UPDATED 2018: Reading all of these original author notes it kind of concerning me how much I don't remember... It was over a decade ago but still... haha

Title: "Conquest"

Genre: Romance/Drama

Rating: T.

Get out of jail free card : I only own Fergal and the cool situations.

Author's Notes:

So a long time ago I said this was a pre-quel to Eden: The Club of Secrets. Yeah... that has changed to inspired by. This story has just been so much fun I've been writing like crazy. I hope you really enjoy it. I'd love to hear your thoughts... unless they are dissing my spelling or grammar... I already know I suck at that. Sorry.

Enjoy!

Mars marched quietly down the hall, their words churning in her head. Her skin still burned from where the Prince had touched her. Did she have power like that? Gently she glanced down at her fingertips. She could make him burn… literally. A smirk came to her lips at that thought as she traveled back to her quarters.

"Shouldn't you be looking for me?" A voice asked around her but she ignored it, thinking it one of the servants and she continued her stride. "Oie! Are you deaf as well as a bad fighter? I said shouldn't you be looking for me?"

That got her attention. Slowly she turned on her heel, her violet eyes meeting vibrant blue that stared at her with a cockiness she had killed lesser men for. Immediately she went over all she had recently learned and an amused scowl took over her features.

"Why in the name of the galaxy would I be looking for you?" She spat quietly and Jedeite's form stood from his leaning position against the wall. Mars let out a soft laugh and than turned on her heel continuing to her destination. Jedeite's eyes narrowed watching her walk away and he cursed under his breath. Foolish woman. He spun turning to walk the other way, anger running through his veins.

The lone click of her shoes was comforting as she walked down the long marble hallway. After observing Jupiter's first move in conquering her General she couldn't help but be amused and foresee the both of them creating more of a ruckus throwing each other around the castle than actually privately conquering each other. She shrugged gracefully. Not everyone could be Serenity or herself. Her mind reached out to find her other warrior's locations. It was time to check on their progress. As she rounded the corner her connection with her warriors abruptly ceased as an arm pulled her roughly into one of the many guest quarters. The door slammed and immediately she attacked, her hands wrapping around her captor and suddenly she felt her body being slammed against a wall. She groaned letting out a breath as her eyes opened to take in who had dared touch her.

"Venus," the voice casually greeted and she let out a breath as her blue eyes took in his crystal azure that almost shined silver.

"General," she breathed before she pushed forward sending both to the floor. He flipped her over him easily and pinned her to the ground. She lifted her leg sending him sailing over her head with the impact. Quickly she got to her feet and lunged on him, their bodies sliding across the marble floor as they slid into the next room. His hands gripped her arms and pulled her to her feet throwing her onto the bed and she hissed hitting the soft surface. In a moment he was on top of her and she clawed at his jacket, quickly discarding it and Kunzite smiled over her.

"How are your warriors progress my love?" He breathed over her and a smirk grew on her features as he pulled her underneath him.

"I am afraid I've only seen one and her plan was quite electrifying," she laughed, her eyes alive as she stared at the conquest above her. He had been one of her favorites and she had been his only. He was greatly unlike his Prince in the fact that he did not jump from bed to bed. Though he did not, it did not mean he was a die-hard romantic only in love with her. He was hard on the edges, all business and incredibly skilled in war and battle. She actually loved that about him, which made him her favorite, and one affair she hoped would never die. Gently her fingers traced his face and he smiled down at her.

"Yes, I did happen to see that one. I also ran into Zoicite. He was bleeding slightly with a limp but his face showed quite the expression of excitement," he mumbled as he gently bent down to nuzzle her neck. Her fingers had moved onto his other garments. Minet let a low giggle travel down her throat as the possibilities of how Mercury did that jumped to her mind. When his lips traveled over her flesh she arched up into him as her eyes closed happily. She did love him. He was probably the only man she had ever loved and truly enjoyed taking him to her bed over and over. She respected him. That to him was almost more important than her affection. Almost.

"How is your Prince fairing?" She breathed into his ear and he felt a shiver go down his spine. She did wonderful things to him.

