Author's Note: I really appreciate the hits and visits the story has received, but I would really appreciate some feed back. Thanks for the review I got and I hope to see more. (Sorry I realized that I posted the wrong chapter. The other was the unedited version. I like this one much better.)

Preparations.

Both palaces, though miles apart, were involved with preparations. The palace on the moon frenzied with anticipation. The planetary princesses would be arriving at any moment. Servants were dressed in the typical silver and white moon kingdom livery. Banners were hung from the enormous ceilings displaying the dignitaries' respective colors and arms. Outside the palace, the landing area was being cleared and decorated. Several years had passed since a meeting of this magnitude had taken place, and now more than ever, the people of the moon kingdom were hopeful at the news of peace. Women servants were busy running in and out of rooms dusting and washing, and changing the linens. The tailor staffed five seamstresses to run fabric in and out of the princess's quarters, where either Molly or the princess herself would inspect and choose the palate for her dresses. There were cascades of deep blues, oranges, purples, and greens, but the princess seemed particularly partial to a silver silk, embossed with very delicate crystalline thread, making crescent moon and star shapes. She was also captivated by soft rose colored velvet the tailor hand picked especially for her. The tailor gleamed with excitement upon hearing the news that the princess had chosen too many fabrics and would have to increase her order. He knew that his business would quadruple once the other princesses saw Serenity's dresses, for they too had a flair for the dramatic and would request some of their own. This would be his most productive season yet.

"Princess?" Molly asked as she gently pushed the door open to her chambers.

"I am in the bathroom Molly."

"I'll get your clothes ready Princess, the others arrive at any moment."

Serenity rushed out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped loosely around her body.

"They are early!"

"Yes, princess but only by a few hours."

"I can not believe the audacity. I specifically said four o'clock, not half past two. Nothing is ready! Send word for the cooks, and the chamber maids! Everything must be ready at ONCE!"

"Yes princess, but first let us get you dressed. You can not meet them nude." Molly giggled.

Serenity waited impatiently while Molly dressed her in a beautiful silver gown. It had the same corset type top but the bottom reached all the way to the floor. It was left open to reveal four different underskirts. The first was a deep hunter green, followed by a beautiful golden orange, then crimson, and finally a deep cerulean blue. The dress represented the silver alliance. Serenity chose a simple head band with a crescent moon that rested on her forehead. Finally satisfied with Serenity's appearance, Molly left to do her princess's bidding. Serenity exited her rooms in search of her mother. She approached her mothers' rooms and knocked.

"Come in dear." Selen said. Serenity opened the door and walked in slowly.

"Mother, I have come to seek your approval of my dress."

"Oh! Serenity you look wonderful. You should wear that dress when you meet the royalty of Earth also."

"Mother, as I am sure you are already aware, fulfilling your wishes is my highest aspiration."

"Serenity dear, I do wish you weren't so cold towards me. I wish you could understand that I want your happiness more than you can imagine. I want our kingdom to be safe for you and my future grandchildren."

"I know mother."

"Maybe one day you will understand me."

"Maybe, mother."

A moment of silence fell between mother and daughter, but was soon interrupted by a loud knock at the door. A soldier came informing them that the royal families were approaching.

"Let us proceed Serenity."

"Yes mother." Serenity said with her chin held regally.

Mother and daughter approached the landing docks just in time to see the royal families arrive

A large procession came before the dignitaries. The announcer made way for them by calling out their welcome and well wishes for the moon kingdom and its royals. The path was decorated with the banners and flowers of each planet. Citizens of the moon stood on the side of the path tossing flower petals and calling out their congratulations and well wishes for the princesses. The procession came to a stop at the entrance to the palace, where a crescent moon with each planets arms was carved into the floor. Above each coat of arms was a banner of welcome. The banner signified peace between the moon and the other planets.

King Landyn, Queen Laurana, and Princess Litanna were the first to arrive. They were accompanied by one hundred men at arms adorned with the hunter green and gold livery of Jupiter's royal family. They approached the meeting place and stood under their banner of welcome. Next to arrive was King Randall, Queen Rista, and Princess Reianne. They were accompanied by one hundred archers dressed in the crimson and orange livery of the Mars royal family. They approached and stood under their banner as well. Next King Malcolm, Queen Marista, and Princess Minuette arrived. They were followed by a band of one hundred fortune tellers wearing the orange and yellow livery of Venus' royal family. Finally King Aiden, Queen Arabella and Princess Aimee. The royals were accompanied by one hundred scholars and tutors displaying the blue and silver livery of Mercury's royal family. Queen Selen and Princess Serenity were greeted with a sweeping round of bows and curtsies, which they then graciously returned. The Queens of the alliance stepped forward and summoned their crystals as an offer of peace. The crystals joined in the air above Queen Selen and formed the Silver Emperium Crystal. Queen Selen took the crystal and addressed her long time friends and fellow monarchs.

