Part II: Chapter 18
The Grand Council
"Really, I'm fine." Serena huffed as Darien tenderly touched her neck. She flinched as his fingers prodded her more sensitive spots on her neck though the bruising was beginning to fade.
"You're not fine, Serena. Someone tried to kill you." Darien said as his fingers moved to her shoulder and he pressed slowly.
"Not someone, your mother... OW!" She yelped as he hit sore another spot. "Will you quit?"
"Why didn't you tell me sooner? I would've been here days ago." Sighing, he dropped his hands as his dark blue eyes shifted to his general. "Kunzite, where the hell were you?"
Kunzite, who had been standing stoically silent in the corner, stood at attention as his king spoke to him. "I... um... well, I wasn't going to sleep in her room with her—"
"I sent him to his own bed." Serena said as she rolled her eyes. "It's not Kunzite's fault."
"You could've died." Darien snapped as he glared at Kunzite. "How long did it take you to save her?"
Kunzite opened his mouth to speak as his face turned beet red, but thankfully Serena saved him.
"That's enough!" She snapped before Kunzite could share that it was Barrick that came to her rescue. "This is why I didn't want to tell you. It's not Kunzite's fault. You should've been there with me Darien. We're better together remember? We protect each other. Kunzite wasn't going to be in my bedroom. The only person that I would ever allow in there is you."
Darien took a moment, his harsh gaze softening as he regarded her. "You're right. I didn't mean to be gone this long. It's just, being king is much more demanding than I thought it'd be. My people need me on Earth."
"We need to figure out a plan that works for both of us." Serena said as she went to Darien's arms and rested her head against his chest. "We have to prove them wrong. We belong together, crowns or not."
"We will." He said as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her protectively against him. "Just don't give up on me yet."
"Of course not." She pulled back just far enough to brush her lips against his as the palace bell tower began to toll. "I have to go meet Luna in my mother's study. I'll be back in an hour. We should eat dinner before we leave for Neptune." She said to him as her arms reluctantly released him.
"Go." Darien said as he gestured to the door. "I need to speak with Kunzite."
Kunzite's shoulders stiffened as Serena walked out, giving him an apologetic glance as she passed. Once the door shut behind her he was left with only Darien in the room.
Darien didn't look at him as he leaned against the wall, running a hand through his sleek, jet black hair as he emitted a long sigh. "Kunzite, do you know how many times I've almost lost her?"
Kunzite felt a shiver run up his spine as he spoke. He didn't like Darien's casual tone. His senses grew heightened as Darien's eyes finally settled on him. "More times than the average person would normally experience..." Kunzite said carefully.
Darien chuckled as he crossed his arms. "That's fair. Being in love with a sailor scout, especially one my mother particularly loathes, isn't easy. There's risk, danger, fear and not a lot of time being together." He said, his tone growing deeper with each word.
Kunzite remained silent, not entirely sure of what Darien was attempting to say. He could feel his nerves grow more uneasy with each passing moment. Was he upset? Was he going to hold him responsible for the latest attempt on Serena's life? Was he going to remove him from his service?
"It's hard." Darien admitted as he approached Kunzite. "Being with her ... and being without her. It would be easier not to love her, but the truth is I do love her. I love her more than I'd ever be able to tell her. I can't live without her. I have to take the risk. I take her as she is, the good and bad. She's stubborn, she's strong-willed and selfish and sometimes annoying but she's also kind, determined, and she fights for those who can't defend themselves. She fights for her friends and for her family. She fights for me—"
"Darien, I'm not sure what you're trying to get at." Kunzite finally spoke as Darien came to a stop before him.
"What are you doing Kunzite?" Darien finally asked as his eyes barreled into Kunzite's.
"I don't know what you mean." Kunzite said as he took half a step back.
"Why did you turn Mina away?" Darien asked.
"I don't know what she told you Darien, but it's over between us." Kunzite explained as he turned from him, his jaw set hard. "She picked the prince."
"She didn't tell me anything. I ran into her before I came inside the palace. She didn't seem to be herself. Something happened, and from the look on her face, it was bad." Darien admitted. "It doesn't seem to me like she picked Fabian."
