She fidgeted. Another nervous breath. She never did well in these situations. Standing at attention for hours… that was fun. Pretending to be a lost Princess and smile at strangers… not so much.

Serenity slid gracefully two feet to her left until her shoulder was gently pressed against the Princess of Jupiter's. Deep brown eyes turned thankfully to her friend and Serenity smiled at her as they took in the vast ballroom before them.

"Is it silly to say I miss my uniform?" Litelle whispered quietly, her head dipping and Serenity shook her head, gently intertwining her fingers with her dear friend.

"Well, it is probably easier for General Nephlite to get off so I imagine you would prefer it more at the moment," she whispered and laughter finally floated from the Jupiter native.

"Oh one of my favorite sounds," King Jaron suddenly cooed to their left and Litelle softened at his expression. "My girls… tell me the truth, am I old?" He questioned and Serenity smiled charmingly at him as Litelle moved easily into his arms. "I am, you can tell me," he sighed kissing his daughter's temple. "My first born is off saving the galaxies and now my baby girl… off to be married and will soon replace me as Queen," he let out another dramatic sigh. "Then she will be your problem and no longer mine," he winked at Serenity and Serenity bowed her head respectfully.

"Why do you think I started this Peace Committee sire?" She joked and he laughed jovially. He turned towards the winding down ballroom and knew the real festivities were about to begin… but as he had stated already, he was getting old. What would happen now would be for the generation behind him.

"Darling, try not to get in as much trouble tonight as your mother did during her hen party," King Jaron smiled and immediately Litelle's cheeks burned pink.

"Trouble sire?" Serenity suddenly inquired and Litelle's cute embarrassment suddenly shifted to horror as she turned to her beloved Princess.

"Oh no… Serenity, I forgot to…"

"Princess, did you not do your homework on Jupiter's pre-betrothment customs?" A male voice cut into their conversation and Litelle just continued to look at her Princess with great guilt and apprehension. Serenity turned her blue gaze to Endymion's and could see the laughter there and something started to form in the pit of her stomach.

"Don't worry, I won't tell your mother," King Jaron said with a wink and Serenity's eyes widened in horror. She watched the King skitter away and Endymion gently placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing encouragingly.

"Are you going to throw up? I could hold out my cape for you," he offered and she swatted his hand away quickly, turning to face him.

"Would you let your dear friend walk into a pit of lions?" her voice was quiet and tense and he resisted the urge to cup her face to comfort that stress wrinkle that suddenly appeared on her usually smooth forehead. She genuinely looked panicked.

"Who says we are dear friends?" His voice lowered sweetly and her eyes looked at him tolerantly. His smile broadened on his face as he took a small step closer to her. "I wouldn't worry… you lost your virtue long ago so this should be nothing," he whispered with a soft wink and her panic turned quickly into amused annoyance at the smirking man.

"We should really talk," Litelle whispered suddenly and Serenity shot her guardian a look. "I could tell them you are sick," she offered politely and Endymion smirked leaning towards her.

"Yes, that would be wise… I'm not really sure you have the stamina for what is next, and trust me dear friend… I know all about your stamina," his taunting voice floated across her neck and sent a shiver down her spine. When her gaze slowly turned from Litelle to him he couldn't stop the giant smirk that formed on his lips at the sheer determination displayed in her eyes. Her deep cerulean eyes blinked once teasingly at him as her lips curled upwards slightly. Damn… that woman had a stare that would melt any cold man's heart. He regretted deeply they were in public at the moment…

"I would not jest about my stamina young Prince… I've knocked you out many a times," she whispered with a small wink than turned, grabbing onto Litelle's elbow and leading her away to indeed talk about this, "Hen Party".

Endymion smirked watching her retreat and he sucked in a satisfied breath.

"Endymion is it not?" A voice said suddenly to his right and he turned and grinned holding out his hand.

"Prince Agran, a pleasure. Congratulations on your impending nuptials," he greeted and the young Prince nodded with excitement, his evident ardor for the young Princess Jara written all over his face. The man practically glowed.

"I am so pleased you could attend, I must confess I have always liked Earth. It is such an interesting planet… it's biological makeup is nothing short of truly artistic beauty at it's finest," Agran smiled and Endymion was struck by his sincerity.