"I do not believe I have ever seen him more titillated. He is possibly enjoying this conquest too much," he offered and she wrapped her arms around him pulling him down on her. "Though we did know it would happen this way darling did we not?" He breathed against her neck and her fingers dug into his shoulder. His hand traveled down her side across her uniform than he smirked traveling to the center of her chest where a circle rested. She watched with baited breath as he rubbed his thumb down the circle than across it and in a matter of seconds her uniform vanished away and she let out a laugh. He was so glad he had learned that technique of removing her uniform… it had taken forever to get her out of the damn thing before. His lips dove for hers and her mind seemed to explode with the pleasure of it. Their arms wrapped around each other as he skillfully pulled a blanket over them, rolling her over underneath the sheets.

"Ah Kunzite, what would I do without you?" She breathed against his lips and his tiers curled up affectionately as he gently stroked her hair.

"Well negotiations would be far less interesting and you would never receive your proper amount of exercise," he teased and she giggled before he caught her lips, capturing her once more as his and his alone. He understood what it meant for him to take her to his bed. He cherished that and had never betrayed her and never would for as long as he lived. He wasn't sentimental but she was it for him. She was his equal and he understood her backwards and forwards as she did him. True, it was a little treason to the current crown but with hopes… his Prince would retract that treason and he could do this for the rest of his life. She laughed at his thoughts as she rolled him over and he grinned at her, seeing the love for him in her eyes. She could laugh all she wanted the little minx… she felt the same exact way.

"Shh," she whispered with a soft smile, her lips reaching for his as their thoughts shut off and instinct took over.

Her fingers skillfully secured a pin holding her mounds of hair up on the back of her head. The silver locks, which usually loved being in their traditional buns held in place except a few stray pieces as they floated down her pale neck. Her chambers were empty save a maid preparing her clothes for the next round of negotiations. She blew a breath, a stray strand of hair flowing around her as she walked across the room, a robe clinging to her features. Negotiations. She wanted to laugh at that. Endymion unnerved her. For many reasons but the most important being she still couldn't figure out what sort of King he would make. That worried her a bit since she swore to the Galaxy's Monarch she had the situation under control. Would he be a monarch worthy of taking into her mother's coveted Alliance? She settled in front of her vanity and let out another breath before she waved her hand in front of the three mirrors. Immediately they sprang to life as information and photos flashed before her eyes. Endymion was taking her time and she needed to concentrate on other matters of the galaxy.

The files on her vanity were brought in the morning and she let out a breath, stretching her legs as she picked one up. The Prince of Anuc. She clicked her teeth than tossed the folder to the bottom of the pile. Boring. King and Queen Kunshnet of Calelo. Required a week's worth of time with trivial protocol. She pushed the folder aside and glanced at the next one, looking up into her database at the photos that floated before her vision.

"You look hard at work," a voice mused above her shoulders and Serenity let out a breath, quickly trying to keep her composure at the interruption. "A very intricate database. I am impressed," Endymion's voice was smooth over her and she wondered how in the galaxy her maids just let him into her quarters. Did not anyone care for proprietary any more? "I've read about Calelo. I heard is it very beautiful," he mentioned and she glanced up at him.

"It is," she began and a small smile tugged at her lips. "It actually reminds me a lot of Earth," she offered and he took her in, watching her get a bit lost in the memory of her travels.

"How so?" He asked gently. She grinned a bit and glanced up at him, her shoulder shrugging delicately.

"It has so many colors," she answered honestly and his eyebrows rose at her.

"I'm not sure how you can live with so many colors," she confessed and he suddenly realized they were having a real conversation. "I guess growing up with it, it would not be so overwhelming."

"Perhaps you just need more time with them. I'm sure Calelo and Earth would be blessed to have you study it," he offered and her lips pressed together with amusement.

"Not sure on that latter one. Last I checked I was a kill on site there," she snarked and he had the decency to look a bit chagrinned. "We dangerous aliens and all that."
"Well, I did just walk in on you with an extensive database of our neighboring systems," he retaliated and her eyes narrowed curiously at him.

"You know our neighboring systems?"

