brother Jadeite." Jadeite fought against the two men that held him captive with no luck.
"And what of us? Did Endymion ever bleed for you? You know nothing of brotherhood or friendship. You are nothing but a fool!" Damien flinched at the harsh tone of Jadeite, yet Jadeite's accusations brought to life his own anger.
"What would you have had me done Jadeite? Should I have told her that her husband was her enemy? That she was never of royal blood, that her entire life has been nothing but a lie?" Malachite slowly placed a hand on Damien's shoulder but Damien moved away almost violently. Damien grabbed a delicate antique vase from a nearby table and hurled it towards the marble walls. It shattered in an instant.
"Enough!" Malachite's loud voice ripped through the tension between Damien and Jadeite like a hot knife through butter. His eyes were glowing silver as he glared at the two men. "Squabbling like five year olds will not restore anything. We are the Promised Knights, no matter what occurs we are always to be united, and by God we will be!" Malachite had not yelled the words but stated them with a deadly intent.
For long moments silence hung between the five men. Nephrite ran a hand through his long Auburn locks and sighed deeply.
"Should we attempt to find her?" Malachite shook his head at Nephrite's words.
"No, she borrowed my powers to teleport to the palace gardens, let her anger pass, we'll find her when the numbness subsides into pain." Jadeite quietly indicated his agreement. Zoicite slowly rubbed his hand against his jaw in a contemplative matter.
"I fear for her, no matter how mad she has ever been I have always known her to be unable to control her thoughts. This time her mind was closed, I could feel nothing from her." The concern laced in Zoicite's voice was only too plain.
"May God have mercy on all of us." Damien whispered quietly as he stared out into the ocean of Serenity.
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I had teleported to the palace gardens, as I was well aware that the Knights would be able to trace where I had gone. I quickly ran towards the stables, my mind had been made up, I had no reason to stay. For long moments I stood outside the stables, questioning the actions I was about to take. Unfortunately my stubborn streak had always been a dominant ruler of my actions. This instance was no exception. The stable boy scurried towards me, he was quite unwillingly to look me in the eye. I dismissed him coldly, and he carried out my orders instantly.
I slowly walked over to my midnight black stallion and ran my fingers through his shaggy mane. He shook his head in appreciation. I began to saddle him, with the careful precision I always took when saddling a hoarse. I mounted him slowly and rode out into the open land. Only once did I look back to the palace I had called home.
I rode through the forest at breakneck speed, the wind pushed against my face and flung my hair into a complete state of disarray. I enjoyed the momentary pain that the sharp branched brought as they scrapped against my bare flesh.
The pain was the only thing that prevented me from being haunted by a certain pair of deep Sapphire eyes.
I reached Luna's cottage just before nightfall. The instant she opened the door her mouth curled into a dissatisfied frown and her eyes narrowed in anger. From past experience I knew well that I should expect a lecture. I was not disappointed, Luna's anger flared almost instantly.
"Have you completely lost your mind child? Running through the forest on that beast. Do you not realise that you not only risked your own life but that of your child? What if you had an accident?" If it were not for the great conviction in Luna's words, the sight of a frail old lady yelling with such passion would have been quite comical.
"I had to get away." I said simply leaning against the door frame, fighting hard to keep my eyes open. Only then did Luna notice the dry tears that had soaked my cheeks, alongside the array of scratches and bruises that had formed on body. The change in her demeanour was instantaneous, as she helped me inside and practically pushed me into a chair.
"Tell me what has happened." She whispered quietly, her eyes clouded with concern. I almost smirked, I had never known Luna to apologise. I smiled slowly, in that respect she was quite like myself. I told her the sorry tale from the very beginning to the bitter end. My voice was cold and detached reflecting the inner feelings that I was experiencing.
"What do you plan on doing now?" Luna whispered quietly, her colour had drained considerably leaving her somewhat pale.
"I shall need to stay here to have the child, then I shall go where the wind takes me." I replied simply. Colour flushed into Luna's cheeks almost instantly.
"And what of your duty? Your husband? He has a right to know that you are carrying his child." I could feel the anger returning as she yelled the words.
"Do I not have a duty to myself? To this child? Do you think that the child would be safe among the intrigues of the palace or the guns of a battlefield? As for Endymion, I will never allow him to have the satisfaction of knowing that he succeeded in his filthy schemes." I hissed the words harshly, as I rose to my feet. Yet my anger did not intimidate Luna she rose to her feet and stared at me coldly, her anger and determination matching my own.
"You have a duty to keep the people of this kingdom safe." Luna whispered dangerously.
"The people have the Promised Knights." I returned simply.
"And what are the Promised Knights without a leader? If your father could see you now Serenity he would roll in his grave." I inhaled sharply at Luna's words. If anyone else had so much as thought those words I would not have hesitated in ripping out their tongue.
