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My Knight In Shining Armor

Chapter 14 - Unwritten

"I break tradition, sometimes my tries, are outside the lines. We've been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can't live that way. Staring at the blank page before you, open up the dirty window, let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find." - Unwritten, Natasha Bedingfield

Endymion awoke from his slumber to feel the love of his life lying next to him. He was sure last night was a dream, but seeing her proved that it wasn't. A smile spread across his face as he caressed her cheek gently. Just looking at her made him feel the happiest he's ever been. He thought about everything that had happened, and all of it seemed too good to be true. And yet, here they were, curled in each other's embrace with subconscious smiles on their faces.

He stared at her, not being able to take his eyes off of her. This perfect, kindhearted, captivating woman loved him. She wanted to be with him for the rest of her days. As he gazed upon her porcelain features, Endymion swore he wasn't going to fight their love anymore. He knew what he just did and he knew it was wrong, but he didn't care. The consequences were severe, but he had faith that they could get through them together.

Serenity curled up closer to Endymion, bringing him out of his thoughts.

"Good morning," the princess said, a bright smile on her face.

"Good morning princess. I'm glad to see you're awake. You sleep so late," Endymion replied, a teasing glint in his dark eyes.

"Well, forgive me, but last night was exhausting," Serenity retorted, looking up at him.

Looking back down at her, Endymion lowered his head and kissed her sweetly.

"I love you," he said softly.

"I love you too."

Serenity lay there comfortably in his arms, not wanting to move away from this moment. Yes, she loved this man, with every fiber of her being. She would never regret her decision. She was happy to give herself to him completely after so many days of denial and pain.

"Did you mean it?" Serenity asked, breaking their meaningful silence.

"Did I mean what?" Endymion replied, puzzled.

"When you asked me to marry you, did you really mean that?"

Endymion chuckled, pulling her closer. "Of course. I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Serenity. I love you more than life itself." Endymion hadn't realized that he had been nonchalantly playing with the ring on his beloved's finger. Giving her a comforting smile, he brought her left hand up to his lips and kissed the delicate ring.

A light blush rose to Serenity's cheeks and she giggled, pulling her hand away and tapping Endymion on the nose.

"Careful," she coached, shaking her finger at him, "you'll ruin the luster."

Endymion rolled his eyes before rolling on top of the blonde princess. She squealed, knowing what was coming, and tried desperately to push him off. Of course, her attempts were in vain as Endymion began to tickle her sides. The young princess laughed uncontrollably, wriggling and squirming to escape the clutches of the muscular knight. After a few minutes of squealing and pleading, Serenity finally managed to convince Endymion to relent.

After several minutes of being content and happy in Endymion's arms, Serenity soon realized that they would have to part ways soon.

"We should get you back," Endymion said, answering her thoughts. "I'm sure they're wondering where you are." There was a sad tone in Endymion's voice, pulling at the princess's heartstrings.

She bit her lip when she thought of how furious her father probably was. Not only that, but her mother was probably worried sick, and Diamond was most-likely almost as furious as the king. Fear sent shivers down Serenity's spine as she realized just how capable Diamond was of telling the king everything.

"What's wrong?" Endymion asked, sensing her change in demeanor.

"Nothing, I'm fine," Serenity said, giving him her best fake smile. She started to get out of the bed when Endymion took her hand, looking deeply into her eyes. She knew that he knew everything about her, and she couldn't hide her emotions from him.

"Diamond knows..." she said timidly.

Although Endymion was already aware of this fact, it didn't bother him in the slightest. He knew that Diamond wouldn't say anything after their exchange at the wedding.

"Don't worry about him," the knight said.

"Don't worry? He could ruin everything! He could tel-"

"But he won't. You honestly think he would tell your father about this? He's having an affair with your lady in waiting. You cou-"

"How do you know about that?"

"It's a long story for another time. But don't let his threats get to you. He's a coward - he won't say anything because, if you reveal his secret, it could bring up many questions, and quite possibly tarnish his reputation. He's all bark and no bite."

Serenity smiled, for real this time. She felt better about Diamond, but there was nothing that could be done to protect her from her father's rage.

"Well, I'm still worried about my father," she said. "He won't be happy that I left - this just tops everything else I've done."

Endymion sat up and cupped her face in his hands. "You'll be fine," he repeated. "He's your father. It won't be as bad as you think."

Serenity smiled at him. His words always comforted her and lifted her spirits. "You're right. I'm overreacting," she said, moving to get dressed. After both of them were dressed and ready to go, they headed out of Endymion's home and towards the palace.

