A very long chapter this time...I was up till midnight last night writing it! Hope you all enjoy this one. The next should be out very soon.

Storms Upon the Heart
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Chapter Five
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Endymion looked up from the novel he was reading when he noticed the queen of Fellotinhan walk into the library. "Your grace."

The queen nodded to him. "Endymion."

He stood from his armchair. "Your highness, is it wise for you to be up and about like this?"

Melodine laughed wearily. "Probably not, but one does not always follow what is wise. I came to speak with you about my daughter." She sat in an armchair adjacent to him. "Please, prince, sit."

He sat.

"I should tell you about Serenity before you plunge into this marriage." Melodine looked at him sternly. "I am not for this marriage, as you well know. However, it has to be done, and I've had to accept it." She folded her hands in her lap. "Serenity is my youngest child, my only daughter. She is my pride and my joy. She resembles her father greatly, and every time I look at her I am reminded of him, and it brings joy to my heart. The day before you arrived, Serenity asked me if I loved her father, and it is true when we married we did not know one another and we did not love each other…but I did fall in love with her father, and he was my beloved. You may not love Serenity now, and…you may never love her. But give her a chance." She stood. "That is all, Prince. Tomorrow there will be much planning for Makato and Motoki's wedding. We all need to rest. I suggest you retire."

He stood with her. "Your majesty, I respect the princess, and I will care for her. I cannot love her, though. I'm sorry."

She nodded. "That is fine…I cannot control your heart. If I ever hear of my daughter in pain because of you, however…I will act." She smiled. "Do not make me do that, Prince Endymion. Let me keep the respect I have for you."

"Of course, your grace." He bowed before her.

She turned and left the room.

Endymion groaned and sat down. "This day just will not end!"

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Morning came, and Serenity rose with red eyes and a tired heart. She washed and dressed in a pale green morning gown, and tied pink ribbons in her hair. Dabbing a few specks of powder upon her face hid away the circles under her eyes. She frowned. Usually she was not one to wear any make-up of any sort.

Once ready, she made her way to the breakfast room. Seeing her mother sitting with Dermius, Makato, and Motoki, while talking courteously, made her smile.

"Good morning." She stood in the doorway and looked at them.

Motoki stood and went to her. "Serenity…you have no idea how glad I am to see you this morning."

She forced a sharp smile. "You heard of yesterday, I suppose, brother?"

He nodded. "I did. Endymion was here earlier…he wants to see you."

"I do not wish to see him, thank you. I wish to have breakfast with my mother and my dear friends." She sat next to Makato and leaned over and pecked the girl's cheek. "It's good to see you again, Mako-chan."

Makato smiled sadly. "Same to you, Sere…but darling, you really should talk to the prince. He seemed very worried about you this morning. My brother is harsh, cold, and forbidding…but he does have a heart. You just have quite the task of finding it."

Dermius laughed heartily. "He takes after his mother, I assure you."

Makato looked at her father with a smirk. "Really, Father? I thought it was the other way around." Makato looked at Melodine and Motoki. "I'm sorry she isn't here now. Mother is away in Perusia. She will be here tomorrow for the wedding."

Melodine smiled. "At least she is well."

Motoki, who sat at the head of the table, sent a sympathetic glance to his mother and covered her hand with his. "You will be well again soon enough, Mother."

Melodine patted his hand. "Of course, dear."

Serenity smiled. It had been so long since her mother and brother had been affectionate toward one another.

Makato looked at Serenity again. "But I do implore you, dear Sere. Please give my brother a chance. You have to consider his stubborn heart. I suppose his excuse to you is that he loves another?"

Serenity blinked. "Why…yes, that's what he said to me yesterday."

"He speaks of the princess of Perusia, Setsuna."

Dermius looked sharply at his daughter. "Makato, hush!"

Makato swatted at him. "Oh, dear Serenity must hear this. She has to know what she is up against. Now listen, Sere. Endymion and Setsuna had an off-and-on relationship for almost two years. Setsuna left him, however, several months ago when she was told about his marriage. They had a terrible fight, in which Setsuna accused him of just keeping her as his mistress. Endymion was, to say the least, very hurt. They split apart and there has been no word from Setsuna since, except that she is now at home in Perusia once again. Mother went to visit her mother, and we shall hear of Setsuna tomorrow. I fear she may appear at the wedding. It would anger Endymion greatly."

Serenity stared down at her plate. "He loved her?"

