Hello everyone! Goodness, it's been a couple of months since I last updated, and for that I'm extremely sorry.

School has been hectic so I haven't had much time for writing, that and my laptop decided to die on me...

So, onto important things.

I revised the last chapter and made a few minor changes. There's no need to go back and read it, I just changed Serenity's arrow-wound to a scrape and there were a few grammar changes.

One day, when I have more time, I'll redo that chapter, seeing as how the events happened far too quickly.

Also, let me know what you'd like to see more of. Any suggestions?

Anyways, hope you enjoy!

Oh, this chapter is for JungkO, to who I promised a chapter out long ago.


The Prince of Pirates

Chapter five.


Diamond scowled, tapping his finger on the desk repeatedly. If his calculations were right, which they always were, then Endymion was three days late for making port.

He had taken into account bad weather, low tide and all other problems which could have occurred, and none would have delayed him for so long.

There was always the chance that Endymion wouldn't make port here, but Diamond didn't think he'd do that.

No, something else must have happened, but what?

A knock at his door brought him from his muses.

"Sir, someone is here to see you, she says it's to do with the fugitive." A soldier announced.

Diamond raised a brow.

"She?"

"Yes, sir. Shall I send her in?" with a wave of his hand Diamond dismissed the man and waited for his informative to enter.

He was pleasantly surprised when she did.

A tall, young woman entered the room gracefully, curtsying swiftly before sitting before him.

He inspected the woman, admiring her light reddish-brown hair which fell in curls to mid-back, her bright green eyes, milky skin and curved frame.

She was one of those women who deserved the title beautiful.

"What can I do for you, Lady…?"

"Kino, Lady Kino. I'm here to tell you the whereabouts of this man." She answered, pushing the wanted poster towards him.

Diamond smirked.

"Well, then, Lady Kino, please tell me all you know."

* ~ *

"Hold still!"

"I can't! It hurts! What's that's that you're putting on it anyway?"

"I don't know. Just some stuff I bought from the herbalist. It's supposed to stop infections… or perhaps it was cause them… anyway, it doesn't matter. Just hold still, I need to put a bandage on. There. See, that wasn't so bad." Endymion said, smiling at his handiwork.

Serenity squinted, eyeing her thigh.

"I suppose it'll do." She stood, hands-on-hips, and looked around. "Where to now?"

Endymion stood also, brushing his hands on his trousers.

"Hmm, north-west, I believe. If you're to trust these locals, anyway." He pointed out, wary of the people around them.

"Don't be ridiculous, I'm sure they're reasonable. They gave us supplies, and a map, didn't they?"

"Suppose." He grunted. "C'mon, gather your things, we should go."

"You aren't very trusting, are you?"

"You, Princess are too trusting."

"There is no such thing as too trusting. Too naïve, maybe, but not trusting."

"If you insist. Get a move on, will you. No wonder we're not there yet!"

"Why you – you! Argh! I hate you! It's not my fault I'm wounded! Show some sympathy would you! Endymion! Endymion! Don't you walk away from me!"

Endymion sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He could feel a migraine coming on.

* ~ *

Makoto gingerly got up from the bed, careful not to wake the man next to her, and dressed. As she exited the room the guards gave her a knowing look and snickered. Glaring at them she made her way from the encampment and back towards her own home.

It was night, and Nephrite – if he was even home yet – would be wondering where she was.

She had gone to the foreign prince's camp to tell them him what had happened to Nephrite's friend, it was supposed to be her payback to him, but she had somehow ended-up in the prince's bed.

Makoto saw her manor-house looming just over the hill, she picked-up her pace, watching the crows fly out of the woods nervously.

Pulling a small key from a chain around her neck, she unlocked the obscure, wooden door leading to the kitchen.

The house was dark, but she dared not light a candle and let the others know she was coming home so late.

She took the stairs one at a time, wincing as they creaked. Her feet lightly shuffled against the carpeted hallway as she made her way to her bedroom door.

Gulping nervously, Makoto turned the brass handle and peered in, eyes zoning-in on the bed. It was empty.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Makoto walked into the room.

The door was slammed behind her.

Jumping, she turned to find a very angry looking Nephrite.

* ~ *

"Endymion, are you sure you're reading that map right? Didn't you say there was supposed to be a town not half-an-hour away an hour ago?"

