Hey people, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for so long, but alas I had a case of writers block. I hope you enjoy the story. Please review and tell me what you think, your comments would be most welcome.
I also wanted to say that Secret heart's story is by all means original, in fact I suggest you all read it for it is truly a marvel of the words, I wish her the best and hope her story gets the due credit it deserves.
I also want to give a special and most sincere thanks to my great friend and new editor deadly diva, you have no idea how much your constant support has helped me. You are truly my giddying star. Thank you.
To silver, Silver Moon Goddess1, Princess-MoonBunny, fireangel621, Edens-MoonlightAngel, venusgoddess, Becx, Seagirl, SilverMo, Hopeless Dreamer 1125, o0 DaRkNeSsEz PuRiTy 0o, moonprincess565, Crystal-Winter: I want to thank you all for taking the time to review my story. The fact that you not only took the time to read my words, but too also leave a comment is something I find absolutely amazing. I apologies for having left you waiting so long, but I had a severe case of writers block , I shall try to get the next chapter out sooner. Thank you all.
To: Sailor-Nekawaii: You'll be glad to know that Endymion will definitely have a more active role in this chapter, thank you for your review and your kind words, I truly appreciate them. Thankyou.
To Aithne: thank you, it means a lot to me that you would say something like that about my writing, truly.
To Sere Emberwave: I cannot express how much your review meant to me, the faith you have in my writing was absolutely humbling. Thankyou. Thankyou.
To Secret Heart: My dearest friend, I wish you the best of luck with your story and I'm glad to see it gaining more and more reviews, you had no need to be nervous. After all a diamond is recognizable by all eyes and your story is just that. Good luck my friend.
To Hopeless Dreamer 1125: Thank you for your review. I love the fact that you referred to the characters as personalities, I take great pains to try and make my character real, and it means to world to me to see that my efforts have paid off. I apologies to have left you waiting for the next chapter so long, but I will try to get the next chapter out sooner. Thank you once again.
To ladytokyo: I'll admit that your review brought a smile to my face, I can't believe that my writing set a new standard for you. There are so many fabulous fan fiction writers out there that I felt enormously privileged to hear such a comment. Thankyou, I will do my best to continue to meet high standards and provide you and others with my best.
To FioreMaryssa: I understand your concerns in reference to the story, but understand this is a world of fiction. While it is dark it does not reveal the true consequences of such behavior. I do not in any way condone the behaviors that takes place in this story in real life, in fact quite the opposite. We all have a morbid fascination of evil, and in sating those curiosities in constructive ways we are less likely to fall into the dark hands of temptation. I hope you will read the story but I understand why you would choose not too. Nether the less I want to thank you for your support.
To Amethyst-Heart: Once again your review has left me in absolute awe and close to tears. Your support is overwhelming and something that I treasure greatly. I wanted to make Serenity as real as possible, and thus it took me a lot of time to focus on how everything around her was impacting on her. In this chapter I think I tend to focus more on Endymion, however as much as I revel I keep hidden. I have much in store for him. As for their mutual relationship, well, you'll see it evolving more in this chapter I warn you that there will be a cliff hanger at the end and I await eagerly to see what your reaction shall be. And my dear Amethyst, I should thank you for giving me the honor of your support. Thank you.
To Deadly Diva: I called you my guiding star but I doubt that is enough to describe what your support means to me. You ve been from the very beginning, and once again I have to thank you. (and I love you too pieces too) As for Serenity's morals, I haven't quite decided unlike Tourniquet I haven't planned this story, I really don't know how its going to end. As for me liking to have Endy and Serena both wicked, you've hit the nail on the head. I love to see the too bickering and being pointed against each other. Especially in this story, their both such stubborn and passionate people that one can always expect fire works. As for Andrew, again I don't know, I'm considering two different options for him but I shall wait and see, maybe he'll tell me where he wants to go? Lol. A think the girl who revealed Serenity's character to Endy was just an innocent random. (don't worry I don't like Raye and Endy together either) The thing is, Endymion's a dark character in this fic and very dominating, a beryl wouldn't fit because he would never allow it to happen, does that make sense? Anyway, I want to once again thank you for editing this chapter and always being there. Thank you. Thank you.