"Just because I do not go there does not mean I do not wish to," he admitted. "I find other worlds fascinating and rich in culture I do not have enough lifetimes to study," he confessed and her back straightened a bit realizing their conversation had veered off course. They were talking like old friends and he wasn't a friend. He was a conquest.

"I'm sure we could talk for days of intergalactic travel but I feel that isn't why you have broken into my rooms yet again," she mused with a raised eyebrow, her finger subtly moving her robe off of her thigh to expose it before the Prince. Gently he leaned down, moving a strand of hair away from her neck before he brought his lips to her soft flesh.

"As much as I would enjoy the former conversation I did indeed come to bring you a gift," he breathed against her skin and Serenity's lips curled upward as she pushed a button on her vanity and all of her information left the mirrors returning to just her reflection and not her conquests. He stood from her and dropped a stack of papers on top of her folders. She raised an eyebrow at the intrusion.

"A treaty already? I am unsure whether to be impressed with myself or disappointed in you," Serenity said suddenly than immediately regretted her words. It would be wonderful it was a treaty. That was what she was after. Endymion smiled down at her and Serenity turned from him trying to keep a scowl off of her face.

"I am afraid it is not a treaty Princess but something else you want. This is proof about who I am and what kind of King I will be when I take the throne. It is a new copy of our planet's constitution with a few modifications I have been making over the years. You've earned my respect so I think you will be able to comprehend all of it quite clearly and perhaps with a perspective I might find worth listening to. Although if our conquest continues as it does after you read this perhaps it will prove you are in this little conquest for more than a treaty," he mused turning to walk away from her. She stared at the papers than stood turning to him.

"What a fanciful thought Prince. One that no doubt would greatly stroke your ego for years. Yet if I continue this conquest it would only mean you had more to learn than I previously thought," she hissed at him and Endymion shook his head softly.

"My conquests are my own and no one else's. Only I would have the supreme pleasure of knowing I conquered you. A gentleman as they say, never kiss and tell," he mused over his shoulder and she let out a breath. Two could play this game.

"Well, then what can I do but thank you Highness? You have seemed to save me quite a lot of effort and time with this. I just only hope it is as good as you say," she commented effortlessly picking up the parchment. "I do have more pressing engagements after all," she remarked with a sight upturned smirk and he stilled and glanced over his shoulder at her.

"I figured so yet do not be so upset Seren. I am sure there is much more we can learn from each other. I still have yet to find that small heart of yours and break it into tiny pieces," he mused with a tip of his head and Serenity wanted to rip his head off.

"How kind, I will try to prepare myself accordingly," she mocked with a bow and Endymion left, letting her anger stew as she grabbed a small vase of flowers and hurled it across the room. Insufferable man! She hated to be baited. Quickly a maid rushed in and Serenity ignored her as she spun grabbing the papers. In a few moments she could learn if this was a giant waste of time. It would please the council well to know the heir to the Earthen throne was capable of leading. As she skimmed the document she felt something grow within her. She wanted him to be flawed. Wanted these documents to reek with error. She was not done with him and he only made her more inflamed to teach him a lesson. As her eyes absorbed the words she suddenly gulped flipping through the pages. She noticed pen marks and elegant handwriting throughout with small changes but not nearly enough in her opinion. She glanced up suddenly at the door he had left through. Surely he could not be this… horrid. She fell to her chair and continued to stare at the door. He had to be lying. He was trying to break her. Clearly she could see it now… trying to make her look like she needed him, desired him… Hardly. Her fingers gripped the papers and she hissed. Her work was far from over. He had much to learn indeed and after she had changed his viewpoints and made him worthy of the throne she would in turn break his heart into tiny little pieces. Him break hers… She laughed to herself as she stood to get ready for the day.

"Good luck finding it," she spat into the air, then turned to vanish into her boudoir.

Her gown flowed gracefully around her as she made her way down the halls. It took her but a second to find her cousin and without having to look she found the door and stepped gracefully inside. Her fingers clung to the papers he had given her and she was albeit a bit surprised. Thus, why she needed someone to speak to. As she walked quietly across the living quarters she stepped into the open sleeping chamber and let out a breath spying the two bodies wrapped around each other asleep before her. She clicked her heel on the floor and immediately both woke up, their battle senses alert as Minet's body tried to uncurl her form from around him.