"Of course! For goodness' sake, woman, I know how to read a bloody map, I do navigate ships for a living."

"Hmm… so why aren't we there yet?" A disbelieving Serenity asked.

"How the hell am I supposed to know?! This stupid map says there should be some sort of settlement in this area, if I had a compass, I could be sure of which direction to go in, but I don't, so shut up and let me concentrate!"

Serenity huffed indignantly, and sat herself on a log as Endymion gathered his bearings.

Bored, Serenity looked about her and winced when she caught her reflection in a puddle at her feet. Her hair looked like a rat's nest, her face was dull and had patches of mud dotted about and her dress was beyond salvageable.

"Gosh, my feet are sore." She mumbled to herself as she stretched, hating how her joints made that sickening cracking noise.

Letting her eyes roam, Serenity suddenly found a large, bright flower. Curious, she looked back over her shoulder to see Endymion grumbling to himself, turning the map this way and that, before getting frustrated and crumpling it violently in his fists.

Rising gingerly, she approached the plant, and proceeded to pluck it from the vine. While doing so, she parted two large leaves and, to her amazement, she saw a town.

"Endymion." She called, receiving no response, "Captain Shields!" She said harshly.

Sighing, Endymion wondered what she wanted now, reminded himself to remain calm, and stalked towards her.

"What is it?"

"I think I've found the town." She informed him.

Incredulous, Endymion pushed passed the princess and indeed saw the settlement.

Clearing his throat, he slurred, "I, umm, think we should go this way, then."

Smirking, Serenity followed, linking her arm with his.

"So… are you embarrassed that I found what you couldn't?"

The slight blush on Endymion's cheeks proved it. "Shut up."

Giggling, she nestled further into his side.

* * *

Serenity sighed contently as she sunk into the warm water, albeit small, the bath was still heavenly.

She wondered idly what had happened to Minako, and Rei and Jadeite… Were they even alive? Or had they been stranded like Endymion and herself?

Depressed by her thoughts, Serenity sunk deeper into the bath so that the water was up to her nose.

The ever charismatic Endymion had managed to get them a room in the local inn, and was currently shuffling about the room, the only thing separating them an ornate wooden screen.

A blush spread across her face, if she was to be honest with herself, she would admit that she found the outlaw to be attractive, and charming and… well, forbidden.

Serenity has always been fascinated by things she could not have, and Endymion was certainly one of those.

It was a dangerous path she was thinking along, she was a princess, and an engaged one at.

Serenity wasn't even sure what it was she wanted from the rogue man. Romance, excitement… love?

She was startled from her thoughts as she felt a pair of strong hands on her bare shoulders and warm breath on her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

"Cold?" He murmured, running his hands down her arms.

"Maybe." She gasped as he kissed her neck.

"Then perhaps you'll permit me to warm you up?"

Serenity said nothing as he lifted her from the tub and carried her to the bed.

* ~ *

Nephrite was furious.

He goes out for a few hours only to come back and find what? That Makoto had disappeared.

It wasn't so much that she'd left which had annoyed him, though he did specifically tell her not to, it was where she went, who she talked to, what she said to that man, and, most importantly, what she did with that man.

He knew Makoto was a very sensual woman, and that she had had more than one affair before he had shown up. He himself had had many a lover, even since meeting Makoto, there had been… incidents.

But, after all the trouble he went through to rid her of her husband and bring her freedom, he expected loyalty. Especially when it came to sex.

She was pregnant with his child for heaven's sake!

The thought that she had slept with Diamond of all people disgusted him. It wasn't as if he could even kill him, like he would have done had it been someone of lesser status, because he was a well-known Prince and currently linked to the High-royal family.

Also, there was the fact she had told Diamond about Endymion, which screwed-up the works rather well. If Endymion got caught, hell, they'd all get caught, and, to be honest, he really didn't feel like being hanged.

Makoto was terrified, he could tell, which only made his scowl deepen. Her bright green eyes had widened drastically, her skin had lost most of its colour and she was shaking slightly. Nephrite smiled then, yes, she should be scared of him, because once he was through with her it would be unlikely she would be able to walk in the morning.

But, first things first, he needed to know how much she'd actually told Diamond, and if immediate action needed to be taken.

