Hey people, well the chapter's finally out! Thanks heaps to Deadly Diva my wonderful editor, if it wasn't for her you'd have to put up with grammar and spelling mistakes! Bad news is that I haven't even started the next chapter yet so I have no idea when it will be out but I'm pretty sure that it'll be the last. Send me a review or an email, I love hearing from you guys! And yes, there will be a happy ending! So don't worry!
To reviewers onTo bubblegumluva, swt-aznxxbabe, update, Seagirl, PurpleRose44, aquahearts357, venusgoddess, sexylucifer, hatami, SilverMo, baby love. KLG, Mysterious Writah: Hey guys, I wanted to say thankyou to each and every one of you for reviewing, you have no idea how much your support means to me, and it's the only thing that's made me stick to this fic and keep going to see it to the end. Thankyou soo much! Tell me what you think about this chapter, I love hearing from you guys! THANKYOU!
To Mitsukino Tennyo: I know there's a lot of questions hanging about the whole logistics of Endymion being the benefactor but that'll all be cleared up in this chapter. As with Sapphire, all I'm going to say is that things are not what they seem. Thanks so much for your review, it really means the world to me!
To Red-Rose18: I know it's one of those enchanting times isn't it? Yeah, I was reading over the story a couple of months ago and remembered that I had almost completely left Serenity's family out, so I had to bring them back and tie up the loose ends there. I'll definitely read the novel your recommended some time soon as it does sound intriguing. Thanks soo much for reviewing and I hope you enjoy the chapter.
To 1llixit-vi3t: I know it takes me a while to update because the whole writing and editing process takes a bit of time, but hey you guys get a much better product in the end. And relax, there will be a happy ending, no body's going to die, so hopefully you'll keep reading till the end. Love ya heaps, and thanks for the review!
To Sere Emberwave: I know I've really missed your reviews! Thankyou so much for the professional writer comment, I've had such a hard time with writing recently and I'm so scared that my novel won't get published when I finish it that yeah, your comment really hit home. Thankyou sooo much, and please keep reviewing.
To Silver Moon Goddess1: Lol, I love your review, it did take a few reads to figure it out but it was hilarious when I did. I want you to apologise to your friends on my behalf for not updating sooner, but hey since your going to be very happy after reading this chapter it'll be okay right? Hehe. Love u girl and thanks for the review!
To Jasmine Deliria: I know I know I'll capitalise the title, (and if I don't just remind me again in the next review okay?) I'm glad you enjoyed tourniquet and I hope you enjoy this story just as much. Thanks heaps for reviewing and I hope I hear for you again soon.
To kochokwalo: to answer your question, well yes they are, although both of them would die before they'd admit it. Your taking writing lessons? I'd love to read your work sometime. Thanks for reviewing, your kind words really mean a lot to me.
To Hopeless Dreamer 1125: I know, it's just so awkward to write intimate love scenes, I mean the characters live in my head and at times I feel like they're kicking me out to have some privacy. (I'm not sure if that actually makes any sense but I hope you know what I mean.) The part with sere and endy at the party was one of my fav scenes to write. I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long for an update, but I hope the chapter will be worth it. Many questions will be answered but a lot more will appear. So I really hope you enjoy it. Please review again when you finish, I love detailed reviews where you tell me exactly what you like, they really help me know what you want and where to take my writing. Thankyou!
To Out There: I can see what you mean, I really do after getting your review I read through the chapter again and I can see how sere seems to jump into bed with endy. But keep in mind the two's pride has kept them apart for like the entire story and endy's slowly been wearing sere down. The thing is this chapter opens with a lot of conflict and I really didn't want to go into sere's psyche during that time, because it would have just gotten a bit to much angst. But I have taken your comments into account and I've tried to explain her rationale a bit better in this chapter. Drop me a line and tell me what you think okay?
To heaven-sent-angel1: I will check out your fics the minute I have free time I promise. As for my other stories, I'll be the first to warn you that you might not like the ending of tourniquet. I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long and I really hope you enjoy this chapter. Thanks sooo much for reviewing and drop me a line when you finish the chapter.
