Title: Kingdom of Treason

Disclaimer: I don't own anything about Sailor Moon

Authors Notes: Wow! Thank you guys so much for all of your reviews. I'm glad you're liking the story so much so far. Here's the next chapter for you to read. I hope you like it. I'm trying to keep them as long as possible, but sometimes they just end in a really good spot. The story is moving along steadily so things should really start happening soon. I look forward to hearing what you think!

Serenity smiled when he kissed her neck, leaning down so that it was harder for her to finish fastening the delicate golden belt he wore as a symbol of his royal status. She giggled at his hand on her lower back, trying to pull her closer to him. He wasn't usually this forward with her. In fact, he was never this forward with her. It sent shocks of thrill through her, and she was finding it hard to concentrate on what she was doing.

"You're not making this easy," she said lightly.

"Maybe you'll get so frustrated that you'll give up, and then I'll have your full attention again."

She giggled again as his breath tickled her ear, and then she firmly pushed his body away from her so that she could finish fastening the belt. It seemed to have a million little delicate clasps that all needed to be perfect in order to hold.

It took him only a moment to pull her back towards him.

Thankfully she had finished, so this time she simply allowed him to do what he wanted. His hands firmly caressed her back and he moved up to kiss her passionately. Part of her knew she should be startled, but she couldn't think of that. She just lost herself in his taste and his touch, wanting him to take control of her.

He had never taken control. Even last night he had given in to her, allowing her to tease him into ecstasy.

Now he seemed almost eager for her.

"You're going to be late," she said breathlessly. "The King called for you almost twenty minutes ago."

He just groaned as he continued to kiss down her neck.

"You're in a particularly lustful mood this morning," she said.

"That's because I know what you can do to me," he said in a whisper.

She blushed lightly, but the compliment delighted her. "I will come back tonight," she said softly.

"And you will make me wait that long for you?"

The comment caught her off guard. Part of her almost hoped that he would call for her, but she knew he wouldn't.

"You know where to find me," she said, knowing it would surprise him.

It did, and he stopped to look into her eyes again. At first she was afraid that she had offended him, but when he smile and laughed lightly, she relaxed.

"Are you asking me to come to you?" He teased still holding her close.

Serenity leaned up and kissed him seductively. "You should really go," she whispered.

He kissed her again, shortly, and then finally pulled away, straightening his clothes. His eyes still swirled with lust and he had a soft smile pulling at his lips. His black hair was still slightly wet from his bath and it hung lightly in pieces over his eyes. He pulled on his shoes quickly and turned to face her.

"Am I presentable?"

She laughed at his playfulness. This was a side of him that she hadn't really seen before, and she liked it. She could only hope that he would be like this again. He seemed almost happy in this moment.

"I suppose you'll do," she answered.

"Well aren't you charming," he said kissing her again. "I suppose I'll have to punish you later. Right now, I'm keeping the King waiting."

She watched him go, unable to hide the smile on her face. He moved so gracefully. His tall frame perfectly supported and regally formed. He closed the door behind him softly, leaving her alone.

She sighed. She felt happy in that moment. Today life seemed perfect.

Quickly she gathered her things, making sure she was properly covered before picking up her book and making her way out of the room. She quickly checked to make sure the letter was there and then set off for the ladies courtyard where she was sure the ladies were all waiting to tell her their latest male conquests. They found it odd that she wasn't even interested in bedding the King, but it was clear Endymion would not share her with anyone else.

She liked his name. Endymion. She had never called him that of course. When they were together, she hardly addressed him at all. There was no need for formalities. And to everyone else, he was called the Prince or his royal highness or something to that affect. The only people she had heard use his name were Amy and the Queen.

She thought about the letter she held with her. She was curious, that was certain, but she would never open it. He had asked her to deliver it to the Queen, and she would not rest until she had done so. But she wondered what it was about. Surely he could speak to the Queen whenever he wanted. If he was sending her a letter through her, then perhaps it was something so secret that he couldn't chance anyone else overhearing. It was true that Raye usually was surrounded by people, so even handing her the letter would prove hard.

