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Chapter 8: the ceremony

He got up deciding he couldn't possibly go back to sleep after that dream, but it was just daybreak so he had time. He drew the curtains for sunlight sat in a high back red velvet over stuffed armchair prepared to read a passage of his favorite book but fell asleep and didn't wake till Nephrite shook him. He got up immediately and bathed and shaved carefully. He wanted to look his best for Serenity and Queen Serenity. The Queen could change her mind after, all the war business was obviously a sham, he knew that there was no way they would start a war with the moon and be able to win, they had numerous sorcerers and the other eight planets support. He knew that Queen Serenity knew this too, he just wondered what had possessed her to yield perhaps it was what Serenity was trying to figure out last night. The though of last night brought stray images into of Serenity in her nightgown into his mind he blushed he tried to banish the wanton thoughts that followed by moving on through his mental replay of the last evening in his head, the vivid images of his dream… no the vision it was all too real to be a dream called his mind to a halt. He suddenly became aware that he had been standing still in thought and not preparing. What was important most of all was impressing the Queen so that she wouldn't take Serenity away and he had been told it was always important to get in good graces with ones mother-in-law to be. His mind paused on the word mother, he would have a mother again he realized, strange. He shook his head releasing himself from the arresting thought. He couldn't imagine Queen Serenity's motherly side, he supposed it was because of the great power she held but as a high prince in his own right he should be able to see through this illusion. Judging by her daughter she was an excellent mother. However powerful she was he knew without a doubt in his mind that if she took Serenity away that he would go after her no matter the cost he had already silently vowed to be at her side forever. He knew Serenity could do without him she was raised a strong women like the Queens of the moon before her, if she had to she would sacrifice anything for her kingdom, he could see it in her eyes. Unfortunately he really wasn't sure he could do without her. He had been living on cloud nine for days she made him want to live so badly. He had almost always appeared cool calm and collected on the surface, but at night he often lay sleepless and hopeless. He thought of the prison of his station apathetically looked at his existence in disgust and thought of flying swiftly free of his constraint into the abyss of death, but knew he could not forsake his father and country so. He knew that deep down his father cared for him a lot, especially since he was the child of the only woman he'd loved. And if he died this would throw the entire established earth nation into a civil war as to whom should ascend to the throne. That would not be acceptable especially since his grandfather had practically worked himself to death establishing for all this to be thrown away because of his minor discomfort. That would be ridiculous so what of his discontent it was not only him at stake a civil war would cause worldwide misery. But now ignoring unhappiness with playing his assigned position in life was a non-issue he was in love and happier than he'd ever thought one could be. When Serenity held him in her arms he felt free, free of the days and all his years worry, free of the restrictions of his station, free as he felt his heart soar. His mind choked (not his heart) at this notion so strong and clear as day, and wondered when he'd developed these strong feelings. He abruptly refocused on his task. This day was for he and Serenity and it would be perfect if he had anything to say about it, and as the Prince of the Earth he fancied he rather did.

Serenity rose and was delivered breakfast in her room. It was small as it was a compromise between practical and fashionable thinking. Practical being that she might dead out faint if she didn't eat something before the ceremony-earth was very hot after all. Fashionable being that it was imperative that she fit into her dress-which had not been fitted after she ate. She ate breakfast steadily though she could hardly hide the excitement and anxiety that pulsed though her. After eating the meager meal she practically flew to the bath and harshly scrubbed her skin as she did in preparation for sacred ceremonies. Her skin wore rosy from her rough unforgiving ministrations and strands that refused to detangle were viciously ripped out by their roots and found a new home eventually in the dust bin as she washed the rest until it gleamed. She put on a simple white robe and let her hair dry in the sun as she meditated on the balcony off her room. Soon it dried and she returned from the balcony to her room to dress washing and drying her face once more Naru and Ikuko came in with The Dress and helped tie the literally breathtakingly tight ties exaggerating Serenity's already impossibly slender curvy build making Serenity look taller and more womanly like her mother Queen than the young Lunarian princess she still was. She opened her white parasol delicate strings of glass, pearl and semi precious white and clear stone beads hung from the edges which obscured her face akin to a veil and headed to the temple where Rei had done her fire readings she knew her mother would be there. As she neared the temple she caught a glance of the sundial it was already nearly two o'clock she picked up the front of her dress and scurried into the temple. The alabaster temple was riddle with cool blue shadows, tall imposing stone pillars held the roof. The cold floor radiated tough her sandals and kissed her delicate toes as she reached the middle of the temple she looked down upon the grey ash that remained from the fire doused in pale white sand. She looked to her left between the pillars at the main alter a figure knelt deep in prayer as wisps of an incense drifted lazily around her. She knew it was her mother immediately despite the disguising traveling cloak. She stepped in elegantly forward as her mother finished praying.