"And what would you know of my father?" My harsh words were only answered with a bitter silence. I slowly walked towards the door with my head held high. It took hours of deliberation for Luna to convince me to stay.
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Rei slowly undid the red ribbon that was strategically placed in her hair to keep it in the tight confines of a bun. The mass of silk ringlets poured down her back appreciatively from the gesture. As she ran her fingers through the dark strands a dissatisfied smirk appeared on her lips. She sighed quietly knowing that it would take hours to remove the dirt, grime and sweat that had accumulated in her hair as a result of the gruelling training they had endured. She glanced around the training room, all four of the scouts were panting heavily, their uniforms sticky with sweat. Mina slowly removed the beads of sweat that had accumulated on her forehead with the back of her hand.
"I can't feel my legs." Mina whined quietly, her porcelain blue eyes wide, and looking for sympathy. Rei rolled her eyes in an exaggerated fashion, while Lita smiled knowingly.
"Perhaps we should resume our academic training?" All three girls groaned in unison at Amy's comment. A sly smile formed on Rei's lips as a plan formed in her eyes.
"I have something much more interesting in mind, what are you planning on wearing on your honey-moon Amy?" A dark hue instantaneously formed on Amy's cheeks as a result of Rei's comment. Lita shook her head at Rei's comment, clearly amused.
"Wearing anything, would defy the purpose of a honeymoon." They all giggled over Amy's shocked expression. Amy opened her mouth in order to utter something in her own defence yet her opportunity never arrived.
The heavy oak doors were hurled opened by a very disgruntled Nephrite. The laughter died on the girl's lips as they stared at his glowing eyes. His hair was in disarray and flying wildly around his well chiselled features. Queer, as he was known for his pedantic tendencies in regards to his appearance. A sneer was playing on his lips, giving his entire demeanour a frightful nature.
"Do you know where Serenity is?" He practically growled at the scouts. Lita was the one that said that they did not. He swore loudly and left as abruptly as he had appeared. The scouts looked at each other in silence, no words were needed to express the emotions they were all experiencing. A chill ran up Rei's spine as her eyes widened with concern.
"The gardens." Mina's voice rang clearly in the room.
"I'll take her rooms." Rei replied calmly.
"The kitchen." Lita whispered quietly, her heart beating against her chest from the worry she was experiencing.
"I'll take the library." Amy stated, the other three girls stared at her in silence, brows raised. Amy shrugged her shoulders, "It could happen." With that the girls left to search their allocated locations, for their dear friend Serenity.
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Jadeite stalked down the elegant marble hallways of the palace, his anger causing him to overturn a number of chairs and tables. His eyes were glowing bronze and his hair was flying around him like a brilliant gold mane. The servants whispered as he passed, yet he did not care for their idle gossip. Not at this time, not when events so much more significant were taking place. He was so immersed in his own thoughts that he did not notice the raven haired princess that he almost stormed into. His breath caught as he gazed into her amethyst eyes.
"What happened? What could possibly provoke Serenity so much as to make her leave so abruptly?" Jadeite's anger had de-synthesised him to the etiquette that was usually enforced by the court. The primitive desires of anger and lust were too overwhelming for him to control, especially after hearing Rei's melodic voice. Reason had always lost against passion when it came to Jadeite, a characteristic that many attributed to his impulsive nature. He let his gaze fall on to the voluptuous curves of the Martian princess. Within an instant he had pinned the princess to the cold marble wall and crushed his lips against hers. He kissed her hungrily, almost devouring her with his mouth. Her surprised squeal soon turned into moans of pleasure.
Reality washed over him like a wave of ice-cold water. Jadeite broke the kiss immediately, he swore loudly as his glance fell on the bruised lips of the princess. He stalked away from her, cursing himself repeatedly for not being able to control his lust around the fiery temptress.
Rei slowly pressed her fingers to her lips, as she stared at Jadeite's back moving with an amazing speed down the hall. For the first time in her life, she was completely speechless. A loud groan escaped her lips as she too stalked down the hall in the opposite direction.
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Mina spotted Malachite on one of the numerous balconies of the palace. His back was to her, the outlines of the muscles of his toned back visible under his dark uniform. His sharp, angular features were emphasised by the harsh moonlight, yet his silver hair, that was gently being toyed with in the breeze gave him a more gentle aura. Mina hesitated, she did not wish to disturb what seemed like such a serene scene. Yet her business with him was urgent in nature, thus she slowly walked up and stood beside him. He acknowledged her with a simple bow of his head. Only then was Mina able to see that his brows were pressing against each other with concern.
