Author's Note: I don't own Sailor Moon so don't sue me:)

A Kingdom Shattered

Chapter Two

"She's late again," the King said disgustedly. "She should show more respect for me." He was pacing back and forth in the drawing room.

"Now dear, she's still young. She'll come soon. Please relax…we have company tonight," his wife gently pleaded. She watched her husband worry from her position on a chair. She was trying to look calm while inside she was willing her daughter to arrive quickly.

"She was told to be here promptly at seven o'clock. How hard is it to go to a drawing room on time so that she can properly greet our guest!" the King said agitatedly.

"Darling…," the Queen started to say but was cut off by a knock upon the door.

"Enter," the King called out. Nephlyte stepped into the room. "Welcome Nephlyte, I'd like you to meet my wife, the Queen of Jupiter."

"Your Highness," Nephlyte greeted as he bowed to her.

"Welcome to Jupiter, Nephlyte. We hope you are comfortable here."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"I would have liked to have introduced my daughter to you, but she seems to be missing at the moment…" the King said, letting some of his frustration show.

"Here I am father," Lita announced as she entered the room. In her hands she carried a tray of the cookies that she had baked earlier. "Sorry I'm late." She deposited the cookies on a nearby table, then crossed the room and kissed her father on the cheek. "I hope I haven't kept you waiting." Lita looked toward the guest. "Hi, I'm Lita," She said, holding out her hand. This seemed to take Nephlyte by surprise, who was unaccustomed to such forwardness. It also seemed to shock her father, who frowned at her.

Nephlyte took her hand and kissed it. "A pleasure, Your Highness."

"Oh please, call me Lita. The title sounds so stuffy." Lita turned and picked up the tray of cookies again. "Please, try a cookie. I made them myself." Nephlyte obliged her request, picking one up and staring at it. Lita grinned at his hesitancy. "Nephlyte, I promise they are quite edible. And no poisons. I swear!" she said, crossing her heart.

Nephlyte nodded, biting into it slowly. "These are delicious Lita," Nephlyte praised as he finished the cookie.

"Thank you." Lita flushed with pride. She wasn't sure why, but she had wanted his approval.

"I think we can go to dinner now," the Queen said, sliding a knowing glance to her husband. She held out her arm for her husband to escort her to the dining room. Taking the Queen's cue, Nephlyte offered his arm, which Lita took as they all headed toward dinner.

Once everyone was seated at the table and dinner was served, the Queen turned to Nephlyte. "Nephlyte, could you please tell me what Earth is like these days? I haven't visited in years."

"I can tell you that it has changed a lot lately, Your Highness. All the life there seems to be seeping out. Things are no longer green like they used to be, and the skies are always dark. A feeling of despair has crept over the land," he reported with a sad shake of his head.

"How sad. It used to be so beautiful. It's a shame that it has changed so much."

"Is there nothing anyone can do?" Lita asked.

Nephlyte turned toward her to speak. "No, not until we find the source of what is causing this. That's why no one is allowed to leave Earth. Queen Serenity fears that the phenomenon might spread. And, worst yet, that the evil energy is coming from Earth itself."

"How awful!" Lita exclaimed. "I hope that they can find the source and stop it soon."

"Me too. So much as been lost…" Nephlyte trailed off.

The King saw how difficult a subject this was to talk about, so he switched the topic to the upcoming Imperial Ball at the Moon Palace. "I assume that you are attending," the King said to Nephlyte.

"Yes, I have been personally invited by Queen Serenity."

"Good. I will be glad to see you there. And I'm sure many of the women will too. Including my daughter," he said, giving Lita a small wink.

"Father!" Lita shrieked in embarrassment. Nephlyte discreetly coughed into his drink. Sitting there feeling the heat in her cheeks, Lita's mind raced for another topic…but she couldn't think of anything. Luckily, everyone sensed her discomfort and a comfortable silence stayed with them as they finished their meal.

After dinner Lita quickly escaped up to the comfort of her room. Plopping down on her bed, she relived the misery of dinner. How could her father embarrass her like that? How humiliating! He wasn't even that cute! His only really good features were his eyes…and his nose…and his mouth… Lita sighed. I will not fall for him! she told herself sternly.

Lita started to get ready for bed. She was brushing her hair when someone knocked on the door. "Come in," Lita called out. Her mother entered the room. "Hello mom."

The Queen looked at her daughter and smiled. "Lita, you know your father didn't mean to torment you tonight. He was just teasing."

"But why does he have to embarrass me like that? It's not fair!"

