Alright here we go!
Chapter 3
Serenity flexed and stretched her hand as if it had gotten a cramp. She could still feel the flesh of his lips on the back of her hand. That overly strong emotion of knowing had completely overtaken her, and yet she didn't question it. The intense gaze he had given her as he leaned forward to kiss her hand permeated through her mind. Never had she been looked at like that by a man. Dear sweet heavens, did she enjoy it. However, that joy was short lived as Mina had walked in on them. She heard Venus' footsteps behind her and furrowed her brows in anger as she remembered the comment that Mina had made to the King. She had not given instructions to divulge their customs to the King and the way that Mina had spoken to him was unacceptable. She had just embarrassed her without knowing it.
Serenity opened the door to her chambers, keeping the door open for Venus to walk in. Serenity went to her armoire and looked to see if her things had been put away, keeping her back to the blond-haired woman.
"Do not think I did not hear your words Venus," the young Queen commented coolly.
Mina did not falter in her stance or in her voice. "It needed to be said ,my Queen."
"And who gave you the permission to speak for your queen?"
"Nobody, your Highness," Mina said starting to feel apprehensive. The gentle Queen had never really addressed any of her council in such a way. What had set her off? It surely had to be more than what she had said. Could it be that it bothered the Queen that she had spoken to King Endymion so rudely?
"Well then if you are not instructed to say anything on Lunarian laws or to address the King so informally, why did you speak at all?" Serenity said finally turning to face Venus with a look of calm contempt on her face.
Mina did not back down even for her queen. "Your Highness, I saw the way he was looking at you. It was better to put his thoughts to rest before inappropriate interactions were to occur."
"And don't you think that is my problem?" Serenity stated with her voice sharp, "If the King wanted to make a pass at me I would deflect him. If the King asked as to my non-marital status, I would answer him," Serenity said her voice rising with each word, "But never are you to speak to someone, regardless of royalty or not, in the manner that you spoke to him."
Mina kneeled before Serenity. "Please my Queen, I meant no disrespect! I merely-"
"-You merely acted as sole authority over my personal affairs to a King who we share a tentative relationship with. Not to mention the fact that he has extended his hospitality to us on such short notice!" Serenity reprimanded boldly.
Mina remained silent and in a kneeled position. She heard her Queen sigh and walk to her. A tender hand was placed under her chin and made to look up. There was Serenity kneeling in front of Venus with a concerned brow and sadly determined eyes.
"I love you Mina, as I love you all. I know you above all know the meaning of duty and obligation to the greater good," Serenity said adding pressure to her chin so that Mina would stand as she did.
"Which is why I cannot allow your voice to count," Serenity said dropping her hand and gaining Mina's surprised look.
"What are you saying majesty?" Mina asked shocked.
"I am saying that with regards to our interplanetary business with the King of Earth, you are a liability. One I cannot risk," Serenity said sadly. "You are now here on the status of servant to your fellow council, the nobility of this palace, and me. You no longer have any say in the business conducted here on Earth. Starting tomorrow you will report to the head of service staff for the palace and ask for instruction."
"But Sere-" Mina began.
"No excuses!" cut in Serenity's sharp voice, "Collect your things. You will take lodging in a servant's quarters."
Mina squared her jaw and saluted her queen in dismissal. Serenity sighed again when she finally heard the door to her room click. She was sad to do what she was doing, but Mina was a risk. She was too overly protective and rash when it came to certain things. Being the leader of the council did not help. Mina was her voice when she was gone, but as long as Serenity could speak for herself she would. Having talked to Endymion like that would not be tolerated, and as overseer of her, Serenity knew that she could not just leave Mina without a scolding. She waited a tad longer than five minutes before her crescent moon on her forehead flashed with the sign of Venus. Instantly she knew that Mina had been signaled to leave for her servant's quarters. In no time she was sure that the other girls would be in here to ask about their comrade.
But for now, Serenity needed a bath.
"But Mina!" Lita's voice shouted as her friend disappeared. The rest of the girls looked at the spot where Venus had stood, and wondered what could have happened to make the Queen send her away.
"I need to talk to Serenity. This isn't right! Mina needs to be here!" Lita said trying to control herself and headed for the door.
"You can't. You know Serenity as well as all of us. She would never send any one of us away unless we deserved it. You heard Mina yourself. She deserves her punishment," commented Rei.
"Besides you know Serenity will walk in here soon and tell us what happened. She doesn't like to keep things from us," said Ami returning her attention to one the novel she had in her hand.