The two walked in silence, hand-in-hand, just enjoying each other's company, letting everything that happened the previous night sink in. The sun was shining, and the village was just beginning to wake from its peaceful slumber.

When they were about to exit the village grounds, Serenity stopped walking and pulled her hand out of Endymion's.

"I can go the rest by myself," she said, not wanting anyone to see them together.

Endymion frowned. He didn't like the idea of Serenity going by herself. She could get hurt, and who knew what Diamond would do when he found her returning.

Serenity noticed his reaction and smiled. "I'll be fine, I promise. It's not that far away." Endymion had a look of turmoil in his eyes, and so Serenity got onto her toes and gave him a quick peck on the lips. "I will see you soon," she whispered.

Endymion wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer, trapping her in another kiss. She pulled away and he smiled halfheartedly.

"You'll be fine," he said, more to himself than to Serenity.

Content and happy in Endymion's embrace, Serenity dreaded having to leave. She wished she was the Guardian of Time, and had the ability to just stop time at that moment so they could stay where they were forever.

"Be careful," he said, kissing her forehead, "I love you."

"I love you too." Serenity smiled and waved, walking towards the palace.

As she slipped past the guards and into the palace grounds, Serenity couldn't help but be worried about her father. Endymion's words echoed in her mind, but now that she was so close, they offered little comfort.

She walked into the palace, practically shaking. She knew how upset her father would be. She had left her own sister's wedding, which had to be one of the most selfish things she had ever done.

Quickly and silently, the young princess walked through the palace and immediately went into her room to make herself presentable. She just prayed that Luna wouldn't be in there waiting to scold her. Serenity was tired of the lectures.

She went into her bathroom and turned on the water to the tub. After unbuttoning her dress, and slipping into the warm water, her mind drifted to what had happened the last time she took of that dress. She blushed deeply, slipping further into the water. Endymion was the only thing in her thoughts, his words causing a subconscious smile to spread across Serenity's face. She felt like a new person. Endymion made her feel better about herself - he gave her confidence. He thought she was beautiful, and what he thought was all that matters to her.

As Serenity washed herself, she allowed all of her emotions to be released from the cage she had locked them in. Despite her fear at being confronted by her father, she was happy. Endymion had always ensured her happiness, and since meeting him, Serenity had never been filled with so much joy. She looked at her left hand once more and smiled. The light from the bathroom reflected its simple beauty, and Serenity couldn't help but wonder what their wedding would be like. The thought reminded her that she couldn't walk around with the ring on. It would certainly raise suspicion - she couldn't say Diamond had proposed, oh goodness no.

An idea popped into her head. She got out of the tub and dried herself off, finding a dress and flats to put on. She left the towel in her hair and went into her jewelry armoire, quickly retrieving a long, silver chain. With ease, she took the ring off of her finger and attached it to the chain, slipping it around her head and beneath her dress. This way, she could still wear it and no one would ever know. Satisfied, Serenity quickly styled her hair into her traditional buns.

Longing to see it once more, Serenity pulled the ring out and looked at it for a moment. It symbolized more than just a marriage proposal. It symbolized her happiness, her freedom, her love for Endymion and his love for her. A huge smile formed on her face as she thought of her knight in shining armor. She closed her eyes and put the ring to her lips, closing her eyes.

"And where exactly have you been?" Luna's voice rang, causing Serenity to jump.

"Luna! You scared me!" Serenity said, placing a hand over her racing heart.

"You were gone all night! Your father's been looking for you! Where were you?" Luna said.

Serenity was about to speak, but Luna noticed the ring on the chain and her eyes went wide.

"Serenity, is that a-"

"Don't say it. But yes, it is . . ." Serenity braced herself for her cat's reaction, silently scolding herself for being so careless.

"You were with him all night, weren't you?"

Serenity nodded, feeling the blush return to her face.

"Do you realize how dangerous that was?! Your father is furious! You left your sister's wedding! Why did you leave in the first place!?" Luna scolded, pacing on Serenity's bed.

"Diamond . . . he said something that upset me, so I left and Endy fo-"

"Endy?" Luna interrupted.

"It's a nickname. Anyway, he comforted me and saw how upset I was, so he took me to his place. And...he proposed." Serenity finished without going into detail over what happened after that. She told Luna everything, but there was no way she could admit what her and Endymion had done.