WWWWWWWWWWWWW
"I want to know everything about her-down to where she buys her undergarments." Endymion sneered as he took a sip from his third glass of brandy. Only hours had passed since his interlude with Serenity and already he had called this meeting.
"That I would gladly research first hand." Sapphire merely smiled at the menacing glare Endymion threw at him. He could not help but be amused, Endymion, a man who was rumoured to have a heart of stone, was now flustered over a woman. And a courtesan at that!
"I want to know the details of all her clients." Sapphire looked up immediately when he heard Endymion's tone. Endymion's voice was no longer merely cold, but low and ringed with malice. Sapphire sighed as he watched Endymion get up and move towards a small window. He shook his head in a agitated fashion, in search of a distraction he soaked up the surroundings. Endymion's home provided a reflection of his personality to perfection. The room's décor consisted of various shades of brown and cream. The oak that shaped the furniture was so dark that it verged on black. The hard texture and sharp corners of his furniture provided a contrast to the soft silk that made up the finely embroidered cushions. Masterful rustic paintings of Venus hung in the lounge. Endymion was the only citizen to have the audacity to hang nudes in plain sight. What was more delicious was the fact the he still got away with it.
Endymion's bedroom was also infamous. No doubt a direct result of the many inhabitants that had spent a night (and usually only one night) within its walls. His bed was carved out of the finest mahogany wood that money could buy. The four posters rumoured to have bursts of voluptuous curves. The pillows where stuffed with the finest feathers that ever graced the earth. The bed itself was covered in black silk, that curved and folded in much the same way as a woman's body in a moment of ecstasy. Such a display was not only enormously decadent but positively indecent. Beside the bed was always a bouquet of freshly cut crimson roses. Although these particular flowers were normally a sign of affection, in Endymion's bedroom they only seemed to highlight the sinful deeds that took place in the adjacent bed. In short it was Endymion personified.
Masculine. Seductive. Dangerous.
Sapphire was one of the rare few that had known Endymion since childhood. Most respected Endymion due to sheer awe of the power he exuded; Sapphire was not one of them. He was, perhaps, Endymion's only acquaintance that respected him because of a genuine understanding of his strength of character. However did the years of friendship mean that Sapphire understood Endymion? Not in the least. Sapphire had spent countless hours deliberating over and observing his friend. Each time he would construct a theory about Endymion's character. Every time he was sure that his theory was indeed correct Endymion would do something that would damn Sapphire's theories to oblivion. The man was an enigma, not to mention a walking contradiction.
Sapphire chuckled quietly to himself as he watched Endymion gulp down the contents of his wine glass and storm towards the window. It was as if Endymion believed that fresh air would miraculously order his thoughts. It was rumoured widely that Endymion was devoid of emotion, yet Sapphire knew that nothing was further from the truth. For he had seen Endymion in one of his weakest moments-he had seen Endymion cry.
Yet it was not in the slightest way feminine. Quite the opposite in fact, for nothing had inspired greater fear in Sapphire's chest. Not surprisingly, Sapphire only witnessed glistening tears on Endymion's checks once. It occurred when Endymion was but eighteen. His mother had died in childbirth and thus his father, Damon was the only parent he had ever known. Unfortunately Damon was a very sorry parent and a worse role model. A pitiful man addicted to the cards, lacking the skill to gain a profit from them. For his face betrayed his thoughts and his luck was non-existent. One night in a lively tavern Damon decided to take luck into his own hands and resort to unconventional methods to win. Never a man of great subtlety he was easily discovered. A brawl emerged from the squabble and Damon never returned home.
A shiver ran up Sapphire's spine as he remembered Endymion's reaction to the news. At the time Endymion was known for his temper. He often broke furniture in rage if things did not go his way, nor would he hesitate to use his fists to salvage his pride. However on receiving the news of his father's death he merely sat in solemn silence. His head was gently resting on his entwined fingers, his skin deathly pale.
That's when it happened.
Tears began to gather in Endymion's eyes, clinging to his lashes, accentuating their luxurious length. A single tear spilled forth, yet that tear carried so much pain that it could have humbled a battle veteran to his knees in anguish. Endymion's eyes began to glisten and acquired a red hue as a result of unshed tears. In that moment something changed in Sapphire's childhood friend and he had seen it before his very eyes. Endymion's posture, expression and demeanour slowly became increasingly rigid. When he spoke his voice was hoarse and his tone conveyed malicious intent.