Lita reigned in her emotions for she knew what her friend said was right. Serenity always came to talk to them about a decision she had made on her own. She would again. Yet, as the hours passed and no Serenity showed, the guardians began to worry. They began to grow restless wondering what their Queen might be doing until they heard a knock at the door. Rei was the first to hop up and get the door. Her expression was enthusiastic as she opened the door.
"My Quee- oh," Mars said as she opened the door to reveal Jadeite. He smiled up at her and bowed before her.
"Lady Mars, I am here to escort you and the rest of the council to dinner."
Mars looked at him with a reluctant smile. She turned and announced dinner to the rest of them obviously surprising them too.
"Scouts, we are to attend dinner. Let's go," Mars said as she headed out in front of Jadeite.
"What about the Queen?" asked Jupiter.
"She is already in the dining hall awaiting you all," Nephrite informed them.
"Nobody escorted her?" Mars asked scandalized.
The generals chuckled. "Your Queen seems like an apt woman. I am sure she managed to get to the dining hall on her own," commented Jadeite.
The three women concentrated their minds onto their attire. Zoicite stood in awe as he witnessed these strong women change from their warrior clothes to their royal robes. Each wore a gown that was tailored to the fashion on their planet. Each woman wore the color that represented their planet on their gowns. Mercury walked forward first and took Zoicite's arm. The guardians remained silent on their walk to the dining hall. Sure enough there was their queen sitting on the right hand of the King. She was dressed in the white gown that was tinged with a bit of a soft blue making it appear like a pearl color. It was off the shoulder and also done with beads, pearls, and shiny stones. She always sparkled.
"My Queen," her council greeted. Serenity nodded her head and they sat down to dinner. Throughout the entire affair, the scouts and the Queen could have been in different rooms. She did not talk to them or vice versa. The guardians did not know what to say to their Queen, nor did the Queen know what to say to them. She had an announcement to make to them and she was sure they wouldn't take it lightly. After the dishes had been cleared the Queen stood as did her council.
"My friends, I know that you are all on edge about what has occurred with Venus," Serenity said with a sigh, "Those issues will talked about in private. For now, with the permission from the King, you are free to wander about the castle as long as one of the generals escorts you."
"Thank you my Queen, but what will you be doing in the mean time?" asked Mercury.
Serenity smiled at the intelligent woman. "The King and I will speak of interplanetary business. If we arrive at any conclusions tonight, you will be informed by me tomorrow."
The guardians saluted, bowed, and left with the generals. Endymion approached Serenity as she was looking at her guardians pensively. Endymion admired the way she treated her council. It's almost as if they were sacred to her somehow. Each woman was beautiful in their own way and offered to their Queen what she needed. They seemed to complete her in such a way that it made Endymion slightly jealous. If only he could be part of her balance.
"Is it allowed for me to inquire about your guardian of Venus?" Endymion asked tentatively as they both headed out to the gardens. Serenity nodded and sighed.
"I believe I owe you an apology on her behalf. She can have quite a gall when talking to others. She had that with you earlier today. I apologize," Serenity said looking up at the sky and watching as the moon began to shift into view.
"Please there is no need. However, I do have one question about what she said," Endymion stated as they stopped in front of one of the fountains.
"Ah yes. My law on men," Serenity said with a chuckle.
"Well yes," Endymion said curiously, "I find it odd that you cannot take a husband. Even for…uh…the purpose of an heir."
Serenity blushed prettily at his comment. "Well my Lord, things are done differently on the Moon. It is custom that my council pick a man of good breeding so that I may procreate with him. Coition is done once, and then I conceive and the male is left without memory."
Endymion raised a brow. "That's a rather systemic approach you have. Is there no chance of companionship for you?"
"It is not about companionship my Lord, it is about the monarchy," Serenity said keeping her eyes on the moon. "The power I wield can only be wielded by a female of my line. If I were to take a husband, who is to say he would not covet my power because he would have to submit to me?"
"Who's to say he wouldn't submit to you," Endymion said as he neared her, "If he loved you?"
Serenity stayed quiet and thought about his words. Luna's twisted plan was working, and the option to indulge herself was growing. Serenity knew that it was not law rather custom that the council picks the male. So honestly, she could take a husband. Serenity then realized that the king had mentioned 'love.' Serenity saw love on her planet in the people that she ruled. She had love from her council, and from Luna, but the kind of love the King was referring to she could never have. Serenity let a sigh escape her lips, but not loud enough for the King to hear. To her love was a silly dream that she could never have come true. To keep her heart protected from that unrealized dream Serenity had to never think about it. Perhaps when the council picked her partner to procreate with and she finally had her daughter, she would forget about her silly unrealized dream. Maybe.