"You realize how hard it is for a marriage to actually happen between a princess and a knight? It never happens. If your father even comes close to finding out what you did or where you were last night, it will not be good."

"I-I know, which is why he isn't going to find out…"

"And what's your excuse?"

"Eternia. He doesn't know about it, but Diamond does. That way if Diamond tries to tell him anything, it won't work. Because Eternia is a real place."

"Wait, Diamond knows about everything?" Luna asked in alarm.

"Y-Yes, but he can't say anything. I know about him and Beryl, and so does Endymion."

"Serenity . . . you must be careful. There is not a likely chance that this engagement will end well. I highly doubt your father will be okay with you getting married to a knight."

"I know, bu-" Serenity was interrupted by a knock on her door. Before she could answer it, the door opened, revealing a very furious Diamond.

"Where were you?!" he yelled, entering the room without invitation.

"Don't yell," Serenity simply said.

Diamond paused, narrowing his eyes at the young princess. He took a deep breath.

"My apologies, your highness," he said, bowing sarcastically.

"That's much better," Serenity responded with a smirk.

"Now, where were you?"

"Well, after your words from our dance upset me I went out to the courtyard. I was upset and decided to just leave so I went to Eternia," Serenity explained, praying he would buy it.

"And were you by yourself?"

"Yes, I was alone."

Serenity and Diamond had a stare down for a few moments before he spoke again.

"You're lying."

"No, I'm not."

"Tell me the truth, or I will tell your father about your indiscretion."

"And I'll tell my father about yours," Serenity challenged.

Diamond hesitated. "And what might that be?"

"Don't think I don't know about you and Beryl. I'll fire her before I fire Endymion. My father will know, and your reputation will be gone before you can protest. So how about we both maintain our silence?"

Diamond looked at her in shock. His eyebrows furrowed together in anger as he said, "This game you're playing isn't going to last long. All games have a winner, and I can guarantee that I'll come out on top."

"We'll see about that."

"For now, it's time for lunch, you obviously missed breakfast. Come with me, my love," Diamond sneered, holding his arm out for her to take.

Serenity knew what he was doing. He wanted to be there when her father discovered she returned. She couldn't run from this, so she decided to just give it up and go with him. Reluctantly, she put her arm through his and walked with him to the dining room.

It was only her mother and father at the table, as Larissa was on her honeymoon and Caliban most likely wanted to avoid their father at all costs.

Serenity took a deep breath and walked in. Her father looked up, immediately laying eyes on his youngest daughter.

"Look who decided to grace us with her presence, welcome back Serenity," the king said, a strange tone to his voice. Serenity knew exactly what that meant.

"Father, I-"

"Would you care to explain why you left this time, Serenity? After all, there must be some good reason as to why you left your own sister's wedding."

Serenity had always been good at thinking on her feet. Quickly, she stated, "I got upset. I... realized I wouldn't have Larissa here every day with me, and it hit me pretty hard, so I went to the courtyard and just kept going until I ended up at Eternia."

"What on Moon is Eternia?"

"It's a place I found a while ago, I go there when I'm upset."

"And you went alone?"

"Yes."

"I got you a knight so you wouldn't have to go places by yourself. Why wasn't he with you?"

"Oh he was with me, way more than you know," Serenity thought. She felt Diamond tense beside her.

"It was sudden and I just left, it's not his fault," she told him.

"He should know where you are at all times, so yes, it is," Aegean responded.

"But h-"

"That's beside the point. From now on, you are not leaving this castle. You have abused your privileges and lost that right. I am extremely disappointed in you. I expect better from you, but I guess I should lower my expectations." Serenity's mouth fell open, her heart damaged by his words. Diamond only smirked as he led her to the table, pulling out her chair and allowing her to sit down before following suit.

Serenity had to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall. Her father didn't trust her and he was disappointed. She wouldn't take back what she did last night, even if given the chance. For that, she was going to deal with the consequences.

Diamond was talking to her parents, and as always, they seemed head over heels for Diamond. If only they could see what Serenity saw.

She went through the meal in silence, quickly leaving when she was dismissed. As she walked through the palace she felt lonelier than ever. Because of her actions, she wasn't allowed to leave, and with Larissa gone, she had no one to talk to. Her friends were well on their way to their respective planets by now.

"Honestly, what is there to do?" she thought to herself.

"Serenity!"

She turned around to see Mina running up to her.

"Mina? I thought that you'd be gone by now," the moon princess said, confused.

"Your father requested that we all stay for a bit longer! He said that it'd be good for you to have us around, since you don't really have Larissa anymore," the other blonde said.