"I want to know the men who played with my father tonight." When Sapphire had enquired why, a cruel smile formed on Endymion's lips. He did not need to say anymore to inform Sapphire that his motive was revenge.
Sapphire took another sip of his wine and snorted at his own foolishness. At the time he had believed that Endymion would seek the men and murder them in cold blood. To his astonishment Endymion did quite the opposite. With an energy that seemed inhumane Endymion established a shipping company and loaned boats to the various merchants of Venice. Within a few short months his company was a success and delivered him with quite a handsome profit.
It was then and only then that he sought out the men who had murdered his father, he befriended them. Once he had gained their trust he gave each a portion of his company and made them very wealthy men indeed. When another year passed, he expressed his desire to discover new challenges and sold the men his portion of the company. He also recommended a very capable financial administrator for the company. Yet the men were angered by Endymion's so called arrogance and ignored his advice, employing the only other financial administrator available in the city.
The man turned out to be a bumbling fool and within a matter of weeks the company was in dire financial debt. The men who had killed Endymion's father lost all the wealth that they had acquired. They became poorer than what they had been before Endymion and spent the rest of their miserable lives dreaming of what could have been. Two of them took their own lives, the other lost his sanity.
Sapphire watched in awe as Endymion ran a hand through his dishevelled hair as he stared down at the city of Venice. Endymion was not by any measure a moral man. Yet he was not a complete scoundrel either. The only sin he had committed against the men who had killed his father was sharing with them his wealth. They had destroyed themselves with their own stupidity. A fact that Sapphire knew gave Endymion much pleasure. Yet what confused Sapphire was the fact that Endymion had never respected his father. Hell the two were hardily ever on speaking terms and barely saw each other when Damon was alive. Even now if someone inquired after Endymion's father he would simply tell them that he was a foolish man who couldn't piss straight in life. Yet he had taken such careful measures to avenge him.
Sapphire slowly got out of the comfortable chair which he had been immersed for the past half hour and walked towards Endymion. He gently placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, Endymion gave him a grateful glance in return.
"You've fallen for her haven't you?" Sapphire asked, amusement still dancing in his eyes.
"She intrigues me."
Sapphire sighed, one could never get a straight answer out of the man.
WWWWWWWWWWWWW
"I thought I had made myself quite clear that you were to stay away from him!" Luna screeched as she paced in front of a seated Serenity. Her slight French accent was causing her words to run into each other. Luna glared at her ward and was only more infuriated to discover that her expression was one of exquisite boredom. As if sensing Luna's glare burning through her skin, Serenity looked up and gave Luna her most innocent smile.
"I did not know it was him." Serenity stated calmly, her gaze on her fingernails. Luna pressed her lips together in fury. She could already feel her face flushing with anger.
"I told you that he had a face of an angel. How many angels do you know that would make an acquaintance with courtesans?" Luna sneered. To her exasperation Serenity merely gave her a mischievous smile.
"None." The reply stirred Luna's curiosity and caused her to place aside her anger. If only for the moment. She raised an eyebrow and gestured for Serenity to continue.
"There was nothing angelic about his face, the man exudes sin."
Luna scoffed at the reply. "Then how pray tell, would you describe him?"
"The very image of the devil" Once seeing that Luna was about to contradict her statement she gestured that she was not yet finished. "If I recall, the bible never said the devil was hideous. Someone that evil can only be beautiful." Luna's eyes glittered at this reply, and her previous anger became quite forgotten.
"Good, I see that my lessons have accomplished some of their duties." Serenity merely nodded her head, smiling. Luna shook her head the woman was intolerable. "Who is next on your list?"
"Zoicite." Luna nodded her head indicating her approval of Serenity's choice. A sigh escaped Serenity's lips. Zoicite was no fool, in fact he was rumoured to be the most intelligent man in the city. This, if true, meant that he would have the intellectual means to see through her scheme with Nephrite. Then there was also the possibility that Endymion had given him warning. She pressed her lips in frustration-the very name Endymion caused her blood to boil.