"That is so kind of you to say, I am greatly partial to it myself," Endymion smiled and Agran nodded.

"Thank you for accepting my invitation, I was delighted to have another man here who was not personally involved with this planet's traditions," he began to rattle. "While I think they are amazing and truly special… it is still an adjustment to learn an entire new world's customs," he said with a steady breath and Endymion nodded, gently clapping him on the shoulder.

"Yes, try learning nine in the short span of five months…" Endymion teased and Agran grinned up at him. "You are doing admirably. I am thankful for the invite and will happily stand by your side this evening… no matter what they throw at us," Endymion smirked and Agran nodded.

"I'm kind of hoping it's Jara…" he joked and than shrugged helplessly. "Can't help it though… the minute I met her, she infected me you know?" He began and Endymion tilted his head curiously towards him at that. "Not very romantic but nothing else could describe it… she began to take me over and while like a virus we try and fight it I never wanted to… I gave in willingly and I have never been more happy in my existence," he took a deep breath and Endymion just basked in this man's glow about his bride. "She makes me want to be a grand King for her," he finished and Endymion smiled softly at him.

"Great women have that affect," he whispered and Agran let out a small chuckle.

"I know many great women Endymion… but only one has made me want to be a better man for her," he confirmed and Endymion slowly nodded, those words settling on him. "Shall we go and sow our wild oats?" he questioned motioning to his left and Endymion nodded.

"Indeed we shall," he agreed and both men left, the ballroom slowly empting as well as the real festivities were about to begin.

Her hands felt around messily at the marble walls as she tried to remember how many doors down her room was. She hiccupped suddenly that caused a small riot of giggles to erupt within her. She covered her mouth quickly and fell against the wall, a smile spreading across her tiers as she tried to keep her head from swimming. She should have known better… Darn her for rising to Endymion's baiting… ghastly man. His image floated in front of her and she smirked a bit. Well, not terribly ghastly… She giggled once more and let out a deep breath. What time was it? Her hand messily rubbed at her eyes as if it would help them focus. It didn't, but a little blurry vision was worth it for seeing the laughter on her warriors' faces this evening. Or was it morning? Or evening again? Oh dear…

"Are you lost?" A voice said beside her and Serenity's head lolled to the side and her blurry cobalt eyes met another pair and she hiccupped again.

"If I tell you yes… will you think badly of me?" She whispered with a soft giggle as her hand reached out for him. Immediately he clasped it and pulled her into his embrace.

"After all I saw you consume this evening I am amazed you made it this far," he breathed across her neck and she blinked up at him.

"You were watching?"

"Darling… you were dancing drunk half naked around a fire. I think the entire male population of this planet was watching you and your warriors," his lips curled up in a smirk and Serenity scrunched her face up unflatteringly. He imagined if she used foul language she would use it now.

"Oh I shall kill Jupiter," she breathed, her fingers splaying across her facial features and Endymion gently removed them pulling her back up against him.

"Aw… my sweet little lush," he whispered against her lips and she giggled before reaching up and capturing them greedily. Her body messily pressed against his with urgency and he smirked trying to stop his laughter as her hands roamed his torso clumsily. He pulled her away delicately and her eyes rose to meet his. "How about we find that room?" He cooed and Serenity giggled with a nod as he bent down and scooped her up quickly.
"You will not tell Luna will you?" She whispered a bit loudly into his ear and he shook his head with a smirk as he carried her towards her quarters.

"Not tonight. Though maybe later if you ever try and do me harm," he hissed and Serenity let out a dramatic gasp and frowned at him.

"How rude of you," she spat and he chuckled lightly as he found the right room and quickly entered, closing the doors behind them.

"Where are your guardians love?" He breathed as he sat her gently on her bed. He turned her towards him and began to undo the fastenings of her ceremonial garb. It had few fasteners and very little fabric. It was barbaric and primal yet intoxicating in its simplicity… Not much was left to the imagination from the two small scraps of clothing that covered her chest and around her waist.

"I think they are sleeping with yours," she giggled as her eyes looked down at what his fingers are doing. "Am I going to be sleeping with you?" She inquired suggestively and he raised an eyebrow at her inebriated frame.

"Do you enjoy sleeping with me Seren?" He whispered huskily into her ear and Serenity let out a breath, her frame reacting to his instantly.