Serenity was ecstatic at this, but she knew deep down that her father only wanted Mina and the others there so that Serenity couldn't leave again.

"Of course, he just wants more people around me. An even bigger indication that he doesn't trust me," Serenity said sadly.

"You can't really blame him. You did leave your sister's wedding."

"Because I-" Serenity stopped herself, realizing she can't have this conversation in the middle of the palace corridor.

She grabbed Mina's hand and forced her to follow her to her room. She was tired of people assuming that she just leaves the palace with no proper reasoning behind it.

Once she opened her bedroom door, Serenity saw the last person she wanted to see.

"What are you doing?" Serenity demanded, her voice raised.

Beryl was in her room, standing over her trunk at the end of the bed that kept her most personal belongings.

"Oh - um - I was -"

"Going through her stuff?" Mina said, getting defensive as she stepped in front of Serenity.

"I'm not going through her stuff, I'm merely tidying things up," Beryl said, closing the trunk and placing her hands on her hips.

"What's to tidy in there? It's a trunk," Mina replied.

"It's just little things, why are you questioning me so much? I've done nothing but do what I am here to do," Beryl responded.

"Well, let's just make some things clear," Serenity said, finally speaking up, "I would prefer it if you didn't go through that trunk."

Beryl nodded in response.

"Also, you're my lady-in-waiting. You should only do what ladies-in-waiting are hired to do,"

"W-What do you mea-"

"Please don't try to deny it. I know exactly what's going on. I will not say anything as long as you stay out of my stuff. Understood?" Serenity said sternly.

"You can't control my personal life!" Beryl remarked.

"I can when it affects me. I'm not controlling it, I'm just simply requesting you stay out of my personal inquiries for a while," Serenity specified.

"Yes, your highness," Beryl sneered.

"Very well. You're dismissed." Serenity said, waving her hand.

Beryl trudged out of the room bitterly and Mina looked at her friend in shock.

"Where did that come from? And what was that about?" the Venusian woman said.

Serenity sighed before she went into the full story of yesterday's events, starting at the wedding reception. Of course, she did leave out some details. But when she spoke of her engagement, she was happy when Mina smiled.

"That's great! I'm so happy for you!" Mina exclaimed, throwing her arms around the princess. "There's so much planning to be done, like what you'll wear and ho-"

"Whoa, whoa. Slow down," Serenity smiled. "Yes, it is great. But there's one problem: my father. He would never allow me to marry a knight."

Mina paused, placing a finger on her chin and looking at the ceiling.

"There has to be a way," Mina said.

"It'd be nice if I knew how. Seeing as how he reacted with Caliban, I highly doubt he'll be so gracious with Endymion," Serenity said sadly.

"There is a way, you'll find a way!" Mina said with hope in her voice.

"Hopefully. Now back to other matters. I want to know why Beryl was looking through my stuff."

"Is there anything that she'd want to know about you?"

"I don't think so; I honestly have no idea…"

"I'll be right back," Mina said suddenly.

"Where are you going?" Serenity asked, curious.

"I have to... do something," the blonde said before running out of Serenity's room. She was looking for Beryl. She wanted to know exactly why the sneaky redhead was going through Serenity's stuff. Rounding a corner, Mina spotted Beryl going into Diamond's quarters. Tiptoeing down the hall, she pressed her ear to the door and listened to the ongoing conversation.

"They caught me, I couldn't find anything," Beryl said, sounding worried.

"What do you mean they caught you? Who are they?" Diamond asked.

"Serenity and her blonde friend. They walked in as I was looking."

"Damn it. I need proof. I need something, anything, that proves she's having an affair."

Mina held a gasp at those words. They wanted to expose Serenity. This angered her immensely, but she couldn't let them know that she was listening.

"I know, I'll find something, it'll just take time," Beryl said, trying to soothe Diamond.

"I don't have time. I need to marry her and I can't do that if she's having an affair. You need to get in there and find something," Diamond snapped.

"I-I will…"

Mina decided that was enough and went to find Serenity. There was no way she was going to let this happen to her princess.

Queen Serenity was talking to workers who were remodeling the garden. She gave them vivid and strict instructions on where she wanted everything to go. In her opinion, the garden was ancient and needed a change.

Looking around, the queen spotted Amy reading a book under a tree. She started to walk over to her, wanting to know what her daughter had been up to. If anything, Amy would know.

Amy looked up and saw the queen approaching her. Standing, the bluenette curtsied and gave a sweet smile.

