Disclaimer:
Sailor Moon copyrights February/March 1999 and all its characters are the rightful property of Naoko Takeuchi, Toei Animation, Kodansha Ltd., Bandai. English adaptation copyrights 1995 DIC Corporations.
"Perfect love is rare indeed – for to be a lover will require that you continually have the subtlety of the very wise, the flexibility of the child, the sensitivity of the artist, the understanding of the philosopher, the acceptance of the saint, the tolerance of the scholar and the fortitude of the certain."
Leo Buscaglia
Serena sat on a bench in the Rose Garden, brooding over her memories.
It was so uncomfortable in the servant's quarters now. Everyone was acting as though she were some kind of gossip, as if she were Endymion's mistress, as if she weren't any human with feelings. She didn't want to tell Endymion any of this; it would only make her look very stupid.
She sighed sadly, staring at the marble stones at her feet.
"Bunny," he whispered, sitting down beside her.
She flashed him a blinding smile, and Endymion nearly keeled over with joy that she would smile at him like that. "Hello, Endy. Do you feel all right? You look a little pale,"
He smiled. "I'm fine. You look worried, though. Do you want to talk about it?"
She was ready to tell him all about it, but then closed her mouth at his possible – and worse – reaction. "Well…"
"Come on, you can tell me anything," he covered her hand with his own, and his heart jolted at how soft and delicate she was.
She flickered him an uncertain glance. "All right, then. Well…the servants – there are rumors all over the place about us, Endy…and they say that I'm your mistress," she choked on the last word, a very dramatic effect indeed, but she didn't want to say it, because she had wanted to be his mistress, his wife.
His fingers tightened around hers. "I know. Forget them. If you want, you can live in that suite neighboring mine. How about it?"
She smiled up to him. "Really, Endy?"
His heart melted, and he promised her silently that he would give anything for her. "Of course."
She smiled so beautifully that Endymion's mind was dazzled. "Oh, thank you, Endy. I feel so happy."
He vowed that he would do anything for her happiness; he would do anything in return of her blinding smile and deafening voice and intoxicating embrace. It wasn't good for his health and his judgment, he knew, but he didn't care. She was already starting to cloud his judgment on politics – he couldn't help but to ask for her opinion on everything – and soon, she would have total control of him, and he would possibly make very foolish decisions – not that it has happened yet, of course. But he didn't care. As long as she would smile and speak and hug him, he would give anything.
Endymion grinned stupidly, his mind playing over her smile and her embrace for at least thrice longer than it originally was. And then he remembered that he would go with her to her home, and the journey would starttomorrow. He felt in his heart a soft thud, and knew what it was so clearly that it terrified him, so that he hid from the knowledge.
Meanwhile, just several yards away, in the adjacent room, Serena curled up in her bed and smiled. Her Endy had been so sweet and gentlemanly to her, and she was beginning to accept something else…something very rare and precious, both from him and herself, and yet she refused the knowledge because it was too much of a startling comprehension.
Serena climbed onto the carriage, Mina and Daphne waving good-bye to her. She waved back, and Endymion closed the door. The carriage rolled away with the prince and the lady, and many trunks.
Serena sighed in satisfaction and looked out the window. "The landscape is very beautiful, Endy," she told him, even though she knew that he knew already.
"Yes, but you're more beautiful than the landscape," he whispered to her, and she blushed in so much of a delightful way that Endymion hugged her.
She curled up in his arms, and didn't leave. It was strange, to have ridden on horses and now in carriage, where the ride was smoother and quieter.
When they fell to a calm silence, Serena pressed her cheek to his chest, and heard the thuds of his heartbeat. She grinned, and threw back her hair, content just to be. She could feel Endymion's hands on her – one on her back, caressing her, the other tangled in her hair. This was the closest she had ever gotten to a member of the opposite gender – she'd never even been this close to her Sam, or her father.
Endymion was having similar thoughts, and smiled clandestinely to himself. They really looked like a husband and a wife…and he held the secret belief that they could be together one day…as a married couple, wedded by the Great Church itself, and coronated the King and Queen of the Golden Kingdom.