"I have never slept with anyone except my guardians. I do not trust any man to sleep beside me. It will make him think he owns me and no one owns me," she breathed airily and Endymion nodded as he gently pulled her top from her features. He crossed over to her bathing room and pulled out a simple night shift. She teetered a bit on the bed and his hand steadied her before she fell. "Do you let women sleep in your bed Endy?" She inquired suddenly and Endymion glanced at her and than gently shook his head.

"No. I am afraid you and I have the same rule. I fear if a woman had that honor I would awake in the morning to find her planning our wedding and her rule as Queen," he grumbled, turned off at the thought as he delicately pulled the shift over the silver haired goddess. She looked thoughtful for a moment and he couldn't stop the adoring smile across his face to her for anything in the galaxy. "Why so confused love?"
"So… where do you sleep with them then?" She asked curiously and he bent forward his lips gently touching her nose in a sweet kiss.

"There are many positions that are not limited to beds Seren, have I not taught you that young Princess?" he breathed across her cheek and a fierce blush took over her face as a giggle left her mouth. "Plus there are enough rooms in my castle that let me keep one completely to myself," he whispered and she nodded, pleased with this idea no doubt having it in effect herself. Gently he reached under her and pulled the covers down and her arms wrapped around his neck as he lowered her into the soft confines of the bed. Her arms fell away as she sleepily settled in yet one of her small hands grasped his gently.

"Stay with me till I fall asleep?" She asked sleepily, her eyes already half closed. Gently he knelt beside her bed and pushed her hair away from her flushed features.

"Of course," he breathed, his lips brushing her knuckles lovingly as he watched her slow decent into sleep land. Her breathing evened out and he couldn't stop himself from touching her face reverently. "I think I would break all my rules for you Seren…" He whispered quietly against her knuckles. She shifted and snuggled more into her pillow, a smile crossing her lips and he smirked at her.

"I am sure I have already broken many," she breathed into the feather pillow and he kissed her cheek quickly.

"Good," he teased and she giggled before sleep finally took her.

She tried to open her eyes when a jarring pain slammed into her skull. A groan left her lips as her hand tried to rush to her head as if to silence the pain. She felt her frame lifted to a sitting position and her eyes blinked open groggily, the pain in her head trying to subside. When her blue eyes focused her face shifted into confusion at the face that was before her.

"Endy?" She breathed and his tiers curled upwards, his arm supporting her as he put a goblet of water at her lips. He made her drink it and she gulped the liquid, her eyes never leaving his. Finally she pushed it away and sucked in a breath trying to steady herself but her head was pounding. "Did you sleep here?" She breathed out and he smirked at her placing the goblet back at her lips forcing her to drink more.

"Stars no. You snore remember?" He said jovially and she pushed the glass away, a smirk falling on her lips as she shook her head. "Do you remember any of last night?" He asked a bit softer as his hand cradled the side of her head. She leaned into his hand and closed her eyes, his touch making her head still for a moment.

"Fragments. I did not sign over my kingdom or the Alliance to you did I?" She asked and he chuckled a bit.

"No, but now I am wishing I would have thought of that," he said and her eyes opened as she heard him place the goblet on a table beside the bed. Her memories were coming back to her now. She and her guardians were having a bit too much fun… "That is an interesting way to put it," he mused and Serenity narrowed her eyes at him.

"How can you read my mind when you detest it when I read yours?" She spat at him and he grinned pulling her a bit closer to him, his hand gently caressing her cheek.

"I am hoping to catch your declaration of love for me one day so I can win this conquest once and for all," he whispered and she let out a slight laugh, her fingers reaching up to play with his tunic.

"Good luck listening then," she breathed and he scooted a bit more on the bed, allowing her to lean forward and lay her head on his shoulder, his fingers soothing her as they ran along her spine and across the fabric of her night clothes. She blinked and stared at her apparel. "You took care of me after did you?" She asked with a raised eyebrow and he grinned.

"Well, I could not let Lunar discover you had drank all your decency and protocol away," he mumbled to her and Serenity let out a low giggle falling back into his arms. True. Lunar would skin her. She sighed into his shoulder, her arms wrapping around his waist as his fingers ran through her hair. "Is that sort of party customary for intended brides?" She shot a glance towards him and blushed a bit remembering the party.

