Title: To Brave the Darkness
Disclaimer: I don't own anything about Sailor Moon
Authors Notes: Okay everyone, the storm has passed. Today I officially got my stories back. My old computer is toast, but they were able to get everything from my old hard drive onto my new computer so I didn't lose anything. So that means...new chapter! Hope you all enjoy!
Sometimes it was hard, living with the King. It wasn't that he was in any way cruel or hard to deal with, but Serenity felt that she should be using her new position to help as much as she could. She had come from a life where her only requirement was to entertain her stepfather's business friends. It was difficult to pace herself. She was exhausted by the end of most days, too tired to stay up past when the sun went down.
But there were always the days she spent with Endymion to make her relax.
He was allowed to see her once a week. Sometimes the King insisted they needed supervision, but sometimes he just let them be. But always Endymion was allowed to come.
"Am I allowed to get a progress report?" Serenity asked.
Endymion was sitting with her on the beautiful grass of the King's personal courtyard. He leaned against the trunk of a tree, resting one arm on one knee. He looked peaceful and relaxed, as if in this moment nothing in life bothered him.
But her question made his brow furrow slightly and she wished she hadn't asked it.
"Do you really want to hear it?" He asked.
She nodded, unsure.
"I suppose I didn't really realize just how many there were," he said with a sigh. "I never considered it. Looking back, they all just felt like one person. Seeing them all again, or their families, makes me wonder how I ever convinced myself I wasn't a monster."
Serenity nodded, trying to be supportive. "Have you met with more success?"
"I have," he said. "It is a little bit of relief to know that just because I may have touched someone, does not mean their life is ended. Many women have married. I met with a few husbands, most of who knew what I had done, and loved their wives with all their hearts regardless. It has been easier when the woman has moved on. People are willing to forgive when they themselves are happy."
There was one question that she had obsessed about for the last few weeks, but she was hesitant to ask. She didn't want to know the answer, but she also didn't want to always question him.
She looked at him, watching his expression as he took in her hesitancy. Should she ask?
He smiled softly, looking down. "You want to know if I've found any children I might have fathered."
She nodded. "I would not be angry if you had. We could…it might not be hard to consider the child, especially if they need help."
"Serenity, if I had found a child, I would have told you immediately. I won't lie to you. I love you too much to risk hurting you again."
"None at all?" She asked, a little surprised.
"Perhaps I am unable to have children," he said with a shrug. "The odds say I should have more than one, but I don't. It is possible that my punishment for all of this is that I will never have a child."
She took his hand, hearing the pain in his voice at the idea. "If that is true, we will still be happy," she said earnestly. "I would love to have children one day, but as long as I'm with you, it doesn't matter."
"Wouldn't it be perfect justice that my family line stops with me. I will be the first of any of them to quit this lifestyle. I don't mind being punished for my crimes, but I don't want you to suffer because of them."
She was touched at his concern, but it really didn't matter that much to her. She had always assumed she would have children, but she wouldn't be upset if it were never to happen. She had been caged her whole life. She could be content with experiencing life and loving him.
"The King is happy with your progress," Serenity said. "He said as much at dinner last night."
"Yes, I spoke with him this morning."
"I am glad that through all of this, you were able to remember your friendship with him. He really is one of the best men I have ever met."
He grinned at her. "Better than I am?"
She laughed. "Perhaps in some ways."
He pushed himself away from the tree, stretching over to be very near her. She could feel his breath on her cheek and see the teasing look in his eyes.
"I can think of one way I'm better than he is at pleasing you," he said huskily.
She blushed. "Have you ever considered that you just got lucky that first time?"
He laughed. "I am not basing my findings on my performance. I am basing them on your reaction. Shall I remind you just how uncontrollable your screams of pleasure were?"
Her blush deepened and she reached out to push him away.
He grabbed her hand, pressing it against his chest.
"I will keep my promise to you," he said softly. "I want to do this right. But don't be fooled into thinking I don't desire you." He was so close to her, his breath tickling her skin. "It keeps me up at night, the thoughts I have of you. The moment I can call you mine, I will never be able to keep my hands off of you again."
His words made her skin flush and her lower stomach smolder. It made her feel devious. "You're the one who's decided we have to wait until our wedding night. I've told you before I have no such reservations." She kept her voice low, looking up at him through her eyelashes.
He breathed in deeply, his eyes smoldering. "You are a very dangerous creature," he said.
She leaned forward and kissed him, very lightly. She let her lips linger on his skin, teasing him. She pulled away when he moved to kiss her back.
He groaned. "That's just cruel."
"Just think how willing I will be," she continued in her soft voice. "As your wife, there's nothing I'll deny you."
He breathed out, reaching out to caress her face. His blue eyes blazed and she could see his slightly cocky grin form as his lips parted to come in and kiss her.
"But you're right," she said suddenly leaning away from him, sighing purposely. "We really should wait until we're married."
It took him a moment to refocus. He shook his head slightly, staring at her in disbelief. "It's a little disconcerting that you like doing that," he said in an amused voice. "But I'm not going to complain. Go ahead. Tease me all you want. Make it impossible for me to stay away from you. I can think of worse punishments."