Kunzite shook his head. "Oh, but she did. I could see it in her eyes when she was talking to me, telling him how great he was and why they needed to be together." He growled as he swung back around to Darien who was unwavering. "As far as I'm concerned they can have each other."
"Kunzite, since when did you give up so easily?" Darien asked as he perked a brow.
"She gave up on me." Kunzite snapped back.
"That's not what it seems like." Darien replied. "She's been through a lot and despite it all, she doesn't want the prince in shining armor who has come to save her time after time. She wants you. If you can't see that then you're a fool."
Kunzite snorted as he shook his head. "She doesn't want me Darien. Why would you think that she does? Because of some tears on her cheeks?"
"Because she's still here." Darien said firmly as he caught Kunzite's gaze. "She could've left with Fabian. She could've followed him to Charon or she could've gone home to Venus but instead she chose to stay here." Darien crossed his arms as he took several steps toward Kunzite, his gaze growing harsher. "She didn't stay to be with Serena."
"Darien, you can't be serious." Kunzite groaned as he ran two hands through his long, silvery hair. "She can't... she doesn't..." He shook his head as he mulled over Darien's words.
"Like I said, it's not easy loving a sailor scout. You take the good with the bad. It may not look like it, but they've all made sacrifices for Earth, for their team, even for us." Darien said firmly. "You need to at least give her a chance."
"Are you ordering me to go back to her?" Kunzite asked as his lavender eyes grew cold, baring into Darien's.
"No, Kunzite I'm not talking to you as your king, but as your friend. We've known each other for a long time, ever since we were boys. You stopped me from being a complete idiot before and now, it's my turn to do the same for you." Darien said as he cracked half a smile.
Kunzite emitted a long, deep sigh as he glanced out of the window. He could see Mina sitting inside the stone gazebo in the gardens. Her feet were propped up on the bench as she gazed at the pond before her. "I don't even know what I'd say to her. I don't know that I trust my feelings or hers right now." Kunzite muttered.
"Just give it another shot, go talk to her." Darien said with a shrug as he too watched Mina outside the window.
"No, I don't think I can." Kunzite said sharply as Mina, as if sensing someone was watching her, turned her head to look at the path behind her. It was too dark inside for her to see Darien and Kunzite.
"If I ask again, it'll be an order from your king." Darien said as he gave him a smug grin. "Go."
"I don't think that's a good idea." Kunzite said uncomfortably. He couldn't take any more words from Mina about how perfect Fabian was. He wasn't going to beg and plead for her to pick him, especially after everything that had happened. His ego was already bruised though he didn't dare tell her.
Darien crossed the room and opened the door the gardens. He gestured towards the stone path that led from the palace to the gazebo where Mina sat. "You can't upset her more than she already is. We leave for Neptune in a few hours. Clear the air before we go, she may not be here when we return."
Kunzite grumbled as he straightened his shirt and pushed past Darien, briskly walking down the path to the gazebo. He could see Mina turn back to the pond, reaching over now to strum her fingers along the railing of the gazebo as the breeze picked up. She wore a brilliant blue dress that hugged her curves. The bodice was sleeveless, giving her some relief from the intense summer heat. Her long blond hair was hanging in one golden braid that laid over one shoulder, stopping at her waist. A small silver tiara was nestled on her head, crafted from polished silver and dotted with small diamonds. Her shoes had been discarded next to her, nestled beneath the stone bench.
As his boots thundered against the stone path she turned to him, her blue eyes opening wide as she caught sight of him. He could see her mouth open, ready to speak but she hesitated as her brow furrowed.
"Mina." Kunzite said, feeling his resolve weaken as her eyes settled on him. "We're... um... about to leave for Neptune. Darien wanted me to check on you before we left—"
"I'm fine." She whispered as she turned her body towards him, her feet leaving the stone bench for the warm floor of the gazebo. "Father should be here soon, he plans to take me back to Venus before going to Neptune himself for the council meeting."
"Oh... will you come back?" He asked, trying to keep his tone neutral.
"I don't know, father is being difficult." Mina said as her eyes fell to her hands.
Silence fell between them as the sun began to slowly sink, setting the sky ablaze in a brilliant burst of color. Kunzite slipped his hands into his pockets as his mind ran through what last words he would leave Mina with. Did she truly still want to be with him? He couldn't imagine that Darien was able to see that it was him she wanted and not Fabian. Was there still hope?