Makato gave her a soulful glance. "Well, he confessed to me once that he did, but…I never really saw the fruits from that love."

"What do you mean?"

Makato pursed her lips together. "They were tense together. Or…he was tense with her. Personally, I believe that he did love her for a short while, but…I think he was a little relieved when it was over."

"Why would it anger him to see her?"

"Once they split apart, he told her he never wished to see her again. Plus, if he saw her and you were there…it could be bad for all. I hope she will not appear and ruin the wedding." Makato's eyes became frightened. "It is my wedding. I never cared for Setsuna and I don't want her to intrude upon…" She glanced at Motoki, "…our day."

Motoki smiled and winked at her. "Don't worry, love, nothing will ruin our day."

She smiled back. "Of course."

Serenity looked out the high windows and noticed that Endymion sat on the far edge of the high balcony, his head buried in a book. She bit her lip. "He's outside."

Melodine looked down the table at her. "Yes, dear. He's been out there reading all morning. You really should go speak with him as he wished."

Serenity gave a small look to Motoki.

He nodded. "Go, little one."

She sighed and stood. "Alright…if you'll all excuse me."

She turned and walked to the door and gently pushed it open. Her heels clicked softly against the stone and she walked up to Endymion.

"Good morning." He said without even looking up from his book.

She nodded. "Hai."

He laughed and closed the book, standing. "Quite the reply, princess." He noticed her eyes and frowned. "You don't look well."

She rolled her eyes and leaned against the balcony wall. "Well, thank you very much for that."

He sighed. "I didn't mean it like that. You know that. I'm only worried."

She raised an eyebrow. "You have no reason to worry about me. I can take care of myself."

"Isn't that my job, though? As your husband?"

"What?"

"Taking care of you."

"I've done very well without you; I don't believe I need you now."

He joined her at the wall, placing his arms on both sides of her, trapping her. "Let's not argue again."

She crossed her arms and looked away from him. "Makato told me about Setsuna."

He jumped back slightly with a start. "What?"

"She told me about Setsuna and how she left you…and hurt you. I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"I didn't wish you to know."

She looked at him, and noticed his eyes were staring angrily at the ground. "It's alright that I know. At least I understand you a little better now."

"Oh, really? You do now? You find out I've had a relationship with someone I loved dearly, and you think you know me? Don't fool yourself, Serenity."

"Do you really still love her?"

He looked at her and noticed her eyes were pained. "Why do you want to know?"

"I'd like to know if the man I am about to marry is still in love with his ex-lover."

"She wasn't my lover…"

Serenity blinked. "She wasn't?"

"No."

"Well, answer my question. Do you still love her?"

He sighed in agitation and wrapped his arms around her waist, leaning his forehead against hers. "I don't know."

Serenity looked up at him through thick eyelashes. "How can you not know?" She asked in a soft whisper.

"I'm just not sure anymore." He mumbled. "I did love her at one time…you've got to understand that. I can't take that back, and neither do I want to."

"I understand."

"I…don't love her any longer. Once I did…but not now."

She stared into his eyes. "Then why yesterday did you tell me you did love another?"

He looked away. "It was a better excuse to give you than to just tell you I cannot love you."

"It hurt more."

He cringed. "I don't ever want to hurt you."

"Then don't ever say you love another. I can handle being without your love…but I can't handle you loving another."

"Alright." He looked at her.

"Alright?" She searched his face.

"Yes. Alright…I do not love anyone."

She nodded once. "Alright."

He laughed slightly and pressed his lips against her forehead. "It will be difficult not to love you." He murmured under his breath.

She blinked. "…what?"

He shook his head. "Nothing, Serenity." He kissed her cheek. "My generals should be arriving today. I want you to meet them. They should be here around noon. Be at the front of the palace then, alright?"

She nodded. "Sure…I suppose I should go to help Makato with the wedding plans."

"And I should go and help Motoki."

They looked at each other and laughed.

"We're switching siblings for the day." Serenity giggled.

"Motoki has always been like a brother to me, though." Endymion grinned.

Serenity smiled softly. "I wish I could have met you sooner."

He frowned. "Why?"

She shook her head. "There might have been a chance…"

"No, Serenity. Don't…" He broke away from her and walked briskly away.

Serenity watched him go and sighed in exasperation. "What on earth is blocking you from me so badly?" She murmured.