"Hello, your highness," Amy said.

"Hello, Amy. I have a question for you, if you don't mind?" Queen Serenity replied.

"Yes, of course. Is everything alright?"

"Everything is fine; I just...wanted to know if you knew why Serenity has been acting so strange lately."

"What do you mean?" Amy said, tilting her head slightly.

"She leaves and stays gone for extended periods of time, she doesn't involve herself in dinner conversations. And...she's becoming more involved in the kingdom affairs. She's never given much thought to them before. Do you know the reason behind these changes in behavior?"

Amy didn't know how to answer. She couldn't give away her best friend's secret, but she couldn't lie to her queen.

"Maybe something is inspiring her to do better. She really is trying; she wants nothing more than to prove she's capable of being queen," Amy answered, trying her best to inconspicuously avoid the question.

"She's keeping something from me..." Queen Serenity thought.

"I know she's capable. I just wonder what has caused her to be so "inspired." Thank you for your help, Amy." Queen Serenity smiled sweetly and started to walk towards the castle. She was going to talk to her daughter. It had been a while since they had a heart-to-heart, and the queen wanted to make sure that Serenity was okay. She got to the princess's room and knocked gently.

Serenity opened the door, paint all over her face and hands. There was even some in her hair. Her mother smiled, seeing that her daughter had been working hard on a new painting.

"Hello Mother, is everything alright?" Serenity asked.

"Yes, everything is fine. I just thought that we could...talk," Queen Serenity said as she walked in. She stared at the painting and easily identified it as Earth.

Serenity studied her mother, who was studying the painting.

"Does she know?" Serenity thought, growing more anxious with every moment of silence.

Queen Serenity sat down on a bench at the end of her bed.

"Are you alright, Serenity?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Why do you ask?" Serenity said, curious to see if her mother was suspicious.

"I know the pressure that your father is putting on you is tough, and I just want to make sure that you're alright."

Serenity refrained from heaving a sigh of relief. "I'm managing it," she said with a smile.

"I know it seems like he's being over-dramatic, but it's just because he sees how intelligent and capable you are. He can see the potential in you," her mother said, trying her best to give her daughter hope.

"I know, I really am trying," Serenity told her.

"I know that. I'm sure being forced into a marriage isn't helping either. Do you... love Diamond?"

Serenity paused. Should she lie and say yes, or should she tell her mother the truth? This was her mother, the kind, loving, caring woman beloved by all. She wouldn't react the same way as the king, right?

The princess sighed. "I want to love him, but...I can't. I have tried my best but I don't harbor any feelings for him. I'm sorry, mother."

"I know you don't. And I know forcing love will only cause things to end badly. However, you do seem happier today than you have been in a long time. You're smiling more, is there a reason for that?" Queen Serenity asked, tilting her head slightly.

Serenity's thoughts went to Endymion, immediately causing her to blush. She opened her mouth to speak, but closed it quickly. This was something she couldn't tell her mother, no matter how much she wanted to.

Her mother easily detected the blush form in her daughter's cheeks.

"There's someone else," Queen Serenity thought. Her daughter was in love with another man but wasn't telling her. It was blatantly obvious - only love could make a girl smile in such a way. The Queen was happy knowing that her daughter found love, but at the same time she was a bit upset. They were mother and daughter - they needed to be open with each other. If Serenity was hiding something, it had to be something big.

"I've just learned to look at life at a more positive view. I really am happy though," Serenity said with a smile.

The Queen suddenly embraced her daughter.

"Then that's all that matters. I love you, darling. You can talk to me if you need to; I'm always here whenever you need me."

"I know," Serenity said, feeling safe in the warm embrace of her mother.

Queen Serenity wasn't going to say anything. Her daughter would reveal what she wanted when she was ready.

Amy was still in the gardens reading her book. She knew the Queen knew something, and that made her nervous. Had she unwittingly told her best friend's secret? The guilt was eating her alive. She decided to talk to Serenity. She gathered her book, got up, and turned around only to find Diamond standing there.

"Hello. Princess Amy, right?" Diamond said with a charming smile.

"Yes, is there something you need?" Amy replied, not wanting to be anywhere near this man.

"Not really. You just looked so beautiful under the sunlight," Diamond said, getting closer.

"Um...thank you," Amy said quietly before trying to walk past him.

"Wait," Diamond said grabbing her arm. Startled, Amy looked up at the taller man. Fear was evident in her blue eyes.