"Friends, welcome to our home" Selen said. "I hope your rooms are accommodating and that all goes well with our daughters."

Princess Serenity took her place next to her mother and addressed her fellow princesses.

"Ladies may I escort you to your rooms and then to the gardens for some refreshments."

"Yes!" The girls exclaimed, too overwhelmed from the excitement of seeing their dearest friend to obey etiquette any longer. The older royals chatted about the upcoming weddings and alliance, while the young girls dared to be just that, while they still had the chance.

"Oh, Serenity!" Miunette said as she embraced her dearest friend and cousin. "Your dress is so beautiful. I want one just like it, but with orange in the over dress of course."

"The tailor is on hand, but you will not be permitted to outdo mine of course," smiled Serenity. I'll have him summoned. You should all have them made while you are staying. Mother insists I wear mine when we meet the Earth royals."

"That would be fantastic" Minuette and the girls cried aloud. Litanna opened the door to the chambers and sent a servant to go and fetch the tailor. While they were waiting on him Serenity showed off her new things, and just as the tailor suspected, they all wanted some of their own. With only ten days left until they met their fates, the girls enjoyed each other's company and kept the tailor very, very busy. The girls were all a gossip with chatter and laughter when Luna, Selen's first lady, interrupted them.

"Girls, your mothers have summoned you to meet them in the royal gardens, near the roses in one hour, to discuss your departure."
"We can hardly wait." Serenity replied sarcastically.

Meanwhile the Earth palace also was a buzz, rushing frantically to gather supplies for the arrival of their honored guests. Servants ran through the many corridors tidying rooms and replacing old linens. Young boys combed the markets to gather foods and wines from the many venders of Earth. Newly appointed ambassadors searched for last minute gifts to present to their princess, whom they would represent, if the upcoming alliance went as planned. The princesses would take part in the annual hunt, so special accommodations had to be made. New horses were trained to suit their riding abilities. The princes took the liberty of having five new hounds trained as gifts for the princesses. The servants bathed and fed the hounds and placed collars around their necks representing the color of each princess' planet. The princes had some "cleaning up" to do as well.

"WHAT?" said the unison of young royalty surprisingly.

"You heard me. They all must go." Darien and Andrew confirmed

"But it has always been so; the men of Earth have always had mistresses."

"Look, I know things will be different, but you have your orders. Pay them, marry them off, do what you must, but they will not be allowed to stay for the arrival of our guests!"

The three princes nodded their head, not liking what they must do.

Darien headed off towards his one and only mistress's room.

"She is NOT going to like this" he thought as he approached, but from her door Darien heard a familiar sound.

"That sounds like… No she wouldn't."

Darien burst through the door catching Claira in the midst of a very compromising situation with the Duke of Grandhuthium.

"What is going on here?" Darien commanded

"Um…Well... You see your highness" stuttered the duke.

"We were just negotiating," Claira said skillfully.

"I think I have the perfect solution to your negotiations. You will marry the duke before the royals get here. You and the duke will be sent back to Grandhuthium to live. You are forbidden to return to court until the marriage is legally consummated and you supply a male heir. Then, and only then, will I consider allowing you back." Darien turned on his heel and departed sharply. "That was much easier than I thought." Darien's mood lifted soon after, for he had worried as to how he would break the news to Claira. The other four princes were not as successful. Jaden was brought to with in an inch of his life by several potentially dangerous objects propelled at him by Amarelle. Andrew had a sobbing, rejected Narissa on his hands. Nephlyte's mistrtess made him regret all the fighting lessons she had persuaded him to give her. Suzanna used all her wit with Sandre to convince him otherwise. All in all, it was Darien who had the easiest time ridding himself of his mistress. Now all he had to do was keep his mind clear and his fellow princes in check. They had ten days to enjoy themselves before the princesses would arrive and everything would change.