Author's Note: I want you all to know that I appreciate your hits and visits to the story. It inspires me to continue, but pleas review so that I can have you very valuable input. This chapter has a lot of dialogue. (ok. I just realized that I made a mistake in chapter one with Lita's name. All the girls will have there original names for short. Sandre represents Malakite all the guys are good, Jaden is Jadeite.)

A Fortnight.

Serenity walked quickly to her room. She was struggling to hold back the tears and screams of anger she had toward her mother. Her mother had perfect love, she held it in her hands, she made the proof of that love when she gave birth to her, and she lost that love. She knew that her mother had suffered when he died, but why did she have to continue to suffer? When she reached her room she flung herself on her bed and sobbed away the hurt she felt. She sat up, wiped away her tears and made a decision.

"I will find love, even in her guidelines!"

Serenity opened her door and asked the closest servant to go and fetch Molly. She had only 14 days to get ready and she would need new gowns for the Earth's court. Molly came quickly and entered her mistress room.

"I heard the news Princess, I am so sorry. You will find him, I just know it!"

"Thank you Molly. Now we have some very busy days ahead of us. Pleas make a list for me." Molly brought out a pen and some parchment.

"I'm ready princess."

"I will need the following, at least 7 new dresses 4 everyday dresses and 3 ball gowns. I will also need some of those awful hoods that the women wear. I will need riding clothes and a saddle. What else? Oh! Jewels, lots and lots of Jewels. My mother said the upper level and I think I will set my sights higher even than that!"

"What do you mean Princess?"

"I mean, Molly that the Prince of Earth has vowed never to marry. I think if I set myself up to marry him and he refuses me my mother will see that love cannot be forced."

"I am not sure Princess; it seems that you may get yourself into trouble."

"You will see Molly. You are excused Molly, you have lots of packing to do also, you will accompany me as my personal lady in waiting."

"But Princess, that means I am promoted!"

"Yes Molly, you are promoted. I need you with me. When you send for the tailor, make sure and inform him that you will need the same amount of dresses."

"Thank you Lady Molly."

Molly smiled and curtsied deeply at her princess. This was the best day of her life, now she was a woman of substance, she would have a dowry and a chance at a lucky marriage and children who would serve her majesty loyally. She walked down the corridors of the palace with a new sense of pride. She knew that the Prince of Earth would enjoy

her Princess, everyone knew he enjoyed a woman of unique beauty and her Princess was just that.

January 16, 1542

A woman is no more that an anchor into the dark abyss. They are that leach that bleeds your soul and your life away. The only woman who was worth her time was my dearly departed mother, God rest her. Why must I marry? I can get a son on a mistress and then take him away from her. Why must there be a woman, nay a wife. A good hunting dog would be more fun. However, my father commands it and so it must be. I know that the marriage I am to be forced into will be unbreakable. I am only satisfied that it will not be with that viper Beryl. She thinks I fancy her, I do not. My father has bid me marry the Princess of the Moon. The arrangement is still a secret; she is not to know until after she arrives here in a fortnight. I am to treat her with respect and get to know her, "enjoy her company" my father says. We will see. I will not marry!

Darien

Darien was lost in thought so deeply that he didn't hear the door open. What he did hear was his best friend and fellow prince clearing his throat after he had read the Prince's journal entry.

"Don't you know that what you are writing is treason?"

"Yes, but what can be done about it? I am the high prince of Earth and the only heir to its high throne."

"Then I suspect you are safe dear friend."

"What is it you were wanting Andrew? I know you to never be so cautious unless you want something?"

"I am betrothed also."

"WHAT?" Prince Darien exclaimed unable to hide his emotions.

"Yes, as well as the others."

"To whom?"

"I to Princess Minuette. Sandre to Princess Aimee, Jaden to Reianne and Nephlyte to Litanna. Am I to assume correctly that you will be married to Serenity, the Moon Princess?"

"Yes." Was Darien's short answer that let his dearest friend know that he did not wish to speak of it.

"Well, what can we do? We are betrothed and it is De is no way around it. Anyway they are supposed to be the most beautiful women we could ever lay eyes on."

"Beauty is both a gift and a curse. When do they arrive?"

"They will leave in a fortnight. Can I ask you as to why were are to be secretive about theses affairs?"

"They all know nothing of the arrangements. We are to make them fall in love with us."

"Hmm… Sounds like our cup of tea!"

"Maybe yours, but I will not marry like this."

"You will do as you father bids." A tall man with dark hair entered the room. He was dressed in a tunic of gold with gold tights. He had a Silk over coat lined in fur and draped in rubies and gold. He also wore a cap that was encrusted with the family coat of arms in gold. Both the young men stood and bowed to their superior.

"Hello, Father." Darien said icily.

"Don't use such a tone with me boy, I am still King and will remain so until you are married and settled."

The king approached and the Princes move to cover the journal.

"Why?"

"Why what son?"

"Why do you wish my forever unhappiness?"

"Son," the King sighed "I know you do not wish for this union but it must happen. The peace of our people is riding on it. Our country cannot afford another war. We are nearly bankrupt. The princess is kind and gentle. She will win the love of our people and in turn the Earth will live in peace."

"Why can't I do all these things?"

"Because the people need a queen, and you need an heir."

"I will obey your wishes father, but only for my people."

The king nodded and began to leave the room. " I suggest you finish with your mistresses before the fortnight, I will not have them around with the princesses here and they will not tolerate unfaithfulness."

The King shut the door and left the Princes to themselves.