"Please release me," she said, her voice wavering.

"I just want to talk to you," Diamond replied, a dangerous tone in his voice.

"I have no desire to speak with you."

Growing angrier, Diamond forced Amy back into the tree, placing both arms on each side of her. His head was bent, bringing his face closer to hers.

"I, on the other hand, have many desires," he said huskily.

"You're marrying my best friend. Why are you doing this?" Amy said quietly. She was terrified, and it seemed that all of her senshi training just melted away. Amy always had trouble when in close encounters with men. She didn't like them, and their behavior was despicable in her eyes.

"Why does everyone think that I don't know about her affair? I am not an idiot, I know what's going on," Diamond scoffed.

"That doesn't change the fact that you may marry her."

"May? Oh my dear, we are getting married," Diamond said, caressing her cheek. "But if she can do what she desires, why can't I?" His other hand traveled up the Mercurian princess's side, nearing her breast. Tears filled her eyes and she whimpered, afraid to provoke Diamond further by resisting.

"Diamond," a female voice said behind him.

Diamond paused before turning around to see Raye standing there, fury and disgust on her face.

"Yes?" he said, frustrated at the interruption.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"That's none of your concern. Leave at once - Princess Amy and I are having an important discussion."

Amy looked down, biting her lip as tears fell from her eyes.

"I think that you should leave, if you know what's best for you," Raye snapped

Diamond started to walk toward Raye. "Was that a threat?" he growled.

"Take it how you want it, but if you ever touch any of my friends ever again, I won't hesitate to-"

Diamond grabbed her by the waist and pulled her closer, touching her cheek as his grip around her tightened. Their bodies were pressed together, Raye's own body wriggling to get away.

"Won't hesitate to what, you little b-"

Raye's knee slammed upwards, nailing Diamond's crotch. He wheezed and doubled over in pain, coughing and moaning.

"As I was saying, if you ever touch my princess or my friends, I won't hesitate to make it so you will never touch another person again," she hissed. With a toss of her hair, she spun on her heel and rushed to Amy. The fragile girl looked up at Raye, guilt and terror in her eyes. Raye shook her head, telling Amy to be strong.

"Not here," Raye whispered, taking Amy's hand and leading her inside the palace. She made sure to kick Diamond on her way.

As soon as they were in the palace and alone, Raye enveloped Amy in a comforting embrace. The bluenette burst into tears, clinging onto Raye as she released her emotions. Her hands were shaking, her body trembling as she cried. "I hate them," she sobbed.

Raye had tears in her own eyes. She had never seen Amy so upset and distraught. Typically, the bluenette handled dire situations rather well, but this was different. This was an invasion of her privacy, her personal space, her dignity.

"Who?" Raye said, struggling to keep her own emotions in check.

Amy pulled away, her eyes red and puffy. "Men. All of them."

Mina was in Serenity's room with Lita, telling them what she heard.

"He's trying to expose me? And he's using Beryl to do it?!" Serenity practically yelled.

"That's what I heard," Mina said.

"He has some nerve," Lita added, her arms crossed over her chest.

Serenity got up and paced the floor, her footsteps filled with fury.

"I never liked Beryl from the beginning! I always had a bad feeling about her and this just proves it!" Serenity ranted. "That-that-"

"Go ahead and say it, we won't judge," Mina said.

"That TRAMP!" Serenity yelled. Her eyes widened her shock at using such vulgar vocabulary showing on her face.

"Now I have to just keep her out of my room without it being too obvious," Serenity said, calm now after her outburst.

Amy and Raye suddenly entered the room, Amy's hand in Raye's as she wiped the remaining tears from her eyes.

Serenity immediately noticed the senshi of Mercury's sorrow and rushed to comfort her. "Amy, what's wrong? What happened?" she asked, looking at Raye.

"Diamond! He tried to seduce Amy!" Raye said, her anger reflecting in her voice.

"He what?!" Mina exclaimed, standing from her position on Serenity's bed.

Amy explained what had happened, igniting fury within each of her friends.

"Who does he think he is?! He can't do something like that and get away with it!" Lita yelled. After Mina's story, she only planned to electrocute him a bit. But now she was going to full-on beat his ass.

"Serenity, please be careful," Amy said, walking up to her princess. "He'll do anything to get what he wants."

"I am fully aware of that," Serenity said with a frown.

"What happened?" Raye asked, sensing else something wrong.

Serenity repeated the story about Diamond, and that only made everyone even more upset.