"What is your plan?" Luna asked demurely, sitting herself in a chair. Serenity turned to her and explained what she had in mind. While Luna commended most of her thoughts she did advise slight changes here and there of which Serenity was mindful of. Once their conversation had come to a close, Serenity excused herself and retired to what was going to be a night of dull research.
She entered the luxurious settings of her own chambers. A room that was adorned with stunning oak furniture and stunning fresco paintings. The bed was outfitted in burgundy and caramel silk, a picture of feminine sensuality. In the far wall stood a deep mahogany bookcase encasing numerous leather bound volumes. She gently ran a finger along their leather cases carefully selecting one from their midst. Serenity then sat in a plush chair and opened her book. She took a moment to relish in the smell that was so unique of antique volumes before commencing her reading.
Earlier that day Serenity had spent a good deal of time enquiring after Zoicite. She discovered that he had spent most of his life studying the ancient inhabitants of Venice, the Veneti. This information was invaluable to Serenity for it was what gave birth to her plan.
The book that currently held her attention was one discussing the art of the Veneti. She read the passages carefully, practically memorising every word. However, even with all her motivation, the day had been a long one and its strains became more apparent with each passing moment. She felt her eyelids growing heavy and fought to keep awake. A small knock on the door broke her out of her revere.
In the doorway stood Andrew, a small smile playing on his lips. He made his way towards her with slow, long strides. When reaching her, he lifted up her heavy mass of blonde curls to reveal a creamy white shoulder. He gently ran his fingers over her exposed flesh while placing his lips to her ear.
"You work too much" He whispered, his voice husky. She turned towards him and he kissed her tenderly.
"And you're here to take my mind off things." Serenity replied breathlessly, looking up into his baby blue eyes. He chuckled quietly and began to undo the straps of her dress.
"Always the perceptive one." Serenity had always enjoyed her time with Andrew. He was after all a very generous lover. However, in her moment of ecstasy a pair of stormy blue eyes and jet black hair came to her mind. The moment she realised what had occurred she pushed the memory into the furthest corner of her mind. She was determined that if she ceased to think about it, it would simply go away.
Andrew sensed her discomfort and pulled her into his arms in an almost loving fashion. He turned to his side and used his hand to support his head. Serenity looked up at him and for the first time noticed the small wrinkles that had only just emerged on his handsome face. However, he had noticed even the most miniscule changes in her appearance from the very first moment he laid eyes on her.
"You don't have to continue with this. I shall not punish you in anyway if you choose to abandon the whole Loredan fiasco." She told him that she had only worked herself too hard that day and that she would take more care next time. She had to reassure him numerous times that she was quite fine to continue.
The next day she went to a ceramic company. The main craftsman, Chad, was a dear friend of hers. Not a client, but a good friend no less. She asked for Chad at the front desk and seated herself while waiting. On seeing Chad, she got up and extended her arms. He took her hands in his and gently pressed one after the other to his lips. A genuine smile was playing on his lips and his skin seemed to shine with excitement.
"I scarce believed them when they brought me your name, I though my workmates were playing a horrid trick on me." Chad told her, his tone holding the same jovial nature it always did.
"It's delightful seeing you again." Serenity replied sweetly, batting her eyelashes ever so slightly. "Unfortunately, this isn't merely a social call. I'm here on a business errand." Chad's eyebrows shot up and his eyes light up in amusement.
"How may I be of service?"
"You see these days, I have far too much time on my hands. Well, I was doodling and I came up with this design for what I believe would make delightful plates. I was wondering if you could make them for me?" While it was a completely serious business proposition her tone was light, airy and somewhat flirtatious. An inconsistency that went completely unnoticed by Chad.
"Why of course, how many do you need?"
"Twenty."
"Consider it done." Serenity smiled up at him, and thanked him profusely. She then handed him a small piece of paper.
"Would you mind delivering them to this location, a small boy named Rafael will be waiting for you." Chad agreed wholeheartedly and even refused to except payment for the deed. Serenity left feeling immensely satisfied that her plan was indeed on track.
Serenity then had to race to the other side of town in order to reach Greg's estate. Greg was part of the Medici and his expansive estate held one of the most impressive libraries in the country. Serenity had spent many long hours in the library during her training, so much so that Greg had given her complete access to it. She was free to visit the library at any time she chose.
