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.
"Faults are thick where love is thin."
English Proverb
"I'll write you," Serena promised. "I'll be back in a month. Don't worry."
Endymion touched her face gently, his eyes filled with sorrow. "Do you have to go?"
"I'd like to know my kingdom, Love, before I actually succeed it," Serena squeezed his hand.
"Well, I'll always be here if you need me," he said and kissed her forehead before letting her go.
She waved and beamed at him before the carriage disappeared with Mina, now her maid, Queen Serenity, and the Roberts's.
The Prince sighed again sadly and didn't turn until the carriage had long disappeared down the road.
"So tell me about Endymion," Ken said to Serena in the carriage. "Does he cherish you, daughter?"
Serena nodded and beamed happily. "Yes, he's very good to me."
"Let's all hope that it lasts," Sam joked.
"It will, Sam, don't you worry about that," Serena replied with a wider smile. "He will never stop loving me."
"How do you know, Serena?" Queen Serenity asked, her gray eyes searching.
Serena shrugged. "I just know. It's not a question, Mother…it's…it's like I know the water will always flow and the trees will always grow. It's not a prediction or a statement…you just know…" the Princess trailed off, her eyes faraway, in a distant happy memory. "You just know," she finished with an embarrassed smile. "I can't explain it; I'm sorry."
Serena tossed and turned on her bed in the Moon Palace and longed for his arms around her. She felt as though a fire was burning inside her, and she could not escape its cruel licking tongues, nor could she sleep. A lonely tear escaped her eyes and she clutched the pillows and the sheets, moaning softly.
They – the people of the Moon – had welcomed her warmly and with love. She was glad that they had accepted her like the Golden Kingdom had not – not yet, anyway. Her Mother had announced that there would be a reception ball held tomorrow night. So, perhaps she could forget him there and have a little fun.
It was agonizing, and minutes dragged on like hours before the day dawned fairly. She woke from a haunting dream that she could not remember and moaned as she felt parts of her body painfully. Tiredly, she washed and dressed.
One thing that Serena had noticed about the Moon was that there wasn't wind on it, and everything was so silent without the rustles of the leaves. The Moon had no natural water, either – water was transported from the Earth.
Serena felt a little dizzy and sick in the stomach as she ate her breakfast. Thinking that she had done much traveling the day before and had not yet had a decent rest, she ignored the sickly feeling and conversed with some of her Mother's advisors.
After breakfast, Queen Serenity showed her around the Palace, and began to teach her of the history and the bloodlines of the Moon. Serena concentrated as the best she could, but felt sick still. A good thing that I memorize things easily, she thought to herself as they approached the Dining Hall for the midday dinner.
Serena felt a sea of nausea as soon as she'd smelled food. Stopping suddenly in her tracks, she clutched at her stomach.
"Daughter! What's wrong?" Queen Serenity asked in concern, stepping towards her swiftly to support her.
The Princess recovered soon after and smiled weakly. "No, I'm fine, Mother. Would you please excuse me for the midday meal?"
"Of course, Serena. Of course."
"What did you have in mind for the afternoon, Mother? Now that we're done with the history… Well, I took notes on it to help me remember them…"
"I'm really glad that you take it to your heart to learn about your birth kingdom," Queen Serenity said softly with a delighted smile.
Serena blushed slightly. "It is my birth kingdom, after all. And besides, since I'd found out early on that I was the Princess of the Moon, I read many books on its history and governing system. But it's different to hear it from your view. It would do me good to see it from different angles – especially for history," she felt dizzy for a moment, and shook her head slightly. "Will you please excuse me from lunch, Mother? I am sorry…but I think a little bit of rest would do me good."
Queen Serenity nodded and watched with knowing eyes as her daughter went away.
Serena was writing a letter to him again within six hours. She couldn't tell him that she was feeling sick – she wouldn't have him worry for her – and besides, she was sure that it'd pass before the sun sets this eve.
Still, she felt sick after sealing the letter and giving it to Mina to deliver to the mailman. Tired and sick, she changed into more comfortable garments and slipped into the bed.
Mina was very sullen when she returned. "I miss Andrew," she muttered to herself.
Serena stretched out on her bed. "I know what you're feeling, Mina. I miss my Endy."
The both of them sighed pitifully. "Should I shorten this trip, Mina?" Serena asked. "But then again, it might seem insulting to Mother and all…"
Serena turned and rubbed her temples. "Mina, do you know of anything that can put me to sleep?"
