And chapter three, enjoy, daisyboo xx

Disclaimer: I do not own sailor moon or any of the characters, only the ones created by my own imagination.

Chapter Three

Serena looked around her as the door to her room shut with a small click and she decided there and then to take a solitary stroll in the gardens. She wanted to see at how well the flowers were blooming this year and she picked up her skirt as she started walking in that direction. Serena casually walked towards the outside gardens of the palace but as she did, she bumped into the members of her court and her most precious friends in the entire universe. There were four members of Serena's court and all of them were princesses of their own respective planets. All four were the treasures that the nations of the Silver Millennium had donated to the cause and they had all been overjoyed at the thought of serving the magnificent Queen Serenity and the Silver Millennium. All of the girls were as beautiful as princesses should be and Serena stared at her best friends in turn. They always cheered her up when she was feeling down and today would be the same as usual, as Serena had been upset ever since her mother had agreed to the marriage between her daughter and Diamond. Serena looked at the girls then and they were all smiling at her wearing their official uniforms of their warrior states. Their uniforms were all coloured depending on the colouring of their planets and the girls were officially known as the Sailor Senshi. However, one the girls then walked up to Serena and she placed one of her slim arms around her shoulders.

"You feeling down again, Princess?" the girl with long raven black hair asked cheerfully.

Serena gracefully nodded her head as her bunned hair accompanied her nod and the other girls smiled. The four girls were very beautiful but all different in their own unique ways. The first was Sailor Mercury also known as Ami and she was the most intelligent out of Serena's court. She had short blue hair and big blue eyes. Ami spent most of her time in the Moon Crystal Palace's large and ancient library and the colour of her uniform was blue. The second girl was the most beautiful and she was Sailor Venus or Minako but Mina for short. She had long beautiful shiny blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes. Mina enjoyed playing sports and keeping active so she spent most of her time taking advantage of the large range of sports facilities that were available and the colour of her planet was orange. Next, came the charming Sailor Mars or Rei and she was the fieriest out of the girls. Rei had long jet-black hair and deep almost haunting dark purple eyes. Rei was the loudest of the girls too and never failed to speak her mind if necessary but Rei was still a great friend if needs be and the colour of her planet was red. While lastly was Sailor Jupiter or Makoto but Mako for short, she was a lover of great foods and liked to cook them. Mako had long brunette hair that was pulled back into a ponytail and rich green eyes with the colour of her planet being green.

"Is your mother pressurising you again?" Mako asked heatedly.

Serena shook her head elegantly.

"Then what is it?" Mina asked.

"Tonight is the arrival of Diamond and I don't want to meet him," Serena sobbed suddenly.

Rei tightened her grip around Serena's shoulders protectively and the other girls came closer too.

"There's no need to cry, Serena," Mina tried in vein to comfort the princess but her tears still continued to flow.

"There is every need to cry, Mina," Serena said heatedly, "you're not the one being forced to marry someone that you do not love. At least you love Xavier."

Mina lowered her head in shame a little as she thought of her beloved Xavier and then her thoughts changed to the predicament in which the princess was in.

"Serena, I know that your life isn't exactly perfect," Ami spoke out through the huddle of the group, "but maybe marrying Diamond isn't such a bad thing."

"How can you say that, Ami?" Rei asked intensely which caused Ami to step back a little in surprise, "as Serena just said, could you marry someone that you don't love. You are lucky that you love Dominic also."

Ami lowered her eyes a little as Mina had done only a moment before and then their difference of opinion debate was interrupted by the voice of another person.

"Ladies," the voice said politely as the figure slowly made his way over to Mina and gently kissed her hand.

"Xavier," Mina said slowly as they passionately kissed upon the lips.

"Where have you been my love?" he asked slowly as he gently moved a strand of her long shining blonde hair out of her gorgeous blue eyes.

"Comforting Serena."

"And not doing a very good job of it either," Rei yelled playfully as Mina shot her an angry look.