She slept in his arms; mostly due to the facts that she had spent night after night thinking about him and that she had nothing better to do.
Serena's house wasn't far away from the Palace, and they arrived there shortly before dinner. Her family was, of course, expecting she herself, since she had written them, but they didn't know that the prince was coming also, since the letter wouldn't have reached them when they arrived, anyway.
Endymion helped her down the carriage, raising an eyebrow at her. "I imagined your house to be beside a hill," he said to her.
She glared at him. "Of course my house is beside a hill – in fact, it is right in front of the hill."
He smiled. "Bunny."
She glared at him. "Endy." Then, after a pause, "Okay, let's stop this. Oh, there's Mother – and Father! And Sam!" she flew toward her family, laughing joyfully.
Her mother, a beautiful woman with auburn hair, similar to that of Serena's, but not as fair – in Endymion's eyes – and a round, kindly face rushed forward, embracing her daughter. "Oh, you look so…fabulous!" she exclaimed. "Where did you get these gowns and – and why are you wearing your hair down? I thought that you liked your hair up. What made you change your mind?"
However, before Serena could answer, her father came and embraced her tightly, as well. "Oh, Daughter! We missed you very much." He was a man with smooth brown hair and brilliant green eyes, along with a very handsome and determined, yet gentle face.
Before Serena could thank him, she was enveloped in another hug by her brother, Sam. "Sammy! Oh, I missed you, Sam! And all of you – Mother, Father – how are you? How is everyone doing?"
"We're fine. But you're so different from the Serena that we remember – what changed your mind, Serena?" her mother asked again.
"Actually, Endy forced me to."
"Endy?"
"Yeah. He came with me," she turned and waved to him, beaming. "Come on. Proper introductions are needed – would you please hurry?" she ran to him and dragged him by the hands to her family.
The others were staring open-mouthed and wide-eyed at the handsome prince, who was smiling pleasantly. "Allow me to introduce to you Prince Endymion of Golden Kingdom – yes, the one and only, Sam," Serena said formally, although with a wide smile. "And Endy, this is my father, Ken Roberts." Endymion nodded courteously and shook hands with the man. "My mother, Irene Bellevue Roberts." Endymion kissing the back of her hand with a kind smile. "And my older brother, Samuel Roberts." They shook hands, and Serena jumped up in impatience.
"Bunny, slow down!" Endymion called out as she grabbed his hands again, leading him into the house.
"I can't! I have so much to show you! There's Belle, my horse, and there's this book on you that you must read – it's very comical – and there's food to eat – not made by me, but by my mother. She's a much better cook than I am, though." Serena was saying all this in such a rush that Endymion was barely able to understand her.
It was a bit awkward at first, but they got along fairly well. The Roberts family still hadn't adjusted to the delightful shock of seeing Prince Endymion up-close, and seeing their Serena with him as if they were married.
"Father, Mother, and Sam, do you think that Endy's guards could possibly stay here in our house while we're here? There aren't too many of them – only two guards and a personal doctor which I so insisted to bring along," she smiled shyly at the prince, who only smiled back. "Anyway, so do you think that they could?"
"Why, of course," Ken nodded at once toward the prince. "It is a pleasure, Prince Endymion."
"Believe me, Mr. Roberts, when I say that the pleasure is all mine," Endymion replied with another smile.
"We could use some of the wonderful experience here when we're dealing with laws concerning farmers, Endy," Serena said, taking a sip of her drink.
"Of course," Endymion answered, and he felt joyous that she would call him that – again.
She smiled quite beautifully at him, and he felt himself falling over the edge so quickly that it seemed impossible.
The family exchanged a sharp glance, but was quiet.
Serena hummed a tune to herself, still fully dressed, and opening her journey to write.
Sam knocked, and came in. He was frowning slightly, and the lady abandoned her book to the side, walking up to her brother in concern. "Sam?"