"We have to stop him," Raye said, the fire in her eyes brighter than ever.

"Yes, but how?" Serenity asked, plopping down on her bed. Slowly but surely, she was losing hope regarding the pompous lord that was staying just down the hall.

"We co-"

A knock on the door cut them all off.

"Come in," Serenity said.

Beryl walked in, greeted by five pairs of glaring eyes.

"Your father would like to speak with you in the throne room," Beryl said, unphased. Without a sideways glance, she left as quickly as she came.

Serenity sighed, her anxiety rising by the minute. What would her father want? Did Diamond rat her out? Did he find out the truth?

"Don't worry, you go and we'll figure out how to deal with him," Lita said, giving her friend a reassuring hug.

Serenity smiled and nodded before walking out.

"What could he possibly want?" she said quietly to herself.

She got there and walked in to see Diamond, her father and mother talking. Diamond and her father had huge smiles on their faces, whereas her mother looked at her with remorse as she walked in.

"Serenity! We have many things to talk about," the king said, energetically.

"Like what?" Serenity asked, chills running down her spine.

"How do you feel about having our marriage moved ahead of schedule?" Diamond asked, a sadistic smile on his lips.

Serenity froze, her heart seeming to stop completely.

"To when?" she asked quietly.

"Three months," the triumphant lord responded.

"What? No, that's too soon, I-I can't…" Serenity stammered. She couldn't handle this now - there were too many other things to deal with, and...Endymion...

"Serenity," the king said in a frustrated tone. "You have no choice."

""I'm not, I refuse to, and I won't!" Serenity practically yelled.

"And why not? It's going to happen eventually, might as well speed up the process," Diamond said. He wasn't even looking at her - he was picking at the dirt in his fingernails as if none of this mattered to him.

"Because I'm too young, I'm not ready," Serenity retorted, sticking her chin up. She mentally patted herself on the back for thinking of that.

"Serenity, you will be married to Diamond within three months, there is no point in trying to fight it," Aegean practically growled.

"No point? You cannot just force me into this!" Serenity said. She was panicking, because she knew just as well as everyone else that her father had the complete ability to force her into this.

"I want you to realize that you have a duty to fulfill, and marrying who you're supposed to is a part of that. You knew something like this would happen since you were a child, why is it becoming such an issue now?"

"Because when I was a child, I believed in true love and finding my knight in shining armor. I thought I would marry someone I loved and who loved me in return. I'm sorry Father, but I do not love him, nor does he love me."

Diamond looked up, alarm and anger in his eyes. He glared at Serenity, while the queen stood by with an unidentifiable expression on her face. Aegean seemed to be frozen, staring at the daughter who seemed to grow up so quickly. There was a foreign softness in his eyes, but it quickly faded to the stone-cold hardness he always possessed.

"I need you to realize what you have to do for the monarchy. Being royalty comes with privilege and responsibility. You will marry Diamond in three months' time." The tone in her father's voice told Serenity that he was not going to change his mind.

Serenity stood there, unable to utter another word. She was filled with so much anger and frustration. It was everything she could do not to scream and pull her hair. How could he be so heartless? She knew she had to change his mind, but how could you change the mind of someone who doesn't care about your desires?

"Excuse me," Serenity said, trying to hold back tears. She spun and left, keeping her head high until she was out of sight. From there, she ran back to her room to fall in the embraces of her friends.

"You should go after her, Diamond," Aegean advised.

Diamond nodded and went off to find her, rolling his eyes once his back was turned.

"What are you doing?" Queen Serenity said, a strange, defensive look in her eyes. She had never been one to get in the way of her husband's rulings, but this was different. Her time of silence and peace was finally coming to an end.

"Making sure everything is going as planned," the king replied, glancing at his wife.

"By hurting our daughter in the process? She thinks you hate her because you have been treating her so horrible!"

"It's to teach her a lesson!"

"Then talk to her! Don't hurt her in that way! She is still a child, Aegean. You can't control her - how will she rule a kingdom if she lives her entire life being controlled? You need to allow her to make her own decisions. You just may be surprised." Leaving the bitter tone in her voice for her husband to digest, Queen Serenity left the room.

The King stood alone, confused and befuddled. He was only trying to ensure the future of his kingdom - why was that so bad? Serenity was being sensitive, there was nothing he could do about that but try and harden her emotions like he had when he was her age. The last thing he wanted was to hurt her, but what was done was done. There was no backing out now.