To o0 ChIneSeMoMo YuMeTeNsHi 0o: In regards to Sapphire, well not all is at it seems. Your questions about endymion knowing will be revealed in this chapter. Will the stubborn idiots ever admit they like each other? Well, that may take a miracle. But hey, if anyone I can make that happen. Hehe. Thanks for the review.
To Secret Heart: Aww thankyou, hearing that I may have brought a tear to your eye is like the biggest compliment ever. How are you going with your story? I think I've read your latest update but I'm not quite sure, I'll definitely get on to it if I haven't. Thanks so much for reviewing.
To Becx: Well, I don't know If I was being responsible so much as I was scared that if I didn't all you people would kill me. LOL, as for another fan fic story, well in truth I really think this may be my last one. I want to focus on my novel and get that up and running so I may just bow out with the last chapter of this story (for the time being anyway.) I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long and I hope you enjoy this chappie. Thanks heaps for everything and review!
To daisy31: Yeah, you'll see what I mean by the hell comment in the very first scene of this chapter. And the whole logistics about endymion will be explained in this chapter. I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long and I hope you enjoy this chapter. Send me your thoughts afterwards okay?
To SilverWolf2105: Woman where's your story, I remember reading it but I checked up on it last week and it wasn't there anymore. You better not have deleted it..i will be very mad if you did and bad me isn't good for updates! Okay first of all I love your theories, I mean I've drawn heaps of inspiration from them. As for endy's father well I can tell you that he will be playing a big role in the chapter. I can also tell you that a lot of your questions will be answered. (I know this is a short reply but its 10 30 and I'm getting really really sleepy so I'm sorry if it doesn't make sense.) When you finish the chapter send me through your thoughts and ideas, as I really love reading them and I'll send you through an email like last time okay? Love you babe and review!
To Deadly Diva: My guiding star, what would I do without you. I can't believe they deleted your account I mean how rude! (but I'll send you an email about that later) Thankyou soo much for being my wonderful editor, I mean you have no idea how much I owe you for doing this and I really appreciate it. Your exactly right, endy isn't reconciled with sere sleeping with other men, he's used to completely dominating women in his relationships and we both now that aint gonna happen with sere. Your right, it would lead to another argument, hehe. Don't worry there shall be a lot of shaking and cold slaps of reality give me time and it'll all fall into place. Your right, it's not what it seems, I mean its sapphire! I know there is a bad guy vortex but I'm saving that spot for someone special. Yes, you are close, but you knew that already. I know, all I need is Rhett butler and I'll die a happy woman. No sapphire isn't related to endy and he dosnen't have anything to do with his father's death. I know it's so sad that this story Is coming to a close its been a great ride hasn't it? Love you babe and thankyou.
To the reviewers of Aria's:
To: Unek530, Dagger, Ariel, lor06, jill8068, stacey, freaky, serenity4eva, MMHYUM, Anonymous, v1786, AhLuK, Nala: I'm so sorry I haven't been able to get back to you all individually but there's just too many of you know. I want to thank each and every one of you for your support, for taking the time to review my story and for your kind words. I was over the moon when I found out that red silk was the most recommended story of the month so THANKYOU! I love you all heaps and I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long for this chapter. Please tell me what you think when you finish reading.
To Jupiter: Ahh, your reviews have been a consistent source of joy to me in the past few months and I thank you for that with all my heart. I know, I don't update very often but I'm trying to give you the very best I can and that means going through a very vigorous editing process. I hope you enjoy the chapter and I hope it was worth the wait. Thankyou heaps for everything.
To lexie: My dear friend you have no idea how close you are, all your questions will be answered in this chapter. I hope you enjoy this chapter and do get back to me on what you think. Thankyou for reviewing!
To Loki: May I just say that its reviews like yours that make me keep writing and finishing a story. Your review left me utterly speechless and incredibly humbled. You will never know how much your support and your incredible words meant to me. I thank you, truly for everything that you said. To have you pick up and acknowledge the effort I put into characterisation and dialogue was just awe inspiring and truly left me with an everlasting smile and even a tear. Your comments about my writing could not have come at a better time as they really helped me overcome a devilish period of writers block and a wave of harsh self criticism. I thankyou for everything, truly, and I can only hope that my story continues to live up to your expectations. Thankyou.