"Serena – I do not mean to offend Prince Endymion, His Lordship, but…Serena, how long?"
She blinked in surprise. "How long what?"
"How long have you been married?"
"Married? Sam, don't be ridiculous. He's a prince, and I'm just a maid. And besides, we're just friends," Serena frowned in confusion.
"I'm not ridiculous, Serena, and I'm not blind to the way you act around each other."
"We're friends, Sam. Nothing more and nothing less," Serena explained impatiently. Why was everyone asking if she were married to him? – Not that she didn't like the idea, of course…
"Serena, this is so different from the prince that we know from books and newspapers," Sam warned.
"I know. That's because he's changed much over the weeks. Why?"
Sam heaved a great sigh, and shook his head, giving his little sister a smile. "No, nothing. Listen, Prince Endymion's a very good prince – just, handsome, young, and determined."
"Well, Endy's flattered," Serena replied, with a beautiful smile.
Sam seemed as though he wanted to ask how she knew he would be flattered, but decided against it, and bent down to kiss both her cheeks. "Well, good-night, then, Little Sister."
"I told you not to call me Little Sister," she retorted, but hugged him goodnight nevertheless.
When Serena went downstairs to the sitting room Endymion was already there, reading the newspaper.
He stood up as soon as she entered the room, and kissed her hand lingeringly. She blushed, but didn't protest or draw away, and greeted him good-morning.
Then she told him that she was going into the kitchen and see how breakfast's going, and that she would be back. He nodded, squeezing her hand, and she left.
Sam came in, and bowed to the prince, who stood up and shook hands with him as an equal, and bid him good-morning.
"Good-morning, Your Highness," Sam replied genially, the thought of this prince and his sister in love hanging heavily upon his mind.
Perhaps it's the best to leave this to the fate, Sam thought. But this is my sister, in love with a prince, and what if Prince Endymion turns out to be some dandy? What if he hurts her and she is forced to stay with him? His anger rose with that, but then he somehow knew that this Prince Endymion wasn't the kind of playboy.
Just then, Serena came in with a tray of tea and some pastry, putting it down onto the table. "Well, breakfast's almost ready. Here's something to eat while waiting. Father and Mother will be down in a moment," she added and beamed around at the two before turning around, heading back for the kitchen.
While Serena was gone, Sam and Endymion shared an old tale – more of a legend, really – of no importance and no link to the present. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts came down soon after, and Mrs. Roberts busied herself with the supervision of breakfast. The two guards and the doctor conversed with one another, discussing some medicine that the doctor had apparently told the guards about.
"I thought that perhaps we could ride horses for the whole day today. I'll bring some food and blankets along. I want to show you The Stream," Serena said to the prince as they settled down for breakfast.
Endymion smiled, his heart lightening. "That sounds wonderful."
"Yes, so that Belle could stretch herself a little…she wouldn't let anyone other than me to ride her," she explained thoughtfully, and then fell back to a description of The Stream, while the other members of the family engaged themselves into conversations with the soldiers and the doctor.
Serena waved good-byes to her family and turned, leading Endymion toward the hill.
"Your family is very good," Endymion commented as they rode towards the hill.
"Thank you," she beamed at him, and he could feel himself slipping further, but didn't care.
He craved for her embrace at that moment, and took his head slightly to get rid of the thought. Lately, he found himself spending far more time with her than he did any other company – including his Counsel. He found himself looking forward eagerly toward their time alone, when he would be able to show off triumphantly the plans to make her smile, make her laugh, make her blush, and make her embrace him, which he had spent hours on.
"Endy?" her sweet voice broke into his train of thoughts.
Immediately, he abandoned whatever that he had been thinking of and focused on her pretty face. "Yes?"
"Are you all right? You look…distressed," she slowed down her horse, letting him catching up with her.
"I'm fine," he grinned. "Just things…just some things on my mind."
"Oh." She sounded disappointed, and he saw her confused frown before it was shrugged off and replaced by a very dazzling smile.