"Well, I've tried a lullaby, I've tried a massage, I've tried to tell you to count numbers, and nothing worked. So I don't know of anything else that can put you to sleep," Mina shrugged. "You aren't feeling well. What's wrong?"
Serena shook her head. "No, it's just a dizzy head and a sick stomach. I probably had a very big breakfast. I'll be all right by supper."
"Well, take care. I'm going now."
"See you," Serena said as Mina closed the door, and sighed unhappily, staring up into the canopy.
She pictured his handsome face in her mind, filled with love and affection. He was the best person in the world, in her opinion. Already, she was missing him sorely, and wanted no more than to return to his side and offer him all that she had and she was.
Serena fell into a comfortable and restful sleep soon after.
Time flew by as the Princess of the Moon was taught and learned all that she could about her native kingdom in the short time of four weeks. She mailed him a letter every single day and read his replies with a joyous heart. At night, if only she could think about him, she would sleep well.
Serena felt sick every single day, especially in the mornings, when she smelled food for breakfast. Always, she had vomited after breakfast, and she couldn't hide it from her two mothers, and her mothers were very concerned with her.
She could hardly concentrate, either. She was beginning to doubt that she wasn't sick. So one day, after three weeks, she asked the two mothers to see her in her chambers.
"I didn't want to leave either of you out of this," she declared as the three sat and drank some tea. "You were both my mother, and I wouldn't want to be disrespectful or rude toward either of you." Serena sighed and looked away for a moment. "Mothers, I think I'm pregnant."
"Really?" both of them sounded happy and impressed.
"Well, I've been sick and cannot concentrate for three weeks now. I don't think I could be sick with a disease while I feel fine other than in the mornings," Serena smiled. "And I checked with Doctor Anderson. You know, Amy Anderson? Well, she said that I was pregnant."
"Then congratulations," Irene put in and hugged her.
"Congratulations," Queen Serenity said and hugged her, as well.
Meanwhile, Endymion was having a hard time in his Palace. War was threatening to break out on his southern borders, some rebels and also some invading forces from the kingdom neighboring his who supported the rebels.
The prince was sure that war was highly likely, and considered to declare it first and prepare the soldiers. The rebels were saying that he had married a witch and that she was dangerous and would be the person who brings destruction to the rest of the universe. Endymion was very upset, and would not tolerate the rebels, because they had insulted his wife.
And always, he missed her dearly and mailed her every single day, and always, mentioning as little about the rebels and the war as possible. He looked forward to the day that she would come back and embrace him again.
However, it was decidedly not so. The Counsel urged him to do what he had to do, and he declared war on the kingdom that supported the rebels. Thinking that if he won – which was very likely, indeed – he could negotiate with the rebels instead of crushing them, for the rebels would have it no other way than fighting and bloodshed. It was partly his wife's idea, as well.
Endymion was forced to move to the south to camp with the generals and soldiers, where battles would break out.
Serena was dancing on her toes for the last week. She had decided to tell him when she goes back, face-to-face, and see his delighted reaction.
But soon, her glee was spoiled. War broke out between the Golden Kingdom and its southern neighbor. She didn't dare to appear imprudent to leaving at once, and stayed her course, though she was worried beyond description. She wanted to be by his side and give comfort and counsel as best as she could offer.
It was cool and bright the morning that Serena had packed and prepared to go back. The Roberts's were leaving, as well. She bade her Mother and the people of the Moon goodbye, promising that she would come back after the war is over in her husband's kingdom.
Serena looked out the window as the carriage rolled away. She clutched at her hands, frowning, thinking.
"Serena, Endymion will be all right," Sam said, holding her hand.
"I know," the Princess replied, but her expression did not change.
Meanwhile, Endymion stood before a map and stared at it thoughtfully.
"There will be a battle here, you say?" he pointed to some hills by a lake.
"Yes, Endymion," Andrew replied heavily.
"Very well," he said after a moment of silence. "Lord Howard, would you please prepare the men for the battle and bid them a good rest? They will have to wake up tomorrow at six. There's a long and difficult march waiting for them, but tell them that I will go with them."
"Yes, sir," Lord Howard bowed and left.
Endymion sat down in a chair. "Do you miss Mina, Andrew?"
"Certainly," Andrew sipped on his glass of rum. "They are coming back today, aren't they? And they should arrive here the day after tomorrow. I hope that the battle would be over by then…I don't want Mina or Serena in any danger."
Endymion was silent and thoughtful.