She smiled at the guards that guarded the courtyard and they nodded slightly to her before opening the doors.

Serenity smiled into the morning sun, feeling refreshed despite how late she had stayed up with Endymion the night before. The beautiful smell of cherry blossoms was strong with morning dew, and the chirping of birds made her smile.

The courtyard was filled with ladies, and they all gossiped loudly. Serenity sat down, placing her book securely in her lap. She had to act normally if she wanted to capture the least amount of attention. The ladies already knew she shared few intimate details about the Prince, so they wouldn't ask her for them. Instead the conversation circled around one of the ladies who had been bedded by a visiting noble. She had learned through him that the King was going to war again and there seemed to be a lot of controversy surrounding it.

It made her think of the letter. If there was another war, then Endymion might be sent away to lead it. Raye had said that he always did. The idea that she might not see him for so long a time was almost devastating.

"Good morning ladies," Raye said as she walked smoothly in.

Serenity felt her heart jump into her throat as the other ladies all quickly stood up and rushed towards her. All at once there was a flurry of questions and giggling, and Serenity felt almost swallowed by the constant chatter. So she stepped aside, waiting for her turn to talk to the Queen.

After a few hours, she feared it would never come. Raye had spoken to everyone except her, and it seemed she was getting ready to leave. There was no way she could give her the letter without everyone seeing.

Serenity feared for a moment that she would fail in her mission.

"Serenity?" Raye called.

Quickly she walked up and smiled her usual kind smile at the Queen.

"I am heading to meet Amy in the library. Have you finished you book?"

She hadn't. "Yes lady Raye, I have."

"Would you like to come and exchange it?"

She sighed in relief. "I would."

She quickly took her place a step behind her and together they started walking the short walk towards the library.

All around them were servants. Serenity gripped the book in her hand tightly.

"You're very quite today," Raye observed.

Serenity felt like she had been caught. "Sorry your majesty, I was just…." She couldn't think of anything to say.

"Did something happen with Endymion?"

"No, he's perfectly fine. I just….." she looked around. There were to many people around. "I was just thinking of what I might next like to read about."

"I thought Amy had promised you the trials of Queen Beryl."

"She has, but in case she wasn't able to find it I might need a backup."

Raye looked at her curiously. "Alright, well I suppose that's smart."

The reached the library, which was unfortunately bustling with people. Serenity realized that giving her the letter in here would be dangerous. She would have to find another way to do it. They sat down across from Amy, who smiled politely at them.

"Did you enjoy the book?" Amy asked. Amy loved books. She loved them so much that she needed to know everyone's opinions on the ones she herself greatly enjoyed. Her excitement was akin to what one would feel if falling in love. She usually found it endearing, but she was to distracted today to understand it.

"So far it's very interesting."

"I thought you said you finished it," Raye said.

Serenity stuttered. "Almost, I will be finished it soon, but I thought I might take another book so that when I finish this one, I will have another ready to start."

Amy just nodded and handed her the Trials of Queen Beryl while Raye looked at her skeptically.

"I'm sure you'll love this one. Queen Beryl was one of the most feared and destructive Queens of all time. She believed that she might rule herself if her husband was dead, so she found a way to assassinate him. But when they gave the Kingdom to his young son, she became angry and started a war."

Serenity smiled, trying desperately to pay attention to Amy. She felt bad. She loved talking to Amy about these kinds of things but she just couldn't bring herself to be involved.

Raye smiled softly. "Amy, do you remember that book about the Kings father that described the black war?"

Amy nodded. "Yes, would you like me to get it for you?"

"That would be very helpful," she said easily.

Serenity watched Amy go and then Raye looked around them quickly.

"You're hiding something."

Serenity swallowed hard, knowing this wasn't the place. "You majesty, I believe that if you have some time then this book will interest you greatly." She slid the book over to her.

"I thought you didn't finish it."

"It's not how far I am into the book, it's what's in the book that matters."

Raye's violet eyes focused on her completely, and then she seemed to realize what was happening.

"Thank you," she said as Amy sat back down. "Sorry Amy, but I think I'm going to be selfish and take this book from Serenity. She started talking about it and now I'm completely interested in what's inside. Perhaps I'll take that one next time."