"I think it is only an Amazon custom for this planet," she mumbled leaning her cheek against his shoulder.

"So you will not have one before your marriage Seren?" He questioned with a smirk and Serenity pulled back, her frame falling onto the bed and he caught her look of frustration. He enjoyed her like this. Unguarded, herself and not trying to seduce him. If he didn't know better he would assume they were friends. Hell, he felt more comfortable talking to her than anyone he knew. That would at least come in handy when they ruled their separate kingdoms one day.

"I think it unjust for me to marry and my guardians cannot," she breathed and Endymion tilted his head to the side examining her. Her eyes were staring towards the ceiling but they told the truth she felt of that statement.

"An honest answer. I am proud of you Seren," he smiled gently caressing her leg when she pushed herself slowly up. He offered his hand and pulled her to a sitting position.

"If you and I married they could be with your guards and than be happy," she said, her eyes still a bit foggy but slowly becoming clear. He raised an eyebrow at her and sat back a bit. "We could bring peace to our planets… It is extremely logical and beneficial," she rationalized and for a moment Endymion was thinking her serious.

"I do not think I want a marriage that is logical or beneficial unless it has something to do with the happiness of the two people involved," he said sturdily as he rose from the bed. Serenity let out a breath and shook her head. Perhaps she was still a bit intoxicated but having seen her warriors so happy last night and knowing they were forming serious bonds with Endymion's guards it seemed to make perfect sense.

"Do not be so dramatic Endymion. It is not like you have never heard the suggestion that you and I wed. We could make them happy," she breathed and Endymion did not know whether to strangle her for her insensitivity to his and her feelings or commend her that she was willing to sacrifice her happiness for the lives of others. Hell, isn't that what a Prince and Princess were supposed to do anyway?

"Do you think they would be happy if they knew we only married because of them?" He questioned near her bed and Serenity felt frustration well within her. Mostly because she felt out of control of her body but also at the apparent lack of care Endymion must have for their guardians.

"They would be just as so if we were to marry people we hated for a treaty. That is what we are destined for anyway. This is not a fairytale Endymion. We live in the reality that marriage is a tool not a desire," she spat quietly and Endymion took a step towards her.

"Serenity… I will not marry you for a treaty or because you are sacrificing yourself for your friends," he hissed and Serenity glanced away from him. "How can you say marriage is just a tool when you grew up among your parents? Two who married for love and nothing else," he questioned, a bit confused at her sudden coldness on the matter. Though to be honest he had never really discussed marriage with her on any level. She always avoided the subject and dismissed it with a bit of disdain. No wonder… She felt emotion rise within her and she moved to stand.

"Having lived with them I know the reality of the rareness of their situation. You think I did not want that for myself?" She questioned, her eyes catching his and he stilled. "I wanted to be just like them but time has taught me that a love like that for the most powerful and beautiful Princess in the world does not exist. Everyone wants something from me Endymion…" She breathed with the bitterness of someone who had years of experience and he shook his head at her.

"How could you have let them changed you like this? You are stronger than any foolish man's intentions," he snapped at her and she rose from the bed, pulling a robe around her slowly.

"Perhaps now but the knowledge of this truth will not go away over time Endy. You of all people should understand this," she breathed, her voice going softer. She did not want to fight with him. "Besides how can you believe in a marriage of love and happiness when you have lived with your own parents?" She questioned as she walked towards her vanity. A bit clumsily she fell into it and her fingers shakily grabbed the goblet of water there to drink it.

"Because I want to defy everything they did. I want to never have my bride suffer like my mother did at the hand of my father… a man who refused to love her and slept with everyone but her in our kingdom," he hissed walking towards her and she stood, turning to him.

"Than I will make sure you get that Endymion…" She breathed quietly and he let out a breath. "Just do not hold out hope for me that I will," she said slowly bringing the water back up to her lips.

"You do not have to settle," he said gently taking her in his arms and she settled against his chest.

"I hardly think marrying you would be settling," she breathed against him and he let out a chuckle. "I am proud of you that you have not given up on love. How cute," she said with a small smile pulling back to look at him and he pushed her away with narrowed eyes. She smirked falling back into her chair as she placed her goblet down. "Besides I could only give you a female heir and no one wants that," she breathed raising her hands to unpin her hair. Endymion glanced at her with a raised eyebrow.

