Sorry for the long wait - i have the story all mapped out, just unfortunatley difficult to find time to write, in between nurturing my 4yr & 2yr old, as well as manage part-time job and full-time housework lol ;-) writing is my hobbie, thank you for baring with me & hope you enjoy xxx
Serenity seethed. "How dare he" was all that muttered through her mind, eyes set and narrowed towards the tiny window.
As she watched him through the window, she couldn't help but almost retch, forcing the bile down her scorched throat once more.
How he dared indeed.
Earlier…
As the first rays of sunlight burst across the horizon, Serenity gazed at the man slumbering softly before her. A surge of emotions swirled within her, twisting her gut and wrenching her heart. Her blood thrummed in her mind as she tried to still her thoughts, to make sense of what she was feeling and of what she was thinking. Soon the light would tease him awake. Soon escape would be impossible.
The chest was within her reach. All she had to do was grab it and run. To her freedom, even if it would only be short-lived. Surely that was a better gamble than if she were to remain. With him. She did not even know his name, or his position in life. Only that he was the man in the moonlight, and that her destiny could be with him.
Serenity was simply transfixed by his peaceful form, how his chest rose softly with each inhale. He lay completely exposed to her still. After her sensual show of gratitude he had slipped into a peaceful slumber, one she felt best not to awake him from. Since resting him on the bed she had been plagued by thoughts. She knew this was a fundamental decision; to stay by his side or to leave, never to cross paths with him again.
A low grumble awoke her from her thoughts. Endymion was beginning to stir. Icy sweat trickled down her spine. Her heart fluttered. She stole one last glimpse of the chest before Endymion jolted up.
Serenity jumped. A soft yelp from her alerted Endymion to her presence. A confused expression glazed his cerulean eyes for a short moment, before memories flooded his mind. Serenity truly thought he was the most handsome being she had ever met. It was not his well-formed muscular frame, tanned flesh or dishevelled ebony hair. It was something glimmering within his eyes, intense and profound. She had first witnessed it as he stood silhouetted by the moonlight. It was that essence that had caused her pause from her actions to take back the chest and flee. To remain memorised for hours, contemplating how different her life would be if she succumbed her future to him.
He spoke her name softly, as if to question her presence.
"You told me that you would take me to the capital." He nodded. "Then I will go. But I am not a possession. I will be free to go once there and do as I please."
It was Endymion's turn to glance at the chest. "As long as the belongings are return to the residents here, then you have my word Serenity."
Serenity inhaled deep, closing her eyes before exhaling. She nodded and for the first tie in an age her mind and heart were at peace. The decision had been made. A light giggle escaped her lips. Confusion marred Endymion's features. Serenity simply smiled, feeling more alive than she could ever remember.
A husk cough from outside jolted them both. Within moments Endymion was up and dressed. With expert ease he shrugged his shirt and tunic on, shuffled into his black trousers, before buckling his sword into place on his hips.
With a gruff command he ordered the men inside. Serenity remained still as a handful of men decided the day's course. To break fast swiftly, saddle the horses and return to the infamous capital. She silently observed the conversation. In a few short moments she learnt a great deal about his character and it warmed her heart. The way he looked every man in the eye when addressing them. The way he held his tongue, allowing them a chance to speak their minds. And the way he held his resolve not to look in her direction.
The chest had been given to a white hair general, slightly taller than the dark-haired man, to be returned to the villagers. Serenity exhaled deeply, another weight lifted from her shoulders.
From that moment onwards they barely had a private second together. A clay plate with stale bread and a chunk of cheese was shoved at her as soon as she left the tent, then a clay beaker with water as well. Serenity gave her thanks but found no one nearby. Her surroundings were filled with the hustle and bustle of men, dressing, eating and laughing through their morning routine. All seemed pleased to be returning. So why was he so filled with anguish?
The cool air of dawn invigorated her senses. The delicate rays teased her bare skin, warming her inside. For Serenity it felt like a good day to begin the rest of her life. The future was uncertain, but as long as she was with him, she was no longer worried. Now the man in the moonlight was her purpose.