"Goodbye, Father," Serena hugged him tightly. "I will come back as often as I can."
"Goodbye, Daughter. Take care of yourself and my grandchild."
Serena smiled and nodded. She hugged her mother and Sam and bade them goodbyes before mounting her horse with Mina and galloping off towards the south.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Mina asked after an hour or two.
"What's a good idea?"
"Galloping to see our lovers through the night?"
"Of course," Serena looked at her friend. "Why?"
"Well, I don't have any problems with it, but you are pregnant. My aunt had a miscarriage after she'd rode on a horse for a day when she was eight months."
"She's different from me, Mina," Serena insisted. "First of all, she was eight months. I'm only one month. And besides, I think I can handle some horse riding.
We'll switch to carriages after supper."
"Well, just be careful. I don't want you hurt."
The two friends continue to dash the distance towards their homes.
"When are you planning to get married?" Serena asked as they slowed their horses down to a walk after their ride in the carriage and the change of horses.
"We had decided to marry after we come back, but since war broke out, we decided to marry as soon as it's over. I hope it doesn't take long," Mina sighed sadly.
"I suggest you to marry ASAP. Choose one of the more appropriate times – like after a victory. The war will be long, trust me," she drank from her canteen.
"Yeah, you're right," Mina was silent for a moment. "Enough about me. How about you? Are you feeling all right? You didn't eat much for supper."
"I'm feeling okay. Maybe a little dizzy and sick like always, but other than that, I'm fine."
Endymion woke up from restless dreams the next morning and prepared to go to war with his soldiers. After a simple breakfast, he fastened his sword (one of his family legacies) at his side and took up the musket, checking to see that the gunpowder was dry. And then he set off at the front on his mighty steed with Lord/General Howard, General Andrew Howard (Lord Howard's son), and some other generals.
As he started, Endymion prayed that all his soldiers would make through this war.
Endymion dropped into his chair, his face worn and tired.
After a long and difficult battle, he had won, yet the dead and the wounded were so great that they were still uncounted. He drank some ale and washed his face. He missed her and wanted her to comfort him.
"Endymion, the watchmen said that there are two people on horses coming our way," Andrew said urgently from the flap of the tent.
Endymion grabbed his sword – all clean now from blood and mud – and rushed forward.
One of the watchmen dismounted his horse and bowed before the Prince. "My lord, we could not stop them, for they were…"
But Endymion and Andrew were no longer listening. Upon the dirty and dusty road made by the stamps of horses, two women in travel-stained garments galloped toward them. The instant recognition hit them hard, and they nearly keeled over with joy.
Serena beamed as soon as she saw his disbelieving and joyous face. She flew towards him as soon as she had dismounted, not even giving the stableman enough time to take the reins.
"Endy!" she cried out and threw herself into his open arms.
"Buns, oh, Bunny," he embraced her tight, stroking her hair.
Nearby, Andrew was hugging Mina, but the most break-taking couple had to be the Prince and the Princess: not only were they higher in status and were royalties, also their marriage had been more difficult and challenging.
The soldiers watched them, all smiling, for they were happy for the Prince and the Princess to reunite and face this cruel and difficult war together.
As Endymion drew away from their heated kiss, he gazed down on her beloved features and smiled.
"You chose a fine time to come, my Love," he whispered, caressing her face. "This war has been rough."
"I know," she smiled back and kissed him again. "I'm sorry that I wasn't able to be here sooner…"
"It's okay. As long as you're here now…" he hugged her fiercely, his heart constricting. This woman had so much power over him… "I love you, Buns."
"I love you, too." She beamed at him again. "Andrew and Mina are getting married ASAP. I suggested that they should marry after a decisive victory in the war.
This is going to be a long one, too." She added and sighed sadly. "I wish the rebels could just listen…why do they not accept me? I've tried to please them. I've done everything in my power to be the person that they want me to be."
"Hey, you're perfect the way you are. If they don't accept you and love you, it's their loss. You don't have to change at all," he said softly to her, kissing away all her tears.
Serena nodded and shook her head to clear the thought. "Enough about them already. Let's talk about us," she cuddled closer to him.
"Us? What did you want to talk about?" Endymion asked casually, pulling the blanket to cover her bare back. It was cold in the night.
She lifted herself onto her elbows and smiled down to him. "I was a little sick and tired the past month, and – "
"What's wrong? Did you see a doctor? Are you all right? You shouldn't have taken all the stress upon yourself. Oh, I'm so sorry, Love. I shouldn't have – "
"Endy," she kissed him softly. "Love, do you want a baby?" she asked him, smiling slightly.