"What would be wrong with a female heir?" He questioned and Serenity stilled and stared at his reflection in her mirror. "After meeting you Seren I would never doubt the ability of a girl to rule a kingdom," he replied and she smiled softly at his reflection, her hands resting on her vanity table.

"Thank you," she breathed and she felt him approach her.

"How do you even know you will have a girl?" He asked curiously and she glanced up at him, her eyes beginning to glaze with a bit of moisture.

"If only I was just a normal Princess… yet nothing about this galaxy is normal is it?" She questioned and Endymion gave her his full attention, his hand gently intertwining his fingers with hers. "I am of a long lineage of guardians. The strongest in this galaxy and in any other I've looked in… though we may not be warriors my mother and I are the carrier of the Silver Crystal. Have you ever heard of it?"

"Yes, though I must admit I only believed it to be a myth…" He breathed quietly, a bit stunned at this new information.

"Seems like one… unimaginable power, an uncertain destiny… the burden of billions of lives," her eyes dulled a bit and he gently squeezed her fingers. "Only a female of our lineage can carry the crystal. So, it is all we can do. We can have one child, a girl to carry on the lineage and power," she breathed, the burden of her duty evident on her features as she was exposed raw to him. "The power doesn't even make sense. I feel so out of control sometimes… What can I do? What can I not do? There are questions that plague me and I just have to keep busy or I'll go insane…" She laughed a bit to try and sooth the conversation and he shook his head sadly at her, compassion shining for her in his eyes. Silently her eyes fell to her hands and gently he knelt beside her. He reached up and covered her hand and she glanced at him. "I would not want her to be me. To have the weight of the world on her shoulders knowing that if something happened only she could save the galaxy. Endy you would not want a daughter like that… who could protect her? Who would love her?" She breathed a small tear escaping and Endymion reached up gently wiping it away before it hit her cheek.

"We would find her a great husband… only the best for our daughter," he breathed and Serenity let out an unbelieving laugh, her hand gently going over his at her cheek. "Of course I doubt there would be a better man than I so we may have to train one," he mused to himself and Serenity let out a giggle.

"Do not worry… We will not marry each other remember? Our little princess will never exist," she breathed in a bit of a tease and his eyes lit up playfully once more.

"I do not need to marry you to impregnate you Seren. I just may really want a daughter that much," he mused and Serenity's eyes widened and laughter fell from her lips as she pushed him away from her. He rose and pressed his lips lovingly against her own, her frame leaning in to accept it with as much ardor. He pulled back and kissed her forehead before he stood. "You should drink less Princess… you think too much hung-over," he breathed stroking her cheek.

"Yes, well I always think these things I just never let them get a hold of me," she breathed standing and he grinned gently down at her. "Please do not tell your father…" she said suddenly and he shook his head quickly.

"Never. I will not tell anyone," he whispered and she smiled softly and leaned forward kissing his lips gently before releasing him. "I am thankful for you young Princess and your powers. I'll help protect you… especially from yourself," he whispered kissing her forehead and she closed her eyes sadly, tears sliding down her cheeks. "Have a good day," he grinned pulling away from her and she smirked, her emotions settling down.

"You as well," she said moving to fall back into her chair. The soft click of his shoes against the wood floors made their way out and she stared at her reflection, hoping the conversation would vanish from her memory completely.

"Seren," her head turned when he called and she blinked seeing him stilled at the door. "Could we name her after you?" He asked softly and Serenity's jaw fell a little open. "Because I would not mind her being like you at all," he breathed and she stared at him for a long moment until his smile brought her back to her senses.

"Of course," she responded quietly and he winked at her before leaving the room completely. Serenity turned back to her mirror and stilled at the reflection of herself. There were so many thoughts she could have at that statement… so many… so many that it was best she had none.

He walked slowly through the oaken halls of the Jupiter palace. Slowly the pieces were coming together and he was starting to understand Serenity completely. He always knew she was unlike any woman he ever encountered but now he knew she thought unlike any as well. He clenched his fist a bit as the thought of her marrying a stranger just for a treaty hit him. She had resigned herself to that fate as if there were no other options. With a frown he shook his head. Had he not resigned himself to that fate as well? He stilled suddenly when a noise caught his attention. It was a laugh. He turned down the hall and noticed an atrium doorway and within the flora enclosure was Senshi Jupiter and Nephlite. He let out a breath causing their attention to fly to him and Nephlite bowed his head guiltily. He opened his mouth to say something with clicks were heard behind him. He turned and immediately stilled.