"Honestly you two," her voice chided and Minet's face went immediately from on guard to amusement as she settled happily back into the General's arms. "I hope your Prince is not looking for you General," Serenity hissed walking around the bed to stare at them. She gulped slightly. This was a breach in every seductive protocol Artemis had taught them. She could only imagine the anger he would feel at his best's actions. It hit Serenity though in the pit of her stomach. Minet must love him… or extremely trust him and in her book that was the same thing almost.

"He has already spoken with us," Minet mumbled, her eyes closed contently and Serenity tossed the papers on the bed.

"You cannot let them be like you," Serenity suddenly said as she looked at her most trusted companion. "They are not as strong as us. If this treaty goes south and they have fallen for them I am not sure if we could mend their broken hearts," Serenity said quietly, her voice taking on a serious edge and Minet's eyes opened and she sat up slowly, pulling the sheets around her frame. "I need them to conquer and distract, not fall in love," she breathed and Minet nodded, the thoughts of her warriors being broken by a man did not please her one bit.

"Knowing my Generals your highness I cannot imagine any of your warriors falling for them," Kunzite replied with a bow of his head before he left the confines of the mattress to go and change. Serenity let out a breath and sat on the bed before her cousin and Minet glanced at her with an almost guilty expression.

"We are allowed to fall in love are we not Serenity?" She breathed and Serenity felt the turmoil within her beloved relative and she nodded quickly taking her hand.

"Yes, of course you are Minet. And it is my deepest desire before I take the throne to see you all fall in love and thrive so that your kingdoms can live on," she breathed and Minet let out a breath and leaned forward, Serenity quickly taking her in her arms. "I have read his constitution. He has much to learn. Minet I do not think I can fix him. What if he becomes like his Father just because that is the only thing he knows?" She breathed and Minet pulled back to look at her. She could see the anguish on her Princess's face.

"Do not show anguish for me Princess," Minet snapped as she quickly threw the covers back and before her feet touched the floor her uniform was once again on her slim body.

"Minet… you love him," she breathed with almost pity as she looked at her first in command. "What if I cannot seal this treaty? What if I cannot secure him for you?" She whispered, the pain in her voice evident at failing. Minet spun on her heel, her eyes intense.

"You need not worry about me Serenity. I know my duty and my position," she stated calmly with a bit of an edge and Serenity picked up the papers once more as Kunzite re-entered the room.

"He is not as bad as you think he is your Highness. He truly will save us all," he breathed walking before them. She glanced at the head General than let out a breath as she stood from the bed.

"If you hurt her General Kunzite I will have you killed in the most excruciating way I can think of and I will not lose sleep in the least over it or be worried if it starts a war," she hissed as she stormed past him to the exit. Kunzite nodded solemnly as she passed.

"I shall keep that in mind your highness," he breathed and his eyes flickered up to take in the form of Senshi Venus, completely composed and ready for battle. She quickly followed after her Princess but pulled back at the last second, grabbing onto his arm and he wrapped his hands around her, pulling her close. She kissed him fiercely as she held his head close to hers.

"I know my duty and my position," she breathed heatedly to him and he let out a curt nod.

"As do I love," he breathed back and she gulped than let go, following her Princess out of the room. Serenity had made an excellent point. He and Minet were one of a kind. If torn apart by this treaty they would probably live… they would love each other till they died yet would put their duty always first. That is how they were and how they would always be. His Generals on the other hand… Quickly he walked out of the room. He would have to talk to his Prince about this.

Endymion stalked the room quietly staring out at the luminous surroundings through the windows. The moon was truly glorious… as was reflected by its monarchy. King Fergal without a doubt had earned his respect and even this Alliance deal of Queen Selenity was beginning to grow on him. Still he could do nothing with his father on the throne. He let out a breath. He could do nothing other than wait. It was foretold and things were already set in motion. He was a bit surprised at how fast things were unraveling. His gaze fell to the floor and he let out a breath. Serenity by far was the greatest surprise. She was headstrong and seriously a challenge. She would not bend easily to his will and the more he thought about it the more he would not want her to. If she was who she was rumored to be… she had better be the hardest catch he had ever worked for. If she fell to his charms he would almost be insulted. He wanted the challenge and daily she proved her intelligence and something he had not seen from any Princess in his existence, true care and love for her people. She was a diplomat, tried and true. If he ever had a daughter he would hope in the very least she had Serenity's strong convictions for peace and her mentality. Perhaps less of the seducing element though. Footfalls echoed through the room and he pressed his lips together and turned to the new occupant.

