A/N: It's not mine, so don't sue:)

A Kingdom Shattered

Chapter Four

"Gracie," Lita called out as she ran to greet her friend. The two hugged before walking toward the palace and sitting under their favorite tree. Gracie had been on Mars for the past week working with Princess Raye. Gracie's special abilities were an asset to Raye in the temple. While she did not have as much power as Raye, she could still help read the fires, and was trying to help the Elders figure out what was going on on Earth.

"Oh, I've missed you! How are things on Mars?"

"Oh, chaotic, as always. We've managed to keep whatever is destroying Earth contained there. Still, there's an overwhelming feeling of fear and apprehension. The temple has been so busy lately I haven't really had much time to relax. I was beginning to wonder if I could make the ball…"

"I would have come there and dragged you anyway," Lita said.

Gracie grinned. "I know. That's why I came."

"Oh Gracie, I have so much to tell you," Lita exclaimed. "I don't even know where to begin!"

"Well, how about at the beginning," Gracie said with a smile. "You can start by telling me how things with your Earth warrior are going."

"Oh, you mean Nephlyte. Um, things are okay," Lita said nonchalantly.

"Come on, Lita. I know you better. Tell the truth."

"I'll tell you all about it on the way to the Moon. But what about you? Have you seen Stephen yet to tell him that you're back?"

Gracie blushed and Lita burst out laughing. "Uh huh. So that's where the dirt smudge comes from," Lita said, pointing at her friend's cheek.

Gracie raised her hand and tried to wipe it away. "Make fun of me all you want, but I was right. You like Nephlyte! Seems like I'm not the only one getting attached to a warrior."

Lita could only blush.

"Anyway, I'm a little worried now because Stephen said that he might be going to Earth to help out there. I don't want him to leave…"

"Poor Gracie," Lita said as she hugged her friend. "But you don't know that for sure. Besides, it won't happen this moment, will it? So forget about it for now. Because we're going to a ball!"

"Yes Princess!" Gracie saluted her friend, sending both into giggles.

"Do you mind if I take a nap before dinner? I'm exhausted!" Gracie exclaimed.

"Sure, I'll catch up with you at dinner."

"Don't be late," Gracie warned.

"Me? Late? Never!"

Lita headed out toward Nephlyte's room. It was time to check on him.

Nephlyte was deep asleep when she entered. He looked so peaceful. He still hadn't put a shirt on, and Lita caught herself staring at him again. Mentally shaking herself, she drew closer to the bed. She was reaching for his arm to check his bandage when she felt herself being lifted off the ground and tossed onto the bed. Surprised, she looked up to find Nephlyte wide-awake.

"You should know better than to sneak up on a warrior, Princess."

"I wasn't sneaking, I was checking on your bandage and trying not to wake you," Lita replied a little shakily. "No need to ask if you're feeling better."

"Whatever you gave me seems to have done the trick."

"Good."

The two just stared at each other. Lita once again got lost in his eyes. Slowly, Nephlyte leaned over her. He lightly touched his lips to hers and watched as Lita shuddered. Pleased with her reaction and reassured that he hadn't frightened her, he leaned in again. He nipped at her mouth, gently tugging on her lower lip.

Lita was lost in a swirl of emotions, each one focused on his kiss. Unable to take his gentle teasing anymore, she slowly brought his head down for a more permanent contact. Nephlyte groaned. He should stop this, but it felt so right. He certainly hadn't planned this, but the feel of her in his arms was doing strange things to his mind. Hadn't he dreamed of kissing her not just a few minutes ago?

After a few moments, Nephlyte consciously made an effort to lighten the contact. Lita took his cue and followed suit. Soon, the two were once again staring at each other.

"You know, if someone found us now we'd both be in a lot of trouble."

"I know," Lita said. Neither made a move.

"Princess Lita, will you please reconsider my offer to escort you to the ball?"

"I'll think about it," shesaid with a grin.

"I don't even get a yes?" he said teasingly.

"Depends on what I get in return. I mean, is it going to be worth my while?" she said coquettishly.

His eyes darkened. "I'll definitely make it worth your while," he said. Lita felt absolutely giddy.

"Now, get out of here before someone finds us together in bed. There's no reason to compromise your reputation."

"Yes, sir," she said as she climbed over the side of his bed and headed for the door. "I'll see you at dinner."

Lita closed the door to his room feeling like she was walking on air. She ran to the room where Gracie slept and shook her friend awake.

"What's the big deal!"

"Gracie, I have to talk to you! It can't wait!"

Gracie's eyes slowly lost their drowsiness and were able to focus on her friend. Lita was so excited that she was practically jumping around the room. "What is it?" She was definitely curious now.

"He kissed me!" Lita shrieked.

"Okay, who is he?"

"Who do you think? Nephlyte! He kissed me, and I just melted. He's so amazing… And he has the most beautiful eyes…"

Gracie grinned. "Okay, start from the beginning."

Lita sat on the edge of the bed facing her. "Well, we didn't really hit things off right at first. I walked into him, and he just kinda brushed me aside. And I overheard him talking to my father. He asked to escort me to the ball. My father asked him why, and Nephlyte said it was partly duty."

"And you, being the reasonable person that you are, flew right off the handle. Am I right?"

"Yes, I was furious. But Nephlyte told my father that was only part of the reason. He never mentioned why else. Well, earlier today he injured himself, so I took care of him."

"Oh no, not the herbs! Poor guy…" Gracie said teasingly.

Lita stuck out her tongue. "Anyway, after you came up here I went to go check on him. I got up near his bed, and the next thing I know I'm on the bed with him leaning over me. And he gave me the most inexplicable kiss. I thought I was going to faint!"

"You too, huh? What is it about those warriors?" Gracie wondered.

"I dunno. But I know that I really like this one."

"So, now that you've woken me from my nap, what would you like to do before dinner?"

"Let's go practice. I could use the workout. And you're the perfect opponent."

"Yeah, except that I always win," Gracie bragged with a grin.

"No way! I do!"

"Do not!"

"Last one to the practice field is a rotten egg!"

"Okay, now what?" Gracie asked.

"Let's see who can concentrate their life force the longest."

"Is this like when we went swimming when we were kids and you wanted to see which of us could hold our breath the longest? Because you started turning blue…"

"Come on Gracie, are you chicken?"

"Hey, no contest. I'll easily win."

"Oh yeah?"

"I beat you all the time when we were training as kids!"

"We'll just see about that!"

The two assumed a relaxed stance. Their hands went to their chests where their life force was centered, drawing the bright sphere outside of their bodies, watching it form into their hands. This test took extreme concentration and focus. It was the ultimate test of control.

While the two harnessed their life forces, Nephlyte watched from his window. The two warriors were a sight to see. His eyes drifted toward Lita. Hmm…she was strong for a warrior. She has perfect control of her life force. She definitely fits the part of an Imperial Guard.

Turning away from the window, his gaze rested on the bed. He started to grin. Lita should have known better than to come beside him when he was asleep--he was trained to wake up at the smallest sound. Still, he couldn't say he was sorry that she had. The kiss was amazing. He'd never really experienced anything like it. Next time he'd kiss her where there was no threat of interruptions…and it would be soon.

Eternal-Earth-Sailor - Thanks for the high praise. :)

Leslie - I am definitely going to finish the stories I write! I'm just a little slow in getting them up because life kinda takes over...something about those 100 hour work weeks that just take all the energy right out of you... But don't worry! I'm still here!

Stargazer102006 - LOL, so glad that I could make you clap with a new chapter update. Hope that it happens everytime!