Then they climbed up the gentle slope of the hill and rode across it. At the bottom of the descending slope, there was a meandering stream, and Endymion guessed that it was The Stream that Serena had been talking about. They tied up their horses at some distant trees from The Stream, somewhere they could see and hear, but not close enough to interfere with privacy.
Serena spread out the blanket on the grass and sat down on it, looking into The Stream. "Oh, Endy, look! It's Gilroy!"
"Who's Gilroy?" he asked curiously, sitting down beside her.
"He's the fish," she flickered him a brief glance before returning her attention to the fish swimming in the water. Before long, she had left the blanket, and had crouched by The Stream, slipping her hand into the cool and clear water.
Gilroy the fish came and nipped at her fingers. She laughed joyfully, and Endymion became deaf to all the birds singing around them, the voice of the stream slipping away from the rocks, the wind rustling the leaves, and the soft stamps of the hoofs of the horses. All he could hear was her laughter, and his head swam with ecstasy.
When he had returned to his senses, she was beside him again, handing him some delicious, home-baked cookies. He smiled and accepted them, and she beamed back before laying down to the blanket, looking up to the clear, cloudless, blue sky.
"How many more creatures or things have you given name to?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at her.
She smiled. "Tons and tons. See that big pine tree over there? I named it Old Green, since it's so old and it's always green. I named some oaks as well, and some other animals and places. It's widely known in the village now," she smiled up to the sky. "I love this place."
There was a twinge at his heart, that she should love anything and everything so much and not love him. This was the place that she grew up, and she was bound to be engaged, and there must have had been many competitions for her heart as well as her hand. There was another pang of pain on Endymion's heart, that he was late, way too late, to win her. And before he realized what he was saying, he asked, "Are you engaged?"
She looked to him in surprise. "No. Why?"
"But it's strange, isn't it? You're fourteen, and yet unmarried – and not engaged, even. Why?"
She shrugged. "I'm waiting for my prince-in-the-shining-armor, I guess."
"Doesn't your father – and mother – try to find some beaux to court you?"
Serena's heart grew panicky and heavy. Did he not love her and wanted to see her married to another man? She jumped up in impatience and avoided his startled gaze. "Yes, but I refused," her voice had an edginess to it that pleased Endymion more than he cared to admit – she didn't like any of the beaux that tried to court her.
"I'm sorry," he apologized for the second time in his whole life. Taking her hand, he pulled her down to the blanket, next to him, and smiled sadly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to… It's just that you seem to be so free. You could decide everything for yourself, and I can't. I was raised to see deals in everything – unless I get something out of it, I wouldn't do anything."
Her eyes flashed and grew soft. She embraced him, and he wondered how any man could ever not love her. She curled up in his arms, pressing her face to his chest, comforting him.
He knew at that moment that he had fallen for her hopelessly and helplessly.
Serena fell asleep peacefully in his arms soon after, and all was quiet and blissful for the moment.
Endymion ran his hands through the wealth of her golden hair, smiling slightly and kissing her forehead.
The morning and noon passed by fast, and when Serena woke up, she was energetic again.
Jumping up in delight, she dragged him to the bank of The Stream and took off her shoes, indicating that he should do the same. She lifted all her skirt, under-skirts, and petticoats, and stood into the clear water, beaming in happiness.
"Come on, Endy! Come on!" she called out to an amazed prince.
Endymion had never done anything of the sort, but was more than willing to do anything that she had wanted him to do. Laughing himself, he stepped into the cool water, and scooped down to splash some water onto her gown. She gasped and scolded him wildly before scooping down and doing the same. Before long, they were wet and delighted.
And that's how a young man in the village found the two.
"Serena!"
The two hadn't heard the first three calls, but as the man who was riding a horse came closer, they stopped splashing water at each other and looked to the direction of the voice.
"Henry? What are you doing here?" Serena blinked in surprise.
Henry descended from his horse and bowed low before the prince, even though he was wet. "Prince Endymion, Henry Cain at your service."
Endymion looked to Serena, who just shrugged in helplessness.