"King Jaron," he stuttered out and Jupiter's eyes widened in horror. She tried to sink into Nephlite's embrace but knew he wouldn't be able to hide her from her father's gaze. Endymion moved quickly towards the King and took his hand. "Good morning," he smiled and the King nodded observing the Prince curiously. They were use to interesting customs he would perform so he tried to go along with it.

"Good Morning Prince Endymion. I hope last nights festivities did not disturb you," he said with a bow of his head, a grin on his lips and Endymion shook his head.

"No sire. I am excited to learn about other cultures and customs. I find diversity beautiful and needed," he responded calmly as he tried to turn the King back towards the way he had come.

"An excellent perspective. Are you busy? Perhaps we could talk more in our atrium. I'd be delighted to hear your thoughts on it as I understand your planet is very similar to our own in its flora and fauna," King Jaron smiled, delighted obviously with talk of anything botanical.

"I… I am ashamed to say King that I am lost and I am afraid I was supposed to contact Earth a few moments ago," he breathed and the King looked at him jovially. He turned and wrapped an arm around the young lad.

"You know, when I moved into this palace… I got lost sixteen times in the course of two months," he breathed with a shake of his head and Endymion smirked at him. "I blame the botanical designs… I love them but every hallway looks the same," he snarked and Endymion let out a chuckle.

Jupiter slowly poked her head out of the hallway and watched as her father led the Prince towards the other end of the palace.

"He is a great man," Nephlite smiled with pride and she nodded slowly.

"Indeed he is," she whispered than cast a glance at him. "Till next time my love," she whispered and he took her hand in his and kissed is lovingly.

"Till next time," he whispered against her knuckles and she blushed.

"We are ready to depart sire. A very successful trip to Jupiter," Kunzite breathed heading towards the door.

"A very interesting trip," Endymion breathed with a smirk following him, his other three Generals on his heel. "I would reprimand you all for your behavior yet… how can one reprimand his men when he himself is doing the same thing," he snapped angrily casting a glance to them and Jedite smirked.

"You are our saving grace sire," he said with a bow and Endymion punched his arm. The young General let out a laugh and Kunzite opened the door to still.

"Senshi Jupiter," he greeted with a bow of his head.

"Forgive me. May I have a word with Prince Endymion?" She questioned with utmost professionalism and Kunzite glanced at his Prince who nodded. The Generals filed out quickly and Jupiter stepped inside. "Forgive me for delaying your departure. This shall only take a moment," she said with a bow of her head and Endymion tilted his head curiously towards her. She sucked in a deep breath than threw herself into his arms in a hug. "How unworthy I am that you saved my dignity today sire," she breathed into his ear and Endymion smirked as he wrapped his arms around the warrior.

"What is a warrior without her dignity?" He smiled and she pulled back and looked at him sadly.

"I can only deeply apologize for the inappropriate behavior I have displayed and swear to never do it again. Forgive me for corrupting one of your Generals," she breathed bowing her head and Endymion let out a breath.

"I blame Serenity," he mused and she glanced up at him with a slight smirk.

"Technically… she is to blame," she mused good-naturedly and Endymion let out a sigh.

"Do not stop. As I grow older I realize the value of love… and how precious it is to find. Nephlite is a good man and I know how deeply he loves you," he began and Jupiter gulped, tears filling the bottom of her eyes. "I do not know what the future holds for your Princess and I. She is stubborn… but if the opportunity continues to arise, take it," he said gently taking her hand in his own. "It is my great honor that you and your warriors love them for I know you do not give your hearts lightly," he breathed and she glanced up at him and her eyes glazed over a bit.

"You have earned my respect Prince Endymion. I am at your service," she bowed to him and he smiled.

"When I have all of you to my side you will coerce your Princess to follow will you?" He asked and she smiled at him brightly.

"We only follow her lead sire," she winked and with a bow once more she opened the door before him.

"Always good to know," he smirked exiting to see his men waiting.

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