"Look, I'm sorry Mina." He spoke as he finally turned his gaze to her. "I was unfair towards you."
She finally met his eyes, a look of bewilderment plastered across her features. "What?" She asked in disbelief.
He sighed and sat down next to her on the stone bench. His heart was pounding painfully against his chest as he fought his nerves that were building. "You tried to talk to me and I still wasn't listening. All I could hear was Fabain and all of the things he did for you... things that I should've done if I had been there."
"I know you would've done the same things he did if you had your memories." Mina whispered as she turned towards him. "I'm not upset you weren't there."
He didn't meet her eyes as he looked down at his hands that were settled on his knees. He took several moments before he spoke again. "I'm upset with myself. Twice I've been cursed by an evil witch, I can't even promise there won't be a third..."
"It's the risk we take in what we do." Mina admitted as she placed her hands on the stone bench, leaning forward to watch the sunset before them. "There are always risks, we don't always win every battle."
"No." Kunzite admitted as he followed her gaze to the brilliant sky that had turned a vivid red. "The hard truth is, even if I had my memories, I wouldn't have been able to save you. I'm not a prince, your father wouldn't have let me court you or take you off planet. I couldn't have done any of those things for you. We're back to where we started when we first met, I'm still just a soldier."
Mina lifted her hand and settled it over his, squeezing it as she turned her attention back to him. "Now that is a battle I would've made with my father. Princess or not... I love you Kunzite." She whispered as her eyes swelled with tears.
"I know..." He admitted as he looked down at her small hand over his. Her touch was warm and gentle. He had a fierce urge within him to protect her, to take her in his arms and brush away her tears. He wanted to pour his feelings to her, to tell her that the reason he had said such hurtful things was because he loved her too, but his mouth merely gaped open and closed like a fish, grasping for words that wouldn't come. "Mina...I... I think you need to figure out what you want. I think you care about me, but I also think you care for Fabian. You have to choose because I won't share you."
"I want you Kunzite." Mina said as she pulled off her tiara and threw it to the ground. "I'm through being the girl everyone wants me to be. I can't fit the image of what everyone wants from me. Father wants me to be an obedient daughter. Fabian wants princess Mina. Serena and the others need Sailor Venus. I just want to be Mina Aino." Mina whispered as her shoulders shook. "That's who I was when I was your girl."
Despite his better judgment Kunzite flipped his hand over, offering her his palm. She quietly slipped her hand into his, their fingers locking as the breeze around them picked up, lifting Mina's skirts up around her ankles. "Mina—"
"Mina!" A booming voice called from behind them.
Mina jumped up, her cheeks losing their color as her eyes settled on a man before her.
Kunzite too rose, slowly getting to his feet as he looked over the man at the entrance to the gazebo. He has tall and imposing, a heavy golden crown set upon his head. His golden hair was short but his brilliant blue eyes were unmistakable, they were the same eyes he had seen in the woman before him.
"Father." Mina spoke as she fell into a curtsy, her eyes falling to her feet. "You're early."
"I wanted to get here before dark." King Rupert said as he eyeballed Kunzite. "Who's this and why is he alone with you?"
Mina, if possible, turned even whiter as she glanced uneasily at Kunzite. "Well, um…"
"General Kunzite of Earth." Kunzite said as he bowed politely to Mina's father. "I am one of King Endymion's generals and advisors."
"And why do you think you have the right to be alone with my daughter, the princess of Venus?" King Rupert asked as his cold eyes settled on Kunzite, looking him over.
Kunzite felt a ripple of anxiety tear through him. Already he could feel the hostility radiating from Mina's father, whose blue eyes lacked the kindness of his daughter's. He knew that he was being overly protective of her, especially after her kidnapping, but part of him also knew that no matter what his role was, he was no royal and therefore inferior in her father's eyes. "I apologize, I was merely checking on the princess—"
"No, it wasn't just that–" Mina said as she stepped forward and reached for Kunzite's hand but he took a step away from her.