"You may rise, Henry Cain."
Henry stood, and explained why he was there. "My Lord, I have been to Mr. Ken Roberts, and he wishes to see Serena."
Serena blinked in surprise. "Father? What is it, Henry?"
"I do not know," Henry shook his head.
"I'll be back, Endy," Serena waded out of the water, and walked up to where their blanket was. Endymion followed her, brows furrowed in concern.
"Be careful, Bunny, and I'll take care of everything else."
"I'll be back," Serena promised him, but Endymion shook his head.
"That's fine. I'll go back by myself. Just be careful," he said worriedly.
She smiled up at him as she slipped on her socks and shoes again. "Well, if you don't know the way back, just ask Chandler – that's your horse. He always knows where to go. Take care, all right?"
"I will. You too."
She smiled at him and embraced him good-bye before rushing toward Belle. Then she was mounting her, and disappeared with Henry.
Endymion's smiled faded from his face. His happiness disappeared as soon as she was out of sight. He couldn't help but feel this way, and it was getting worse and worse as time passed. Scowling at the blanket, he folded it and put it back into the basket, along with all the food.
"Do you love Serena, Chandler?" Endymion asked mindlessly as he fitted the bags on the horse.
Chandler snorted.
His breeches and everything else was drying, but he didn't notice and didn't care. "Well, you see, Chandler, I love her, but I don't think she loves me."
The horse remained quiet, and Endymion mounted him, riding at an extremely slow pace back toward the hill.
"Chandler, do you know how to win her heart?"
Anxiety was burning Serena's heart. She knew her father – he would never disturb her time unless it's extremely important and pressing.
Henry slowed down at the bend of a valley between two hills, but that was still a mile from her house. "Where's my father, Henry?"
"Come on, get off Belle first. He should be somewhere around that corner," Henry said, tying his horse to a nearby tree.
Serena did the same, and expected to be led around the corner that Henry had pointed to and see her father.
However, what came was not expected at all: Henry turned toward her, a fire burning in his eyes and on his face that was unmistakable.
"What are you doing, Henry?" Serena asked fearfully, backing against a tree.
"I'm claiming you mine, of course," he smiled wickedly, and unbuttoned his coat.
Serena let out a piercing scream: "Endy!"
Endymion heard it. He heard her desperate call and reined in Chandler. "Come on, Chandler, let's go," he released the rein and guided the horse toward the source of her voice.
Something was wrong. He could feel it in his heart. Oh, if that Henry Cain dares to hurt my Bunny, I'll personally make sure that he won't live! He thought wildly, urging Chandler to quicken their already dashing pace.
Serena swallowed. This wasn't the way that she'd wanted to spend at all. She had intended to spend it with her Endy, and hug him, and kiss him – wherever that came from – and talk to him.
Nope. This is not the way that she'd planned at all.
"Don't you dare to touch me," she threatened, even though she felt anything but brave.
"Oh, but I dare," Henry smiled again, and that smile sickened her to her stomach. "Your precious Endy won't come, Serena, because he can't hear your loving calls."
Serena felt ice chipping her heart. "Endy…" she whimpered, tears blinding her vision. "Endy…I need you…"
Henry was unbuttoning his doublet – oh gracious, does he have no honor at all? She thought, closing her eyes. After doublet, everything else was considered undergarments. She had only seen one person in "undergarments" of the opposite gender, and that had been her Endy. He was different, unlike Henry! She didn't even know him that well!
"Endy…Endy…" she sobbed his name, and knew that her fate ends here – she would be raped, her reputation would be ruined, and her Endy wouldn't ever love her – not that she had a very fat chance before, though.
"Bunny!"
She opened her eyes in shock as she heard the hoofs of a horse – namely Chandler – and heard Belle neigh in relief. She blinked the tears from her eyes and saw her Endy flying down, striking Henry with a single blow to his face.
"Endy!" she felt sweet relief rushing through her, and fell to her knees, sobbing violently. She didn't care how she looked at that moment, though she probably looked messier than messy, and only knew that he was there to save her.