"Mother."

"My daughter Serenity," They hugged gently. " You are doing well?" She asked inspecting her daughter carefully with her eyes.

"Yes mother, and you?"

"Yes of course darling, the Earthlings have been treating you right?"

"Yes, they have been marvelously kind towards me."

"And what of Prince Endymion, your husband to be?"

"He has been most wonderful. He is handsome, bright, and very gentle towards me. He tells me he loves me, I love him too."

"Are you sure of all this?"

"Yes mother, do stop worrying. Everything is going to be fine." She said gently. The Queen looked into her daughters eyes and smiled sadly. "what is it, mother?"

"Serenity difficult times are ahead. There shall be trials, marriage is not the only reason you are here."

"I had already sensed that" she murmured then her gaze sharpened from her glazed gentle happy expression to a steely demanding look edged with distrust then relaxed her face blank and emotionless. "Why do you keep these secrets from me and tell my friends and protectors." She asked lazily. Her mother's eyes looked to the ground.

"My daughter please forgive me, this should be a joyful time even if it is a bit forced. I apologize if you feel insulted that I treated you like a child. You are a woman with undiscovered power far greater than my own, but I still fear for you, because I'm your mother." She took serenity's hand and lifted it to level with her eyes which rose shimmering with tears. "Such beautiful perfect fingers." she remarked softly and then let go of her hand "turn." There was no hint of request at this statement. She turned. "you turn without hesitation, do you still trust me." Queen whispered behind her.

"You are my mother and my queen, you never have and never will truly betray me. You could never bear to hurt me mother."

"Ah but what about marrying you off to this prince?"

"You made the right decision, I'm not sure how you knew, but I'm sure you did. He is perfect for me, and I for him whatever comes next I'm sure he will be with me to face it." She heard her mother sigh in relief.

"Will you then resign yourself to the fate of serving and protecting two different peoples of two different planets, forever.

"Yes." she said after a pause.

"Close your eyes my daughter." She did as she was told she felt a cool pressure on her bosom and a fine chain pulling lightly on the back of her neck.

"Open your eyes" Serenity looked down her mothers Silver Imperium Crystal lie on her chest it warmed. Her eyes widened she gasped and turned to her mother.

"Mother I cannot take this!"she exclaimed trying to pull the necklace off her mother put a hand on hers to cease her daughters effort to return the stone "What if evil shall strike the moon! You and our people shall be in grave danger!"

"My daughter you shall need it soon more than I. It is more important to me that you survive than anything else Serenity. You are my everything; my darling didn't you know." The queen caught her daughter in a direct gaze her eyes were unguarded she smiled so sadly like her heart was breaking. "You had better leave you wouldn't want to be late." Serenity hugged her mother tightly

"Oh mama, I could tell you loved me just by your smile. You were always so solemn and stiff toward others the most I saw you smile toward them was just a small smile. But when you looked at me you smiled widely and the smile met your eyes and shown brightly and your whole face became warm and animated as if I was the morning sun after months of cold cloudy weather. I could even tell you love me by the way you held me and looked after me. I remember you almost never let me out of your sight as a child I would sit on your lap while you ruled our kingdom. I could never forget always the warmth and gentleness of your hug when you held me on in your arms or on your lap that made me feel so safe. When I caused mischief and got in trouble it was your disappointment that was the worst punishment not any of the lenient penalties or sentences you gave me. Oh I'll miss you so much I promise to visit often when when…" She tears filled her eyes but did not fall.