"Your baby," he corrected her gently. "I want your baby. Our baby."
She took one of his hands and put it to her still flat stomach. "Endy, I love you," she whispered, looking up into his eyes.
Slowly, understanding dawned upon him. He stared at her beautiful face open-mouthed, looking from her eyes to her stomach and back. "A baby? Our baby?"
Serena nodded, gladdened by the fact that he was so ecstatic. "Our baby, Love."
His eyes held a fierce joy and a vow of protection. He promised her silently that he would protect her and let no harm come to her. Then he kissed her.
She looked up into his eyes and smiled again. "I love you," she murmured.
"I love you too," he whispered back, stroking her in the dark. "Bunny, I can't believe… Oh, Heaven's goodness! Our baby," he caressed her stomach and leaned down, pressing his ear to her smooth skin. "Our baby. A person made by you and me…" his voice gave way as he gazed back into her eyes. "How long have you known?"
"For about a week. I didn't tell you in my letters because, well, I wanted to surprise you, and see your reaction myself." She laughed softly and snuggled closer.
He caressed her sweetly. "Goodnight, Sweetheart."
"Goodnight, my Prince. I'm so glad that I'm with you right now."
"Me, too."
Serena didn't eat much the next morning. He was greatly concerned, and forced some toast and ale into her. She couldn't refuse his commands, of course, and accepted the food without any protests.
After breakfast, Endymion kissed her goodbye and went to spy out the geography of some lands with Andrew and Lord Howard and some other generals.
Serena walked towards the tent where the wounded were tended to and kept, and smiled and nodded to all those who greeted and saluted her.
When she entered the tent, the murmur of voices in there died away to silence. She felt abashed, but didn't show, and smiled a little, looking around.
There were many soldiers who were wounded. Those that were not in uniforms, she could see that they were the rebels. The man who stared at her with burning hatred in his eyes she knew was one of the leaders of the rebels. She looked bravely into his eyes, calm and sincere. When the moment was past, he looked away and busied himself in changing the bandages on his arm.
She walked toward him with light steps (as light as she could make them), but he shrank away when she stood at his feet. "May I offer some help, sir?" she said earnestly.
The man didn't even bother to answer. After another moment of silence, she walked down the aisle and stood by the feet of the next man, who was licking his lips. From his uniform, Serena knew that he was one of her husband's soldiers. "May I offer some help, sir?" she asked again.
The soldier looked at her and nodded slowly.
Serena beamed at him and went away to get some warm water. Then she stepped back and kneeled by him as she helped him to drink the water. "How do you feel, sir? How are the wounds?"
"I feel fine, my lady," the man croaked. "And the wounds are not so bad. Your Highness is a very strong cause to fight for."
Serena smiled and bade him a good rest before moving on to the next. The man was from the invading forces, and was badly wounded. She did not bother to ask him if he needed help, because he was wincing and touching his wrist, which was soaked with blood.
She got some new bandages and asked one of the doctors what was wrong with the soldier. After she discovered where his wound was and how deep it was, she walked back to the man and gently touched his arm to get his attention. She smiled slightly and encouragingly at him, and the man allowed her to help.
Slowly, and with great care, she took off the blood-soaked bandage deftly and applied some more medicine before bandaging up the man's wrist again.
"Would you like some water, sir?" she asked when she was done.
"Yes, please, Princess Serena," the man nodded and even tried to smile in gratitude through his winces of pain.
She gave him a cup of water and moved on again. And as she moved from one soldier to the next, constantly going to and fro between the water source, the doctors, and the wounded soldiers, the leader of the rebel followed her with eyes that showed disbelief and, eventually, some kind and form of respect.
It was nigh lunch when Endymion came into the tent, having heard from some of his soldiers that his wife was in there.
His eyes landed on her, as she was giving another cup of water to a wounded soldier. He smiled and nodded in answer towards the salutes and walked towards her.
She beamed happily at him and told the soldier that she was attending that she would be right back. "I need a word with you," she murmured and took his hand, leading him away.
Endymion kissed her hungrily as soon as they were out of the tent and out of anyone's sight. She kissed him back passionately.
"How was your trip?"
"It was good. We have some advantages on our side."
"Good," she nodded and hesitated for a moment. "Endy, do you think that we could possibly spare some food for the soldiers not from our kingdom and the rebels?"
He smiled and stroked her golden hair. "It's up to you."