"Endymion…" Serenity breathed, "My rule is still so new, and this world still so fragile. Any change could be…bad if not thought about thoroughly."
"Serenity, I say that if you were to choose your husband, you could do so very effectively. You just need to look," Endymion said with a smile.
"Hmmm, perhaps. That is a thought that is trivial to me at the moment," Serenity said getting serious.
"Ah yes. You wanted to speak of 'interplanetary business,'" Endymion said with mock importance.
Serenity made her seriousness subtle, but apparent as she thought of the news she had to break to the King. "Endymion there is a threat to this solar system that is coming. In my talks with the Princess of the neighboring galaxy she has told me about the attacks her people are going through," Serenity said with a sigh, "And they are much like the evil my mother fought long ago."
"Do you know when they are to attack here?" Endymion asked with his concern growing.
"I am not sure. Beryl could just be biding her time until she has enough power to attack."
"Queen Beryl?" Endymion asked sharply.
"Yes," Serenity said unbothered.
Endymion clenched his jaw as hatred began to grow in him. He remembered Beryl all too well. She had attacked his planet first during the Silver Millennium. It was because of her that his father's kingdom had fallen, and that she had died. He still did not know who that she was, but he knew the anger and loathing coursing through him was real. He had defended the Moon Kingdom at the request of Queen Serenity the twelfth, but he had done it for more than just her. The pain and loss he felt as he thought of that war made his fists tighten until they were white at the knuckle. Serenity saw this and furrowed her brows in concern.
"Endymion? Are you alright?" Serenity asked nearing her hand to his shoulder.
"What do you need of me?" Endymion asked hoarsely. The abruptness of his tone and the determination on his face shocked Serenity. Why was he so upset?
"Are you sure you want to help us…just like that? I mean you don't even know-"
"I know what that bitch of a queen did to my planet when your mother was in rule. I know how she killed off my parents and decimated my people," Endymion said harshly, "If you plan to kill her, I will help you. Anything that you need it is yours."
Serenity did not question the King's new resolve, instead she empathized with it. He too knew the pain and sorrow of watching your people get killed and tortured for the sake of imperialism. The strong man before her had also lost his parents, both of them. Serenity did not grow up knowing a father, her mother was her world. She could not imagine the pain of losing two parents. How did his king cope?
"My needs are simple King Endymion," Serenity began, "You remember how I explained the Silver Crystal can be amplified with planetary power yes? Well you King Endymion carry the power of Earth within you. With all nine planets supplying power to the Silver Crystal and me wielding it, Beryl can be killed."
Endymion liked that last part, but there was another that he didn't like so much. "Queen Serenity, you yourself said that you have not reached the crux of the Silver Crystal's power due to risk of death. Would you be able to handle all nine planetary powers flowing through you?"
Serenity looked up at the moon and did not think of the answer to his question for she already knew. Having that much power go through her would ultimately be her death. No queen has ever withstood that much power and lived to tell about it. Most of her grandmothers had died using the crystal's power, though they as she knew the cost of having such power.
"King Endymion, it is the destiny of every Lunar Queen to wield the power of the Silver Crystal. With such responsibility comes knowledge and wisdom. We all know our fates," Serenity said finally looking at the king, "We knew our fates the day we each took the crown. We rule our people until the day of our death. Death is not a question of how, but when."
Endymion wanted to protest and shout at the young queen that she was naïve and that it did not have to be this way. However, he understood better than anyone that with a crown comes a heavy price. You are a servant to your people, not the other way around. The woman before him knew this truth and was constantly reminded of it. Perhaps this was why she could not take a husband. The previous queens knew that they would just leave a widower behind to mourn their lover's loss. Endymion already felt the beginnings of that loss even though Serenity was right before him. A hollow ache began to stir within him.
"What you speak is the truth, though it saddens me to hear you say such things," Endymion said coming closer to the Moon Queen. Serenity fidgeted as he came closer to her. "You have given this entire solar system the gift of life, and yet you might suffer the possibility of death. I find that an unfair trade."
"It is what a mother does for her children, what a queen does for her people: they come first," Serenity said looking up at his eyes seeing the war in them. Endymion did not know what he was feeling or why he was advancing on the queen this way. He had been told twice that she was not to be courted nor approached by a man who sought more than friendly sentiments towards her. He thought back to the brazen woman in Serenity's council who had told him to keep his infatuations at bay. She had been right, though at the moment he did not know it. He was becoming infatuated with the queen. He just prayed that it was a mere pull of his loins and not anything more.
The trance around them was broken by a rustling sound. Serenity looked in the direction of the noise and found wide black eyes looking up at her from the ground.