"Here, princess, you dropped this." Kunzite said as he bent down and picked up her tiara. He used the edge of his sleeve to clean a smudge on the side and held it out towards her, his eyes settling on hers. "It's part of who you are, you should take care of it." He whispered.
"Mina, why was that on the floor? Did he hurt you?" King Rupert asked as his hand went to his sword but Mina quickly jumped in front of him.
"No… I…" She cast an uneasy glance at Kunzite who had taken a step back, mindful of the king's temper that was quickly intensifying.
Kunzite could see her breathing grow shallow as she considered her next words. Was she going to give up her crown for him? It was clear Rupert wouldn't allow his daughter to be with anyone less than a prince. Kunzite certainly didn't fit the image of who he wanted his future son-in-law to be. Kunzite's lavender eyes settled on Mina's as she took a deep breath.
"It slipped off, that's all." She said as she put the tiara back on her head. "I didn't pin it well." She added as she turned her attention back to her father.
"Come Mina, we need to get you home." King Rupert said as he offered his daughter his arm though one eye remained on Kunzite.
Mina reluctantly put her hand on the crook of his arm, allowing her father to guide her to the opening of the gazebo. She cast a long look at Kunzite who remained silently standing by the stone bench, his hands in his pockets.
Their eyes locked.
Kunzite could feel her hesitation as she was all but dragged back down the stone path to the palace. Her eyes were wide, filling with tears. He could sense her pain, her hesitation and her fear. He wanted to run to her, take her in his arms and forget everything else around them. He had never felt complete without her and now, as he watched her walk back out of his life, he knew that he was about to lose her, possibly for good this time. What could he do? He lacked the power Darien possessed and even Fabian. He was truly powerless for the first time in his life since he'd been freed from the Negaverse.
"Wait…" Mina said, planting her feet firmly on the stone pathway.
Annoyance quickly crossed King Rupert's features as they stopped. "Mina, we don't have time for anything, the council expects me tonight—"
"We need to make time." Mina said as she released her father's arm and glanced at Kunzite, the color finally returning to her face. "Kunzite isn't just one of King Endymion's generals. He's very special to me." Her voice shook as she spoke.
Kunzite felt his blood run cold as the king turned his attention to him. He could see his eyes flicker from his daughter to him and back.
"What are you saying Mina? You hardly know this man. You've visited Earth only once." King Rupert said as his eyes narrowed. His tone was harsh and cold as he turned towards Kunzite, crossing his arms. "And you have entered a formal courtship with the prince of Charon. You are spoken for."
"Father, it's my decision. I like Fabian, but I can't be with him, I cannot marry him. I can't be true to him when I'm in love with someone else." Mina said as she left her father's side and walked back down the path to Kunzite.
"Mina, what are you doing?" Kunzite asked quietly as she approached him. Her eyes caught his as she came to a stop before him, finally taking his hand in hers.
"Kunzite, I choose you." Mina said as she laid a hand on his cheek. "Despite what the galaxy thinks of us... or my father, I want to be with you."
Behind her King Rupert bristled. "Mina! This is incredibly inappropriate. You are a princess! You may not frolic with no-name soldiers, we are leaving… NOW!" He yelled as a vein snaked across his forehead.
Mina squeezed Kunzite's hand as she turned back to her father, holding her head higher than before. "No father. I'm not leaving. I'm staying here on the moon with Kunzite."
"Mina, I would sooner disown you than allow you to be with a soldier." King Rupert thundered as he drew his sword "Get back here now!"
"No daddy." Mina said as she ripped off her tiara for a second time and tossed it to her father. "I will be with Kunzite and if you can't accept it then I'm sorry, I won't be coming home."
"Mina, if you stay here with this boy, you can never come back home." King Rupert said coldly as he caught her tiara, holding it firmly in his hands. "You will be removed from succession. Our family line will end."
Mina took a deep breath as she looked at Kunzite.
Kunzite could feel her hesitation as she reached for his hand. He could feel how clammy her hands were as they shook within his. Was she truly gong to give up everything to be with him? Her crown? Her home? Her father? He watched as her deep blue eyes filled with tears. "Mina, don't." He whsipered to her.
"You're worth it." Mina whispered as she turned to him and brushed her lips against his. "I love you."