Amy just nodded and smiled.

"Looks like I will be enjoying the Trials of Queen Beryl after all," she said smiling.

"You won't be disappointed," Amy said.

Raye smiled as if nothing had happened.

Serenity was sitting at the little desk in her room when there was a soft knock on the door. For a brief moment she remembered her banter with Endymion in the morning and her heart leapt into her throat at the thought of him coming to her. But when she called for the person to enter and she saw the bright red hair of Molly, she realized he probably wouldn't be able to even if he wanted to. And why would he want to? He wanted her around only at night. She knew her place and she wasn't upset about that.

"You received a letter," Molly said smiling.

"What?" She asked startled. "From who?"

Molly just shrugged and held out the slim white envelope. "I didn't open it."

She took it and Molly ran quickly from the room, giggling all the way. Sometimes she seemed like such a child, and yet she was forced to live the life of a grown woman.

She sat down and quickly opened the letter.

Mina's writing stood out to her and she automatically smiled. She had written to her almost every day since she came here, and yet this was the first she had heard of Mina. But her smile soon faded.

My dearest Serenity,

Life her without you seems droll and lifeless. I hadn't ever realized just how much I rely on you to make me laugh. Even the other girls have started talking about what might have happened to you. When I started getting your letters, I shared them with the others. They've brought us hope and we're so happy that you found yourself a prince. I think more then one of us is a little jealous, but that doesn't make us any less happy for you. The Prince seems to treat you as you deserve to be treated, and I'm not surprised to hear he is as charming as I thought he might be.

The lady at first forbid me to write you, but upon the current circumstances, she said that one letter of goodbye was all that I was allowed. I believe with all my heart that my situation might turn out as well as yours, but if possible that outcome seems even grimmer than yours did. I have been sold. Within the month I will be packed up and moved to my new home across the city in the noble district. Having a lord as my master was at first exciting news, but then the lady told me who he was. Serenity, I have been sold to Lord Byron.

We have both heard stories of him since we were children. By now he will be nearly sixty years old, and there are rumors that he has become even more tyrannical in his declining years. The last woman he bought died within a year.

Serenity, I'm afraid. I really want to believe that you and I might one day see each other again, but in reality I do believe that this is goodbye. You are the only sister I have ever had and I am happy to know that you are safe. When I leave, I will not be able to get your letters anymore but I will forever keep the ones I've already received. They will help me get through this dark future.

I'll love you always.

Mina

Serenity stared at the letter in shock, seeing the words blur in front of her. Mina had been sold to one of the worst men in the whole city and there was nothing anyone could do about it.

She felt tears form in her eyes and she found that she wasn't breathing.

At this moment she had never felt more helpless.

Endymion watched the King pace back and forth in front of him, not saying anything. Diamond had a concerned and yet stubborn look in his eyes and Endymion found that he was more bored with the whole thing than anything else. But still, this was his brother and he had once loved him. Once, a long time ago. That was before he had been crowned King and become drunk with power.

"What do you think of this war?" Diamond finally asked.

Endymion tried not to show his surprise. "You majesty has decided it is necessary," he answered carefully.

"But what do you think?"

He was having seconds thoughts. It might be a good thing. Suddenly Endymion had hope that his brother was not completely lost.

"I think that there is no reason for it. They were perfectly respectful when they came to stay with us and I had hopes that negotiations might go well. They seemed willing to talk, if nothing else."

"Talk has never achieved anything," Diamond said.

"Our father set up negotiations with a few neighboring kingdoms and was able to set up peaceful trade."

"Why would we need peaceful trade if we simply ruled them?" Diamond said.

The moment was gone.

"Our kingdom is strong," Endymion said. "We do not need to rule everyone."

Diamond snorted. "Until we do there will always be fighting and chaos."

"People will always fight against the inability to choose."

Diamond didn't say anything for a moment.

"Are you thinking that this war might not be the right coarse of action?" He asked.

"Endymion, don't be a fool. Why is it taking so long for our army to be ready?"

