Unexpected results

AN: They have arrived on the Moon, but none of the other kingdoms have arrived.

Dark green hair fell over the little girl's shoulder. The garnet eyes that watched her so quietly made Selenity's heart ache. 'So similar to and so different from Pluto. But she is Pluto... the new Pluto.' Drawing on her inner strength, she explain to the small girl why she had to live in perpetual exile. Watching the newest senshi leave for her post, Selenity craved a moment to shed herself of all the responsibility that was resting on her.

Talbert peer through the door. Sliding out of sight, he signaled to Allana. It was time.

Allana darted into the audience chamber. "Queen Selenity, you are needed immediately in the nursery."

The worried look that blazed on the Queen's face almost made Allana sorry for what they were doing.

"Serenity? Is she hurt? What happened?" The questions rushed out even as Selenity rushed out of the room and down the hall. "Where is Malcolm? "

Allana speed up to keep up as Selenity neared the nursery door. 'Okay, next time there will be no implied threat to the princess. This is too hard on me... I can't watch her suffer anymore.'

The closed door opened under Selenity's impatient hand, the gray eyes scanning the area, looking for the emergency, expecting the worse.

"SURPRISE!!!!"

Even as the voices rang out around her, Selenity's eyes darted from person to person still searching for the threat.

Talbert, Dalton, and Malcolm looked at her uncertain about her unexpected reaction. Sara scooped up the small child from her cradle and carried her to the Queen. "Serenity is fine, Your Majesty."

As Selenity accepted her daughter, her surroundings sunk in. The room was completely redecorated. 'A party? It is decorated for a party. There is cake and refreshments.' With her voice uncertain and her eyes making contact with each person in the room, she asked very quietly. "Who is the party for?"

Allana lightly glared at the others. "See! I told you she had been working too hard. She doesn't even remember...." She shifted her attention to Selenity. "It is for you... for your birthday."

Selenity's eyes widened. "I forgot."

With his eyes twinkling, Malcolm offered her a chair. "Obviously. I've never known you to forget something this important."

Taking the offered chair, Selenity smiled down at the baby resting in her arms. "It has been a rough year Malcolm... a real rough year."

Understanding lite each persons face. Lord Dalton sank down to her eye level. "We have all lost so much... so much has changed..." His eyes darted about taking in not only the room, but Moon Kingdom as well. "We have lost our home and gained a new one. we have gained a new ruler and lost two, many of us have lost family and friends... And that is why today is important. We need to celebrate happy things as well. You have gained another year."

"Then shouldn't the whole court be celebrating?" Her eyes darted to her closest friends.

"That is planned for later today." Talbert grinned at her shocked face. "Right now we get you all to ourselves."

Laughing gaily, Selenity let herself go for a moment and be carefree, just like she knew her friends wanted her to be.