"And I love you too much to let you give this up." Kunzite said as he squeezed her hands.
"I'm staying." Mina said firmly as she looked over at her father. "I hope one day you can forgive me."
King Rupert took a moment, his cold eyes softening at his daughter's final words. He glanced down at the tiara in his hands and without a word he turned from them and left.
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Lita could feel everyone's eyes on her as her heels clicked loudly on the marble floor of the royal palace on Jupiter. The palace was massive, spanning six floors and wrapping around a mountain. The main floor had one wall almost completely made of glass, dotted with large marble pillars. A storm churned outside, flooding the hall with brilliant flashes of light with each crash of thunder.
Lita walked down the length of the hall, her people falling to low curtsies and bows as she passed like a wave rippling across the sea. "Welcome home princess!" Many called to her as she passed. She waved politely to them, giving them wide smiles that did not quite reach her emerald green eyes.
"Neice!" The Steward of Jupiter announced as she approached the end of the hall where a solitary golden throne sat atop the black marble platform. He stood beside the throne, dressed in black pants and a black velvet tunic. Her uncle was in his fifties, his rich red hair cut short as a bald patch had formed on the back of his head. He wore no crown, as the throne was not his to claim but Lita's, once she came of age. "It is good to see you are well, we have heard troubling rumors. Rumors that suggested you had been taken against your will, just like the princess of Venus."
Lita fought the lump that had formed in her throat. She knew it was not her uncle before her but an imposter, being controlled by the man that intended to destroy the galaxy. She could not confront him, not now in front of her people or they'd think she'd lost her mind. No, she needed to be tactful and smart about every move she was to make. "Dear uncle, they are all rumors. I fear this galaxy has been invaded by darkness that has seeped into the hearts of men. My studies have taken me between planets, visiting and learning from those in power. If you were truly worried uncle, you would've sent our soldiers to my aid would you not?"
A flash of annoyance crossed the Steward's features as Lita addressed him before the people. His jaw clenched as he bowed to her. "Of course princess, but like I said, all rumors. Were you ever in danger?"
"Of course not." Lita said with a coy smile. "Thankfully, I found safety on Earth and the Moon. Tell me, how is Jupiter faring?"
"As you can see, pleasantly well." The Steward replied as he gestured to the people around them though his gaze never left her. "Though the storm season is upon is, it is unsafe for travel."
Another bolt of lightning struck the mountain, illuminating the room once more as he spoke.
"I see that." Lita said as she climbed the steps to the platform and stood before the golden throne. Many years ago three thrones were perched on the platform. Now that her parents had passed there was only one. Solitary... alone... Thankfully, Lita was no longer alone. "Luckily, I made it to the palace safely. Worry not Uncle, you will not be needed to attend the Grand Council meeting, I shall attend on behalf of Jupiter."
His eyebrows lifted curiosly. "I do not believe that's wise Lita—"
"I am almost of age. It is time I took over your duties. Endymion has claimed his throne on Earth and soon, Princess Serena will claim the Moon. I shall be next and I must be prepared." Lita said as she settled onto her throne, her fingers curling around the gilded arms. Her dark green eyes settled on her uncle who took a careful step back, bowing low to her as the hall erupted into cheers.
"I am home for good." Lita announced as the cheers intensified. "And I bring us an alliance with the inner planets, at least the potential of one. As a show of good faith, I have brought one of King Endymion's most trust advisors with me, General Nephrite of Earth. He is to remain with me while we arrange the terms of our alliance and restore unity to the galaxy."
The double doors to the main hall opened, revealing Nephrite in his official gray uniform of Earth. His sword was at his hip and his black boots were freshly polished. His long auburn hair was loose, hanging like rippling waves down past his shoulders. He walked confidently into the hall, his face devoid of emotion as the crowd within the hall continued to cheer. He came to a stop before Lita's throne and bowed low to her before joining her, standing to the side of her throne.
"Princess, it seems perhaps you are ready to claim your throne." The Steward replied as the crowd continued to cheer. His voice was nearly inaudbile against the noise of the hall. His dark eyes settled on them. "I am proud of you... too bad your efforts will be in vain."