Xavier was a very handsome man indeed and he was the only son and child of Lord and Lady Vincent. He had thick brown hair and captivating green eyes. Xavier removed his attention from his fiancée then and he placed it upon Serena. A few months ago, Xavier had been interested in courting Serena but she had gracefully declined his offer. He had been very much in love with Serena all the time that he had known her, even now and he loved her much more with each day that passed. However, after Serena had gently refused his offer, he turned his attention onto Lady Venus, Mina and she had been a most willing applicant. Mina had fancied herself with Xavier, since her arrival at the Moon Kingdom and she had been thrilled, when he proposed. Xavier had chosen Mina, not out of malice against Serena because she was a member of her court but because he was being pressurised by his parents to find a bride and Mina had been most agreeable in the matter. She had flirted with him immensely and Xavier had most willingly responded. He thought that Mina was incredibly beautiful but she was not a patch on Serena, whom he loved dearly and still did. Nevertheless, he asked Mina to become his bride, after only a month of courting and Mina had most readily accepted. Serena had not been surprised, when Xavier and Mina had announced their engagement because they had been extremely close, since Serena had refused him. She was immensely happy for her friends and she wished them many years of happiness. However, Serena's happiness was then in danger as her mother announced her engagement to Prince Diamond, only three days previous since this day and Serena was not happy about the idea of marrying a stranger. Tears began emerging from Serena's eyes again as she thought of her impending marriage and Xavier noticed Serena's pain instantly. He walked over to her then and he gently took her hand in his squeezing it lightly, hoping that it would give her some comfort.

"I'm sorry to hear about your misfortunes, Princess," Xavier commented slowly as he gazed at her.

"Thank you for your concern, Lord Xavier," Serena answered weakly as she returned his gaze.

Xavier smiled affectionately at the princess and then turned his attention to all of the girls within the group.

"I am sorry about interrupting your heated discussion ladies, but there is a reason for my coming. I was sent by Queen Serenity to inform the princess that Diamond has arrived. I went to your room Princess but you were not there. I have searched high and low for you and my efforts were rewarded," he replied softly as he sent a longing glance towards Serena, "I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, Princess."

Serena looked deeply distraught at that moment and she suddenly felt faint. Her head felt extremely light and her ankles began to give way again. The band of five people around her grew increasingly worried and Rei caught her before she hit the ground.

"Serena, will need to be escorted up to the palace?" Rei stated importantly to the people around her.

"I'll do it," Xavier offered as he removed his arm from around Mina and walked over to Rei who had Serena cradled in her arms.

"Why?" Mina asked a little angry as her fiancé was placing his attentions upon another woman.

"Because, Mina," Xavier stated importantly as he looked a little annoyed at his fiancée, "it is my duty to serve the Imperial Family and I was specifically asked by her majesty, Queen Serenity, to seek out her daughter and escort her to her chambers."

Mina looked a little taken aback as Xavier defended himself well and he gently grabbed Serena's hand. He firmly held Serena's hands in his and with a little help from Rei and Mako, Serena regained her balanced. Serena looked a little dizzy and disorientated and the Senshi were deeply worried about her. However, Rei suggested then that maybe she went with Xavier to help attend to the princess but Xavier assured her that he did not need help. Xavier held her hands tightly in his then and he slowly began walking Serena back towards the palace with Mina looking worriedly on. As Xavier and Serena walked on, Serena's dizziness had not yet subsided and her eyes had still not yet opened. However, she knew that she was automatically walking and then her eyes did suddenly open.

"Xavier, is that you?" Serena asked as her vision came back into focus.

"Yes," Xavier said softly as he gently began smoothing one of Serena's ponytails.

"Where are you taking me?" Serena asked weakly.

"To the palace. To your mother's chambers, to be exact, Princess."

"I don't want to go there," Serena complained as she closed her eyes again and allowed Xavier to guide her to where she had to be.

"But you have to," Xavier argued.

"If I meet Diamond then my life will be over," Serena whispered as she opened her eyes and looked into Xavier's.

"You're life will not be over, Princess," Xavier comforted as he held Serena's hands lightly in his, "it's only just beginning."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

Xavier became confused by Serena's statement then and he tried to console her with his eyes.

"Why are you afraid for the beginning?"

"Because that's what it is, the beginning. The beginning of my life as a wife to Prince Diamond and never savouring real love."

Xavier looked at Serena horrified then at her statement and he caught her gaze. His eyes blazed with the passion and love that he felt for her and Serena noticed the warmth that radiated from Xavier's beautiful green eyes. However then, at that moment, Serena felt a beautiful magnificent sensation upon her lips. A pair of soft delicious lips had placed themselves upon hers and Serena felt extremely breathless. Serena knew that the lips belonged to Xavier and she knew that what she was doing was wrong because both of them were engaged to other people, but Serena did not part her lips from his. They stayed that way for a while and then Serena parted her lips a little, which gave Xavier better access within her mouth. His tongue entered and began intertwining with hers. Serena could not believe that she was kissing Xavier since she had so graciously refused him a few months ago.