To Anonymous: I appreciate you not saying anything about your suspicions, and I thank you for it. However if your dying to see if your suspicions are right feel free to PM or email me and I'll get back to you telling you as much as I can. Your not going to offend anyone by keeping your name, so don't worry about it in the least. I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long for this chapter and I hope you enjoy it. Get back to me and tell me what you think when you've finished reading it okay?
To nifer: well you must be carefull, in my stories nothing is what it seems. Hehe, thanks for the review.
To Jamestown: Lol, I must say that the beginning of your review almost gave me a heart attack, I was like omg my fist flame. It was very amusing to say the least. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting so long for an update. I'm not sure what you mean by your last question, I don't remember using the girls in the first chapter of your story, and I don't think I'll bring the senshi into it at all. So I'm not sure if that helps. Anyway, thanks for reviewing and I hope to hear from you soon.
To MMHYUM: Thankyou so much, it meant a lot to me that you read my story twice, and I hate the fact that I made you wait so long for an update. As to how Serenity will act, well, I can tell you that she won't be pleased and as always expect fire works. Hehe, I hope you enjoy the chapter and drop me a line at the end. (And yes, two reviews warrents two mentions, I didn't do that by accident.)
To Anonymous (private review): Thankyou so much for your kind words, and I know what you mean by not being an r rated girl, there's a lot of implied things in my story but I feel really awkward writing full fledged intimate scenes so I usually shy away from those, which is proberly a good think. As for façade, well I think my computer automatically turns it into French every time I type and it slipped my notice. Sorry about that. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the chapter and please, give me another review, I love hearing from you.
To Critika: Trust me it aint easy, the amount of time I've spent trying to figure out schemes and the intricate parts of the plot is just ridiculous. I wanted to appologise to you for making you wait so long. I mean I know what it feels like to be cheking every day for an update and being disappointed. So I'm very sorry. I hope you enjoy this chapter and I hope it was worth the wait. Love you heaps and thanks for taking the time to review.
Well that's enough from me, on with the story!
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Serenity's heart beat rapidly against her chest spreading the biting feeling of betrayal to the most remote parts of her anatomy. Her eyes were narrowed with accusation while her lips were slightly ajar, as if waiting for words to form. Endymion ignored her harsh glare and simply dismissed the butler with a gesture of the hand. His lips were pressed together with a mixture of frustration and anger. His mind clouded with dark thoughts about the various ways to murder his butler. With painfully slow movements, he returned her gaze.
"It's not what you think."
On hearing those words Serenity's thoughts were confirmed. Endymion was indeed her mysterious benefactor. While a million questions plagued her mind they were relinquished instantly as an almost physical pain began to form in Serenity's chest. A animalistic grunt escaped her lips as tears of fury began to sting her eyes. Through her mind only one word echoed continuously. Fool, fool, fool! She rebuked and damned herself for ever believing Endymion, for thinking that he cared for her when he told her he was trying to rid her of the hold Seiya had on her with his little scheme. Yet in the chaos of her mind one thing was clear, Endymion could not see the pain that he had caused her. She would make him think that he was nothing to her. If she succeeded, then in time she may actually come to believe it herself. With that in mind, she turned away from Endymion coldly and began gathering the fragments of her clothing from various positions in his room.
"Serenity." His voice held the tone of a command, demanding that she turn and face him. She ignored him and kept her mind of the task of finding her clothes. The sound of the silk sheets being violently thrown off the bed almost made her twitch. She did not pay heed to the angry footsteps increasing in volume as they came closer. She knew that he was storming towards her, and she refused to turn around even though every nerve in her body was encouraging her to do so. In a fraction of a second, she felt strong fingers curling around her arm and spinning her around. Before she grasped what was happening, she was trapped between a wall and Endymion's very firm, very naked body.
"Yell damn it! Scream or slap me, but don't you dare pretend that nothing happened between us. You hear me Serenity, don't you dare." His voice was dangerously low and she could feel the heat of his breath on her face. His eyes had darkened and his breathing had become ragged with anger. Serenity stared at him coldly, forcing her body to become numb in spite of his close proximity. She closed her eyes for a moment and when they had opened her business mask had glazed over them.
