The King's Love by Increbresco
Chapter 10
*Princess Beryl's Chambers in Largos*
King Zirconium stood frozen unable to comprehend what was going on. 'Why did she call me daddy?! I'm not her father, I can't be, I'm only twenty-five years old!' he thought puzzled.
Zirconium inspected her face trying to figure out if she resembled someone he knew but couldn't identify any connection he had with her.
'Why would she mistake me for her father? Maybe I look… like him…wait a minute… could it be that this girl knows my… father…but wait…if she called me daddy…then…her father could be my father too…does that mean she's my sister?!' thought Zirconium, realization suddenly dawning on him.
"Take her to a room, have her cleaned and fed, I want to talk to her as soon as she comes to!" ordered King Zirconium leaving the room. 'I have to figure out what's going on here.'
King Zirconium walked briskly down the long hallway all sorts of thoughts flowing uneasily through his mind. He didn't have anyone he could ask about his father's activities after he ran away. There was no question that asking his grandmother about his father would upset her and he couldn't risk it because she had been very ill recently. After some thought Zirconium realized that there was only one person that he knew for sure who could help him but he hadn't thought about that person for a long time; his friend and teacher Nuumite.
*Flashback*
"You're a freak Zirc! You can't even swim properly!" shouted a lanky boy with dark greasy hair, green beady eyes and discolored green reptilian like skin. He pushed the small dark haired boy beside him on the ground and started cackling like a hyena. Two other boys came running over to the pair and gathered around the boy who lay silently in the mud not moving.
"Look at his face, he's so ugly! Eww he looks just like those humans!" chanted one boy.
"You should go away like you're loser father did!" taunted the last boy hoping to get his jab in before any of the teachers came to the small boy's defense like they usually did.
And as if on cue, the history teacher, Nuumite came jogging over and dispersed the boys while threatening detention for the week. The boys dispersed quickly laughing as they went back to class. Nuumite was perhaps the boy's only friend and he often looked out for him. He was the cool teacher in school with his tiny silver hoop earring on his right ear and his long dark mane, which he usually kept in a ponytail. Most of the girls in class had a crush on him and the boys wanted to be like him.
Nuumite bent down and gathered the small boy in his arms and took him into the school's infirmary. He helped the school's nurse to clean the boy and dress him in a new uniform. The boy said nothing all the while; he just sat quietly as if he wasn't even present in his body. Afterwards Nuumite took the boys hand in his and walked him home to the Palace.
Before he handed the boy to one of the palace guards he kneeled down to the boy's level and spoke solemnly to him, "Zirc, you've got to start standing up for yourself. You won't get far in life if you don't start speaking up. You are not a freak, you're very special. Let me tell you something, I know that no one wants to speak about your father but you need to know. I knew your father, I went to school with him, he was my best friend, and he was the bravest Crugi I ever met. I see a lot of him in you."
The young boy looked up and met Nuumite's eye for the first time that afternoon, "Really?"
"Yes, he never backed down from a fight and he didn't let anyone talk down to him either. I know you have the potential for greatness Zirc, I can see it in your eyes."
Zirconium nodded slowly and croaked out, "I'll try better I promise. Nu, why did he leave me here all alone?"
Nuumite sighed and answered hesitantly, "I can't answer that question for you, it isn't my place. I'm sorry that's all I can say to you now Zirc. Go on inside and do your homework, I'll see you in class tomorrow."
And without another word Nuumite walked off back to school. Zirconium went to his room that night fantasizing about how brave his father must have been. This was the first piece of information he ever had about his father, the only other things he knew were that his father ran away and fell in love with a human woman, his mother. Zirc slept well that night, his head filled with happy dreams about his father.
The next day when Zirconium arrived in class, he took a seat in the front deciding that from now on he would do his best so that if his father ever came back he would be proud of his son. Zirconium made a pledge to honor his father by doing well and being strong.
When it came time for history class to begin, Zirc sat eagerly awaiting Nuumite so that he could share with him his new outlook on things but was devastated when the school's headmistress came in and informed the class that Nuumite would no longer be teaching.
Zirconium had almost suffered a heart attack at the news. He knew Nuumite loved his job too much to just give it up and he wondered if there wasn't more going on than was being said. As soon as the bell rang, Zirconium fled the schoolyard and ran towards Nuumite's old house a few streets down.