"I didn't realize we were in a hurry your majesty. Usually we have a few weeks to prepare for the battle. General Jedeite and I have been meeting to discuss the best way to go in so that we have every chance of coming out successful. To rush the process is to change the future into something uncertain."

"Very well, but I want to attack as soon as possible. The longer we wait the more time they have to realize what's happening and prepare. We can't have that."

"Of course not your majesty," Endymion said softly.

"You can leave," Diamond said waving.

Seeing his brother this agitated was a little disconcerting. Endymion had come to believe that Diamond let almost nothing affect him in that way anymore, and most things passed over him. But now it seemed like he was hearing things he did not like, and that made him nervous.

He stood up and quickly walked out.

Something wasn't right. He had to talk to Kunzite and make sure that everything was all right on his end. Zoicite apparently had some news and it was becoming clear that he needed to learn what it was immediately, before the King could find out what they were doing and stop them.

He found Nephrite training with the new guards recruited into the palace. The tall, brown haired man stood tall and lean in his armor and saluted him when he came in. But there were to many people around to talk.

"I have concerns about the guard around the King," Endymion said in ways of code. Nephrite knew what it meant. "Would you be available to speak with me about it."

Nephrite bowed deeply. "Of course your highness." He yelled for another guard to take over, and walked with him away from the fields and into his personal office within the palace walls. Nobody else was there.

"I need a meeting place, somewhere safe."

Nephrite nodded. "In the palace?"

"Doesn't have to be, and it doesn't have to be big. Four men in all."

"I know of a place that would work. It's very secure, and it has served this sort of purpose before. There is a common house on the garden district called the rose and crown. It will be not unusual for people to meet there and talk. There is a cellar underneath that is completely sealed. We will get all four men in without notice, and there you might have your meeting in peace."

"Can you set this up for four days from now?"

"To do it at night will work best," Nephrite said.

"As soon as you have a time please find a way to inform me and I will let the others know."

Nephrite nodded. "It will be done."

Endymion thanked him and once again walked out of the palace. He had paperwork to do to get ready for the coming war, and he knew it would take him the rest of the day. If he didn't start it now, he'd never finish in time to see Serenity again.

He stopped mid stride.

Was he so eager to see her again?

This morning, when he'd seen her sleeping so peacefully next to him, he had been suddenly absorbed with feelings for her. He wanted to touch her and to see her smile. Her soft giggle at his flirtatious intentions had made him smile. With what was going on he was surprised that he could think that way at all.

Why was he so distracted by her? It was true that she was different from the ladies of the palace and she was even more interesting then any of the noble ladies he had met. But still, his interest in her was starting to become more than necessary. And yet he couldn't seem to stop himself.

He found his way into his office and sat down, letting a servant pour him a drink. The papers in front of him were spread out still from the day before, as he had requested they not be touched. He had been studying this neighboring kingdom and knew its many secrets, but still he had no desire to help his brother rule it. Too many people would die.

He set about working, trying to focus only on what was in front of him. He managed to succeed for most of the day, only stopping when his dinner was brought or an important meeting required his attention. He sat there most of the day, writing away and planning this new fake war that they would have to create as a show.

The sun set behind him, bringing in the dark and the need for candles to be lit. Servants wandered quickly through the room, lighting the candles and trying desperately not to disturb him. He tried to ignore them.

He worked on.

A candle flickered creating heavy shadows that danced around the room and he looked up, feeling the stiffness of his neck pull at the movement. He had worked to hard and needed to stretch.

He stood up and walked towards the window, looking out at the city.

The lights were almost completely distinguished in all of the windows and darkness had almost completely overtaken them. It was very late.

Endymion furrowed his brow and went out into the main sitting room. It was empty. He checked his bedroom, but it was also empty. He made his way to where the servant stood outside the door.

"What time is it?" He asked quickly.

The servant look startled for a moment. "It is nearly midnight your highness."

Endymion closed the door and looked back into the empty room. Candles were lit enough so that he could see the whole room and yet nothing moved.

Where was she?

He went back to the door and opened it again, startling the servant again.

"Has the lady Serenity been here and gone?"