She beamed. "Thanks. I think lunch is ready in our tent."
"Actually, I'll tag along and help," he kissed her nose. "I love you."
"I love you too," she smiled at him and they went back to the tent.
And so, the Prince and the Princess began helping the doctors to tend to the wounded.
Eventually, Serena came back to the man that she had started with: the leader of the rebels. He was looking at her with a doubtful and confused expression in his eyes. She smiled at him again and kneeled beside him.
Without a word, she loosened the bandage on his arm and examined the wound closely. "It's an ugly cut," she said softly and took a bottle of some liquid medicine. "This will hurt, sir." Gently, she applied it to the wound and took some fresh bandage to tie it up.
"I'll be back, sir," she said and went away to get a tray of food and water for him. Then she put it down beside him. "This can't be called a feast, sir, but this is what I can find for now. Supper will be better."
The man nodded and said nothing, but his face was no longer doubtful and confused.
Serena kissed him softly on the lips, holding him tight in her arms.
"Eat. You need food and rest," Endymion said, caressing her face.
"Okay. I'm getting a little hungry from all of the work."
"Save your strength, my Love. Evening tonight we will discuss our next move. I need your opinions on it," he kissed her again. "Be careful. How are you feeling? What about our baby?"
"I'm fine. The baby's fine, too. Don't worry." She smiled up to him.
He kissed her again and hugged her close. "I don't want to leave you, Buns."
"Where are you going?" she asked, alarmed. "You were gone this morning. I wanted to stay by your side until this eve."
He smiled and hesitated. "Well, I am the Prince, after all. I think I can afford to miss the lunch that I arranged with my Counselors."
She smiled up to him. "Thanks, Endy. I love you."
"I love you too."
It was late afternoon before anyone had seen the Princess again. She had slept through, dreaming of happy dreams that she could not remember afterwards.
Her husband was gone again, leaving a note saying that he needed to talk (or at least try) with the leader of the rebels that was wounded and captured.
She walked to the edge of their camp and returned the watchmen's greetings warmly. There, she looked out, and breathed in the fresh and cool air. The view was spectacular there.
"You look beautiful," he whispered huskily from behind her.
She turned and beamed at him. "Thanks. You look very handsome, too," she leaned up to receive his kiss.
"The meeting with him didn't turn out quite as I expected," Endymion sighed, nibbling at her lips. "His name is Robert Frank. He wouldn't say anything, except that he wanted to see you."
"Me? Why me?" she asked in surprise, though she didn't break off the physical contact with him.
He kissed her deeply this time. "I don't know. Perhaps he wants to talk with you."
"I'll go see him, then. Are you all right by yourself?"
"No, but I'll see that I still have my sanity while you're with him."
Serena smiled and hugged him before heading towards the tent where the prisoners were kept.
The Princess sat down in a chair across the table from Robert Frank, the man that she had helped, and thanked the guard who had led her there.
"My husband said that you wanted to see me, Mr. Frank," she said calmly, looking at the man.
He nodded slowly. "Yes, Princess."
There was a moment of silence. Serena was calm and earnest, yet she did not push him, and sat there quietly with a glass of water in front of her.
"I think Your Highness knows what I was fighting for," Frank began slowly, as if with difficulties.
"Yes, I do," Serena smiled ruefully. "According to you and your men's claim, I was the witch who would destroy this universe – and I had started my quest of destruction by bewitching Prince Endymion. Tell me, Mr. Frank," she added, "what did you think of my husband – before I had appeared?"
If Robert Frank was surprised, he didn't show. "His Highness has always been a just and fair ruler. Perhaps at times a little indifferent, but he had always had the kingdom's best interests in his heart. When the Duke and the Duchess – his aunt and uncle – died, it was a mighty blow on him – and on us, as well. It was… It was very emotional for some of us citizens. But from then on, Prince Endymion, His Highness, began to slip and lose his touch. First his unreasonably long period of mourning, and then his refusal of taking the crown, and then you, Your Highness, appeared. No one really noticed or cared at the beginning, of course. But as time went on, His Highness's peculiar decision on Norn surprised and even worried some of us farmers down here in the south."
"I'm sure it did," Serena agreed.
"So, if you would like anything out from me this day, Princess Serena, I would like some of my questions answered – and those questions belong to all of us here, all the rebels."
Serena lifted her chin proudly, but not overly so, and looked him straight in the eye. "If it is appropriate and related to the subject hereof, then yes, Mr. Frank," she replied sincerely and coolly.