As he arrived at Nuumite's house his heart sunk when he saw about a dozen palace guards emptying the house of his belongings. They said nothing when he questioned them of Nuumite's whereabouts. Then he noticed the guard that had taken him up to his room the day before. The one who was nearby when Nuumite had spoken to Zirconium about his father.
Zirconium felt a sickening feeling in his stomach as he watched the guards in silence. Grandfather had sent Nuumite away, Zirconium was sure of it. He would never forget that day, after that he made sure to avoid the subject of his father. No good would come from talking about his father; it already cost him his only friend.
*End of flashback*
'I have to find Nuumite!' thought King Zirconium making up his mind. He instructed several guards to track down Nuumite's whereabouts immediately.
*The Palace at Crystal Tokyo*
King Elysion sat in Endymion's office reviewing the documents in front of him, "I find it hard to believe that these Crugis have become so powerful on their own in so little time."
Endymion who was sitting opposite his father in a leather armchair shook his head and replied, "They are a strong species and are evolving rapidly. I have seen no evidence of any outside interference."
"The Crugi do not have the means or knowledge to develop this Serum Endymion," said King Elysion, "I have examined it, the ingredients and the elements found inside aren't from Earth."
"We have no enemies in the Galaxy father, We are on good terms with every planet, the ramifications of what you are implying is rather upsetting to me," said Endymion, "I can't believe that any of our allies would join forces with the Crugis to try and destroy us."
"Perhaps but we need to investigate this properly," resolved King Elysion, "In the meantime we have to face the facts, the Crugi have been around for a long time, you might think they are a new species but the truth is they have been around for 150 years and they are part of this planet and you have a duty to them as well."
"We cannot share this planet with them father, that is out of the question. I will not allow this planet to be split in half and I won't share it with another King!" shouted Endymion angrily.
King Elysion rolled his eyes at Endymion, "You are king and therefore must do what is best for everyone on this planet and that now includes the Crugi. You cannot ignore their existence anymore, you must do whatever it takes to keep the people of this planet united."
Endymion slammed his fist on the table cracking the mahogany, "They are not to be trusted, they have killed our people and are threatening our very existence!"
"I know! However put yourself in their shoes, they have been living in the shadows for over a century, under appreciated and mistreated," said King Elysion, "You made a grave mistake not being friendlier with them in the beginning and look where it's gotten you. War will tear the planet apart especially if this Serum is used as a weapon. We have to nip this in the bud now Endymion."
Endymion sat quietly for a few minutes and finally asked, "What other choice do I have?"
"Your other choice which I will not condone is to take our armies to Largos, and burn it to the ground," whispered King Elsyion disapprovingly.
"I need time to think about this," replied Endymion deep in thought.
King Elysion looked on surprised at his son. He never expected Endymion to turn out to be such a cold King. 'I swear I didn't teach him to think like this, he gets that stone heartedness and arrogance from his mother!' thought King Elsyion frowning.
Endymion got up and gestured to the Serum on the table, "Have you figured out how to undo its effects? I told you Lord Andrew's situation is dire."
"I've already sent an antidote to the infirmary and have instructed Zoisite on how to rebuild the Anima Elixir to make it indestructible," muttered King Elysion dismissing the situation.
"Good very good. I am relieved," whispered Endymion faintly.
"You would have been able to do it yourself if you paid more attention in chemistry or perhaps its because you are distracted," asked King Elysion coyly, "What's troubling you my son?"
"We are in the middle of a war, my best friend is dying and you are asking me what's troubling me?" replied Endymion shaking his head in disbelief.
"I heard some interesting rumors, was a woman really kidnapped from your room and taken to Largos?" asked King Elysion arching an eyebrow at his son.
"I am dealing with the situation. And don't start with me, I'm really not in the mood for your prying," said Endymion gathering the documents on the table quickly.
"Is she the reason you are considering burning Largos to the ground?" asked King Elysion hesitantly knowing that his questioning might prompt Endymion to throw his usual tantrum.
Endymion said nothing to his father just glared at him and teleported out of the room leaving a very curious King Elysion behind. 'I have got to gather some information on what's going on here, something tells me there's more to this than meets the eye!' thought King Elysion smiling mischievously.
*Serena's Chambers in Largos*
Serena awoke feeling refreshed and extremely comfortable. She forgot for a moment where she was but was quickly reminded when she looked around. 'Damnit! I'm still in Largos!' she thought dismally.