Endymion rushed toward his Love, and took her into his arms. "Shh…it's all right, Bunny. I'm here…"
Serena thought that he was wonderful. His murmur of some such nonsense comforts was the best thing in her whole life. Blindly, she wrapped her arms around his waist, unable to think anything other than that fire on Henry Cain's face and eyes.
"Bunny…it's okay…I'm here," he lifted her face to his inspection, and his heart swelled with love and pain and anger at the Henry Cain that had made her so. "Bunny," he murmured again, and caressed her face.
Without a single thought, and without considering the consequences of what he had done next, Endymion leaned down and pressed his lips to hers.
Serena's eyes widened and her sobs died away to nothing instantly. Why was he kissing her? She looked into his eyes, but she couldn't discern anything in his eyes…so many emotions…so many overwhelming emotions… She felt herself swirling and spiraling out of control, and closed her eyes, leaning into his kiss. Somehow, it never occurred to her why she didn't pull away – she had never even thought of it – and why the thought of her Endy's kiss was so much better than Henry Cain's. It's the contrast between sky and ground; between white and black; between Heaven and Hell.
The kiss itself was urgent at first, as if he was making sure that she was all right, and then gentle, like a butterfly's flutter of the wings, and then passionate, like a lover's caress.
When he pulled away, she was breathless; her face still upturned, her lips parted for his tender touch, and her eyelids fluttering. In that moment when his lips touched hers, she realized that she loved him – not for his money or wealth or title, but for who he was and what he was.
"You're all right. I'm here," he whispered to her, comforting her.
She smiled slightly, opening her brilliantly dazzled eyes. "Thank you," she whispered.
His heart swelled with love. Oh, how could he ever not do anything for her and protect her? He embraced her tightly, kissing her hair, and stood up. Holding her hand, he mounted Chandler, and pulled her up, making her fall into his embrace again.
"We'll come back for you, Belle," Endymion told the other horse, who was tied to a tree and unable to move.
Serena was in no condition to walk and explain, so Endymion lifted her into his arms and carried her back to the house. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts and Sam stared at the two anxiously, and Endymion indicated that he would explain later.
"Andrew, would you be kind enough to find a Henry Cain and two more horses one mile from here to the east, behind the stables?" he said to the guard and the general, and they saluted before running off to do their bidding.
Carefully, Endymion shouldered the door to her room open and laid her on her bed. "It's okay, Bunny. I'm here."
Serena clutched at his hand tightly, not letting go, and Endymion sat by her bed, caressing her hand. "It's okay, Bunny."
She began sobbing once again, this time in relief, and flung herself into his open arms, clutching him tightly. "Oh, Endy…oh, thank you…thank you so much…"
Endymion ran his hands through her hair, stroking her back, murmuring soothing words to her. The family stood at the door, watching events unfolding, and there was no doubt in their hearts anymore: their precious Serena had fallen in love with the Prince of Golden Kingdom, and he had fallen in love with his maid.
It was after midnight when Serena fell asleep. Endymion stood up and kissed her forehead, releasing her hand. She whimpered slightly, her fingers tightening around his.
His eyes softened, and he squeezed her hand in assurance. "I'll be back, Bunny."
That seemed a good enough explanation and promise for her, so she loosened her fingers and fell back to her sleep once more.
Mr. and Mrs. Roberts and Sam were conversing quietly and urgently to each other. As Endymion entered the room, they fell silent and looked at him in an unidentifiable emotion.
"Where's Henry Cain?" he asked before anything else.
"Here, sir," Andrew said from a corner, pointing to the man who was staring at him in fear.
"Mr. Roberts, sir, was Henry Cain ever here this day?" Endymion asked Serena's father, but he didn't turn, and only looked at Henry Cain in the eyes fiercely.
"No, my lord. Never."
"And so he never had the permission to cross your land and deceive your daughter?"
Ken Roberts flinched in surprise. "No, sir."
