Chapter 2: A Walk In the Garden
"So Usagi, what do you enjoy on the moon? To do as a hobby?" Endymion asks Serenity and she smiles.
"I really didn't have much of a hobby. I always slept in for longer than necessary, then I would watch the girls fight on the grounds. I'd always talk to the kitchen staff and the maids. They all used to hide snacks for me because of how much I'd eat. The girls would probably describe me as…bubbly and childish but they have the best intensions at heart" Serenity says and Endymion smiles.
"You must have loved it on the moon." He says and she smiles before leaning into him and resting her head on his chest.
"I did, yes. What about you Mamo?" she asks him and he smiles.
"Mamo?" he asks her and Serenity beams.
"Well… most of the people I know, except for mother has a nickname…or pet name in your case" she says while blushing a deep red. He smiles and runs his finger over her cheek where it is the hottest the most.
"Oh ok… Usako" he asks her teasingly and she smiles.
"I love it. Now answer my question" she says and he smiles.
"Well I enjoy horse riding and sword fighting with the boys. I am never late and somehow, even the way I've been raised for sixteen years by my father I guess people say I'm more like my mother in ways. She always had a kind heart and-" he starts but serenity cuts him off.
"And so do you Mamo" she says and he smiles.
"A kind soul" he finishes before starting again. "Let's just say that Kunzite and the rest call me a know it all. I spent most of my childhood swallowing textbooks" he says and she frowns.
"How can you swallow a text book? It's too big" she says and he grins before wrapping his arm around her waist, making her blush.
"It's a metaphor. A joke almost. I didn't actually swallow the textbook, I more like absorbed it. I read it and the more I read, the smarter I become" he says and she blushes even deeper. "Did you not do studies or something?" he asks her curiously and she frowns.
"I've always been hyper and had trouble concentrating. I can barely sit still for a whole minute rather than an hour. Ami tried, so did mother. The only way I could learn was if it was something like a song or a dance but they grew tired of it but I didn't. I was fourteen then" she says and he frowns.
"Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder." Endymion mumbles as they come across the rose garden. Serenity runs ahead of him towards the roses with excitement, only to prick her finger on a thorn.
"IT BIT ME" She cries and he laughs. "What are you laughing at?" she grumbles and he grins.
"They have thorns to protect themselves. And they don't bite they prick" he says and she frowns. "They are called roses. I planted them with my mother at a young age. I water them every week" he says and she smiles. "Here" he says as he grabs his knife and slices a perfect rose and cuts all the thorns for his Fiancé. She takes it and smells it before placing it in one of her buns. He smiles. "It's beautiful. Just like you. I suites you" he says and she blushes the exact shade of the rose.
"Thanks" She squeaks and he chuckles before pulling her back inside towards the training room, where Kunzite and Minako are fighting. "Oh" Serenity says as she grins and giggles at the two of them.
"They're certainly giving my men a run for their money" he says and she grins.
"Of course they are, but they aren't just good with a sword" she says as she turns to Makoto. "They each have powers based on their planet, all royals do…well I'm not sure about you… do you?" she asks curiously and he grins.
"Pass me your hand" he says and she obeys as he surveys the damaged skin with blood. He hold his finger over it, starting to feel a little dizzy, before letting her finger go so she can inspect it. "See" he says and she grins. "What about you?" he asks her and she frowns.
"When I come of age…or take the throne I will be able to wield the silver crystal" she says and he grins.
"So the crystal does exist" he says and she frowns and nods. "What's wrong?" he asks her and she frowns.
"Everyone in the palace agrees that I'm too immature to be able to become queen and rule and…wield the silver crystal. Even I agree with that statement" she says and he frowns.
"I don't agree with that" he says and she shoots him a look.
"Look please don't make me feel better because I know you're lying" she says and he frowns.
"I'm not lying Usako" he says and she frowns. "Yeah you might be immature from what I'm told by you. Even though I disagree with that statement" he growls and she gives him a confused look by his overprotectiveness. "I think you're perfect to rule. You're kind, bubbly and try to see the good in everyone but that's good" he says and she blushes as his hand curls around her neck. "You charm everyone, who's better than you to rule" he says and she frowns while blushing.
"Mamo…how can you say that?" she asks him confused but also flustered.
"I can say it because you're good and pure. And perfect." He says and she blushes before hugging him.
"Thank you" she whispers and he smiles as he rubs her back gently. "Maybe this will all work out. The marriage" she says and he suspects that she doesn't know about the heir that must be conceived.
"Usako…there's something you're mother didn't tell you. My father didn't tell me but I knew immediately what this meant for you" he says and she frowns. "On the night of the wedding, there is a tradition that people on earth consummate their marriage" he says and she goes stiff. "Usako, the council is expecting a heir to the throne to be conceived, otherwise they will grow restless" he says and tears started streaming down her face. "That's not even the bad bit. They have to watch" he says and she sobs into his chest. "I'm so sorry" he mummers and she shakes her head against his chest.
"No…It's – not – your – fault – Mamo" she sobs and he frowns. "It's just that- I'm only- Sixteen Mamo" she sobs and he frowns. "I'm not ready to be a mother" she says and he frowns. "And is it that one night?" she asks and he shakes his head.
"It's every night, until the check up a month later. I could get you to fake being sick for at least a week or so if that's necessary but… I don't think that would work for so long" he says and she frowns before wiping the tears of her face.
"I have to be brave" she whispers and he frowns.
"You don't have to be anything Usako" he says to serenity and she smiles. "I'll be here through all of it, and so will your guard and mine. Except my father. He's a heartless man. If you wish to remain on the moon so you feel better, than so be it. Unfortunately I can't change the law. And If I could, I would just for you" he say and she smiles before pushing herself up for his chest.
"Thank you" she whispers and he smiles.
"Anything" he promises and she frowns.
"Don't make promises you can't keep" she advises with a weak laugh and he frowns.
"I'll try everything in my power to keep it" he swears and she smiles and nods before they spend the rest of the afternoon watching the girls fight Endymion's men.