Xavier's hand gently caressed her cheek and then it slowly moved down her body. Both of his arms then completely surrounded her, around her narrow waist and he brought her closer to him. Serena felt him bring her closer and she did not resist. She continued to kiss him and then she placed her arms around his neck. Xavier enjoyed the feel of her body against his and the scent of her warm alluring body drew him nearer. He slowly began to part his lips from hers then and Serena removed her arms from his neck. But Xavier kept his hold upon her and he looked into her sparkling blue eyes, which captivated him every time he gazed into them.

"Serena," he whispered softy as he gazed into her eyes and greatly wanting to kiss her again.

Serena suddenly did not know what to do and she struggled out of Xavier's hold. Xavier did not want to remove his arms from around her but he did and then Serena looked at him with confusion in her eyes. Tears began to spring to them and then Xavier spoke breaking the uncomfortable silence.

"Serena," he began.

"Xavier, please, don't," Serena begged as more tears sprung to her eyes.

Xavier just looked at her then helplessly wanting to just place his arms around her and feel his lips upon hers again. Their gaze lasted a few moments and then Serena broke the silence this time.

"Just take me to my mother's chambers please," Serena pleaded as Xavier offered her his arm.

Serena took it but they both did not speak to each other for the rest of the short journey. However, the tension between them grew and grew but eventually they reached Queen Serenity's chambers. Xavier looked at her before he tapped the door but Serena did not return his gaze so Xavier smartly rapped the door with his knuckles. There were a few short moments of silence and then….

"Enter," came the soft voice of Serena's mother.

Xavier fumbled with the doorknob and eventually it opened. Inside Queen Serenity's chambers was Queen Serenity herself, sitting elegantly in a chair looking extremely regal in a beautiful white dress, Serenity's handmaiden, Lady Dolores and a man and a woman sitting by Serena's mother who Serena assumed were King Bowen and Queen Elena, Prince Diamond's parents. Queen Elena was very beautiful indeed and she still looked very youthful. She had long dark hair that was pinned into an elegant pleat and almond brown eyes. While, King Bowen had short brown hair that held his crown and matching brown eyes. Also, there was one other man within the gathering that Serena did not know and he was the Chief of Prince Diamond's guard but she did not see Prince Diamond anywhere. Serena began to walk herself over to her mother as Xavier kept himself behind her not wanting her to leave his side. Serena curtsied to her mother and Diamond's parents once she had reached them and then her mother gestured for Serena to look behind her. Serena turned elegantly with her dress swishing with her and that was when Serena saw him. She walked elegantly over to Diamond and the Chief of his guard and she cordially curtsied lifting her dress a few centimetres off the floor in the process.

"Prince Diamond, I presume," Serena assumed correctly as the man before her bowed in return.

"You presume correctly, Princess. I am Prince Diamond and you must be the beautiful Princess Serenity," Diamond answered kindly as he slowly raised Serena's hand and kissed it softly with his lips, "your beauty is well known in Neptune."

"I am and thank you."

"My pleasure, your highness," Diamond said softly as Serena studied his appearance as he stood before her.

Diamond really was handsome and Serena could not keep her eyes off of him. He had shoulder-length wild looking pure white hair and mysterious violet eyes. He was extremely tall and he looked well toned and strong under the rich clothing that he wore as Diamond took in Serena's appearance in return. She really was beautiful, more beautiful than he could ever imagine. He admired her long gorgeous blonde hair that was bunned like her mother's and he longed to run his fingers through it. Her enormous sparkling blue eyes captivated him instantly and her lips looked very appealing. Her good posture and narrow waist also fascinated him and he longed suddenly to just touch her. Diamond took Serena's hand then and she was extremely surprised by his bold move. He led her over to his parents and Queen Serenity and he bowed politely to his superiors.

"Mother, Father, this is Princess Serenity," he said introducing his fiancée to his parents.

Serena curtsied to Bowen and Elena and they nodded their heads in greetings. Serena smiled then and Diamond became extremely attracted to her gorgeous smile. Serenity noted that Diamond was paying increasing attention to her daughter and she smiled as she watched the couple.

"You may leave Lord Xavier, as your services are required no longer," Serenity stated to Xavier then as she noticed he was still there and he smiled politely.

"Thank you, your Majesty," he answered as he bowed to all of the royals within the room.

Serena watched as Xavier turned slowly around and his eyes captured hers for only a second. Xavier bowed to Serena and Diamond and then he slowly made his way to the door. Serena could hear his footsteps well but then she heard them no more, which meant that Xavier had left the room.

"As you know," Serenity began as she rose from her seat directing her speech to her daughter and Diamond, "the ball is tonight and there you shall become better acquainted."

Diamond smiled and then he offered Serena his arm.

"Can I offer you a leisurely walk, Princess, if you feel well?"