"You have trespassed, for one, Henry Cain. Another charge would be that you have tried to rape Serena Roberts, who was helpless, hopeless, and weaponless." Endymion slapped him right across the face, and everyone stared in start. Never had Prince Endymion striking someone other than his enemy, and that had been in battles. So forceful was the slap that Henry Cain spat out blood.
"Mr. Roberts, would you be kind enough to inform me of his background, sir?"
"Well, his parents died last year, and he inherited the carpenter's shop. He didn't really do a good job as a carpenter, but we didn't have any other in this village, so we tolerated him," Mr. Roberts finished with a disgusted frown at Henry Cain.
"Now, would you give an account of your motives for what you've done, Henry Cain?" it wasn't a question; it was a sharp command.
Henry Cain smirked. "Serena's –"
"Don't you dare to call her that!" Endymion barked harshly, cutting him off. "Miss Roberts, and that will be all you're allowed to address to her."
"Miss Roberts," Henry Cain tried again. "Miss Roberts is very pretty, and I've had my eyes on her for years." There, a punch was thrown to his face, and Henry Cain was bleeding with a broken nose.
"And so you rape her?" Endymion's eyes were blazing with fury, and his face was drawn tautly.
"What else? She obviously wouldn't marry me – and besides, I couldn't wait," Henry Cain replied indignantly. "Besides, she has nice –"
But someone didn't let him finish. That someone kicked his shin, then punched his already broken nose, and slapped him hard. "Well, Henry Cain, you better be more careful," then the man was unconscious.
"Bunny."
She looked up and smiled a little shyly at him. "I woke up, and you weren't there, and I didn't know where you were, so I came downstairs…"
His face wasn't at all like the taut one just a few moments before – it was gentle, filled with love. "Bunny, come here," he commanded with a soft voice.
She smiled and walked up to him. Then – even though everyone knew this, they were still surprised – they embraced tightly. Endymion stroked her golden hair, and murmured things that couldn't be heard to her ear.
"Andrew, stay with him. No need to be taut all the time, though," Endymion added dryly. "I don't think he has enough left in him to escape without your noticing him." Andrew saluted.
"Come on, Bunny," he draped a comforting arm around her shoulders, and led her away toward the sitting room. He looked back to the family pointedly, and they all followed.
The fire was burning cheerfully, and Serena stood before it, warming her hands.
"So you know all that has happened," Endymion said neutrally, and released her hand.
The three family members thought that the prince was a saint to be there to save Serena, and blessed him in their hearts that he was in time, and rushed forward to embrace her.
Endymion smiled sadly. No one was there for him when his uncle and aunt died. He was too small to remember his parents, too. Without a word, he turned and prepared to leave. He was just glad that she was safe.
"Endy…don't go…" he turned around in surprise, and saw his tired Bunny walking toward him.
But I don't belong here, he thought sadly, looking into her eyes.
She shook her head and took his hand. "No. You are here. You are a part of my family."
His heart swelled with love. She couldn't have rubbed it more clearly in his face – she was so kind, so forgiving… Mr. and Mrs. Roberts and Sam all nodded in agreement, and Endymion smiled. "Thank you, Bunny," he whispered.
She beamed happily.
Endymion, for the first time in his life, had a family that he could call his own. Embracing each and every one of the family members, he vowed silently that he lived to love and serve his Bunny.
Endymion left the house to take a fresh breath of air after that, leaving his Bunny to her family – no, their family, he corrected himself.
The stars were shining in the sky, and so did the moon. He marveled how she had came by his life and changed so many things… He didn't deserve her, but she was still there.
Serena, to no one's surprise, slept in the second day. Endymion was up early, and rode Chandler around for a little while before he returned to the house. Mrs. Roberts was about the breakfast again, and Sam was trying to tame a very monster looking bear.
Mr. Roberts was reading the newspaper, and stood up as soon as Endymion entered the sitting room. "Mr. Roberts, sir, I'd like a few words with you?"
"Of course, Endymion," the prince had insisted for them to call him without the title, since they were family.