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Noon came, and Serenity stood at the palace doors as Endymion had told her. Only a minute later, he appeared beside her. "They're late."

She laughed, shaking her head. "It appears so, Prince Endymion."

He grinned. "I think that's the first time you've noted my title…don't do it again."

"Why?" She looked up at him with a small smile.

"It doesn't sound right coming from your lips."

"I'll have to think of a special name for you, then." She giggled.

He began to reply, but four men on horseback approached and he noticed them. He reached out and squeezed her hand, and then left her to greet the newcomers.

"Kunzite, Nephrite, Jaedite, Zoicite…you're late." He grinned.

They descended from their horses and handed the reins to horsemen who took them to the stables.

Kunzite, with long white hair and piercing gray eyes, came forward and embraced Endymion. "I'm certain you'll forgive us for being one minute late…"

"Just don't let it happen again, and I think we can call it even." Endymion laughed. He turned and looked at Serenity, extending his hand out to her. "Sere…"

She blushed at the name and walked toward him, taking his hand.

Endymion turned to the four men. "This is my fiancée, Princess Serenity of Fellotinhan. Serenity, these are my close friends and the generals of my court. Kunzite, Nephrite, Jaedite, and Zoicite."

Serenity nodded to them all. "It's a pleasure to meet you all." She glanced around at them. Kunzite was taller than the rest, with long white hair and gray eyes. Nephrite was of a short stature, and possessed haunting green eyes and dark brown hair. Jaedite was in the middle, and had light blonde hair and icy blue eyes. Zoicite was the shortest, with long blonde hair and sharp gray-blue eyes.

Nephrite grinned at Endymion. "Quite the catch, End."

Endymion rolled his eyes. "Yes…"

Serenity blushed and clung to Endymion's arm.

Makato came out of the palace and noticed the generals. "Hello, boys! Nice to see you're all here in one piece!" She came forward and took Serenity's hand. "Sorry, brother, but is it alright if I steal her for a while? She has to come see her mother. It's amazing, Sere. She looks so happy."

Serenity's eyes widened and she looked up expectantly at Endymion. He nodded. "Go ahead."

She nodded and looked once more at the generals. "It was very nice to meet you all."

Once she and Makato had retreated back into the palace, Endymion tore his eyes away and looked at the generals, who were all smirking. "What?"

"Well…I think you should just admit you have an attraction to this princess." Zoicite grinned.

"That's all it is, Zoicite."

"I think it's more…" Jaedite mumbled to the others, and they shared a laugh.

Endymion rolled his eyes. "I'll leave you to your jokes. That's all they are…jokes!" He started towards the palace, but turned back to look at them. "I suppose you should come in with me. You need to meet Motoki and find your rooms."

They followed behind, laughing and making small remarks.

Endymion rolled his eyes.

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Melodine rushed about the grand ballroom, ordering servants to place flowers in random places. She would rush to an arrangement and fix it herself, and then run to the next. At one point, she went upon the throne stage and moved the thrones to look exactly the way she wanted. She looked down at two servants fixing an arrangement. She gasped. "No, no! That's not right! Here, let me help you!" She rushed down to help them.

Serenity and Makato stood off to the side, talking.

"Mother is actually excited about this wedding…I can tell."

"I thought she was very against Motoki marrying me…" Makato said sadly.

"She was. I don't think she minds now. She is…kind to Motoki again, finally. They act like son and mother again." Serenity smiled at her taller friend. "Don't worry. You'll learn…Mother is just a bit on the stubborn side."

"She looks healthier today."

"All this planning is good for her. She's active. It will help." Serenity smiled softly.

"What about you? You're very weak as well, darling."

Serenity frowned. "Yes…but I'm alright right now."

"That's good to hear. How did it go with Endymion?"

"That man confuses me so much."

Makato laughed gaily and hugged Serenity. "Oh, dear Serenity. You're in love, I can tell."

"No, Mako-chan." Serenity pulled away. "He has said he won't love me…I will not let myself love him, either."

"Sere…" Makato whispered sadly.

Serenity shook her head. "Go help Mother with the flowers, dear. You need to get to know her. I'm going to see if I can find my cousin." She nodded to Makato and left the ballroom.

She walked around the palace slowly. Sighing, Serenity walked into the large library and collapsed on a velvet sofa, breathing heavily.

She felt a hand on her forehead and she opened her eyes to see deep piercingly blue ones staring down at her. "Endy." She mumbled, closing her eyes again.