Lita turned a distrustful eye to him as she rose from her throne. She kept her smile as she approached the Steward. "I'll only say this once. Leave my home and never return. I know you've got my uncle somewhere, the real Steward of Jupiter, and you will release him or I will follow you and make you pay."
Nephrite moved into position behind Lita, his hand sneaking closer and closer to his sword but the Steward held his hands up defensively.
"Your uncle is safe Lita, worry not, though know I am most likely a better person than he, which is telling of his character. You'd be wise to keep him lost just as you'd be wise to return to the Moon... and perhaps even skip the Grand Council meeting. In fact, it would be better for everyone if you just went back to that cell on Earth where I put you." The Steward said as the applause and cheers began to die down.
"And why... Barrick... would I do that?" Lita asked as her eyes flashed dangerously. Her fingers curled around her transformation pen that was in the sleeve of her dress.
"I'm not your enemy Lita." He replied as his eyes flashed "But you shouldn't have come home." He said as the anothe bolt of lightning flashed, illuminating the room. Thunder crashed loud, so loud that the glass wall of the palace shook. A large crack splintered across the length of the wall, spidering out as the crowd inside screamed and began to rush for the exits, pushing and running for safety before the glass could shatter.
The Steward's smile grew as his features melted away, revealing the true person beneath, Barrick. "Leave now or I'll rip this palace to pieces and kill everyone inside."
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Raye felt dread seep into her veins as she and Jadeite arrived on Neptune. The Grand Council would be meeting in the morning which meant that her parents, the king and queen of Mars, would be there. She knew her time was short. Upon discovery of their daughter's actions their rage would be swift and the punishment severe. Would they annul her marriage? Disown her? Cut her off? Formally abandon Earth for Endymion's involvement? The possibilities were endless.
"You're making me nervous." Jadeite admitted as he carried their bags into their assigned suite on Neptune. The Grand Council had a series of large homes surrounding a white stone castle, considered separate from the planet's royal residences. The area was largely uninhabited, sitting on a small island amidst the planet's vast oceans. Every three years the island would come alive, filled with visiting royalty and nobles.
He dropped them onto the floor beside the bed and went to her, placing his hands reassuringly on her arms. "It'll be okay."
"No it won't." Raye whispered. "How am I to convince my parents to be okay with our marriage? I already know they're going to freak out and if I manage to be alive by the morning, there's still that task of getting their approval so we can keep Uranus in the alliance."
"I have confidence in you." Jadeite whispered as he brushed back her long hair. A sly smile crossed his lips. "But also, we have at least one more night to ourselves." His hands went to her hips as he pulled her to him, grazing the bottom of her neck with his lips.
"Jed—" She said as she rolled her eyes, fighting the shiver that ran along her spine at the electric feel of his lips on her skin. She laid her hands on his shoulders, drawing closer to him. "I'm sorry, we didn't even get a proper honeymoon."
"Just being with you is enough for me," Jadeite replied as he dragged his lips farther down. His fingers tugged the sleeve of her dress down, revealing her slender shoulder as his lips skipped along her skin, setting off tiny fireworks that trickled down her arms with his every touch.
"Jed, we… we need to stop..." She said again, but this time her tone was deeper, more relaxed. She grabbed his cheeks in her hands and pulled him up to her waiting lips.
His arms snaked around her, pulling her tightly against his chest as he deepened the kiss. He could feel her trembling against him, finally giving in to the pent-up passion that lingered between the two of them.
Her fingers slid from his cheeks, running through his short golden hair as she returned kiss after kiss. Her knees trembled, threatening to collapse beneath her weight as his kiss intensified.
His hands slid down her sides back to her hips as his lips left hers, returning to her neck and shoulders. He grabbed her, lifting her with ease as he took her to the bed, gently setting her down on the edge as her fingers still ran through his hair.
Raye felt a shudder tear through her as he nipped her shoulder with a playful smile. She could feel his hand on her thigh, pulling at the skirt of her dress as his lips returned to hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her as she laid back on the soft bed, pulling him with her.
A knock on the door froze them mid-kiss.
"Who knows we're here?" Jadeite asked as he stood, looking at the door and then to Raye.
Raye was breathless, her chest heaving with each breath she took. She ran a hand through her hair as she sat up, shaking her head. "I don't know. The only people that saw us were the ones that checked us in. Maybe a few people in the teleportation room?"