"Serenity its time to go." Her mother said softly. Serenity nodded. " Darling you do realize the moon kingdom will still be yours after you marry so I'm sure that you'll have plenty of reasons to come back—you'll still have work to do you know."

"Yes mother." Serenity smiled at her mother and her tears had now disappared.

"There now, off you go then and tell your Endymion to watch out for Haruka, she near threw a fit when she found out about your marriage and about lost it when they refused to let her see you before the engagement ceremony." Serenity giggled Haruka had always been fond of her and they had always been very close.

"I will do that." she said trying to stifle her giggles she hugged her mother once more. "bye mama" she said and ran off. The ceremony went off smooth in fact without a hitch. Except for Haruka who took it upon her self to throw murderous glares at Endymion, throughout the ceremony making him quite nervous. Especially when Serenity told him the she was as fast as the wind and the best in hand to hand combat as well as swordsmanship, of all the legendary warriors.

"Serenity, your guardians aren't allowed to kill me are they." He said once more catching Haruka's menacing glare.

" I should probably tell Haruka that shouldn't I."

"Yes, please! Have you seen the looks she has been giving me all day?" Serenity giggled.

"Serenity." He growled in an unthreatening manner and then proceeded to bend down and kissed her gently. "Please, otherwise I won't live to see our wedding day" he whispered she blushed and grinned foolishly and nodded. She then stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek and he whispered in her ear. "Not to mention our wedding night." She blushed furiously and poked him in the side sharply. He pretended to pout and then took her securely around the waist and pulled her to him and embraced her holding her tightly closing his eyes and smiling inhaling her scent she melted into his arms holding him tightly into return "I love you Serenity" he murmured then backed off a bit dropping a kissed her on head and releasing her. She gave him one last brilliant smile before she turned to seek out Haruka who immediately hid her immediately her glare and smiled warmly at Serenity. He watched her saunter off to Haruka. Haruka greeted her affectionately with a hug and they strolled off together. Endymion slumped down in a chair and closed his eyes remembering the ceremony or more like Serenity, he had been positively captivated by her beauty and grace as they had performed the required motions and lines. Afterward they had ate, talked, danced, and had introduced each other to the guests as they knew it was very important for their plan of partial integration of their nations economy and politics. It was all very draining but every time he saw the bright smile on her face he felt his energy renewed. He felt her lips on his forehead his eyes shot open only to see her face retreating he grasped her arm gently and pulled to her back for a kiss on the lips she happily obliged.

"So is Haruka going to accept us." He asked as they broke the kiss.

"Well she sorta interrogated me on you and our relationship you pass for my interview about you but she is going to probably corner you later and question you."

" Just as long as she doesn't kill me. Then I wouldn't get to marry you and live with you for the rest of my life." She smiled widely her eyes glowed with happiness she pulled him out on to the dance floor. Soon the party began to wind down for the sober and semi sober. Endymion could feel Serenity starting fall asleep against him so he gently guided her to her room she seemed to become a little more awake as they came closer to her room. Finally they reached the tall intricately carved alabaster doors. She turned to him and looked up at him with an expectant smile and put her arms around his neck.

" May I have a goodnight kiss?"

"Of course we are engaged after all, you seem to demand it so naturally though. I do wonder if each of your senshi and your mother give you a goodnight kiss." He raised a perfect eyebrow. She giggled his tone was that of teasing.

" Nope they give me goodnight hugs if they are around. My protectors aren't with me all the time they have the role as planetary princesses. The four outer planetary protectors show up sporadically but they are farther away and their duties are greater, so they cannot be with me much. Each of the four inner planetary protectors have siblings or relatives who take care of most of the planetary duties and are with me for two seasons of the year.

"Oh so Prince Eros and takes care of stuff for Princess Minako?"

