Wow I narrowly escaped getting yelled at and killed by my art teacher so I decided to update! Oh no, will not be able to update for a good while due to work and exams work and ore exams! May be able to start the next set of updates and continue on with them soon!

SS

xoxo

Endymion walked into the library, he groaned as he saw the mountain of paper work on his desk, it seemed to multiply by the hour! He saw that the grand library doors lay open, exposing the gardens. He stood and watched the gardeners work their magic on the blooms. The air was still and sweet, it soothed his burning headache he had gained from listening to people's complaints all morning. Each shelf was packed like sardines with books, the benches adorned with fine, detailed and colourful needle work cushions the Queens and their ladies had sowed while they would lounge here on warm nights. He sighed, those days were over. He sat at his desk and started signing documents and mumbling to himself.

He sighed heavily and looked outside, the sun had dimmed, and he felt his stomach Talk to him. He hoped it was near Dinner. He couldn't believe he had been sat in this room since 7am! He thanked every god out there that he was not King! He leaned back in his chair and rubbed his face with his hand. The headache was back. His thoughts turned to Serenity, he hadn't seen her for 2 days now, and ever since he glanced at her at dinner and saw the bruises on her arms......He got up and walked to the gardens for fresh air.

He relaxed in the sweet air and the trickle of the water from the fountain; he walked past the western gate, hidden with Ivy it led to Serenity's chambers and her women's chambers. Only Serenity held the key to the gate. He stopped and turned to the gate, it led to Serenity's private garden. The bird's song stopped and the wind started to pick up, he shook his head and kept walking. He paused at the cherry blossom tree, watching its pink petals float around a figure standing behind it, "My Queen!" he snapped out of his dream and flew down onto one knee in reverence, she stepped out of the tree's shadows and reached out a shaky hand raised him.

"Don't bend a knee to me please, Prince." She whispered.

He stood, "Why are you out here alone, it's near the lighting hour, should you not be getting ready for dinner?" He asked. He was looking long at her. She remained cloaked but her golden hair fell out like threads against the dark royal blue cloak.

She shrugged, "I came out to get some fresh air." Her voice was low.

His smile was thin, "That makes two of us. Your husband has left me with all of hiss paper work to do."

She bowed her head, "Please-Please-"She shook violently. Endymion stepped forward ad reached out to take her arm but she flinched and shrank away from him." –Don't-touch me-please I beg you! Don't mention Dia-"She swooned, he caught her and her hood fell back and her cloak opened, exposing her pale skin. He gasped out aloud. Her fragile body had become thin and worn out, her arms and shoulders were covered in purple and blue bruises, but her face hadn't been touched, only tear tracks remained on her face. She weakly beat at his chest for him to let her go but she was too weak, his heart sank for his friend. He lifted her up and felt anger at his so called brother. Serena was shocked that a man could show so much kindness. She relented into his arms and closed her eyes to the world.

"She's awfully thin. Fragile. I am concerned for the health of the Queen." Endymion said, voice full of concern and a tinge of worry and sympathy."I know what's done this, but not even I-can stop my br-Dia-The King from doing this. "

"My lord," Lita started, and then lowered her voice to a whisper. "The Queen gave birth to a still born son the night before Diamond left. When Diamond found out he demanded he be left alone with the Queen-In fact commanded us to leave. We heard her cries for him to stop. But we couldn't do anything. She hasn't eaten or slept since! The physician says it could take up to at least 2 weeks for her to regain health. As for the scars, they'll never go away." She turned her head sadly to Serenity as the candle light burned low beside her bed.

2 weeks later....

Serenity stepped out in a light blue silk dress which followed after her down the stairs. The bruises were gone and she looked a lot fuller in the face but still elegant in the way she carried herself. Endymion glanced at her then was caught by her curves. He bowed as she walked up to him "My lady Queen." He whispered against the back of her hand. She raised him and made him a reverence. "My Lord Endymion." She smiled. "I hear you have-news on my-"

He cleared his throat, "Yes my Queen. The King sent a messenger in this evening stating that his talks with the other kingdoms will take longer than expected. By at least another 3 months." Endymion relaxed his shoulders, "My brother always was hot headed."

Serenity laughed, but grew serious. She knew that wasn't the reason he was staying. "And Diamond?" Her brow arched.

Endymion took her hand and held it between his own as he bought her out of ear shot. "Serenity this you know already. I am sorry he takes mistresses. It disgusts me."

She shook her head, "It is not your fault." She tried to smile, he noted but the pain hit her core like an arrow.

Endymion led the Queen into dinner where they took their places. The soldiers complimented Serenity on her glow. She raised a toast to Endymion, if it were not for his walk in the gardens she could have been in deep trouble of losing her life all together from being so weak. Their eyes met as they raised their wine glasses. At opposite ends of the table they couldn't tear themselves away. She wondered if this was the beginning of something new, sweet but dangerous. He caught the dangerous glint in her eye. She had a faint blush grace her cheeks. He smiled and nodded his head in reverence. She returned his reverence with her own.