"As I have meet all your terms for the night I understand that you will not fail to pay my fee. Our relationship is of course nothing more than that of a whore and a client." On hearing her words, Endymion closed his eyes and looked away. After a moment, he turned back towards her a look closely resembling disgust sprawled on his features. He threw himself away from her and made his way to an ornate oak wardrobe on the far side of his chambers, pulling on a pair of breeches on his way. He threw the wardrobe doors open and grabbed a crimson robe, almost tearing the material as he yanked it off the hanger. He stormed back and threw the robe at her.
"If you want to be treated like a whore, then fine. Put it on, I don't enjoy seeing filth." His words were harsh and bit her to the core. Being unable to do up the ornate dress that she had arrived in herself, she put on the robe. However, her chin and posture remained defiant and rigid.
"You enjoyed seeing it last night." She returned, but he ignored her. Instead, Endymion stormed towards his bed and grabbed a sack of coins from a drawer. He opened the drawstring and threw the money at Serenity's feet.
"If you want it you can pick it up." Endymion's face was flushed and his jaw was clenched with anger. Serenity pressed her lips with indignation and squared her already stiff shoulders.
"I'll send a servant for it." She replied coldly. Walking past him easily, she made her way to the door before Endymion's voice stopped her.
"Don't worry I'll tell my friends you were a good fuck, even though you're a frigid bitch in the morning." Serenity's lower lip began to quiver but she bit down on it forcefully and turned to face him slowly.
"You are most kind, but I do not require your help. I have promised my lover most of my time. I'm sure you've heard that Medici men are extraordinary lovers, and for once rumours are not unfounded." She was glad when she saw his muscles stiffening. Her sense of victory was increased on seeing his fists clenching and his eyes darkening with anger.
"Get out." Endymion's voice was dangerously low and riddled with malice. Serenity failed to notice that his voice wavered when uttering the words. She walked out of Endymion's room with her head held high. It was not until she had reached the privacy of her carriage that her shoulders slumped, her breathing became ragged and her entire body began trembling with violent sobs.
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Luna sighed as she ran her finger over Andrew's intricately carved mahogany desk. Flecks of dust had gathered under her finger and to say the least she was unimpressed. After all was it really so much trouble to ask a maid to dust once in a while? She sighed, her thoughts continuing to her son's lack of punctuality. He was already 15 minutes late. She carelessly glanced at the papers on his desk and skimmed through them attempting to find a way to relive herself of boredom. She picked up a parchment and was most impressed by the fine quality of the paper. However alarm and panic began to race through her veins as she read the contents. The sound of the door opening caused her to almost jump. Luna stormed towards her son, the document grasped firmly in her hand.
"Would you care to explain this?" She cursed as she waved the paper around in front of Andrew's face. Andrew snatched the parchment from his mother's hand and glanced at it in a disinterested fashion before shrugging.
"It's merely a business venture mother, nothing to engage your interest." Luna's face flushed and her eyes flamed at those words. She pointed to the paper accusingly.
"That document states that you have accepted ownership of half the house of Loredan." She sneered; it required the outmost control on her part to keep the volume of her voice low.
"I believe it is a wise move considering the circumstances. After all the Medici can afford to finance a ruined whore house I'm sure." Luna's mouth fell slightly open as she stared at her son in disbelief.
"Fool! You incompetent naïve fool!" She sneered before turning away and running out of Andrew's study. The flame of anger that had burned in her eyes only moments before had now turned to one of sheer terror. She grabbed a shawl and wrapped it around her bare shoulders before demanding a carriage.
Only when she when the carriage began taking her to her desired location did she allow herself to contemplate the situation. Years of being a famous courtesan had allowed Luna to become well acquainted with court games. She was well aware that a man like Endymion would not give up his house without a fight, unless he had a hidden motive. She shook her head at that thought and swore under her breath, condemning herself for the thousandth time for ever bearing a son.