"Your Majesty," Kunzite bowed and Endymion smirked a bit at his trusted General.

"Good Morning?" He inquired and Kunzite made no visible expression as he moved to stand beside his Prince, their gaze once again falling out of the window.

"Not unlike any other," Kunzite replied easily and Endymion smirked. "When her highness crashed the party, I am afraid it did end abruptly though," Endymion turned to glance at him and he nodded.

"Well after I stirred her this morning I am sure she was adamant about finding her trusted advisor," Endymion replied, finally turning away from the tranquil landscape of the moon before him to the oak and marble room.

"What do you mean your Highness?" Kunzite asked following him and Endymion couldn't hide the smirk that littered his features.
"I am testing her and possibly provoking her to the point of explosion. Today I dropped off a copy of my Father's corrupt constitution on her desk and told her it was my work in progress of what I intended when I took the throne. That should make her head spin for a few hours before she completely looses her composure and labels me as the worst in her acquaintance as well as the most in need of her help," Endymion mumbled and Kunzite couldn't stop his lips from turning upwards.

"That would certainly explain her reservations this morning yet sire, would this not prolong your affair with her? Obviously she is attracted to your charms," Kunzite baited and Endymion took a seat casually, that thought churning in his mind.

"It has become something else Kunzite. I think conquering her completely mind and body would be more of a challenge. One I am up to. One she obviously needs. If our affair ended today she would learn nothing and the poor bastard who finally tied her down would forever be doomed to live under her instead of with her as her equal," he mused calmly and Kunzite glanced at his Prince and than looked away, not wanting to dwell on that statement.

"Sire, I do believe it would be difficult for anyone to equal her," he replied quietly and Endymion glanced up at him and smiled a slight sad smile.

"I agree. Which is probably why I am trying to help make her ready for an equal," he said standing and Kunzite looked down with amusement.

"Do you like her sire?" He asked honestly and Endymion walked to a table and poured himself a small glass of the amber liquid that rested there. A gift from the moon for their comfort.

"Like… Kunzite I am ashamed of you for thinking that of me. Though I do respect her. If we were not who we were perhaps we could have been great friends. But since we are who we are, we cannot stop what has been set in motion or what she and I do," Endymion mumbled bringing the glass to his lips.

"And what is it you and she do your highness?" Kunzite inquired gently taking the glass from his Prince.

"Cause havoc for those around us," Endymion mumbled and than turned from his General. He had negotiations to get to.

He loved taking in her image. He adored doing it more in person but sometimes just the look of her caused him great comfort.

"I am only across the planet you know," his wife's voice mused in his ears and he felt a grin form on his lips.

"I may be home on time my love. Endymion's proposal was actually worth noting. He may be as good as we all hope for him to be," he grinned and Selenity leaned forward uncharacteristically to admire his frame. Fergal felt her outpour of love for him and he wanted to drown in it.

"Yes, I hope daily my daughter sees that as well. It will give the rest of the Alliance much ease," she responded, her eyes digging into her husband's. She always found it amusing how they could almost seem to make love just with their eyes. Suddenly Fergal straightened and a smirk fell to his lips. She straightened as well as her eyebrow rose curiously.

"Speaking of our daughter," he mused and Selenity looked nervous. Suddenly the doors to his chambers opened and Fergal let out a breath glancing over his shoulder to encounter their personal advisors.

"Our apologies for interrupting," Artemis whispered with an eloquent bow and Fergal glanced back at his wife who could only smirk.

"I am afraid we come baring a delay in today's proceedings. We are exceedingly apologetic," Lunar breathed with a bow and Fergal pressed his lips together.