"Hello Luna," Serenity greeted. Endymion looked down at the cat with the crescent moon on her head and bowed to her level.
"She's beautiful," complimented Endymion as he stroked the cat's head.
"Yes, beautiful, but a rascal when she wants to be," chirped Serenity.
Luna glared at Serenity lightly, but sent her a look she understood. She had other business to attend to that night, so further discussions with the handsome King would have to wait. Endymion reached out his arms and picked the black cat up. Luna wore a look of fright on her face for the King was tall. She was not one for heights.
"Are Lunarian cats different from Earth cats?" the King asked curiously, "I mean besides the symbol on her head."
Serenity laughed. "Yes they are. Luna here has been around since the time of Queen Serenity the ninth."
"You're kidding! She doesn't look a day over 3 years."
"I know. I constantly ask her about her beauty secrets, but she won't tell me. I guess she didn't want to give them away," taunted Serenity.
Endymion quirked a brow. "You…ask her?" he mocked.
Serenity did not know why the King addressed with her such an amused tone or puzzled expression. What was odd about what she had just said? "Yes of course I ask her. How else am I supposed to communicate with her?"
Endymion cocked a brow. The young queen did not seem to be jesting. "I think you're in need of rest Queen Serenity. You're speaking of things that do not make sense."
"Honestly, is this how Earthmen behave around women?" came a voice that did not belong to Serenity. Endymion stiffened and slowly looked down to see the black cat giving him a patronizing look.
"E-excuse me?" he said shakily. What a sight! The Terran King stumbling over his words!
"You should be saying sorry! Do you really believe me to be of inferior intelligence?" Luna asked angrily.
Endymion let the cat go as though he had been burned. Luna had not been expecting this and did not land on her feet, but on her side. Serenity gasped out a quick, "Luna!" before rushing over to her advisor. Serenity helped Luna up and cleaned off her fur.
"You should be more careful!" Serenity snapped at Endymion.
"You should have told me that your cat talks!" he retorted.
Serenity took Luna in her arms and sent the king a cold glare. "I'll be leaving now. My council needs to be addressed. Good night King Endymion."
Endymion flinched at the cold tone Serenity used, but did not object to her leaving. Obviously he was rusty with his behavior around females, but good gods….Her damned cat had talked!
Serenity kept Luna in her arms as she made her way to her chambers. The others would already be waiting there for her to ask her about Venus, and Serenity was going to tell them but not everything. Luna looked up at Serenity and then thought back to the King. How is that when they had first seen each other they did not remember the other? They have been destined to be together! Luna did not know how Serenity and the others had lost their memories of certain events, but Luna knew that she had to get the King and Serenity together. Without them as one they wouldn't stand a chance against Beryl.
"Now I know why Princess Mina was so to the point with the King earlier today," Luna commented.
Serenity did not seem to be interested, but asked, "Why?"
"Serena are you blind?" proclaimed Luna, "The King is not even feline and I think he's worth sinking my teeth into!"
Serenity looked down at Luna with raised brows. "I never said he was or wasn't handsome you shabby cat. I just know my place as queen. Why even think about those things when I can't have them?"
"So you admit you want him?" Luna asked slyly.
Serenity scoffed as she opened the door to her chambers. The cat was left without an answer, but she knew that Serenity did indeed want the King. It was in them to recognize one another and eventually love each other. How could Luna get Serenity and Endymion to remember about their past and future lives? For the sake of Rini, Luna knew that she was going to have to strategically come up with something.
Serenity closed the door behind her and saw all of her guardians sitting. They each looked up at her and stood to bow. Serenity kept her nerves at a minimum as she knew that she had an announcement to make to the guardians. Serenity walked over to a chair and sat down. As she did the rest of her council also sat down.
"There are two things to be announced tonight," Serenity started, "The first is that the King has granted us his power in the fight against Beryl."
"That is wonderful!"
"I wonder why he agreed?"
"Could he be a male guardian?"
Serenity brought her finger to her lips in a symbol that meant silence. Her council did as instructed and waited for their Queen to continue.
"Now that I have gotten his support I see no reason to prolong the stay. We leave in two day's time so as not to be rude," Serenity said calmly.
Her council did not comment at that. They were all but eager to leave the planet ruled by a man. Serenity tried to hide the surprise emotion that filled her as she announced their departure. She felt almost saddened at the thought of leaving; almost like she was leaving something precious behind.
"The second announcement is of course, Mina," Serenity said surveying the reactions of her council. They merely looked at her ready to listen. Serenity looked at them warmly for communicating their doubts or feelings of resentments if they had any.
"What has become of her my Queen?" asked Venus.