Jadeite straightened his shirt and cast one last look at her as he approached the door. "Who is it?" He asked.
"OPEN THE DOOR!" A voice thundered from the other side.
Jadeite whipped around to Raye who had turned paler than the white sheets behind her. "Raye?"
"Father." Raye whispered as she stood, straightening her dress and running a quick hand through her hair to smooth it.
Jadeite took a deep breath, knowing that the hour was upon them at last. He unlocked the door but before he could open it the door swung open, nearly knocking him off his feet. Within moments the king of Mars had entered the room and with him about ten burgundy clad soldiers, who surrounded Jadeite with their swords all drawn and pointed right at him.
Jadeite carefully lifted his hands into the air as his eyes went to Raye who had yet to move.
"What the hell were you thinking?!" The king yelled as he crossed the room to Raye, his face beet red. "EXPLAIN YOURSELF!"
"Father… I…" Raye struggled to find her words as she looked at Jadeite.
His jaw was set firm but his dark green eyes settled on hers. He nodded, encouraging her to speak without opening his mouth.
"I am married. Order your men to put down their weapons. He poses no threat to you or me. Jadeite is my husband." Raye said as she held her head a little higher.
The soldiers looked at the king and then at their princess, their uncertainty plastered across their features. No one moved though Raye noticed their weapons lowered slightly.
"You were not given permission to marry, and certainly not a common solider!" The king yelled as he slammed his fist down on a nearby table, shaking it so hard a vase fell from on top of it, crashing and shattering onto the floor.
Raye glared at her father, her own face turning a similar shade of red as she took a step closer to him. "I do not need your permission father. I am an adult and it's time I did things on my own including making my own decisions. If you trusted me enough to risk my life as a sailor scout, protecting our galaxy, then I should also be trusted to do what is best for me. Jadeite is what is best for me. He is more than a soldier. He's the man I love!" She shouted back as tears filled her eyes.
"You're a child!" The king yelled back. "You don't know anything about love!"
"ENOUGH!" A woman's voice yelled from behind the group of soldiers. "Lower your weapons."
The soldiers quickly obliged, their swords falling to their sides, revealing a woman in the doorway. They stood at attention as she passed, her dark eyes catching Jadeite's for a brief moment as she walked by.
Raye felt her heart racing painfully against her chest as her mother, Queen Alexa of Mars, entered the room. She wore a brilliant violet gown that dragged behind her as she walked, rippling over the stone floor. A silver crown was on her head, dotted with rubies and black diamonds. Her hair was braided and pinned onto her head just below her crown. Power radiated from her, evident in her harsh gaze and even to the way she carried herself as she walked. Her violet eyes met her daughter's and instantly Raye fell into a curtsy. Standing up to her father was one thing but her mother was quite another.
"Raye, what have you done?" Queen Alexa asked as she came to a stop beside her husband.
Raye rose slowly, keeping her eyes on the floor. Her mind was racing, running through what she could say to defend herself. Each scenario seemed to all have the same ending: her losing Jadeite. She couldn't lose him, not again, not after everything. She avoided her mother's gaze as she crossed the room and went to Jadeite's side. She reached for his hand and felt his fingers curl around hers, filling her with the strength she needed. "Mother, father… I found a man that I love. I knew you would not approve and while I respect you… and love you both… I love Jadeite and we belong together." She finally lifted her eyes to meet her mother's. "I will take whatever punishment you chose to inflict upon me, but I will not leave him."
Queen Alexa's gaze was hard but her eyes were focused not on her daughter but Jadeite. "You… you work for King Endymion do you not?"
"I do." Jadeite said as he inclined his head respectfully to her. "Though it was not Endymion that brought us together. Raye and I have come together on our own and before you ask, yes, I love her."
"And what did he have to say about you marrying a foreign princess?" She asked, her strong gaze unwavering.
"He wants me to be happy." Jadeite replied as he held Raye's hand a little tighter. "He knows I love Raye and I'd do anything for her. He married us himself."
"I see." Queen Alexa said as her husband bristled beside her.