"What has occurred?" Selenity asked quietly and Artemis could not help the small smile that came to his lips.

"I am afraid King Fergal must depart for a few days," he replied regally and Fergal sat up.

"Will I?" He mused than glanced at his wife's image that looked upon him with a raised eyebrow. "Seems I may see you sooner than I hoped," he breathed and a tremor of excitement rushed through Selenity at that thought. Lunar let out a breath and bowed her head, a smile on her lips.

"Not unless she is traveling to the sun with you. You are to handle a land dispute that could not be delayed," she breathed and Fergal's expression immediately fell.

"How trite," he snapped than let out a curse. One only the three in the room would get since they had heard it from him before, not many knew the ancient sun language after all. "Till later my love," he breathed before he blew a kiss her way and she nodded, the transmission ending. "Leaving my daughter alone with her new Conquest seems almost planned," Fergal mused quietly standing and Lunar bowed her head.

"We shall keep an eye on her for you sire," she whispered and Fergal shot her a look as he pulled on his jacket.

"I am sure you will. Let us tell them the good news," he mused with a slight twinkle in his eyes and the Mau advisors glanced at each other, a smirk forming on their lips as they followed their king out.

"Ah Father," Serenity greeted as she caught him in the hall. She was on her way to speak with her warriors to hear their progress before the next round of negotiations.

"Just who I wanted to see," Fergal smiled approaching her. She opened her arms and grinned up at him.

"I would sincerely hope so," she mused as he pulled her into his arms.

"You wished to see me your highness?" A male voice broke the intimate moment and Serenity glanced up and caught cobalt eyes that were staring into her own. Her father and she separated as they turned to the young Prince.

"Yes. My deepest apologies Prince Endymion but I am afraid I must put this negotiation on hold for a few days. A dispute has occurred on my home planet that cannot wait another second," Fergal responded solemnly with a bow and Serenity's eyes widened a bit at this new development. Was there something wrong on the sun? She glanced to Lunar quickly, trying to read her mind to the situation and its severity. She only felt soothing vibes from her advisor and her brow furrowed in curiosity. She stepped closer to her father, ready to leave at a moment's notice if truly something was wrong on her beloved neighbor planet. "In my absence please accept my daughter's hospitality. This treaty is important to us and I can think of no one else I trust it with than her capable hands. She will be at your service," Fergal said calmly and Serenity faltered and lifted an eyebrow at her father.

"Will I?" She breathed composed and Fergal had to stop the smirk that wanted to travel to his lips. She was so much like him and he knew Artemis and Lunar were thinking exactly the same thing. "Of course, father," she breathed with a small smile as she bowed before him. "My pleasure," she mused stepping forward as she gently placed a kiss on her father's cheek. Fergal smiled down upon her as she turned taking a step back to stand beside Endymion. "I have nothing else apparently worth doing," she hissed under her breath and Endymion's gaze fell away from her as a smirk covered his lips. He glanced up to be pierced by Fergal's gaze.

"Again, a thousand apologies your highness for this small setback," Fergal announced and Endymion nodded.

"I completely understand and await your return. Any excuse to be out of my father's presence and causes him more stress is my pleasure," Endymion responded with a respectful bow and Fergal let his tiers curl up in a smile.

"Of course," he mused and stepped forward gently kissing his daughter's head, a smile lighting her features. "Be good. Do not do anything I would not do," he whispered and Endymion glanced at them, a pang slightly hitting him remembering his own relationship like that with his mother. He quickly pushed that thought away. Fergal stepped away and nodded to them both, Artemis carrying his bag as they turned towards the transport.

"Well that leaves much to be explored," Serenity mused and Fergal glanced over his shoulder at her and she winked. She let out a sigh as his presence left her.

"He loves you very much," Endymion mumbled quietly as they both stared at the spot the Sun King once stood.

"Every day I wonder how he could," she mused quietly and he smiled to her as his gaze turned to take in her forlorn look at her father's absence.

"I wonder the same," he mused before turning on his heel. Serenity snapped out of her reverie and her eyes lit up with laughter as she spun to face the Prince.