He took a seat on his throne, letting the past events pass through his mind. What did Serenity expect? She knew since she was a child that this was how her life had to be. Why was she rejecting everything? Would she truly listen to him if he tried to reason with her? It seemed all she was interested in was getting her way and defying everything he told her.

But, there was no harm in trying.

Serenity was on her bed, letting her tears overcome her. She hated how she gave up so easily, but what could she do? He was her father and the king; he would get what he wanted one way or another.

The senshi had left, probably to go figure out a plan or something along those lines. Serenity was alone to wallow in her misery and try and find some sort of way to convince her father to call off the marriage.

Suddenly, her door opened, revealing the very last person she wanted to see.

"Get out," Serenity said, turning away from Diamond and shoving her face back into her pillow.

"Now, that's no way to speak to your fiancée," Diamond remarked, shutting the door and leaning against it.

"Do you enjoy this? Messing everything up? I was perfectly fine before I met you," Serenity said, sitting up with anger in her eyes.

"I am not messing anything up. Your father wants me to marry you, and I'm just complying to his wishes."

"You don't even love me, so why are you so keen for this to happen?"

"Oh sweet Princess, when will you realize that people like us do not marry for love?" Diamond said.

That was the root of all of Serenity's problems. She hated that; there should not be another reason but to marry because of love.

"Please just go," she said. She didn't want to argue with him anymore - it never got anywhere.

"Very well, Serenity. I do hope you come to peace with this - you really have no choice." With a sigh, the white-haired man left without another word.

Serenity knew he was right. She would have to marry him. But she loved Endymion - she could never tell herself otherwise. How would he react to this awful news? The thought only provoked further tears from Serenity's blue eyes.

There was another knock on her door and Serenity scowled. Why couldn't Diamond leave her alone?

"Leave! I do not wish to talk to you!" she yelled, throwing her pillow at the door.

The door opened anyway and Serenity looked over to see her father standing there. He never came into her room; this was an odd spectacle to be faced with.

"We need to talk," he stated simply.

Serenity sat up and went to the bench at the edge of her bed. She nodded simply, unsure where this conversation would drift.

"I know that you do not want to marry Diamond. But you knew an arranged marriage like this would happen eventually, why are you so against it?" Aegean said, getting straight to the point. He was never very good at emotional talks.

"I...don't like him. He is not a good man, father, at least not in my eyes. This...marrying someone for the monarchy...this isn't how it should be."

"Then enlighten me, tell me how it should be."

"Marriage should be for love. It should be for happiness, for peace, for a beautiful family. How is a married couple going to work together to rule a kingdom if they can't even get along? Love is what makes kingdoms like ours strive."

"Do you love someone at this point?"

Serenity knew she would have to lie. She couldn't bear to see her father's reaction if she told him the truth. It would tear her apart completely.

"No, not yet. But when I do find the man I love, it should not matter what his title is, it should only matter that he makes me happy."

"The reality is that titles do matter. You are going to be the future queen. Who you marry is very important."

"But a title doesn't make a person a good ruler or any different from anyone else. A title merely states what they were born into, not who they are or what they are capable of."

"That might be true, but it is not how things are done. You have to marry a man who has a good title and reputation. I know that you don't love Diamond and I wish that you could bring yourself to love him to make it easier for you, but there is no other option."

"No. I'm not," Serenity said firmly. She was not going to let him make her do this.

The king was shocked at her defiance. "Stop being so difficult," he said. "I tried to reason with you but that did not work. You will marry him."

"I am not going to marry him, father. I hope you can understand that, but if not I apologize."

The king took a deep breath, trying to calm himself from his frustrations.

"And I hope you can understand that you are not leaving this castle. Do not even try to leave; I will have more guards look after you. You will stay here, marry Diamond, and become queen."

"You cannot just keep me in a castle for the next three months!" Serenity yelled as she stood up.

"I can and I will." With a glare in his daughter's direction, Aegean swiftly left the room, slamming the door behind him.

Serenity sank down to the floor. There was no hope. She could never be with Endymion. She didn't even know how she would see him again. All she wanted was his arms wrapped around her, comforting her. But she could never have that.

She would never be truly happy as long as she was going to be Queen. And that wasn't going to change. She'd had her life planned out ever since Caliban gave up his role. Tears started to roll down her cheeks as she held the ring on her necklace close to her.

The princess would never be truly happy.

Yikes. I know it sounds bad but good things are coming...or are bad things coming? You'll have to read to find out! But thank you for reading this chapter and I hope you enjoyed it!

xx Morgan xx