Her heart was racing as the carriage stopped with a halting motion. She stepped out slowly. Hesitation caused her to cease her actions momentarily as she stared at the fine house before her with a deep sense of foreboding. Even though it was not as extravagant as the Medici houses of Florence, it was suitable for the getaways of important family members. However, the situation had not left her with any other option. With her head high, she entered the house of the man who had saved her life once before.
Diamond de Medici.
A servant greeted her at the door and lead her through a multitude of corridors to Diamond's study. She allowed her form to fall into one of the plush leather lined chairs. Her anxiety was clear from the way she was biting her upper lip and playing with her fingers. When the door opened, Luna almost jumped to her feet.
"This is an unexpected pleasure." Diamond stated, his brows raised in an obvious display of curiosity.
"I require a favour." She replied bluntly staring at him head on, her voice not wavering in the least.
"Anything to keep the ladies satisfied." Diamond returned, taking her hand and placing a lingering kiss on the palm. "After all old flames never quite lose their spark. Now what is it that you require?"
"I want you to destroy Endymion." She stated simply, a smirk formed on Diamond's lips.
"Why, he is no threat to me."
"He tricked Andrew into signing a contract giving him ownership of half the house of Loredan. Andrew has presumed that the Medici can cope with a single bankrupt whore house. Of course he has no idea of the real financial situation of the family." Diamond swore quietly as fury began to take hold of him.
"How could I have ever fathered such a son?" Luna's eyes were focused on the ground, after all she had asked herself the very same question many times. Diamond slammed his hand down on a nearby desk causing Luna to jump, a gasp of surprise also escaping from her lips. A chill ran up her spine at the look in Diamond's eyes.
"After the death of Damon, it was Endymion who lured me into investing in his shipping company. Once that venture collapsed so did all my financial stability. He struck me so hard that I have not yet been able to recover. Andrew's new contract can ruin us all. I'll be damned if I let a man eight years my junior, with no name and no noble blood gain the better of me again." His eyes softened and he traced the contours of Luna's face with a finger.
"Don't worry my love, Endymion will be no threat to us once I am finished with him."
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The moment the door closed Endymion fell on his bed. He hid his face in his hands, his eyes were clenched shut, his shoulders were slumped. He didn't want to think about her, to remember her touch. He didn't even want to so much as to smell her. With that thought in mind, he stormed towards his door and called out for a servant. In a matter of seconds one had scurried into his room.
"I want every candle gone, not a single rose petal is to be left in this room. My chambers are to be devoid of any scent, and if this isn't done by the time I get back then may God have mercy on you for I won't." The poor servant boy was cowering with fear. Once Endymion had stormed out, he drew a symbol of the cross on himself. With a sigh the servant boy called to some others for help and they began to work hastily on the massive task before them.
As Endymion stalked through the hallways furiously he failed to notice that his lashes were damp with tears.
He threw the door of his study open, almost knocking the oak frame from its hinges. He stalked through the room and clumsily poured himself a glass of strong vodka. The liquid spilled on the lush carpet due to his unsteady hand. He downed the contents of the entire glass in one swift motion. He closed his eyes as the liquid caused a burning sensation as it slowly ran down his throat. A tremble ran through his body and caused him to lean on the small table for support. He ran a hand through his thick hair and groaned. Her image was burned on the back of his eyelids.
He could still see the way her body arched in pleasure with a mere flick of his tongue. The taste of her lips was still hiding in the crevices of his mouth. Her very essence seemed to cling to him and drive him insane. Drive him to her. Then there were her words:
"Our relationship is of course nothing more than that of a whore and a client."
The memory of the words were enough to make his eyes darken with rage. How dare she dismiss what he had given her. In that instant Endymion felt utterly vulnerable. He had loved her like no other, not only worshiping her body, but offering his soul to her as the ultimate gesture of his affection. A bitter smile crept over Endymion's lips, only a fool could have believed that she loved him. Only a fool. The thought burned through Endymion's nerves. He moved away from the table and then violently hurled it on the floor, sending it and everything on it crashing to the floor.
Endymion could hear small steps being taken towards his room. A very scared servant opened the door timidly. He had opened his mouth to speak but the words seemed to have died on his lips. Endymion glared at him through narrowed eyes.