"Yes, well one day you will not my Prince," she said with great amusement as he walked away. He smirked and waved a hand at her as if dismissing her comment and she shook her head and turned to walk the other direction when she came face to face with deep red eyes.

"Do you have anything to catch me up on?" Lunar asked softly and Serenity's lips curled upwards.

"Oh much."

"That was a new development," Kunzite mused quietly as he fell in step with his master. Endymion cast him a glance.

"Yes. How expected. How are your men holding up to their part?" He inquired as they turned the hall towards his quarters.

"I was meaning to speak with you about that sir," Kunzite began and Endymion's pace slowed as Kunzite's uneasiness began to flow into his mind.

"What are your concerns?" He asked quietly, knowing around the corner the rest of his detail were waiting for him.

"It was actually a concern the Princess herself brought up this morning. Her warriors are not use to seducing and leaving, she expressed deep concern if a real relationship were to form out of this chase," Kunzite trailed off and Endymion let that thought simmer.

"Especially if we cannot forge an Alliance," he said dreadfully as the thought of three depressed generals and three lovesick warriors came into his mind. "Does that woman ever think of herself?" He breathed as he continued walking, Kunzite beside him.

"I admire her sir. She truly cares for her girls and her people. She does not wish them to ever be put in a situation they could be heartbroken. She threatened me within an inch of my life this morning if I were to ever hurt her guard," Kunzite mused with a small smile and they turned the corner, three expectant faces watching them as they approached.

"How unladylike," Endymion mused. "But seriously if her warriors are anything like her in intelligence and stature I doubt they would succumb to these men's charms," Endymion slighted and Zoicite's jaw dropped.

"How unfavorable my Prince," he responded as Jedeite opened the door for them and they walked into the study appointed for him. "I will have you know I have more than piqued Mercury's interest, I should have her by the end of the week," Zoicite smiled and Endymion turned to look at him, Kunzite's warning ringing in his head.

"Yes, but what will you do with her once you have her?" He questioned, his eyebrow raised and Zoicite's eyes widened a bit.

"Sire, how inappropriate to say," he said with a slight blush and Endymion smirked turning away from him.

"Do you wish us to not pursue them sire?" Nephrite asked calmly, thoughts of Jupiter quickly flying to his head as the shock still somewhat stung in his system.
"Kunzite just brought up an excellent point. These are warriors not lovers. Unlike me you are to distract them, not make them fall in love with you. Serenity will have no qualms starting a war killing you if you dare hurt any of these women," Endymion mumbled when a beep was heard throughout the room.

"Our desire is not to have them fall in love with us sire. Just to crush them," Nephrite mused with a small grin and Endymion smirked at him. "She deserves it sire. She wanted to play this game."

"She electrocuted him," Kunzite filled in and Endymion's eyes widened with amusement.

"An incoming call from Earth Sire," Zoicite informed and Endymion cast a disgusted glance his way.

"Accept," he growled moving towards the comm. unit. As he settled into his chair his father's face appeared before him and Endymion visibly scowled.

"Endymion why are you still there?" Duucan huffed, his face looking rounder than Endymion remembered.

"The Negotiations have not finished. It was near impossible while Osric was here. I am surprised he was not killed for his hostility and unwillingness to play nice," Endymion snapped and Duucan's eyes narrowed.

"Ah yes. Osric arrived at the palace today," he mused and Endymion glanced towards Jedeite who held no visible expression. Jedeite had dropped the advisor off at least four days ago. "Seems he was dropped off in the wrong quadrant. You are deterring from my plan. I knew the Lunarians would use their magical powers on you. I demand a disarmament from them immediately," Duucan hissed and Endymion huffed.

"Father you are the one aiming weapons at them. I have spent the last few days assuring them we would not fire on them for no reason," he growled and Duucan's eyes widened with horror.

"No reason? They are witches out to kill us. Have you not read the prophecy? You fool. Osric has reported badly to me of your behavior there and I need reassurance you will do what I desire and I desire to have the Lunarians under our thumb. They are too devious to be trusted," Duucan bellowed and Endymion stiffened in his chair.