Serenity laughed, feeling completely free and calm for the first time in her life. This was the way she was supposed to live. She was supposed to be able to make a difference and love with her whole heart. She was supposed to have friends and family and be willing to do anything for them.
This was the life she had always wanted.
It was much later that night, when she was getting ready for bed, that a soft knock on the door caught her attention. She was even more surprised to find the King himself at her door.
"Don't be alarmed," he said at once. "I am not here for any reason other than to talk."
She smiled at him. "I am not afraid of you."
"May I be permitted to come and sit with you?" He asked kindly.
She nodded, stepping out of the way so he could come into her bedroom. It was improper, but she didn't care. The King was her guardian, and she trusted him.
Something worried her, however, about the way he was standing. His back was too stiff. He seemed overly stressed about something and she couldn't figure out what it was.
So she waited for him to speak first. He had come to her, and she didn't want to force him to tell her.
"It's been a long time since I've felt like I could have someone to confide in," he admitted. "I am surrounded by people, but after I lost Endymion's friendship, I didn't bother replacing it."
Serenity went up to him, immediately taking his hands in hers and looking into his beautiful eyes. "You are not alone," she said seriously. "If there is something you need to talk about, as your friend, I will listen and do whatever is in my power to help."
He smiled gently, almost sadly. "Being the king has its advantages," he said slowly. "There are not many things that are off limits to me. But despite all of that, there is still something I feel I can't have."
She looked at him curiously. "Is this about the lady you're in love with?"
He shook his head. "Serenity, you have only been here a little while, and I've started to feel once again what it was like to have someone I looked forward to seeing. Not as a future romantic conquest, but as a friend. I…I worry about letting you go to him. I believe he will make you happy and be faithful to you, but it means I would lose you."
Serenity immediately wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly to her.
The King hugged her back, holding her against him.
"I could never leave you," she said seriously. "You saved my life. I love you like you are my family. I'll always be available for you to talk to."
He nodded, breathing in deeply. "When you marry him, you will go and live with him. Will you promise me to visit again two months later?"
"Of course I will. I'll come two weeks later."
He laughed then, letting her go and looking down at her. "The way you and Endymion look at one another makes it clear that you won't realize it's been only two weeks. No, give yourself two months. By then perhaps you might be either too tired or already pregnant, and a break will do you good."
Serenity blushed at the comment.
"Endymion will come as well," the king said. "You are both invited to stay with me."
"And you are always welcome in our home."
He sighed, hesitating for a moment. "Alright Serenity, I give my consent. You can marry him."
Serenity squealed in delight and threw herself back into his arms. "Thank you so much! I promise you, he won't let us down. You'll see, we'll all be happy."
The King laughed, letting her happiness wash through him. "I suppose I must speak with him then. He can't ask for your hand without consent from your guardian."
"Will you talk to him soon?" She asked enthusiastically.
"He will be allowed to see you during regular visiting hours every day until your wedding. But I expect him to keep his hands to himself until you're married."
She nodded. "He will, don't worry."
"I'm worried about you, not him. I believe he'll do anything at this point to make you happy. But he's also so ridiculously in love with you that you're likely to drive him crazy. Give the guy a break. He's not used to denying himself his desires."
Serenity just held her chin up high. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Right," the King said with a laugh. "Goodnight Serenity."
When he closed the door behind him, Serenity was practically vibrating with pleasure. She was so excited she knew that sleeping was going to be next to impossible. She paced for a good solid few minutes before laughing out loud to herself and throwing herself into her bed.
She couldn't help but think that her life was perfect now in so many ways.
When Raye came to visit the next day, Serenity couldn't wait to tell her. She blurted it out as soon as she saw her beautiful friend.
Raye looked at her in amusement. "A little excited are you?"
"I feel like I've been waiting for this my whole life," Serenity said. "I just can't believe it's happening."
"He hasn't even asked you yet."
Serenity rolled her eyes. "That's the least important part. We both already know how that's going to go. He's going to start asking, and I'll say yes before he even finishes. The part that matters is that the King gave his permission."
Raye sat down, sighing dramatically. "I can see there's going to be no talking normally to you today."
Serenity giggled, sitting next to her. "Alright, I'll be good. We can talk about anything you want."
Raye looked at her then, hesitating. Her sudden frown looked worried.
"What's the matter?"
"I really don't want to ruin your good mood."
"Raye, just tell me."
"It might be nothing. Mina was visiting some family up where your stepfather lives. She hadn't been in that area for a long while, since before we knew you, so she wasn't really sure what to expect. She was surprised that there was so much gossip. The girl your stepfather married is about our age, or perhaps a little younger. Some say she is too young to have married."
"I heard she was young, but that young?" Serenity asked.
"Mina was told that the poor girl had no idea what she was agreeing to when she was questioned about marrying your stepfather. She hadn't even heard about his dealings with you."
Serenity sat back, taking in that information. "That's a little disconcerting."