She looked around and noticed that she was in a bedroom instead of her usual cell. The walls of the room were pale pink and very girly. There was a cute white vanity filled with brushes and perfume, and a rosy pink loveseat in the corner of the room by the windows where the sun was shining brightly through the white chiffon curtains. The bed was very plush and adorned with plain white cotton sheets. Serena was surprised that her clothes were different, gone was Endymion's tattered shirt and in its place was a simple long white nightgown that flowed down her body beautifully. 'Oh geez! Someone bathed and dressed me, I hope it was a woman!' thought Serena embarrassed.
Beside the bed was a silver cart filled with fruits, pastries, cheeses, desserts and a large pitcher of water. Serena flung the sheet off her body and rapidly started devouring the food in front of her. Her stomach lurched satisfied with the nourishment it was receiving. The croissant she was eating tasted like heaven, the strong flavors of the various cheeses intensely satisfying and the chocolate cake was to die for. Serena poured herself several large glasses of water and downed them quickly; her parched lips enjoying the clean crisp taste of the cold liquid.
About an hour after she finished eating, in came a guard staring at her. Serena frowned and looked away scared to look very long at his reptilian like skin. It was very frightening, even though this wasn't the first time she was witness to it, there was just something very creepy about the way they looked. Their eyes were green with hints of a deep pink and their skin looked so very tough and crackly.
The guard gave her a disgusted look and walked back out without a word. Serena breathed in relieved. She lay back down on the bed, placing her head on the soft pillow enjoying the comfort. 'Well if this is my last moments at least I got to eat something and am well rested!' thought Serena sadly. She wondered if Endymion was looking for her, or if he even cared. 'Maybe Beryl was right and he was just using me. Otherwise he should have sent someone to rescue me already!' thought Serena giving into her worst fears.
She must have drifted off because when finally came she felt someone's eyes on her. She sat up quickly and saw the man from before. The one that was arguing with Beryl, she had forgotten about him. He was the one who looked just like her father but he couldn't be, her father passed away a long time ago. It had to be just a coincidence. However she wondered why he was in this land, he did not look anything like the other people here. He looked very human but yet seemed to be in charge.
The man sat in an armchair, which curiously wasn't there before and he just stared at her for a long time not saying a word, he just kept examining her.
Serena finally muttered impatiently, "If your going to kill me then just do it already!"
The man arched an eyebrow at her both surprised and impressed by her boldness.
He finally opened his mouth to say something but then shut it quickly; he looked towards the window and then tried again but couldn't seem to get the words he wanted to say out.
"Well? What do you want with me?" asked Serena hotly crossing her arms and feigning bravery when really she was terrified at what might become of her.
"This is the first time in a long time that I have found myself at a loss for words," said the man leaning in closer to her.
Serena shifted back uncomfortably not saying anything.
"I'm not going to hurt you, I might later but not right now," said the man smiling grimly, "What are you called?"
"Serenity Tsukino" mumbled Serena gulping as she averting her eyes from him fearfully.
"Why did you call me daddy before?" he asked staring intensely at her.
Serena looked at him surprised and answered hesitantly, "You look like my dad, you could be his twin."
The man sat back in the chair looking upset, "What's your father's name and where is he?"
"His name was Kenji Tsukino and both him and my mom passed away when I was eight years old," replied Serena baffled by his questioning but deciding it was best to give him the information he wanted since it seemed to be somehow important to him.
The man got up and started pacing back and forth near the window, and every once in awhile he would turn to stare at her and then look away. 'She is very pretty but she looks nothing like me. No dark hair or green eyes either. Maybe she resembles her mother.'
Finally he came back over to the chair and sat down, "How old are you?"
"Sixteen" said Serena simply at the anxious man in front of her.
"So your father died eight years ago…I was 17 at the time…interesting…" the man went on lost in his thoughts. 'If she is my sister then that means she was born when I was nine years old.'
Serena stared at him somewhat amused and curious as to where this was leading.
"Tell me more about your father!" he demanded.
"Umm okkk…he and my mom met in high school and then mom got pregnant with me," said Serena sadly, "They were both teenagers and it was very unexpected so their parents disowned them. Dad worked pretty hard to take care of mom and me. He was a really good father, I loved him a lot. That's all I really remember."