"Somewhat, Venusians are usually very wrapped up in their love life, appearance, and gossip. Minako is very much like her mother sometimes wrapped up court intrigue and matchmaking but she takes care of her work. Her brother often gets drafted by his mother and has to put up with her mischievous schemes; he also manages to take care of his responsibilities to. But luckily he has found some one for him and there is an heir to the throne so Mina does have to worry about being pressured even more by her mother to find a man and get hitched. Many Venusians are rather vain, but some are absolutely wonderfully kind and helpful. My seamstress and her assistant are from there."

"I have been there, they are a very beautiful race and have a lot of natural charisma. However I like your beauty better, their beauty is more flamboyant exotic like a tiger lily, your beauty is more like a rose so simple, so delicate, so pure, so… perfect and undeniably gorgeous. You yourself, I mean your soul is so pure, so happy, so kind, so good." He leaned in and kissed her gently, fluttery happy sparks of energy flew through Serenity's body as she felt his kiss and deepened it falling back against her door and grasping Endy's jacket for support as Endymion kissed her breathless. Suddenly a crash of pottery rocketed through their paradise. A tall slender young woman with wavy auburn hair stood wide eyed at the corner of the hall then scampered away into the darkness, leaving shards of pottery in a pool of water at the end of the hall.

"Endy who was that?"

" She is Lady Beryl. Her father was an important general of my fathers but her family was killed in an uprising by one of the lower kings rising against my father and I. Poor girl. her mother had long since passed and no sibling or other relatives. My father offered her a place at the palace. She was probably just bringing a cup of water with her up too bed."

"Oh."

" Do you want to ride out to-morrow and see the countryside with me after all this is your home now too."

"I would love too." She kissed him lightly on the chin. " But, you have to promise to visit the moon with me too." She said.

"Are you kidding me I've always wanted to go visit the moon, but I've had so much work and no good excuses to go. But now I do."

"After all it is your home too now." She said. He grinned.

"Wow I have home on the moon. I heard its nice and mild during the summer and the ice for skating is excellent in the winter." Serenity laughed.

"Well you'll just have to come and see now won't you."

"I guess I will, see you tomorrow bright and early."

"uh huh." She said grinning as fabulous feelings coursed through because she was with him. He kissed her in more restrained gentle manner this time.

"Sweet dreams, my love." He whispered softly and left.

"Night Endy." she whispered as he left. She watched him till he turned the corner and slipped into room her and quickly readied herself for bed and collapsed into deep slumber only to awake early in excitement for the day. Endy on the other hand was not so lucky to get too bed unhindered. As he tiredly slipped into his room ready slip out of his rather constraining and uncomfortable suit and dream of serenity's sweet laughter, her angelic round face, and loving glazes, when he sensed something. His eyes darted around his dark room vainly.

" Who is it?" A figure seemingly materialized from behind the billowing curtains stepping out slowly the shoes clicked on the cool black marble floor. There was a pause in the methodical step and he blinked and the figure stood before him. The figure drew their sword Endy lunged for his sword the figure moved faster appearing in front of it. Illuminated by the near blinding light the white fire the sword emitted Endy's pupils contracted quickly adjusting to the light.

"Princess Guardian Haruka of Uranus." 'I should guessed' he thought. "What an unexpected pleasure you have me at a slight disadvantage." He said trying to pick his dignity up as well as himself and back away discreetly. "Would you be so kind?" He said gesturing to the wall torches as he slumped down in a chair. " Please have a seat." He said as the room sprang into light with the torches burning bright. She approached the chair across from him but continued to stand towering over him sword still drawn. "You know that psychological bullying won't help you with me."

"Not that it is my intention but you seemed a bit panicky not two minutes ago. What more is that I've heard you father bullied you into this wedding."

"I'll give you that. But a visitor showing up unannounced and uninvited (but of course not unwelcome.) on my balcony made me fear for an assassin. Which happened to be farthest from my mind at that point. As to my father bullying me into this wedding, how would it have looked if I had disobeyed the king, after all father did go through quite some trouble to set it up I'm told. Not that I would have made such a fuss if I had actually known Serenity before I was told I was to marry her. If I'd have known her before I would have suggested or requested it myself. " She sheathed her sword and sat, staring straight at him with piercing eyes, that seemed to light with a strange humor when he spoke.