Makoto watched nervously as Nephrite made his way towards her, his fists clenched and stance stiff. His expression was smug, though, and that worried her.

Nephrite could be positively charming when he needed to be, but then he could also be the cruellest, coldest man she had ever met.

Large hands encircled her wrists as he nuzzled her hair with his chin.

"Now, darling, tell me everything you said to that man."

* ~ *

Lady Ami Mizuno was the only child of the Duke of Llŷr from his former mistress, The Lady Saeko.

The Duke, who had been married for over twenty years, never had any children with his wife because, some said, she was barren. As such, his illegitimate daughter, Ami, was his only heir.

Ami was a timid girl. She was small just reaching over 5', with blue hair and eyes, a round, pretty face and very pale skin.

For the first ten-or-so years of her life she was raised by her mother, a Doctor's daughter and the Duke's mistress – for a while – before her father had resigned to the fact he would have no legitimate children, and took her in.

Ami was given to the Duchess, her step-mum, to raise, and as such she was lacking love from the maternal side of her family. But that hadn't stopped her from receiving an excellent education, it was the one thing her step-mum could brag about, it was her who had brought up such a clever child.

This had resulted in a very shy, young genius who preferred to keep to herself rather than mingle at functions, like the one she was attending now.

The High-King's cousin, the Princess Serenity, had recently become engaged to the Prince Diamond, and as such many celebratory balls had been taking place.

The one she was currently at was held by her father's cousin, and the High-King himself was in attendance.

King Andrew was a very attractive man - Ami had noted - and, to top that, he was genuinely nice too. Being who he was, he was always surrounded and busy, so she was more than surprised when he approached her.

Ami had been standing against the wall, drink in hand, having managed to separate herself from her step-mum and her ladies. From her viewpoint she could see most of the ballroom, and the High-King was directly in-front of her, albeit on the other side of the room.

He was talking to several people, all polite smiles, when he suddenly looked-up and spotted her, smiling he seemed to make excuses to his group before departing and making his way towards her.

*

Andrew was bored, so very bored. He had been forced to spend yet another evening at a party in-honour of his cousin. His still-missing cousin.

It had been just over a month since Serenity had been captured, and still there was nothing. He had received no ransom note, and Diamond, who was conducting his own search, was as secretive as ever.

Not many people were actually aware of the current situation, of course they all knew about the attack, but it was decided that Serenity's abduction was to be kept quiet.

Sighing, he tried his best to listen to what the ambassador was saying, but it was useless. He simply wasn't interested. Unable to resist the urge, he looked around the room and caught the gaze of a young woman.

She made a pretty sight in her light blue dress with her pale skin and flushed cheeks. Deciding that he'd far rather talk to her than to these men, he excused himself and walked over to where she was standing.

Andrew could see the look of surprise across her face as he bowed his head to her, took her hand and gently kissed the back of it. Her skin was as soft and smooth as it looked, he thought.

"Milady." He murmured.

Ami quickly dipped into a low curtsy, and mumbled back: "Your majesty."

"I have not seen you around before," he said, "Where are you from?"

"From Llŷr, Milord."

"Oh? From so far south? What brings you here, then?"

"The host is my father's cousin, and we were invited to attend tonight's event."

Andrew smiled at her, she was a very quiet little thing, something that usually annoyed him, but, in this case, pleased him.

"May I know your name, milady?"

"Ami, milord, Ami Mizuno."

He rolled that name is his mind for a moment, knowing it to be familiar, when it struck him. She was the Duke of Llŷr's illegitimate daughter. It had caused a great scandal at the time, the Duke's extramarital affair, that is, and when his mistress became pregnant… well, the rumours were not kind.

Andrew debated for a moment whether to excuse himself from the girl, but decided that wasn't fair. It wasn't her fault that her father wasn't a faithful man. Besides, the girl was pretty.

"Well, Ami, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Perhaps you'll do me the honour of a dance?"

Ami's blush deepened, and she accepted. She would have preferred to decline, but one could not say no to someone so far above their station. She was a fair dancer, enough so that the large height difference was no problem.

"Well, Ami, how have you enjoyed the evening so far?" Andrew asked, trying to make some sort of conversation with the girl.

"Very well, your highness." She lied. "And you? Surely you must tire of such events."

Andrew smiled nervously. "Am I that obvious?" Ami shook her head, "well, you're right in any case. These things do tend to get rather tedious, but I suppose there are worse things to do."