They strode through the garden, and Endymion remained silent, seemingly to be collecting his wits. Mr. Roberts thought amusedly that a prince should be so nervous about something that obviously he couldn't not have.
"For dear God's sake, Endymion, just name it and you can have anything!" Mr. Roberts exclaimed.
Endymion looked surprised, but shook his head. "No, Ken. This is different. It's about Serena…"
Mr. Roberts looked closely at a frowning Endymion, and had an idea of what he was going to ask. "Do you love her?" was all he asked.
Endymion sighed and nodded, looking up to the clear blue sky. "How can I not?" After a pause, he seemed to gather up his courage, and faced Mr. Roberts, looking at him in the eyes. "Ken, I want to have your permission to court her."
"You know, Endymion, it seems ridiculous that you, a prince, should ask a farmer for the permission of courting his daughter," Mr. Roberts replied, with a smile.
"But she's different, Ken! She's just – more precious and more… But really, Ken, I said I'm not a prince when I'm here, so don't look at me as if I'm above all of you. I'm not." Endymion heaved a heavy sigh.
"Well, you have my permission to court my daughter."
Endymion nodded solemnly, so that Mr. Roberts knew something else was up, that he had something else to ask about Serena. "And, sir, with all due respect – I know this may be too soon, but I would like your permission to marry her if ever the situation comes to that. I promise to love and cherish her, and I will love and cherish her forever and ever. And –"
"Goodness gracious, Endymion, how many empty promises to do you intend to give in order to get my daughter?"
"No, no, Ken. These aren't empty promises. I love her, and I will sacrifice anything in order to make her happy and safe. I promise you that."
Mr. Roberts smiled. "You really love her a lot, don't you, Endymion?"
Endymion shrugged and nodded. "I guess. Love can't be measured, and, well, I guess the only thing that can measure my love for her is that I'm willing to give away everything and anything for her."
"You mean all your wealth, your titles, your word, and even your honor?" Mr. Roberts cocked an eyebrow at him.
"Of course. Why did you even ask?" Endymion blinked at the man.
"Dear me, Endymion, you really do love her, don't you? But yes, I grant you the permission to marry her if the situation ever comes to that. Now, I think it's time that you said all the things you've told me to her –" he pointed up.
Endymion looked to where he was pointing, and came across a very beautiful Serena, standing by the windows, beaming happily for him – alone! He felt his heart slipping further, but didn't care. He smiled back, and she indicated that she'd be there in a moment. Then she turned and left the windows.
"Thank you, sir. You have no idea how much that means to me," Endymion told the man, and Mr. Roberts smiled.
"If you hurt my Serena in any way at all, Endymion, don't ever doubt that I – and Irene and Sam – will personally make sure that you're punished."
"I understand," Endymion's voice was solemn, and his face was somber. But as the tense moment passed, he grinned in happiness, and looked as though he would hug the man. But he settled for a handshake, and smiled happily. Mr. Roberts left, saying that he would rather leave alone the two of them.
Serena bounced into the garden, smiling very beautifully at him. "What was that talk all about? Father wouldn't tell me and told me to ask you."
Mr. Roberts had left the choice up to him – to ask her now or later. "Bunny, do you have any plans this afternoon?"
"No, of course not. Why?" she laced her fingers through his, and looked up to him confusedly. Her dreams and waking moments had mostly focused on that kiss last night, and she wasn't sure if it meant anything other than a comfort.
He smiled and leaned down, kissing her cheek. "Bring me with you to somewhere private. I need to talk to you," he kissed her hair, and straightened.
She was blushing, but she didn't care if he saw that anymore. "All right. We'll go further to this glade in the woods. It's very pretty."
"However pretty, I'm sure it wouldn't be as pretty as you," he told her, and smiled smugly when the blush staining her cheeks flared.
"Come on. The breakfast – as much as it can be called a breakfast at ten in the morning – is ready." She led him inside, and laughter was heard soon after.
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Crystal Selena