"If that is your request, Prince Diamond?"

"It is my request," he answered smiling, "the first honour you can give me as your fiancé."

Serena looked a little taken aback by his bold statement and she could not believe that she had a fiancé. Diamond was still offering her his arm and Serena looked around at all of the people watching her including Diamond. There was Serena's mother, Queen Serenity, Diamond's parents, King Bowen and Queen Elena, Serenity's handmaiden and Diamond's guard. Serena gave into the pressure then and gave her arm to Diamond. Diamond smiled sweetly at Serena then and he began walking her out of the room.

"I am grateful that you accepted my proposal, Princess," Diamond stuttered suddenly as they left the room and got away from the prying eyes of the parents.

"I'm sorry to tell you Prince, but your proposal was unexpectedly thrown upon me. I had no say in this marriage."

Diamond was surprised by her revelation but virtually the same thing had happened to him. Queen Serenity had been visiting Neptune and then the day after she had left, he was told that he was engaged to Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom. Diamond had not been happy about the arrangement being made and neither had Serena but Diamond was prepared to make the arrangement work.

"Then I apologise."

"It's not your fault."

"I feel as though it is because I have taken the liberty away from you to choose your own husband," Diamond explained thoughtfully.

"The same has been done to you, Prince, you will never have the chance to choose your own wife," Serena said softly as Diamond looked deeply at her.

Diamond just looked at Serena and he smiled sweetly at her. She was so beautiful and it was hard for him to take his eyes off of her. She had the delicate features of an angel but it was her enormous sparkling blue eyes that captivated him the most. They sparkled in the rays of the afternoon sun and her sleek blonde hair began to sway to the music of the breeze that had just appeared.

"Can I tell you, Princess, that I think that you are extremely beautiful," Diamond said sincerely not wanting to take his eyes off of her.

"Thank you."

Diamond looked deep into her eyes and he tightened his grip on her arm.

"The flowers here are quite beautiful. I have never seen anything like them," Diamond stated as he took his eyes off of Serena for a moment to gaze at the impressive colours of the different flowers that he saw within the royal gardens.

"Living here, you fail to recognise the beauty that surrounds you, in and outdoors."

Diamond chuckled a little at Serena and her spirits suddenly lifted. However, then the Earth suddenly came into full view of Serena and Diamond and both of them stopped dead in their tracks. Serena's eyes suddenly began to sparkle and Serena saw her eyes instantly light up. He wondered at what made Serena so happy and then she felt Diamond pull her closer to him as they both stared at the Earth. They continued to stare at the beautiful planet and then Serena sighed.

"What are you sighing about, Princess?" Diamond asked as Serena tightened her grip on his arm.

Serena looked at Diamond with her large sparkling eyes then and she turned her gaze to the Earth.

"Just looking at that beautiful planet," Serena sighed.

"You're saying the Earth is beautiful," Diamond answered looking extremely shocked.

"Well, yes but just look at it. The stunning colours all swirling and twirling."

"No, the Earth is not beautiful," Diamond stated suddenly.

"It's not."

"No, just look at its people," Diamond stated as Serena gazed at him.

Serena had to admit that Diamond really surprised her as she had expected some snobby stuck-up brat not some passionate even-tempered prince. However, Serena did not want to talk to Diamond about her fascination with the Earth so she quickly changed the subject.

"So, I understand you have another brother and a sister?"

Diamond nodded his head.

"Yes, my older brother, Prince Lucas, is coming with my sister, Princess Celeste, later in the week for the ceremony," Diamond explained as him and Serena started strolling again.

"Isn't Prince Lucas engaged to Lady Makoto of Jupiter?"

Diamond nodded again.

"Yes."

"I never knew that you and Lucas were brothers," Serena yelled in surprise.

"Oh yes. Lucas is my older brother, the Crown Prince of Neptune."

Serena smiled again and Diamond could not help but fall in love with Serena's beautiful charming smile. However, Serena and Diamond then made their way inside and slowly up to Serena's rooms and then they eventually reached her door.

"Well, this is my room," Serena whispered as Diamond looked deeply at her.

"Do you know that I will be escorting you tonight, Princess?"

"Yes," Serena whispered as she continued to gaze at Diamond, "but if we're gonna be married Prince, then I suggest that you call me Serena."

"Serena," he murmured softly as he gently raised her hand and kissed the back of it softly with his lips.

"And you shall have the honour of calling me Diamond."

"Thank you."

Serena then turned from Diamond and opened her door. She glanced back at Diamond before she entered her room. While, Diamond continued to look at Serena until the door concealed his view and Serena stepped inside.