"How did it come by of His Highness's decision on Norn? Was it as rumors had that you had bent his decision upon your will?"
"All rumors have part of truth in them, Mr. Frank," Serena replied. "As rumors had it, I did have impact on the decision that was made by Prince Endymion. I deny the fact that I had bent his decision upon my will; I deny the fact that I had ever tried."
Frank was doubtful, and stared at her searchingly for a long moment. "Then what happened, Princess Serena? You were only a maid then – or were you already his mistress?"
Her anger was flaring, but she calmed herself and answered in a cool and sincere voice, "Yes, Mr. Frank. I was only a maid when Prince Endymion made his decision on Norn."
"What happened?"
"I was the cook of the Palace. It is my belief that it was my cooking that had first caught Prince Endymion's attention. He was on the verge of a decision, and all but asked for my opinion."
"Your Highness does know that it is not a convincing tale."
"Yes, I know, Mr. Frank," Serena assented. "But this is what happened. If you have questions as to why Prince Endymion asked me, of all people, I think you should ask him. I am not free to tell the tale, neither am I under any oath. It is up to you to believe or reject."
Frank was silent and looked at her grimly and gravely. "And your marriage, Your Highness?"
"Our marriage was not planned ahead of time. It was not expected, either."
"It is said that you were his lover once," Mr. Frank said sharply.
"I was. I am." Serena replied proudly and calmly. "We decided to marry. That is how this tale goes."
"And I heard that you ran away from the Palace. Is that not so, Princess Serenity?"
"Mr. Frank, I would please you to call me Princess Serena. We are talking of Golden Kingdom and my marriage. They are under the name of Serena Roberts. As to my name of Serenity of Moon, it is another matter entirely," Serena said quietly.
"I would please. Did you not run away from the Palace, Princess Serena?"
"I did," Serena admitted calmly.
"And what was the cause of it, Your Highness?"
"The cause of it is a matter between Prince Endymion and I. I cannot reveal that to you – unless by some chance Prince Endymion he himself decides to tell you."
Frank was silent and thoughtful again.
At length Serena stood up. "Supper will be brought to each of you very soon," she said and turned, leaving.
"Princess Serena."
She stopped.
"I need to speak with His and Your Highness."
Endymion watched her move around the camp with hungry eyes. He had missed her, and now that she was back by his side, he felt as though he was in paradise.
"What are you thinking of?" she asked softly, holding his hand.
"Nothing much. Just how beautiful you are and how glad I am to have you here," he kissed her knuckles and embraced her.
She smiled at him. "Mr. Frank wanted to talk with us."
He nodded. "We'll eat supper first. You need to take extreme care. How's our baby?" at the mentioning of their baby, his face split into a wide grin.
She blushed. "The baby's fine."
"How about you? How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine. Maybe a little drained from today, but happy to have you, nevertheless," Serena smiled as they walked towards their tent for the supper meeting with the Counsel.
He held her hand tight. "I'm sorry that you have to do this, but I can't make a decision without you."
She smiled lovingly. "I know."
"We'll attack their camp right behind those hills tomorrow evening around this time," Endymion said decisively. "Starting from ten in the morning, we will march our men there. It would probably be six when we're there. After a brief halt – a little food, drink, and so on – we will attack together at eight o'clock sharp."
He looked towards his wife for her opinion. She nodded with a small smile.
"And we will attack from four sides altogether. Is that clear, gentlemen?"
"Yes, sir," the generals replied.
"Very well. You are dismissed. Henry, stay here for a moment, will you?"
Lord Howard nodded and waited patiently as the rest of the people in the tent filed out. When they were all gone, he relaxed and took a sip of his ale. "Now what is it, Endymion?"
"Robert Frank wants to see us – Serena and I," the prince sat back down into his chair tiredly. "And I can't say I trust him, either. We need the information that he can provide, but before that, he wants answers to questions that are only matters between Serena and I."
"Well, you have to weigh the options. Which one is more important – to get the information to win this war, or to keep the matter of your marriage and love secret?"
Endymion was silent, and stared at his glass for long. Then, he lifted his eyes and smiled up to Lord Howard. "Thanks, Henry."
"Good luck. Frank is a tough nut to crack," he said and stood up, leaving.
When Lord Howard was gone, Serena stood up from her chair and went to kiss him.
"What does that mean?" he whispered huskily when their kiss ended.
"That means I love you," she answered, smiling up at him.