"Leave." The word was simple, but the menacing tone behind them was only too clear. The servant scurried out hurriedly. He ran down the hallway and told the butler what he had seen. A look of alarm began to spread on the butler's features as he heard the boy's tale. He did not wait to hear the entire story, instead he grabbed his hat and ran out of the mansion.
He knew of only one man that could defuse Endymion's anger.
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Sapphire opened his eyes lazily, muttering soft curses under his breath. He had hoped that ignoring the banging on his door would make it magically go away. Unfortunately he had no such luck. He threw off the covers lazily, squinting because of the harsh noon sunlight. A twinge of guilt plagued his conscience for sleeping so late, but he had spent most of the night before entertaining a female guest.
"What is the meaning of this?" Sapphire growled as he glared at the butler.
"The master -- I beg your pardon sir, but I think we are desperately in need of your aid." Sapphire's eyes immediately gained a new clarity on hearing the butler's words. He reached inside and grabbed his coat putting it on hastily. He followed the butler without hesitation as they began running towards Endymion's mansion.
"What sparked his anger?" Sapphire demanded, his heart beating rapidly against his chest.
"He was in the presence of a lady when I informed him of a debacle with the earrings he wanted to send to the house of Medici." Sapphire stopped in his tracks. A look of pure panic spreading across his face.
"What did she look like?"
"Quite exquisite. Blue eyes, and the longest blonde hair that I've ever seen." Sapphire swore loudly. Serenity could not have been told that Endymion was her benefactor. Not like that. He began sprinting to Endymion's mansion as fast as his legs would carry him.
His breath was ragged as he ran up the stairs leading to Endymion's study. His movements stopped when he reached the large mahogany doors that lead to Endymion. Sapphire took a moment to collect himself and thought about the different ways he could approach the subject. He opened the door without knocking and walked in. The room was in a state of complete disarray. Shards of newly broken glass littered the crimson carpet, while expensive antique furniture lay broken and disregarded. Endymion sat on a plush velvet lined chair, a bottle of whiskey clenched in his hands.
"Did I manage to sleep through an earthquake?" Sapphire asked light-heartedly. Endymion merely glared at him and then took another mouthful of his alcohol. Sapphire sat in a chair opposite him, his demeanour completely serious.
"What happened?" He asked carefully. Anyone else would have been too frightened to approach Endymion at such a time. Yet caution as opposed to fear was the chief factor on Sapphire's mind. Endymion was first and foremost a man of reason, yet under his tightly controlled gestures and logic lay an incredible amount of passion. These days Endymion lost his temper very rarely. Such displays were positively terrifying for in those moments Endymion would surrender completely to his dormant emotions. After such episodes, which at most lasted an hour, he would return to his regular state and be thoroughly angry at himself for ever letting his emotions take over. Sapphire knew all this, and could see that now that his anger was subdued Endymion was ready to talk.
"She knows," came the simple reply. Sapphire could feel the pit of his stomach sinking at those words.
"She was bound to find out eventually." Sapphire replied, his eyes sympathetic. Endymion rubbed his eyes tiredly.
"For some reason I expected her to understand."
"Would you have in those circumstances?" Sapphire asked gently, he was relieved to see that the worst of Endymion's anger had passed and that he was now in the mood to talk. Endymion laughed bitterly and shook his head.
"I accounted for everything except for her." Endymion shook his head regretfully. "You see I never told you the truth about my father's murder." It took long moments for Enydmion's words to register in Sapphire's mind.
"What does your father have to do with anything?" Sapphire asked impatiently.
"Everything. He was a fool and a bad one at that. But he didn't deserve to be betrayed and murdered by the one closest to him." Sapphire shook his head trying to make sense of what Endymion was saying. Perhaps the alcohol was affecting him after all.
"I'm not following Endymion."
"When my father was still alive, he began having a love affair with a rising courtesan. I believe you know her, although she is now known as Luna de Medici." Sapphire's mouth fell open.
"Why would she even bother with a man like your father who hadn't a cent to his name?" Sapphire asked, dumbfound. Endymion shrugged.