Ami agreed, there were worse things, she was rather lucky, actually, that she was not born a serf. They had no choice but to do as told and for little-to-no pay.

"Your Highness, I have not seen the Princess Serenity, is she not here." Ami felt the King tense almost immediately, and wondered what had caused it.

"No, I'm afraid she is away at the moment, she wanted to do some… travelling before getting married."

"Oh, I see…"

A large man in dull silver armour approached Andrew, interrupting their dance.

"Your Highness, a messenger has arrived from Io castle. He says it's urgent that you speak with him."

Andrew nodded seriously, dismissing the guard.

"I'm sorry, Milady, but I must leave you now."

"Of course, your highness." Ami curtsied and turned to leave, but Andrew grasped her wrist.

"I hope to see you again, Ami." He whispered, kissing her knuckles gently.

Ami nodded, blushing once again, and left.

The Duchess, her step-mum, had been watching her closely the whole time, and motioned for her to come and talk.

Ami, accepting the inevitable, walked towards her step-mum, it would be a long night.

* ~ *

Makoto winced as she rolled over, bruised from Nephrite's harsh love-making. He had managed to get her to reveal everything with little effort, and then he took her over and over, both as a punishment to her and pleasure for himself.

Mind you, Makoto would be lying had she said she hadn't found it a little enjoyable. She did love the man, after all.

Nephrite lay beside her, propped-up by one arm as he smirked down at her.

Makoto truly was a beautiful woman, especially after sex, when she lay bare, skin flushed and hair in complete disarray.

He was no longer mad at her, she'd made it up to him and he was far too satiated to care anymore.

Nephrite lightly wrapped his hand around her bruised wrist and pulled her towards him.

"I love you, Neph." She whispered into his chest.

"And I you. Sleep now." Makoto did not argue, and was soon asleep, Nephrite followed not far afterwards.

* ~ *

Andrew was sat behind the grand wooden desk that belonged to the lord of the castle. His elbows rested upon the surface, hands intertwined and chin placed upon them.

His face was grave. He was not happy.

The messenger had travelled from Io to inform him that King Marcus was dead, along with his Uncle-by-marriage.

But it was worse than just that, they had been murdered, quite brutally too.

Both the King and his Uncle were far from popular people, what with their cruel, vicious ways but they were of royal blood, and their slaughter had to be dealt with seriously.

"Do we know who did it?" Andrew asked.

"Your Highness, many people wished the King and his Uncle dead, but there is a man who…" The messenger started nervously.

"Yes? Continue."

The envoy swallowed, "We believe that the culprit is a man known as Nephrite Lapis, he was a former General of Elysian but turned rogue about five years ago."

"And what makes you suspect this man?" Andrew asked curiously.

"Well, Your Highness, there have been rumours that General Nephrite has been the lover of King Marcus' aunt, the lady Makoto, and that the child she is carrying is in-fact his, and not her recently… deceased husband."

Andrew stiffened, "Did you say the Lady Makoto?"

"Yes, Your Highness, I did." The messenger replied confused. "You know her?"

Andrew's expression turned thoughtful.

Yes, he knew the Lady Makoto very well indeed, and knew for a fact she was not the most faithful of wives, he had experienced that first-hand.

It had been three years ago that he had met the buxom brunette, and had instantly fallen to her charms.

The affair had lasted just over a year, that was until she had left him, for another man, a man she claimed she loved. That must have been this 'Nephrite' person.

Andrew scowled. He had been devastated when she had left him, and for what? A rogue General? A murderer!?

Clenching his fist, he slammed it against the table, startling everyone else in the room.

"I want this man found. Bring him back to me when you do. Alive."

* ~ *

Endymion sighed as he looked at the sleeping figure next to him. He didn't know what he had been thinking.

Luckily, nothing had progressed further than a few heated kisses, but it had been close, a little too close for his liking.

It was one thing to capture Diamond's bride-to-be, but to sleep with her was on a whole other level. Besides, it would be unlikely that Diamond would pay a large price for 'damaged goods'.

And, sadly, that's what it came down to for Endymion, money.

He liked Serenity, and, of course, if his actions were anything to be judged by, he definitely desired her. But that was as far as it went. He would not, could not, love her.


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