He smiled. "I love you, too." Then, after a moment of comfortable silence, he pulled her head back and stooped to kiss her again. "When do you want to speak with Frank?"
"We should get this over right now," she said breathily.
He wrinkled his nose. "I have a much better idea in my mind," he reached for the back of her gown, but she stopped him.
"Business and then pleasure. There's no guarantee how long we'll be here if we have pleasure first," although, she was breathless and anticipating.
"I don't think I will listen to you this time," he said.
She smiled and blushed. "You're right. Pleasure first."
The Prince lifted her up and went into their bedchamber.
"You seduce me too much," Endymion said sleepily, pulling her body closer to his.
"I didn't seduce you. You seduced me." She accused crossly.
He didn't answer, only embracing her tight and pillowing her head on his shoulder. "What time is it?"
"Don't know. Don't care."
He laughed softly and kissed her forehead. "You distract me, my Love. You distract me and seduce me. And I can't live without you." He kissed her again, looking into her eyes that were no longer sleepy.
She smiled at him. "You stole my words."
He bent to nibble at her lips and sighed in contentment.
"What about Frank? Maybe we should talk to him now," she suggested.
"You're right. At least it'll take my hands off you for a while," he chuckled and sat up.
Serena looked around for her garbs, and found them tossed carelessly on the ground. She sighed and wrapped some sheets around her against the cold night.
"Why is it that when we make love, the garbs go ka-boom?"
"At least," he came after her and hugged her close to him; "I control myself from tearing the garbs off you to touch you."
She blushed crimson and freed the sheets from her body to put on her chemisette and corset. She turned and frowned impatiently at him. "Stop looking already. Will you lace this up for me?"
He reached out and sighed pitifully. "I wish there wasn't a war and that we were back in the Palace, so that we could make love for as long as we like and as loud as we like."
"Endy, shut up," she threw over her shoulder.
"Good idea," Endymion replied pleasantly.
"You're impossible, Endy," she rolled her eyes heavenward as he finished lacing up her corset.
"Next time remind me to get my hands off you. My legs feel like jelly," Serena hissed to him in the grayness before dawn.
"Maybe not," he grinned broadly, folding her hand into his own.
She scolded him and fell silent as they saw the tent.
The guards saluted them.
"Will you be kind enough to escort Mr. Frank to the Princess and I after breakfast?" Endymion said to the guards.
"Of course, Your Highness," the guard said humbly and bowed.
"Thank you," Endymion said and led his wife away.
"Do you want to go riding for a while?"
"That'd be great," Serena beamed at him.
He smiled and squeezed her hand. "We're moving west to the Burling Palace after the battle tonight."
She nodded. "Well, that's a very good idea."
He kissed her knuckles and held her close. "I love you," he whispered to her.
"I love you, too," she replied. "Be brave in the battle, but promise me that you'll have enough sense to keep yourself alive."
"I promise," Endymion nodded.
She sighed and then looked up. "You know that we can't live without each other, and death is too far a breach for both of us, so don't die, all right?"
He bent and kissed her deeply. "I promise."
She smiled in relief. "And I promise you that I will stay by your side forever and we will have children… And we'll grow old together…"
When Robert Frank was led towards the Prince and the Princess, now in a deep conversation, it seemed to him that they were very much in love, not at all like a couple that was bewitched.
The royalties fell silent as Frank sat down in his chair. They waited for him to begin the questions, and the air about felt tense and mad with anticipation.
"We have many questions unanswered," he began calmly and slowly.
"That we know," Endymion replied with the air of a prince.
"And those questions mainly concerns your hastened and somewhat suspicious so-claimed love and marriage," Frank continued. "I need to know if this is a positive change. Prince Endymion, you have never been more different than you are now. You have never looked to a neighboring kingdom in friendship like you did for Norn. And from the encounters, so far, that I have had with you, you have changed very much from the textbook version in your biography. And the changes all involve Princess Serena here. If you would please, I would very much like the whole tale in truth, Your Highnesses."
Serena felt a pain in her soul and knew that it belonged to her husband. He was reluctant to reveal to this man that he obviously did not trust. Love and compassion and trust did not come easily to him, and she was all but starting to teach him. She squeezed his hand visibly and smiled at him.
"I went away from my father's plantations for a job so that I could do something other than sitting around in the house," she began the tale. "And I found it in the Palace's kitchen. My mother was a very fine cook, and she influenced me much. As I had said yesterday, Mr. Frank, I believe that it's my food that had first caught Prince Endymion's attention." And there, she fell silent, waiting for him to go on, and all the while encouraging him.