"No your highness. I thought perhaps you didn't send for her tonight. Would you like me retrieve her?"

Endymion was confused. He shook his head in answer and closed the door again.

Why hadn't she come?

For a moment he wasn't sure what to do. She had been here long enough for him to expect her to come, and yet that wasn't the deal that they had made. Surely she would have found a way to tell him that she was unable to see him tonight. She wasn't obliged to come, but he had thought they had found a sort of routine that they were both happy with. Perhaps she wasn't as happy as he had thought she was.

And then he remembered the letter.

Fear gripped him. Had she been discovered? Surely he would have heard of it if someone had found it. But Diamond had been acting strange in the morning. Had he heard of their intentions?

He quickly turned and walked back out the door, once again startling the servant as he all but flew by him in a blur. He couldn't help but curse Kunzite for convincing him to use her. The thought of her being in trouble tore through him and he regretted immediately getting her involved.

He made his way to the ladies courtyard and walked up to the guards.

They looked surprised to see him.

"Let me in," he ordered quickly.

They didn't hesitate to unlock the heavy doors and pull them open to reveal the night-cloaked courtyard.

Thankfully no one was around, but he knew that it would not have mattered if there was. He was to frantic right now to care what people might think of his sudden appearance so late at night.

There was one girl he could see, a small red haired girl that he recognized from around the castle. He grabbed her quickly and she squealed in fright as she looked up at him, wide eyed.

"Which room belongs to Serenity?" He asked, trying to be calm.

She was as pale as a ghost. "The hallway at the end," she said pointing. "It's the third door on the right."

He let her go and strode quickly towards it. The hallway was dimly lit and he saw her door.

But as he neared he slowed.

He could hear her through the door, sobbing softly. He stopped before it, reaching up to touch the soft wood panels of the door, feeling his heart pull at the sound of her crying.

"Don't be angry with her," the red haired girl said in a soft, worried whisper. "She received a letter today and I believe that it was very bad news. She's been in there all day. I'm sure she would have come to you if she had realized it was so late." The small girl look almost terrified at the idea that he might be angry at Serenity. He wasn't surprised that she had gained such loyalty in her short time here.

Endymion nodded. "I will not be angry," he said in a whisper.

The girl disappeared again, and he was left standing there. He could hear his heart beat loudly in his chest and he realized that she was safe. Nobody had found the letter. This was about something else. A soft glow came through the bottom of her door and with it drifted her tired sobs. They were bitter and full of pain. This girl who had believed in love despite her situation had give up hope. It was obvious from the sad sound that at this moment her heart was broken.

He knew he should go. Kunzite had warned him not to get to attached to her, and he knew that his friend was right. To go in now would be to comfort her and be there for her. She was only here to be there when he wanted her, not the other way around. And yet here he stood, feeling her pain as if it were her own.

He pushed the door open softly, walking into the dim light of a single candle. The door shut quietly behind him.

At first she didn't notice him. She sat with her back to him and her head buried in her hands. Her hair was mused, but still shone in the soft light. She had a letter clenched in her hands, crumpled from her tight grip.

She gasped when she heard his step and quickly stood up.

"What are you doing here?" She breathed.

Endymion could see her tear stained face. Her eyes were pools of water and her clothes were wrinkled. But still she looked beautiful.

"You didn't come," he said.

She looked slightly confused. "What?"

"I was worried," he said. "When you didn't come tonight I thought that perhaps you hadn't been able to give Raye my letter and gotten into trouble."

"Oh," she said standing there. Her shoulders were lowered in defeat. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was so late. I ……..if you want I………."

"What happened?" He asked.

She took a steadying breath. He could see her small form shake with the effort of holding back her tears. "I was able to give the Queen your letter in secret and she will have read it by now. She understood that it was a private matter and hid it on her person."

Endymion shook his head. "I mean what happened to you?"

She just looked at him. Her blue eyes swirled with sadness.

"I am sorry to have caused you trouble," she said softly. "If you want….."

"Don't do that," he said stepping towards her again. She wouldn't look at him. "Tell me what happened."