"And what may I ask were you thinking of."

"Serenity." He replied without hesitation.

"Do you truly intend to marry her and be faithful."

"Yes. It is my utmost wish."

"…" she stared at him like he was an idiot.

" …" He stared back ridiculing her gaze with his own. They sat the tension in the room becoming palpable.

"You don't de…" Haruka started but was cut off.

"deserve her?" he said lifting an ebony eyebrow he allowed an ironic smile to pass over his face. " I may not, after all I'm no saint or angel like her, but I love her and she loves me, and I will do all I can to make sure she is happy and I'll protect her life with my own if I must. Who does deserve her, honestly? It is for her to choose, she not a thing to be given or taken, and she chose me."

"Her mother and your father chose not she."

"Who are you to second guess your queens decision anyway, you serve her, right?" Haruka wrinkled her nose and looked away with a fierce expression.

" While I serve my Queen Serenity I was born to serve and protect her daughter. I choose to serve her. She is my future as a guardian if she were to die I would follow her there. Her existence is mine and I do not fear this or disdain it, I take joy in serving this great purpose while I can. "

"If you'll allow me to I would also like to serve and protect her. All though I may not have been born for this sole purpose. I feel as though we fit together like halves of a whole. I feel complete with her in my presence and in my arms. Not the creeping awkwardness I usually feel when I spend time with people. I can only hope she feels the same way. If she does not and she does not want to be around me then I would not force her into this marriage it would be wrong for both of us if she did not feel the same way. I am not that stupid or selfish."

"What are you trying to say?"

"I love her everything about her with my entire being, I will love, care, serve, and protect her for the rest of my life. Whether she says I do or not I will be there for her. You cannot stop me."

"You earthlings so brash, have you known her for only two, no three days and already are you declaiming your undying love. Are you so sure it's not lust, especially after that kiss goodnight…" Endymion glared fiercely and opened his mouth to interrupt but Haruka continued. "Look I already know what you're going to say you're truly in love with my princess so why don't we just drop that. And really, if you didn't want anybody to see that kiss you shouldn't have been out in the hall."

"Why is she your Princess, you act like you own her." Said Endymion irritated into a childish manner.

"And you think you own her?"

"No."

"Well she is my princess because she owns my every allegiance."

"Well she is my princess because she owns my heart." After that utterance he shut his mouth tightly and blushed profusely while Haruka stared at him as if he had grown a frightfully disfigured extra head.

"Although I would die to keep her from harm. I don't think I've ever heard such a cheesy and horrendously sappy comment, anyone whose brain hadn't gone to mush out of love couldn't of spouted such an idiotic comment in utter sincerity." She sighed and continued more slowly "You have my blessings for what its worth, but I'll be watching you and if you make her cry … well" she cracked her knuckles loudly " you'll have to answer to me and the rest of the seven planets and their guardians." There was a faint knock at the door and it was pushed open by a beautiful woman with wavy aquamarine hair that fell just past her shoulder blades he recognized as a guardian. She seemed a model of composed and ladylike behavior as she easily strode across the cool floor in her simple but elegant white dress falling just above the ground swayed gently as she walked.

"Haruka don't you think its time to let up I'm sure the poor boy wants his sleep to, after all I had to stay up and track you down for the queen and we're both tired from today's ceremonies and we weren't even the centers of attention." She smiled warmly at the prince as she hugged Haruka from behind.

"Alright Michi." Haruka said and touched one the arms that encircled her. Michiru let go and stepped over to the prince who stood also and stuck her hand out.

"I don't believe we have been introduced I am Princess Guardian Michiru of Neptune." He took her hand in his own.

"It is a pleasure to meet you I am (as you very well know) Prince Endymion the 4th of Earth." He kissed the back of her hand barely brushing it with his lips. Haruka glared Endymion backed away quickly and bid them good night and he followed them to the door as the torches died in the room as he stared at the door for awhile he shook his head as if to clear it and locked the door and quickly stripped down to shorts and collapsed into bed.