As she walked into the library she could not help but stare at it in awe. Although she had visited it numerous times before it still enchanted her. The room itself was enormous by any standard and furnished with oak bookshelves from floor to ceiling. Serenity was sure that she had never witnessed anything with such extraordinary beauty. She walked toward the section devoted to history and picked out an ancient book with a very worn cover. She gently tore the lining of the back cover and slipped a small piece of paper inside. She resealed the tear carefully, but not so carefully that it could not be detected. She placed the book back in its rightful place and took every precaution to ensure that it looked as if it had not been touched.
You see, another great patron and frequent visitor of Greg's library was lord Zoicite. According to Serenity's sources of information on each visit Zoicite would meticulously look through one particular book, the complete history of the Veneti. This just so happened to be the book that Serenity had handled a few moments ago. She had conducted a great deal of research and had taken many pains to construct what would seem an authentic treasure map of sorts.
Now all she had to do was wait.
She was not disappointed. Within the week news was sweeping the town that Lord Zoicite had finally made the discovery that he had so searched for. It was declared that in two days hence he would publicly reveal a rare artefact from the great Veneti for them all to behold. Serenity always smiled complacently when she heard such news. At social gatherings she always remarked that the discovery was a reward for Lord Zoicite's unprecedented intelligence and persistence. A statement that all present would heartily agree to. So excitement grew, a fact that of course, Serenity took no credit for.
The long awaited day finally arrived, and almost the entire population waited with bated breath. Zoicite emerged dressed in his finest attire. His entire demeanour sparkling with excitement. Beside him stood a white marble pedestal, his treasure hidden beneath a sheet of white silk. He began a speech, describing his studies, the Veneti and the significance of his new discovery. He then fell silent, and after the suspense had built to his satisfaction unveiled the treasure dramatically.
However the awe of the crowd was somewhat overshadowed by an annoying peasant boy, who was shouting loudly in order to sell his cargo. Angry whispers began to multiply with many dismissing him as the local orphan who had been trying to sell old ceramics for the past weeks. However as the boy drew closer shocked gasps could be heard. The crowd began pointing to the poor boy, while others glanced at his cargo before turning back to examine Zoicite's treasure.
The urchin's ceramics and Zoicite's treasure were one in the same.
On spotting what the commotion was about and catching a glimpse of the boys cargo Zoicite abandoned his stage and grabbed the boy by the collar.
"Where did you find those?" He demanded angrily. At first his pride was wounded from the rude behaviour of his audience. Yet now, his dignity and social status were on the line. Had he not been so enraged and scared it would have occurred to him that it would have been more appropriate to interrogate the boy in private.
"I didn't steal them! The owner of the ceramic shop gave them to me, said they weren't sellin and that I could try. Except, my hut flooded and I got dirt on them and I lost half of them." The boy had stammered through the answer, his big eyes wide. He was petrified and looked quite pathetic. But not quite as much as Zoicite did.
Muffled laughter could be heard from the crowd. Many looked at him with pity, others with frustration of having their time wasted. Zoicite dropped the boy and walked back to his small home. His head was bent, shoulders sagging, tears in his eyes.
Serenity waited until the crowd dispersed before approaching the boy. She took out her purse and gave him ten gold coins. The boy clutched the coins as if he was holding on to them for dear life. He looked up at her tears in his eyes, as if she were a god.
"Good job Rafael, marvellous acting, when you're older come and see me and I'll find something for you." With that she began to walk back to the Medici house. Although her plan had worked splendidly, down to the very last details Serenity could not bring herself to be happy. Her conscious had finally found it's voice again and replayed the tortured expression on Zoicite's face in her mind.
When she reached a deserted ally way she leaned on a wall as if about to weep. Her head was resting on her hands and her body was trembling. She had planed it all. The ceramics, the treasure map. She had even hired Raphael and told him exactly what to say. She knew that Zoicite could no longer invest in the Loredan for they would not have him. They could not if they desired to keep their reputation of having a keen eye for the arts.