Endymion watched her for a moment, gazing across the landscape. The mist rising across the land, up to the delicate pink sky was enough to take anyone's breath away. Yet his eyes were fixed on her slight, still form. He liked how the soft breeze teased her locks.
A cough interrupted his thoughts before they wandered too far. He called to her, regretting instantly from pulling away from her thoughts. But the beaming smile she presented melted his heart.
With ease he lifted her up and assisted her into a comfortable seat up his midnight stallion, Shadow. He then gave the order to depart.
Not knowing what to say to her Endymion just tried to cough a few times. Serenity giggled and he enjoyed the feel of vibrations on his chest.
"It is a wonderful morning" she offered.
"Indeed. I would love to stay and admire the view." He sighed, deep and heavy, "but duty calls me home".
Serenity shifted slightly to gaze up at him. "You do not seem pleased to be returning home like the others?"
Endymion shook his head. Did he dare tell her?
It took him so long to decide that Serenity had snuggled on his chest and slipped into a light slumber. He embraced her gently. In his arms she was so slight yet so warm. He had known her less than a day and already he could not imagine time without her. He wanted to keep her and this feeling forever.
Yet part from her he must. Serenity was not destined to be with him. The stars and fates were cruel indeed.
'Is this what love for another being feels like?' Endymion pondered. He had never loved another beyond his kin. Never thought it possible until now; the intoxicating warm pulsing through his body was proof. How easy would it be just to take Serenity and Shadow, and escape across the horizon never to return? Who would miss them?
Thoughts of another marred his smile. A sickening lump rose in his throat. No, escape was a luxury not afforded to him it seemed.
Once he had returned he would find a place for her to reside, offer her some money and bid her a good, long life. Away from thieving and crime. Give her a second chance. Then he would return to his duties and never think of her again. All thoughts of her would be buried along with his heart. After all, he really had no choice.
A resounded clank and thud awakened Serenity. In the cosy darkness she had slept. Rocked by the steady rhythm of Shadow's pace and the beat of his heart, it had been impossible to escape. Serenity wanted to stay forever in his embrace.
Gently her senses returned to her; the smells and sounds of city-life began to bombard her. The click-clack of numerous horses hooves on pavement, the bitter taste of smoke and urine stung her eyes, the suffocating heat of people sweat as the completed the day's chores. Hundreds of voices swamped her ears, a mush of jumbled noise.
For longer than she wanted to endure the sensations of the city, they kept their steady pace. Suddenly a blast of trumpets, that caused her to jump violently, announced their arrival. While the others stopped, he continued forward. They approached a formidably large stone building. Before them several men and women stood on the stone steps, still and silent.
One woman in particular caught her gaze, one she recognised instantly; she had long auburn hair that burned like flames in the dusk. She was slight, like her, but her bust heaving and hips flared, emphasised by the fine clothing and jewellery. She would be considered irresistibly, if not for the twisted snarl on her face and piercing eyes, which revealed her bitter spirit.
A voice boomed across the courtyard, "I am honoured to announce the safe return of his royal highness, Prince Endymion and his troops. Hail and Welcome my lord!"
A cheer rose from the crowd. Serenity could help but snap her gaze at Endymion, the prince! Yet he never glanced her way as he dismounted from his horse. The woman with red hair instantly raised her arms to him. Serenity's blood froze. A thrumming pounded through her ears, disorienting her. Her surroundings began to fade, but not before witnessing Endymion approach her, and kissed her cheek swiftly.
"Finally my dear husband has return to me" her sharp voice pierced through the darkness, like an arrow straight into her heart.
Silently Serenity cursed fate. As she fell from Shadow she could have sworn the red-haired woman laughed at her. With a hard thud, Serenity hit the ground. As the reality of her situation sunk deeper still, Serenity's eyes bore into Endymion, who still refused to look back. "How dare he not tell me he was married? And not only that, but to her as well, of all beings, her! How dare he!" the thoughts screamed through her mind, reverberating off her heart and soul.
It was too late; her fate now resided with the man in the moonlight. Never, never did she wish to wake and face the bitter fate handed to her.
thanks again for you patience. I will write the next installment asap. in the meantime, any & all reviews are greatly recieved xxx