"Back then she was nobody. My father was a drunken fool who probably paid anything she demanded of him for access to her body. She tried to make him believe that he was in love with her so that she could have a place in his will when he died. By some miracle, Damon eventually saw through her scheme and confronted her saying that he would no longer required her services. She of course ran to her younger lover, a man only eight years my senior."
"Diamond?" Sapphire asked, his eyes wide with disbelief. Endymion merely nodded.
"You see by then Luna was already in my father's will. So the two secret lovers decided to murder my father before he had a chance to take away Luna's so-called deserved inheritance. As always, my father went to a tavern for its gaming tables. Diamond convinced the other men that Damon was cheating. I'm sure your familiar with the rest of the story."
Sapphire was in utter shock. The clarity and detachment of Endymion's words were amazing considering the anger that had raged through him earlier. Yet this in itself was not altogether surprising for Sapphire. He knew that Endymion was not merely recounting these events for his general information. There was a certain sparkle in Endymion's deep blue eyes that meant he was calculating his next move. Sapphire was well aware that Endymion was using him as an anchor of sorts to order his own cluttered thoughts.
"I don't see how all this connects to Serenity. After all it was our bet that started your dealings with her." Sapphire could remember the day all too clearly. He and Endymion had been sitting in this very same study, drinking brandy and talking of the day's news. That was when Sapphire had mentioned that a new courtesan was gaining repute for not only beauty, but wit. Endymion had roared with laughter at the idea and had claimed that he could quite easily prove the general opinion wrong. He said that he would challenge the girl with several tasks and see if she could prove herself. He was so confident that he declared that he would instruct her to bring down the investors of his own house. Neither of them ever believed that Endymion would be the one proven wrong.
"Sapphire our bet provided me with an ideal situation. You see when I destroyed Diamond the weasel still managed to hold on to the house of Medici because of his appearance of having fortune. He makes no profit naturally, but owns just enough to cover his living expenses. If he were to suddenly acquire a bankrupt whorehouse he would most definitely be ruined. Serenity gave me a way to rid myself of the investors without having betrayed them as such. Even if she had failed I would have still had nothing to lose."
"That is why you sent me to sell the house to Andrew. Yet it does not explain why you included Seiya in the deal." Sapphire knew well that the reason he had included Seiya in his schemes was a mixture of revenge and jealousy. However he wanted those thoughts to be confirmed by Endymion.
"You know the answer to that." Endymion replied, an infuriating smug smile playing on his lips. Sapphire shook his head and laughed, the man knew him too well.
"I imagine that falling for Serenity was not a part of your carefully thought out plans." Sapphire asked complacently.
"Your wit never ceases to amaze me." Endymion replied sarcastically.
"So you admit to falling for her?" Sapphire's only reply was a heated glare. "Well, perhaps all is not lost. Consider this, Andrew, Luna, Seiya and Diamond will all be ruined in a matter of weeks. Your initial plan has achieved it's aim. All you need to do know is make it up to Serenity."
"It is not so easy." Endymion replied calmly, resting his chin on a fist.
"Why ever not? I hear sending flowers is the latest fashion for regaining a woman's favour." Sapphire replied carelessly, lighting a cigar and placing it to his lips.
"Because she's too much like me."
WWWWWWWWWWWWW
Serenity wiped her tears angrily. She was furious with herself for ever trusting him. Damn it, she had given in so easily! All he had to do was light some candles and tell her that he was trying to do what was best for her with Seiya and she had turned into putty in his hands! More tears began to sting Serenity's eyes, but she pushed them back ferociously. That man didn't deserve her tears. Serenity dug her nails into the expensive velvet material of the carriage in an effort to control her temper. She did not wish to remember that he had not seduced her into spending the night with him. Although she would never admit it, Serenity was well aware that she would have gladly joined Endymion in his bed despite his seductions.
When his lips meet hers something had changed. Suddenly what was between them had no longer seemed like a game. Serenity bit her lip. Despite everything that she had been through, it seemed that the old Serenity had not quite disappeared. For in the end all she wanted was companionship. Last night she had believed that Endymion not only understood that, but desired the same thing. That notion was so overwhelming that it outweighed pride and gave rise to a lust that she had long been ignoring.
