Authors note: Sorry it's taken me so long to get this chapter out. Hope you all like it. It's a little short. Had a little writers block. Thanks for all of the great reviews! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I only own the story, not Sailor Moon.

Chapter 23

Serena turned around and smiled to see Darien standing at the doors smiling at her. He walked towards the front of the hall and looked into Serena's eyes. He closed his eyes long enough to transform into Prince Endymion.

"Princess, may I have a word with you, privately?" He asked her quietly.

Serena nodded in response as he took her hand and led her to a side of the room where they wouldn't be heard.

"Sere, I want to give you my vow and support today. I am not ready to get married to you or anyone for that matter just yet, but I would like the chance to get to know you once more. Then maybe one day the future we saw all those years ago may come true." Darien quietly explained to her.

Serena smiled tenderly at him. "Darien, being your friend and having you by my side is better than you renouncing your title and all the power that goes with it. I welcome the chance to get to know you once more and maybe something will come from it, but it will be if and when I am ready for it."

She turned and walked back to the center of the hall once more. Darien followed and knelt before her, looking up into her cerulean eyes.

"I am Prince Endymion of Earth, I pledged my life to you so long ago on the moon and I do so now. I will protect you with my very life as Prince Endymion and as Tuxedo Mask." He told her with all the strength and authority as the once ruler of Earth.

Serena looked down at him and held out a hand. "Prince Endymion, you do not need to bow to me. We were once engaged to be wed and rule together as equals, uniting our kingdoms in peace. We may not be engaged or romantically involved, but we are friends and loyal to one another. You will be my equal even now as I begin my rule of the universe."

Endymion took her hand, kissing it lightly before standing by her side. Katri sighed inwardly, happy to not have to publicly strip him of his title and power. She looked out at those in attendance and smiled once more.

"Once again I ask if there are any objections." Katriana asked only waiting momentarily before going on. "Ladies and gentlemen allow me to introduce to you Neo-Queen Serenity and her court!"

Serena looked around the room as the celebration continued on. She turned and walked out of the ballroom onto the balcony feeling the cool summer air, glad to be alone for the first time all day. Once the coronation ceremony was completed she handled press interviews and greeting those in attendance before the reception began. She looked up at the bright full moon and closed her eyes, smiling.

"I see you finally escaped the crowds." Darien spoke up from behind her.

She opened her eyes and turned to look at him. "Yes, I just needed some fresh air and the peace that came with coming out here."

"You've changed, Sere." Darien suddenly stated as he looked at her. "You've become stronger, more confidant."

"Thank you." Serena smiled as she turned back to look out at the night sky. "Why did you change your mind and come to the coronation ceremony?"

Darien walked up and stood beside her. "This morning I went to talk with Akusai about what she was hiding from me and discovered that she wasn't willing to be honest with me about any of it. I knew I couldn't marry someone like that. So I called off the wedding and came here." He took a deep breath and looked at her intently. "Sere, I am so sorry for the pain I caused you. I hurt you in ways that I should never have, had I realized what I know now."

"What do you mean, Darien?" Serena looked at him in surprise.

"Sere, you have always been there for everyone else and never once did you treat me like I have treated you. You deserve to be Neo-Queen Serenity, you have earned it. I just hope….no now isn't the time."

"Darien, what do you hope for?"

"It's not important right now." Darien looked out at the city below as he stood by her. "Are you ready for what tomorrow is going to bring?"

"I'm not sure if I am. Tomorrow means the diplomacy talks begin and the truly hard work starts. Tomorrow I start my duties as the queen and no longer get to be just Serena. I'm not sure if I can really handle that."

"I believe you can. You are strong, and we'll be by your side through it all." Darien encouraged her as he turned once more to look at her. "Why don't we head back in and maybe you will do me the honor of a dance?"

Serena laughed as she took his arm. "A dance would be wonderful."