"He did WHAT?" The king's faced turned red again as his anger began to rise but the queen put her hand on his shoulder, finally tearing her gaze from Jadeite to her husband.
"That is enough." She ordered. "It is done." She turned back to Raye, her gaze somewhat softer. "Tell me Raye, why did you not come to us sooner?"
Raye's jaw had nearly fallen to the floor as her mother spoke. Had she heard correctly? Was she actually… okay with what she had done? "I… I didn't think you'd allow it." She said as she felt Jadeite relax beside her. "After you and father—"
"Our arrangement was different." Queen Alexa replied quickly. "Things were different then, marriages were arranged for planetary advantage. Had you come to us I would've made that clear to you. We did not even know you were ready for marriage. It was a conversation we were going to have with you once you expressed interest."
"I'm… I'm sorry." Raye replied as she looked at her father and then back to her mother. Her father's face had finally returned to it's normal color and his eyes regarded her gently for the first time since their arrival. "I just assumed. You always made it seem as though I would never have a say in the matter."
Queen Alexa's expression softened considerably as she approached her daughter, her heels clicking loudly on the rough floor. She took Raye's hands into her own as her voice cracked,"I've always wanted more for you. Why else would I agree to send you to the moon to risk your life for our galaxy? You are more than pretty dresses and jewels. You are brave and intelligent. You are gifted. You're everything I never was." Queen Alexa said as a single tear trickled down her cheek.
Raye felt her chest heaving as she fought her own tears. Her mother's demeanor had completely changed. Queen Alexa had never shown much emotion towards her daughter. She had always appeared stern or indifferent. She had pushed her in her studies and training. Now it all made sense. She wasn't cold, she was hopeful. "Mom…" Raye trailed off as she felt tears spilling down her cheeks. "I'm not leaving Jadeite. I love him."
"I wouldn't ask that of you." Queen Alexa replied as she shot her husband a look before he could reply. "Especially now that we are running out of time."
Raye felt Jadeite stiffen beside her as she felt a jolt within her. What had she said? "Mom? What do you mean?"
"Raven came to me…. Last week actually." Queen Alexa said as she went to stand beside her husband. "She wants us to join her movement."
"What movement?" Raye asked as she looked at a bewildered Jadeite.
"Saturn will break from the galactic alliance and they want Mars to join." Queen Alexa explained as she exhaled deeply.
"Are you?" Raye asked as she felt the blood rush to her head. She was going to be sick. She feared what her mother's answer would be. Their enemies had been very active if Raven had managed to reach Mars and Barrick, Uranus. What else had happened in the galaxy? Just how large was the division now?
"We wanted to discuss it with you first." Queen Alexa explained as she glanced at Jadeite. "Though it would seem we have an alliance with Earth, especially if our daughter has married someone close to the king."
"Isn't Queen Raven of Earth? What's the problem?" Raye asked as she looked at Jadeite, as if he would have answers.
Jadeite's jaw was set firmly again though he gave no indication he knew any more than she did.
"She's not just of Earth." Queen Alexa admitted as she exhaled deeply. "Raven's not from Earth, she was born on Mars just as we are. We are cousins… family." She shook her head as she turned from them. "She's lost her mind. I fear what she is capable of. She always dwindled with dark magic. It seems those powers have intensified."
"She will be our downfall." The king huffed, finally breaking his silence. "She's changed. I sense nothing but evil within her."
"We stand with the Moon and Earth." Queen Alexa said as she sighed. "And Raven will stop at nothing to keep their union from happening. We cannot stand alone. We need the other planets and their moons to agree. Right now, it's too hard to figure out where everyone stands."
"We may have the support of Uranus… Mercury too." Raye said as she thought of Amy who was still handling the affairs of the planet while her father recovered.
"Then we should do what we can do secure the rest of them." Queen Alexa said as she glanced out the window to their room. The grounds were covered with carriages and people, all settling into their quarters for the grand council meeting. "I am sure you have been reading the fires as I have … and you know…" She turned back to face her daughter, her expression grim. "You know they're coming. Soon."
Raye bit her lip and nodded as she felt Jadeite draw closer to her. "Yes…" She whispered.
"This time we'll be ready." Queen Alexa said as she took her husband's hand. "This time we will go down fighting… together."