"He's not vindictive, child." She took the brush from her daughter and brushed Lita's hair like she used to when Lita was younger. "Believe it or not, he loves you very much. I think it upset him you when you didn't how up to dinner on time. He wanted to introduce you properly. You're his pride and joy you know."

Lita sighed, staring at her mother through the mirror. "I know. And I'm really sorry, but I lost track of time again."

"I know sweetheart," she said as she leaned over and kissed her daughter's forehead. She tucked her daughter into bed, just like she used to when Lita was small. "Get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight mother." The Queen turned off the lights and closed the bedroom door. Lita lay there in the dark thinking about what had happened at dinner. Am I really seen as being that boy crazy? she thought. I don't want to be seen as a ditz. From now on, no more boy talk, she vowed to herself as she fell asleep.

Lita woke up bright and early the next morning. Time for practice, she thought to herself. She quickly dressed and went to the practice field. It was a crisp morning and the sun had just risen, sending a lazy red glow across the surface of the planet. It was gorgeous, and Lita took a minute to enjoy the sunrise before concentrating on her practice. Soon she was completely immersed in her exercises. She didn't notice that she was not alone for a few minutes. She looked up as she paused to wipe the sweat off her brow and noticed Nephlyte standing in front of her. "Hi," she called out to him as she flashed a grin. "What brings you out here?"

"I was told there was a practice field out here that I could use. I hope I'm not intruding."

"I was just finishing up," Lita said as she walked toward him. "Enjoy your exercise."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"It's Lita, remember? I'll see you later." Lita headed back for the castle for a quick bath before breakfast. She couldn't afford to be late today!

Nephlyte watched her as she walked away. He never met a warrior so young with so much power. Nephlyte wondered how old Lita actually was. At times she seemed so young, and others so mature. Then again, she is an Imperial Guard for the Moon Family. This reminded him of the Imperial Ball coming up. "Maybe I should ask to escort Lita," he wondered out loud. It would only be right since he was a guest of her father. And he was sure her father would approve. He'd have to ask him this afternoon. For right now, he needed to concentrate on his work out.
Lita made it just in time for breakfast. Her father gave her a smile as she walked into the room. "Good morning sunshine," he said, using his nickname for her as a child.

"Morning father," she said, walking over and giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Where's mother?"

"She's not feeling well today, so she's up in her quarters."

"I hope she's okay," Lita said with concern.

"I'm sure she is," the King said with a smile. "I wonder where Nephlyte is this morning," the King pondered.

"Oh, he's out at the practice filed. I saw him on my way back. He probably won't be back in time to eat with us. Should we send something up to him?"

"I think that's exactly what we should do." He smiled at his daughters' display of diplomacy.

The two continued their friendly chatter throughout the meal. Soon though, the King had to leave to meet with his advisors. "So what is the Princess going to do today?"

"Well, I am going to help the seamstress working on my ball gown, and then I'm going to meet with my school master for my lessons," Lita smiled. "And what is the mighty King going to do today?" she asked, playing the old game from when she was a child.

"The mighty King is going to rule his kingdom, of course," he said with a smile. "But first he is going to go check on his wife." He crossed to where she was sitting and hugged her. "Try to stay out of trouble today, okay?"

"Why father, what trouble could a mere girl get into," she questioned with an innocent look.

That evening Nephlyte passed the King in the hallway. "Your Majesty, may I have a word with you?" he asked.

"Certainly. What can I do for you?"

"I would like your permission to escort your daughter to the Imperial Ball." From the King's face he could tell that he had both shocked and pleased him.

"Of course. I think she will be pleased. Thank you for offering," he said as he beamed at Nephlyte.

"It is my honor, Your Majesty," Nephlyte replied with a smile.

"Are you doing this because you feel obligated, Nephlyte?" the King asked. The other man seemed a little taken aback by the question.

"It is my duty to ask, yes, but it isn't my only reason."

Unfortunately, during this conversation Lita came by the hallway. Hurt that she was considered a charity case, she stood fuming in the shadows. The King spoke, "Just don't tell my daughter that when you ask her. But you have my permission."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Lita was couldn't believe it. She was incredibly angry at Nephlyte… and her father. How could they do this to her? How humiliating! As if last night wasn't enough! Lita fled the room, leaving the two to talk about her without prying ears. Lita felt absolutely furious. Well, he'll get a nice surprise when he asks!

Elara -- Thanks for reading hun. Lemme know what you think!

Lady-D -- Yay, lots of reviews from you! Glad you like the stories so far hun.

Jovian Goddess -- So glad that you like the story! Thank you for the review.

Athena Kyle -- I don't know what I would do without you hun! Thanks for all the help with editing! I think I'm going to have to put you as editor:)