Endymion did not look at his wife, but he welcomed her encouragements gladly, for he needed them. "It was," he gave his assent. "I had a brief encounter with her for the first time in the Hall. It was in the morning, and she was reading the newspapers, as I was deep in thought. I was surprised and amazed that such a woman would be in the Palace and yet serving…" his voice gave way. "Mr. Frank, do you have a wife, sir?" he asked suddenly.
"Yes, in fact I do, Your Highness," Mr. Frank answered.
"Forgive my bluntness, Mr. Frank, but do you love her?"
There was a long moment of silence. "I do, Your Highness."
Endymion smiled faintly. "I think you know how I have felt that first meeting."
"I think I do, Your Highness."
The Prince fell silent, and waited for her to continue their love story. Serena spoke softly in the morning sun, her golden hair shining and illuminating her fair face.
"That night, Mina – she's now my personal maid and friend, but she was Endymion's maid back then – was feeling sick, so I went to Prince Endymion's chambers," Serena smiled faintly, wrapped up in happy memories. "He needed someone to talk to him, and I was there, so we talked." She shrugged slightly.
"It was the second night that he asked me of my opinion on Norn. I think what I had told him influenced his way quite a bit."
"Indeed it did," Endymion replied, smiling at his wife. "Princess Serena preferred friendship over hostility. I took that advice. That was all there was to it."
"Well, the Norn business is clean," Mr. Frank stated. "And your visit to the Roberts's, Your Highness? And Princess, what of your runaway from the Palace? And your secret and hastened marriage in a small little-known church with a little-known priest?"
"On our way back to the Palace, Princess Serena asked if she could have some days off to visit her family. I consented, and was curious, so I went with her," Endymion answered.
"As to my runaway from the Palace…well, it was a test of our strength of love, I think," Serena smiled a little. "And we were successful. So we married afterwards in my hometown, with my parents and my brother. We didn't want an elaborate wedding with thousands of guests. We wanted a simple and true wedding."
Frank was silent, and he thought for a long while before bringing up the subject that he had once brought up. "And the name Serenity, Your Highnesses? How did that came about?"
"It is as the newspapers have stated," Serena replied, perhaps a little sharply for bringing up this sensitive subject that had no relation to what they were discussing. "I was stolen by a rebel from the Moon Kingdom when I was still a baby. And I, by chance, came to the Golden Kingdom, and the Roberts's took me in as their own. And Queen Serenity, my mother, came and claimed me."
"Forgive me, my lady, but is there a proof that you are the Princess Serenity?"
"I think that is quite enough," Endymion cut in. "The Moon Kingdom has magic of their own. Serena has inherited that magic in her blood, and so she possesses a natural charm and loveliness. If Queen Serenity claims that Serena is her daughter, then Serena is her daughter. There is no question about it. The rulers of the Moon never make a mistake about their bloodlines."
With that, Endymion took her hand and they went away.
Endymion was tightening the belt of his sword when his wife came in, her face set grim and grave still against Robert Frank's unsaid accusations.
He hugged her and kissed her. "I love you," he said.
"I love you, too," her expression melted to a worried and loving one. "Don't forget your promise. Be very, very careful, all right?"
He nodded. "Okay. I'll be back tomorrow after the midday dinner. After that, we'll move west into the Burling Palace. Then, we'll make love for hours into the night."
She blushed and giggled softly. "I'm looking forward to it," she whispered and kissed him. "Be careful."
"I will," he gave her hand a final squeeze and turned, leaving, but not without glances backwards to the lady that kept his heart.
The rest of the company was already waiting for him when he came out of the tent. His quick eyes caught Mina and Andrew saying good-bye, but he did not scold them, and mounted his steed.
"Wait!"
Endymion turned and saw her, running towards him. In her hand, there was a shear, and he watched, along with the rest of the men, amazed, as she cut an oblong piece of her white silk gown and reached up, tying it around the hilt of his sword.
He smiled. "And I have our love token," he told her, folding her hand into his.
She smiled back. "Good. Now you're protected against any ill fortune that may come to you."
He looked at her for a moment longer and leaned down against the horse to kiss her.
Then he turned and rode down the trampled path that led to the battle. Serena watched as her bright banner shone at the start of the company, and smiled.
Even though she was uneasy, she was sure that he would make it through and come back to her.
Well, that's it for this chapter. Next chapter will be next weekend. Feedbacks, please! ^_^
Crystal Selena