Serenity sniggered and shook her head in disgust. How could she have been so wrong about him? How could she have ever trusted him? Was it not enough to be humiliated by Seiya? Her mind was berating her continuously, demanding of her the reason why she had broken her own simple rule of never falling under the spell of a man. Yet while her lack of answers for this continuous question was exasperating, it was not the chief matter on her mind.
What vexed and distressed her the most was the fact that she did not regret her night of passion with Endymion. As terrifying as it was, she still longed for his touch, his caresses and the feel of his lips…
The carriage came to a halting stop and within moments a footman had opened the door for her. Serenity took a moment to rub any trace of tears from her face. She stepped out of the carriage with her mask fully intact. She carried the expression and air of not only arrogance but overwhelming self-confidence. Quite a task considering that never in her life had she felt so completely vulnerable. She was thankful that she would be able to retire to the solitude of her room and perhaps even indulge in a long bath.
She took slow measured steps to her room, with each step a bit of the burden on her shoulders lifted. For once in the comfort of her own chambers, she would be able to remove her mask and think without inhibition. Her hands grasped the brass doorknob and turned, causing the door to creak open slowly. She removed her shawl from around her shoulders and threw it carelessly on the floor.
"I've been waiting for you." Serenity practically jumped at the sound of the voice, while a gasp of surprise emerged from her lips. Her heart sank when her eyes meet with his and her mask became ten times more established than it had previously been.
"I was not expecting you Diamond. You quite startled me." Serenity whispered, careful not to allow her voice to quiver. She hated him at that moment for denying her the solitude she so desperately needed. He was seated on one of her plush couches and she allowed herself to fall into one opposite him. He lit a cigar and began sucking on it.
"I require your help with an assignment and as a loyal employee of the Medici family I expect you to comply completely." Diamond stated nonchalantly after he had exhaled a breath full of smoke. Serenity's eyes narrowed immediately at his words. Whatever his request was she was sure that she would not appreciate it in the least.
"But of course, I am but a servant here." Serenity's blood began to boil as Diamond made no move to correct her statement.
"I'm sure you are familiar with Endymion. He has insulted me and it cannot be endured. I need you to give me any information you have in order to incriminate him." Serenity was completely shocked; she would have never have expected this. While the majority of her desperately wanted to hurt Endymion in this way, a small part of her still held back.
"You flatter me sir, but I do not have a close acquaintance with Endymion." She replied lightly, her smile would have seemed sincere to the untrained eye.
"I have no time for games Serenity. Your night time relations with Endymion are infamous. Not only that, I am aware that they have been unpaid relations. Is that not by any definition a close acquaintance?" While Diamond's voice was controlled, the malice in his eyes was positively terrifying.
"Don't worry I'll tell my friends you were a good fuck, even though you're a frigid bitch in the morning."
The memory of Endymion's words burned into her mind. She pressed her lips together and pushed back tears. His words had wounded her so more than she cared to admit. Why should she protect him? After all had he not put her through hell with Seiya, he had used her so easily. Serenity's eyes grew cold, it was time for her to finally become a woman, to leave behind these childish notions of love.
It was time for her to become a true courtesan. Cold, selfish and unfeeling. A cruel smile began to dance on her lips. Frigid bitch indeed, she thought to herself angrily. She turned to Diamond her head held high and her jaw set.
"It has just come to my attention that Endymion was the one who commissioned me to bring down the house of Loredan. I'm sorry it is not a crime, but if it became general knowledge it would do him some harm." Diamond took Serenity's hand and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles.
"You have been most helpful." Diamond then made his way to the door. Just as Serenity had breathed a sigh of relief, he stopped and turned back. "I'd love for you to accompany me to dinner tomorrow. I trust you have no other arrangements."
"No, it would be an honour." Serenity felt like swearing at the top of her lungs at Diamond's request. She had avoided intimate relations with him, but it seemed that she could no longer divert his attentions. As the door clicked shut a tear slipped down Serenity's cheek.
Revenge wasn't as sweet as it should have been.