"Not as much as the next bit of information. They say that he married her just days after your trial. The reason she agreed to it was because he told her she'd have nothing to worry about after awhile. He would get you back and then expect nothing from her."
"But he didn't get me back?"
"He promised her after the trial."
Serenity looked at her for a long moment. The information took a long time to settle within her. What was Raye trying to tell her?
"You're saying that he hasn't given up?"
Raye shook her head. "Mina couldn't find out what was based on fact. He would be the greatest fool the earth has ever seen if he through he could do something now. You're protected by the King. It has been ruled that any person who harms you in any way will be banished to the wasteland."
Serenity felt troubled. Tension built in her stomach.
"I'm sorry, I knew I might upset you."
"It's okay," Serenity said. "I'm glad I know. I'll bring it up with the King. He'll send his people to look into the matter." She took her friend's hand, trying to reassure her. "He can't get me now Raye. I'm safe. Soon I'll be married and there's nothing he can do. Even now there's nothing he can do. Both Endymion and the King will make sure of that."
Raye nodded. "I am happy for you," she said. "I knew the King was close to allowing it and I'm glad he decided on sooner rather than later. Endymion will wait forever for you, but as his friend I'd like to see him happy."
"How are the girls?"
Serenity tried to focus on the conversation, but she was a little distracted. She was sure, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that there was nothing her father could do. If he tried anything, it would be criminal. He couldn't hurt her. Even if he tried something violent, it would be counteracting his original desires.
And he wouldn't go after the King. There was no way.
Would he go after her friends? She was sure Endymion could look after himself, especially if he was prepared, but what about the others? Her stepfather hadn't really known who'd helped her except for Raye.
"Will you stay with Endymion until this is all over?" She asked.
Raye looked at her confused. "What do you mean?"
"Or maybe it would be better if I asked the King to allow you to stay here."
"Serenity, what are you talking about?"
"I don't want anything to happen to you."
"Oh," Raye said realizing her point. "You're worried about your stepfather."
"I am."
"Don't be. I've been staying with Andrew and his family. I'm perfectly safe."
Serenity sighed in relief. "Good."
"Come on," Raye said. "I promised the King I would say hello the next time I came to visit. It would be rude of me to forget about him."
Serenity smiled, getting up with her friend. She tried to forget about the horrible news, but it trailed behind her, always in view.
But soon she would be married to Endymion, and that was all that mattered.
He surprised her the very next day. She wasn't used to seeing him so frequently. She was sitting by herself, taking a short break after a day of activity, reading a book of poetry. The King had given it to her, saying it was one of his favorites. It was about love and hate, and the things we are willing to live with when our heart belongs to another person. It seemed oddly fitting.
She hadn't really realized Endymion was right behind her, reading for a moment over her shoulder.
She might not have known he was there at all, until he moved across the sun to throw a soft shadow across the page.
She turned to look at him, startled.
"Sorry," he said smiling happily. "I didn't mean to startle you."
Serenity found herself almost instantly nervous. It was so strange. She was usually so comfortable with him now. She had already given herself to him once and they were going to be married soon. Why should she suddenly be so nervous?
He seemed to understand her reason for being suddenly shy, and he smiled an amused and satisfied smile.
"After what the King told me about your reaction, I assumed I wasn't even going to get a chance to ask," he said.
Serenity blushed. Her heart beat quickly in her chest, and she tried to control her breathing.
Endymion gently closed the book in her hands, putting it on the edge of the bench beside her. Slowly, he took her hand, kneeling right in front of her, smiling up at her with beautifully happy eyes.
"In my whole life I have never met anyone like you," he said softly. "You affect me in a way nobody has ever come close to. My desire for you runs so much deeper than just a carnal lust. I want to be able to tell you my achievements and I want to show you exactly who I am, without holding back. And so much more importantly, I want to make you happy."
Serenity felt the sting of tears prickling her eyes. Her vision went slightly blurry, but she refused to look away from him.
"I have so many things to atone for," he continued. "I know that I don't deserve to get away with the things I've done. But if I could spend the rest of my life with you by my side, I would be the happiest I could ever imagine being. Serenity, you saved my life. I don't know what would have become of me without you. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?"
She could hardly answer. Her voice felt stuck in her throat and a tear streaked down her cheek. The happiness bloomed within her so much more intensely than she had ever experienced before.
"Yes," she all but whispered.
Endymion's smile was so breathtaking in that moment she was sure her heart would burst she was so happy. He kissed her so lovingly, so emotionally, it made the tears come even more. She wanted to never let go of him, ever again. She wanted to stay like this, in this moment, for the rest of her life.
He pulled away just far enough to look at her, his own happiness shining from him.
"I love you," he said softly.
Serenity didn't even realize he had a ring until he had it in his hand, showing her.
It was beautiful. The diamond glimmered in the sun and sparkled as if it to were happy in this moment.
"It belonged to my mother," he said, sliding it gently onto her finger.
"It's beautiful," she said, her voice breaking with emotion.
He kissed her again, pulling her into his arms and holding her tightly. In this moment, nothing could harm them. They were together, and that was the only thing that mattered.
End of Chapter Fifteen. Please review!
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