"Venus took it upon herself to speak for your Queen on matters that did not pertain to her. As I am the one who she answers to, punishment was required. Venus is at the station of servant for the remainder of our stay. She will be working with the serving staff here in the palace," Serenity said factually.
"Onto to business; Mars I want you to keep in touch with the outer scouts. Update them on the status of why they are at their posts, and the affirmation of the King's support. If Beryl does indeed come in the Outers will be the first to know. I want any strange activity reported to me immediately," Serenity said in a business like tone, "All four of you will stay here on the planet Earth to keep the King up to date as well."
"Where will you be my Queen?" asked Mercury.
"Back on the Moon where I belong. I need to go back for my people. I cannot leave the Moon without protection," Serenity said walking to the door that led to her room. "For now you all are dismissed."
"Yes my Queen," was heard unanimously from the four scouts. As Serenity disappeared, Luna made her presence known.
"Please before you leave scouts, I wish to talk to you," she said. The three women looked down at the cat curiously. Luna had not addressed them without the queen being present before.
"What's on your mind Luna?" asked Mercury.
Luna avoided their gaze as she began to speak. "You all know as well as I do that with the power of all nine planets flowing through Serena…she might not make it," Luna said looking up at the now hard stares of the three women.
"Believe me we know, and we are not happy about that," Mars stated.
"None of us are, but my thoughts lead me somewhere else," Luna said cryptically.
"Where?" asked Mercury.
"To the future," Luna said with passion, "If Serena was to perish in the battle with Beryl, who would lead our kingdom then? We have no heiress."
The three women looked at Luna with surprise as the realization hit them. They would not have a princess to replace the queen! The Silver Crystal would be lost if that happened. Either that or it would fall into the wrong hands.
"What do you propose we do?" asked Mars.
"Serena is close to turning 20. Her birthday is 3 months away. Have a male picked by then and have her procreate," Luna suggested.
"But Luna! We can't possibly pick a male in such short a time! The screening itself takes months," commented Mars.
"I know of someone who passes most of the criteria to merely need a yes or no from you all," Luna said with an inner grin.
"Who?" asked the scouts unanimously.
"King Endymion," said Luna knowingly.
The three women just stood there stunned into silence by what the cat in front of them had just said. They dare not to look at one another for all were thinking the same thing; it made sense. Having the King procreate with the Queen would be a smart idea. He was of noble blood, did not have a violent history that they knew of, and the child produced would no doubt be powerful for it would be the merging of two planetary powers. But could any one of them actually agree to such a thing? Having the child be part human… Would she not also exhibit the characteristics of this race? The child would look like the Queen of course. All Lunarian royals resembled one another so the child looking like her father would not be an issue.
"I don't know Luna," came the skeptical voice of Jupiter, "Serenity needs the upmost consideration when it comes to this. We can't just make a rash decision because of time."
"That is exactly why we need to make rash decision Lita!" said Luna heatedly. She was hoping that she could talk the scouts into this. Surely this would be the way to revive the love between the two royals. Luna remembered everything from Earth and the past. But she could not tell Serena or the girls that. This was something that had to come to them.
"We have no time to wait for the screening of a proper male. King Endymion fits most of the requirements. Him being human is a bit…of a hurdle, but nothing we can't jump over," Luna said looking up at the women, "The future princess will be of Lunarian blood. She will be able to wield the power of the Silver Crystal."
The three women did not want to listen to what this cat was saying, but what she said rang true. Something could undoubtedly happen to their queen during the battle with Beryl. None of them wanted to think of that outcome, but what Luna was suggesting was merely to cover their bases. That was something that any advisor would suggest. The three scouts looked at each other and communicated through their expressions as they all knew that they had come to a conclusion.
"Luna you know we can't make this type of decision without the other scouts. We need a vote of 7 out of 8 for the approval of any male," Mars said sounding tired, "Let us talk with the Outer scouts. We will deliberate and then see if we can come to a conclusion."
Luna felt exasperation win her, but not overtake her expression. Being a cat, facial expressions are hard to decipher anyway. She wanted to badly to tell them all the truth, but they would never believe her. The most she could do was move this along as fast as she could for the sake of the solar system.
"Alright, but deliberate quickly. We only have three months until the time of conception."
"We'll be as speedy as possible," commented Mars. The three women took their leave and left the black feline alone with her thoughts. Luna cursed the Silver Crystal at a time like this. Why had Serena decided to merge with it? Because of that choice almost everyone had lost their memories. But they will get them back. Serenity and Endymion will claim their rightful places in this solar system. Together.
I swear the naughty bits are coming. And they are coming hard!...No pun intended. Remember to read the summary! It changes with the future chapters I write!
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