"Have you Found her?" She could not hide the desperation in her voice as she whispered the words quietly. Mina let her gaze linger on the never-ending waves of the ocean. Thus she was not aware that Malachite had moved until she felt his arms wrap around her waist from behind. A small gasp of surprise escaped her lips at the intimate gesture. Yet she was glad for his support and after a few long moments she allowed herself to lean against his firm chest.
"Serenity will not be found unless she wants to be. With the events that have occurred today, I don't believe that will be for quite some time." Mina turned her head and stared into his pale aquamarine eyes. A sigh escaped his lips as he noticed her questioning gaze. He told her the entire sordid tale slowly, allowing the implications of his words to sink in. Her silence disturbed him, so he gently turned her face towards him only to find tears glistening down her cheeks.
"Where you also privy to the information that was withheld from Serenity?" Mina's voice did not possess the vulnerable quality that he had expected instead it held the resounding tone of a demand. He replied simply that he did not, She turned in his arms, so that she was facing him, his hands never leavings her waist.
"How could Damien do such a thing? From Endymion it is to be expected, as that man does not posses a single decent bone in his body. But Damien?" She shook her head with disbelief. Being able to emphasise with Serenity's feelings only too well.
"He was attempting to protect her, I imagine it was not an easy task for him either." Malachite's words were gentle, and could almost be described as tender. Qualities that Mina had only had a glimpse of in him before.
"I do not know what we shall do without her. She is the glue that binds us all together. Rei would not speak to anyone for a whole month the last time she left." Malachite slowly tightened his grip on her, and pulled Mina further into his embrace.
"You say that as if she's not coming back. I assure you, she will be back, she has too much sense of honour and pride not to return within the week." Even as Malachite uttered the words he prayed that they would hold true. For he did not know how the Promised Knights would survive without their leader. Mina nodded slowly at his words, allowing him to comfort her.
"I would never lie to you Mina, of that you may always be certain." Mina gazed up at him, a smile slowly formed on her lips as she witnessed the sincerity in his eyes. All time seemed to slow down as their lips inched closer and closer to each other. The kiss was a tender one, yet the tenderness slowly turned into hunger as they were each overwhelmed with a passion that had been held back for far too long.
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Damien slowly opened the door to what had once been Serenity and Endymion's room. The room was poorly lit, and the smell of alcohol was overwhelming to his senses. He narrowed his eyes attempting to adjust to the dark. Endymion was hunched over a small round table, his head in his hands, an empty bottle of brandy beside him. His royal blue blazer had been simply tossed on the ground and his shirt was partially open. A sigh escaped from Damien's lips as his remembered the events that had taken place over the coarse of the day.
A harsh breeze blew across Damien's features and caused the sheer white curtain's that hid the entrance to the balcony to dance with pleasure. Damien closed the doors promptly, shaking his head at Endymion's careless actions. The man would be of no use if he caught his death. He turned to face his half brother, his face lacking any form of expression.
"Endymion." Damien's voice rang clearly throughout the room, and held the deep resonance of a command. Endymion slowly lifted his head, he did so in a manner that implied his head weighed a great deal.
"What do you want?" Endymion's words were slightly slurred as he looked up at Damien with blood shot eyes. Pity filled Damien's being, he did not want to be the one to tell such news to Endymion.
"Serenity is missing." The words were simple, yet their implications were as vast as eternity itself. Damien had intended to break the news to Endymion in a more eloquent fashion, in a way that would perhaps lessen the pain and shock. Yet the words had fallen clumsily off his lips, and he was ashamed when he saw the pained look that immerged in Endymion's eyes. Damien slowly moved towards Endymion and placed a hand on his shoulder in a gesture of comfort.
"She left one thing behind." Endymion looked up, hope danced in his eyes. Damien reached into the breast pocket of his dark green velvet jacket, he then slowly placed a golden ring on the mahogany desk. The metal clanged against the oak in appreciation before settling into silence. Endymion examined the ring, and soon discovered that it was the symbol of his matrimony to Serenity. He clasped his fist over the ring as tears began to sting his eyes. He got to his feet violently and threw the table next to him to the floor. The movement causing the glass of brandy that had been sitting on the table to shatter on the cold marble floor.
"Leave." He had stated the word calmly yet the underlying threat that the word carried was plain. Damien left the room quietly, knowing that Endymion needed solitude.
Endymion walked towards the balcony and threw open the doors that Damien had closed. A harsh breeze that had been intermingled with salt from the sea grazed brutally against his features. Yet he was numb to the pain, the alcohol had numbed his senses but it had not rid him of the anguish. He had hoped against hope that Serenity would somehow...yet that was of no matter now. Endymion closed his eyes, he could hear the various Promised Knights calling to Serenity using their mental abilities. Endymion stared out to the horizon. The woman had reduced him to his knees, yet he still had his pride, he would not call out the her telepathically.
He would not beg.