"Firstly, father I believe I have made it abundantly clear on numerous occasions that I will never do what you desire. Secondly there is no way you will ever have one of the most powerful planets under your thumb. All I have learned from this negotiation are that they are more trustworthy than you."

"Do not play games child! Do you not care about the fate of your people?" Duucan accused, his beasty eyes narrowing upon the insufferable brat he called his son. Perhaps he should have killed him when he was in his crib. Endymion almost half-rose from his chair at that statement.

"Do not question my loyalty sir. I am the only one who cares for them! What I am doing here is for them and certainly not for you! You are a disgrace to the crown," Endymion hissed, anger vibrating through his voice followed quickly by hate.

"Say what you want of me boy but I still have the crown. I demand you put a marriage clause in that treaty. I have heard their Princess Serenititus or whatever is favorable in looks. I demand she be part of the deal. Marriage is one of the only ways to secure peace," Duucan said sternly, his portly stature attempting to look sophisticated and in charge. Endymion gripped on to the arm of his chair. Nephrite raised an eyebrow at Kunzite as the four Generals stood placid in the room. If he had been on the same planet as Duucan he would have killed him where he stood, damn the consequences.

"The Moon does not believe in arranged marriages for peace father and neither do I. I will not offer myself or her to a marriage we may not enjoy all because you are too stubborn and too foolish to be an adult and strike a treaty. I will strike whatever treaty I see fit. I am here doing it father, not you and my interest does not cater to your delusions of grandeur and immature nightmares of a people that do not exist. The Moon is worthy of our respect and out of sheer hatred for you I will cement with them a contract you will never be able to break. Do not dare impose upon my life or on their Princess's ever again father or you may lose your own," Endymion snapped and his hand slammed on the end transmission button and his father's horrified image fizzled away. There was silence in the room as all tried to take in what their Prince had just done. Kunzite could feel his anger from across the room as it bounced along the walls. The silence was so thick that when Endymion sucked in a breath they almost heard it fill his lungs.

"My offer to kill him still stands," Jedeite hissed suddenly and Kunzite shot him a look. Endymion stood and let the breath out, using every piece of maturity he had to compose himself. Easily he could take up Jedeite's offer. He truly was the only one keeping Duucan on the throne. His mother had taught him well and when his father died he wanted every thought of him to die. If he had him killed… his father would live on in his conscious. He was different than his father. He refused to be a barbarian that kills his own family to take the throne. Even if his people begged him to do it.

"I will not stoop to his level," Endymion breathed as he walked quietly towards the door. He needed to get out of here. He needed a distraction. He stopped before Jedeite and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I appreciate the offer though," he sighed and Jedeite bowed his head. Silently they turned and watched him storm out of the room.

"He likes her doesn't he?" Nephrite grumbled as he glanced at their leader.

"Like and love are totally different emotions. I think he respects her and perhaps the thought of her being forced to endure something like his life… he wishes upon no one," Kunzite replied calmly as he glanced at the three men before them.

"What if Princess Serenity is as good as she says she is. What if she does the impossible and he falls in love with her?" Jedeite asked crossing his arms across his chest. "We will be trapped with those warriors forever."
"Do not sulk because your warrior does not know you exist," Nephrite smirked. "As well you must have forgotten the prophecy or you would know the answer to that question."

"That prophecy is so vague. I think our Prince wants his own destiny, not something ruled and decided for him," Jedeite hissed than turned slanted eyes to Nephrite. "I have also only just begun with Mars. When I am finished with her she will never forget me and possibly cry for me for the rest of her miserable existence,"

"Perhaps she will teach you a thing or to. Like how to smile," Kunzite mumbled as he passed his General towards the door.

"I know how to smile," Jedeite growled with a slight whine and Nephrite and Zoicite let out a chuckle.

"I think he meant he hoped Mars brought some joy to your life so you can stop being a cynic," Zoicite commented as he followed his leader out of the door. Jedeite narrowed his eyes towards his co-hort and watched as they filed out of the room.

"I doubt she could bring joy to anything," he snapped following after them.

Well... what did you think? Let me know! I'll be out of town for the weekend so I look forward to having my inbox full!

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Have a blessed weekend!

Marronett