He was aware that it was an order, but if it meant she would tell him then it would be worth it.

"I don't want to be a burden," she said. "My duties are to please you, not….."

"Serenity," he said reaching out to caress her face gently. "You're not failing me in this moment. I promise that I'm not angry with you. I told you when we first met that I would never call you. You're free to come to me as you choose. Right now I just want to know what happened."

He was so close to her. He could feel her warm breath against his thin shirt when she breathed out in a soft sob, trying to hold it in. He gently rubbed her arms, trying to comfort her.

"I received a letter from Mina," she said breathlessly. "She has been sold to Lord Byron."

Endymion felt her pain. He knew how much she loved Mina. Like a sister. And he knew Lord Byron. He went through women quickly, and delighted in breaking their spirit. But he was well within his right to do so. The man was one of the cruelest he could even imagine.

She couldn't hold back her tears anymore and he pulled her to him and wrapped his arms around her and held her. She nearly collapsed into his chest, bitterly sobbing. He held her as tightly as he could, burying his face within her hair, breathing her in. The pain seemed to wrack through her. He knew that she had just lost her family. Anyone, no matter their status, would be upset to loose their family. Mina was her only family.

"I'm sorry," he whispered to her.

She just continued crying.

Endymion lifted her up lightly and carried her towards the bed. Her bed, which had never been slept in. She had spent every night with him. He lay her down gently, and then kicked his own shoes off before crawling in next to her, keeping her tightly in his embrace. He threw the blankets over them and then settled in, stroking her hair and trying to sooth her with words.

She cried.

The night settled over them as the time floated by, becoming more and more silent.

Ever so slowly, her crying became sobs, and then her sobs became breathless, and then she started merely to sniff lightly.

Her body slowly stopped shaking.

For a moment he thought she might be asleep.

"Why are you still here?" She asked softly.

Endymion looked down at her, but still she wouldn't meet his gaze.

"I understand what it's like to lose someone," he said softly.

"I am not your responsibility."

"And yet when I thought that you might be in trouble I was terrified."

She was silent for a moment.

"Why would I be in trouble?"

Endymion smiled as he realized that she hadn't read the letter. She had followed him almost blindly, not questioning his motives. You couldn't get much more loyal than that.

"Raye and I have been friends since well before her marriage to my brother, and I trust her almost above everyone else," he explained. "The palace is full of secrets and intrigue, and some of it cannot be allowed to escape. I am part of something that is perhaps a little dangerous and I feared for her safety. My letter was warning of what is to come and yet I could not let anyone else see it."

She didn't say anything.

This was the first time he had been truly open with her. She had told him all about herself, and yet he hadn't spent much time telling her about him. At first it was not necessary, and then he had realized that he simply loved listening to her speak. It was so much more interesting then speaking himself. But now he wished she knew him, just a little.

"I am in the perfect position to assist you," she said.

Endymion shook his head. "I felt awful for involving you in this and I will make an extreme effort not to do it again."

He looked at her as she lifted herself to rest on her elbows. Her eyes were slightly red from her crying, but her tears seemed to have stopped.

"I will keep your secret," she said seriously.

"I believe you will."

"If you need me again, I will be ready."

He didn't answer that. Honestly the time to use her again would probably arise, but he hoped he could find a way around it. Tonight had proven that he couldn't bare to lose her. Despite his usual ability to be indifferent to women, he had unconsciously allowed himself to become attached to her. It was dangerous, but it was to late to go back now.

"You should sleep," he said softly. "I know that you're upset right now, but everything will seem lighter in the morning."

She nodded and he could tell she didn't believe it, but she lay back down.

He stayed with her.

In a short time he felt her steady breathing slow as she fell asleep. A short while after that the candle flickered out and died, leaving them in the dark. He closed his eyes, thinking of everything that was happening. What he was doing was dangerous and he had involved people who were important to him. And now he had involved Serenity.

He tried to relax, focusing on her in his arms. The more he thought of her, the more everything else seemed to fade away. Even though she hadn't done anything intimate with him tonight, she still had the power to sooth him, just by being there.

End of Chapter Five!

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