"That's a new one…no one's ever called me that before."

She felt him sit beside her on the sofa.

"You're burning up." His hands were on her forehead and arm.

"Mmm…I told you I'd find you a nickname…"

"Does this happen often?"

"Mmm…"

"Have you never seen a doctor about it?"

"It's just weakness…I don't think there's anything wrong except I feel tired frequently."

"There's more to it than that, Serenity…there has to be some way to help you."

She suddenly felt herself being lifted and she laid her head against his chest. "Where are you taking me?"

"To your bed to rest."

"I was fine on the lounge…"

"I know, but I'd rather a doctor see you, and not in the library."

"Don't bother Ami-chan…she doesn't need a burden like me when she's busy with people who are actually ill."

"Serenity, don't argue with me. You're going to see a doctor."

"I don't need a doctor…" She felt herself slipping. "Oh, no…"

"What? What is it!"

"I feel terrible."

"You're seeing a doctor."

"Alright…"

She felt him lower her and suddenly she was resting in her bed. She opened her eyes weakly and smiled at him. "Thank you."

He kissed her forehead. "I'll be back very soon. I'm going to retrieve a doctor, okay?"

"Don't be long…"

"I won't."

The door closed gently behind him. Serenity groaned and sunk deeply into the bed, huddling under the covers.

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"Why has she never seen a doctor about this before, Motoki?"

Motoki followed closely behind Endymion as they headed toward Serenity's chambers. "I don't know. We just have always thought she was just weak."

Ami, the Fellotinhan doctor, was behind them. "Serenity was always strong as a child, though, wasn't she? She never became ill. My mother treated her only once for the flu."

Endymion opened the bedroom door and went instantly to the bed where Serenity lay huddled under blankets. He put a hand to her forehead. "She's still the same."

Ami shooed him away and sat on the bed. "Hey, Sere; it's me, Ami."

Serenity groaned and lifted an arm slightly before dropping it again. Endymion cringed.

Motoki sighed. "I wish I could stay, but I have to—"

Endymion placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know how it is. Matters of court. Go ahead. I'll be here with her."

Motoki looked at him. "It's your place by her side now anyways. I just worry. She's my only sister."

"It's alright. I'll take care of her…whether she wants me to or not." Endymion laughed slightly.

Motoki smiled slightly and left the room, glancing at Serenity in worry before going.

Several minutes later, Ami looked over at him where he sat in an arm chair by the window. "She does have a temperature, and though I do believe she's come down with a bit of a small virus, it's only partially causing her weakness."

He stood and frowned. "Then what is causing it?"

"I'm not entirely sure. It could be the style of corset she wears, or it could be that she has a medical disorder and is therefore weak."

"Can you help her, though?"

Ami stood and nodded. "For the virus I'm giving her some medication, and I'm also going to put her on a small dosage of vitamins that might help some of this weakness business." She smiled. "She'll be just fine, I think, as long as she takes the pills."

Endymion nodded. "Of course."

Ami laid the pills needed on the side table and left the room. Endymion sat on the bed and looked at Serenity's small form sleeping peacefully. He smiled softly and brushed his lips against hers.

She stirred and looked up at him. Smiling softly, she stretched. "Have I been asleep long?" Her eyes were tired still, and her face was pale.

He shook his head and ran a finger along the side of her face. "No, not very long. Go back to sleep. You need your rest."

"Did the generals find their rooms and everything alright? I'm sorry I couldn't help show them around."

"No, no…they're fine, don't worry about that. Just rest."

"What time is it?"

He laughed and leaned his forehead next to hers. "You are so very stubborn. It's a little after three o'clock. Go back to sleep now, Sere…"

"Stay with me?" She reached up and placed a hand on the side of his face.

He blinked. "What?"

"At least until I fall asleep…"

He smiled softly. "Of course. I'll be right here when you wake up, too."

She smiled and let her hand fall back. "Thank you."

"I would have stayed anyways." He stroked a hand through her silvery blonde hair.

"You're like a storm upon my heart, Endy…I don't understand you at all…I don't understand why I want you near…I usually hate storms." She murmured. She buried her face in her pillow and fell asleep.

He continued to stroke her hair softly for several minutes, content watching her sleep. Soon, he stood and made his way to the armchair beside the window, and he looked out at a storm cloud approaching on the horizon. He frowned. "A storm upon her heart…"

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End Chapter Five