Suddenly memories of the past began to flood her mind. She could see her porcelain dolls that had been so close to her heart. So innocent, pure. 'What would that girl think of me know?' She thought vehemently. It was as if reality had come crashing around her ears. She had destroyed two men with no other motive than personal gain. She was in truth, nothing more than a glorified whore. She was destined to burn in the flames of hell, to become an acquaintance of Satan himself. However, the rational part of her mind had not abandoned her entirely and at the mention of Satan came back with all its satirical wit. That part of her mind reminded her that Satan was beautiful, and would perhaps make a most interesting acquaintance. Of course the parts of her mind that retained their religious ideals were outraged at such blasphemy. Serenity shook her head and cursed herself loudly, half suspecting that she had gone insane. After all, was she or was she not arguing with herself?
When she felt a hand on her shoulder, she jumped and turned angrily at her intruder. She stared stupidly at Endymion for a whole minute before regaining her senses. She was about to make a quick retort when she noticed his eyes were not mocking, but concerned.
"Are you alright?" He asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes, thank you. I'm afraid that I am late and must be going." With that she turned and began to head in the other direction. After all she wasn't in the best state to confront Endymion.
"Zoicite's disgrace was not a credit to you alone. His stupidity and ambition played a large role as well." She stopped dead in her tracks, anger bubbling in her being. She turned around sharply, her eyes narrowed with fury.
"How did you-" the words died on her lips as she noticed how close he was. Why if he were any closer their bodies would be pressed against each other. He gently pressed a finger to her lips. Serenity flinched at his touch as if his finger was made of hot irons. An electric shiver went through her as she looked up at him.
"I have my sources." He moved closer so that they're bodies were pressed against each other. He slid his finger down ever so slowly until it rested between her lips. She looked up at him, and an idea formed itself in her mind. Without hesitation she opened her mouth and brushed the tip of his finger with her tongue. His eyes darkened immediately, while his hand snaked around her waist and pulled her to him so suddenly that a gasp emerged from her lips.
"For a person who just had a crisis of conscious, you recover quickly."
Serenity looked up at him with a mixture of anger, fear and curiosity. Why was it that out of all the beings alive, he was the one that could read her like a book? She turned her face away from him, and attempted to detach herself from his arms. However the more she strained the tighter his grip became. She looked up at him exasperated.
" I'm afraid, Sir, that you are the last person to talk of a morality. If you knew of my ploy, why didn't you warn Zoicite?"
"I don't work with fools Serenity. If my men cannot fend for themselves they are not worthy of my patronage." Serenity both detested and respected his arrogance.
"Soon my lord, you shall find yourself alone to carry the burden of the Loredans." Endymion chuckled slightly, not at all concerned with the scorching glare he was receiving.
"A little over confident aren't we? Your two strongest opponents still await you. Not to mention me." He let one of his hands travel up her bodice until it stood right under the swell of her breast.
"You cannot stop me." Serenity whispered, suddenly very short of breath and painfully aware of the position of his hands.
"Perhaps, but I can take every measure to distract you." With that he pressed his lips against hers. A kiss that started out as gentle soon evolved into anything but. Endymion ravished Serenity with his tongue, exploring ever vicinity of her mouth mercilessly. He broke the kiss and was unable to keep his eyes away from her heaving breasts. Serenity used the distraction to push him away. Once standing at a safe distance she resumed her regal posture.
"And what makes you think anything you could do can distract me?" She asked, her brow raised, her tone mocking.
"Accompany me to bed tonight and I shall show you. Again and again."
Serenity merely scoffed in reply and ignored the arousal that had occurred at his words. She turned and walked away from him. This time he made no move to stop her.
Endymion returned to his house still intoxicated with the memory of her kiss, her perfume and the feeling of her heated flesh pressed against his. He was stunned to find Sapphire sitting in the lounge calmly smoking. He cursed himself under his breath. The woman had bewitched him to such an extent that he was forgetting his own meetings. He walked towards Sapphire and greeted him warmly. If Sapphire detected the sparkle in Endymion's eye or the mischievous grin on his lips he made no comment on it. Endymion sat himself opposite his childhood friend, crossed one leg over the other and lit his cigar.
"What news do you have for me?" He asked calmly, his tone detached.
"I found what seems to have been an old flame of hers, apparently they were quite intimate. His name is Seiya, quite a prosperous merchant." At this news Endymion felt a wave of anger sweep over him. He had never been a jealous man, and now that it took hold of him it did so with a vengeance. Endymion closed his eyes for a moment to regain control of his emotions.
"I would like to meet this Seiya."