Disclaimer: I own nothing and never will.
Warnings and pairings: see prologue.
A/N: Thanks Jjinks for reviewing the prologue. I too wonder where this story will take me… It's definitely an experiment for me.
Chapter 1
Those, who saw him, at first thought he was some kind of a proud young man, who always hides himself behind his lackeys. Those, who had a chance to speak to him at least one time, fell in love with him immediately. Those, who were his friends, could easily sacrifice their lives for the sake of a young prince Endymion, for he was just twenty and, despite his shining appearance and noble birth, he was so clever and kind to everybody, that noone could resist such power. Indeed, he was kind-hearted and loved his people, cared deeply for them, whether it was a lord or just a poor man.
The whole Earth Kingdom was sure, that, when the time comes, prince Endymion will become the greatest king of all the times. It was, of course, due to his parents. Queen Victoria, whose death was mourned several months ago, had given everything she could to her son - her manners, will, beauty and kind heart. Her death was an unexpected blow. She fell from horse and broke her neck. Rumours said it was a murder, because Queen Victoria was known as a good rider. But her husband, King Adrian, just shrugged the rumours off. A noble man he was, even couldn't think of such a crime to take place.
With Queen Victoria's death the kingdom lost its soul power and strength. Nevertheless, King Adrian, as intelligent and clever as he was, continued to rule. You could say how hard it was for him by seeing his sad and lonely eyes. Half of him left with Victoria. Only near his son Adrian could laugh and smile.
Endymion, of course, felt the responsibility, laid upon his shoulders, and tried his best to help his father. That's why he was here now, riding a horse. The animal was moving slowly, gracefully, feeling the important person, sitting on her back.
The young prince was to meet one of the Kingdom's lords - Kuntan. The last informed His Majesty about some important information to be discussed. Kuntan was the North Lord and owned quite a good amount of lands. Also he was an Archmage of the kingdom. Those, who challenged him, would, undoubtedly, loose. The king and his son weren't very fond of Kuntan. He seemed very cold and tough to them. The only person, who liked Lord Kuntan, was Queen Victoria, now gone.
The meeting was a secret one. And both sides had to be as unseen as they could manage.
Jumping from a horse, Endymion folded his arms on his chest, the pose that meant: "Say what you want and get out". Kuntan slightly frowned at that.
- My prince, I'm grateful for you coming here.
Endymion just nodded, letting the man to go on. Kuntan leaned against the nearest tree, his long white hair hid his face.
- The reports from the north border…
- Oh, Gods, Lord Kuntan! - Endymion waved with his hands, as if shrugging the topic off - I thought we would discuss some economic themes and not the imagination of some of your people!
Kuntan slightly moved forward.
- But, my Prince! I assure you, that you can fully rely on my…
- Yes, yes, yes - Endymion raised his hands, showing that he gives up and ready to listen.
- Today my men brought very disturbing news, my Prince. Snow giants and golems were seen near our borders…
- Is the news really disturbing, Lord Kuntan? You know, after all, the mountains they inhabit, aren't very far.
- But they never leave their home at this time of a year! - for the first time the expression on Kuntan's face changed into worried one - And that can only mean…
Endymion began laughing so loudly, that the nearest bushes started shaking.
- Oh, my… Lord… I hope you're not going to tell me about some kind of evil, that is preparing to attack us? - Endymion brushed the tears on his eyes and, leaning forward, placed a hand on Kuntan's shoulder.
- Lord Kuntan, thank you for the warnings you brought. They will not be unconsidered... But I'm sure, I and my father have everything under control.
Without a word the archmage turned away and jumped on his silver pegas.
- The danger is almost here, my Prince. If I were you I would surely pay attention to my words.
Endymion frowned.
- Is it a threat, Lord Kuntan?
The man grinned:
- No, of course. Only your mother could understand, how much I'm loyal to our kingdom. It's a pity, she isn't here anymore.
The pain at once captured Endymion's heart.
- Don't you dare tell me that! - he shouted - Especially when your own son is a traitor and a thief!
Lord Kuntan paled and left without a word. Endymion moaned inwardly.
- Oh, great, young Prince! You were supposed to talk to him. Now you probably have lost the most powerful ally in the kingdom. But… Gods, why does he always speak in a way I can't understand if he really cares or he doesn't!
IIII
- So, you won't? - Uranus leaned on the wall, at once becoming dark and gloomy.
Neptune slightly smiled, putting on a raincoat.
- You, sure, know why not. I have my duties.
Uranus sighed, turning her back to the woman and vanishing in the darkness of the Moon Palace.
- That's the thirteenth time you have your duties…
- Yes, it is… - muttered Neptune to herself, sad smile capturing her lips.
She looked in the window, thinking about her upcoming task. Not that she really wanted to work for the Queen. After all, she was an outer and inner problems was to be only inner's problems. But Queen Serena… asked her. And she couldn't refuse. Because she owed so much to the woman…
Neptune walked out of the palace - under the cold rain, that was falling from the sky.
Uranus, you'll have to ask me for supper for the fourteenth time.
Looking at the woman, disappearing in the magic portal, Uranus frowned:
Two more times and I surrender...