"That's what your father told you?" asked the man surprised. 'That cannot be right! Father was twenty-one when he left home. He was twenty-three when he brought me to Largos and therefore had to be thirty-two when this girl was born! How can she think he was a teenager?! This doesn't make any sense, he would have been a grown man by the time she was born!'
"Yeah that's what happened…why are you asking me all these weird questions?!" asked Serena finally, frustrated with his intrusive questions about her parents.
The man said nothing just walked out of the room leaving Serena sitting on the bed with her mouth hanging open. 'What the hell was that about?!'
*Palace Kitchen*
"Poor Serena, I hope she's safe," ranted Luna as she sliced carrots for the salad she was preparing. She had spent the day preparing a feast for King Elysion's early awakening. There was a lot to be done and not a lot of servants to help her since Endymion had given most of them some time off after the awful attack at the palace a couple of nights ago. Therefore she had enlisted Serena's friends to help her, they had already been acquainted thanks to Serena and had become especially close after her kidnapping.
Artemis walked over to her and patted her on the shoulder trying to calm her down, "King Endymion wouldn't let anything happen to her. I don't think those creatures will harm her, not if they are trying to use her to bait the King. I'm sure she'll be back with us before you know it."
Artemis had decided against going to fight in the war, mostly because he was frightened of leaving Luna in the palace. After what happened the other night, Luna had been frantic and he figured the best thing he could do was to stay and protect his wife and unborn child in case there was another attack.
"I hope you're right…" sighed Raye stirring the soup on the stove very slowly. She was extremely worried for Serena, all the girls were. They hadn't heard much about it from King Endymion and that really made Raye mad. He should have been moving heaven and hell to find Serena if he truly cared for her. Jadeite had spent the last couple of days trying to convince Raye of the King's devotion to finding Serena but Raye still wasn't sure she believed it.
"Kunzite says that King Elysion is trying to talk Endymion into forming some sort of alliance with the Crugis. Just think if he does that then they will hand Serena over!" chirped Mina optimistically as she finished frosting the beautiful butter cream cake in front of her.
Lita stopped peeling the potatoes and frowned, "It won't be so simple Mina, there are a lot of things to consider. I doubt Endymion wants to have anything to do with those creatures not after what they did to Andrew."
"I feel so bad for Andrew, such a horrible way to spend their first couple of days as a married couple," said Ami sadly as she arranged the hors d'oeuvres on a large circular platter, "I spoke with Zoisite earlier, he says that an antidote is already being given to Andrew and that he should make a full recovery. Also Zoisite is almost finished with redoing the Anima Elixir so no one will have to worry about their immortalities being in danger."
"That's good, I have to stop by and see how Andrew's doing," replied Artemis licking the butter cream coated spoon Mina had left in the mixing bowl.
"Artemis stop that!" scolded Luna shaking her head. 'I swear all he thinks about is his stomach!' she thought amused.
Suddenly the door to the Kitchen burst open and in walked King Elysion himself earning several gasps from the occupants of the kitchen. They all stopped what they were doing and bowed to him in respect. He gestured for them to continue as they were and plopped down happily on a bar stool as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
Everyone silently tried to continue their work but found it nearly impossible to do with the former King of the Earth staring at them.
"Your majesty, forgive me for questioning your visit but this is rather unusual," said Artemis hesitantly.
"Artemis how I've missed your brashness. We had some good times didn't we? Back in the old days I mean. You must join me for a drink soon," teased King Elysion.
"Of course your majesty as you wish," replied Artemis obediently.
"Luna is that you, why you've gotten twice as beautiful since last I saw you," flirted King Elysion, he walked over to her and grasped her hand kissing it.
Luna blushed crimson, "Thank you your majesty, you flatter me."
Artemis coughed nervously, "Your majesty it is my honor to inform you that Luna and I are expecting a child soon."
"Oh that's marvelous, good work Artemis!," chanted King Elysion slapping Artemis on the back causing him to tumble forward into the counter.
Artemis smiled weakly in response and stumbled into a nearby stool.
The girls who had been deathly silent until then giggled. The King turned to face them and smiled brightly flashing his gorgeous white teeth.
"Well my dear Luna, looks like you have hired some lovely kitchen maids," said the King eyeing the girls shamelessly.
He walked over and kissed each girls hand making them extremely embarrassed.
"Such lovely ladies, my if I were a still a bachelor what fun I would have," said the King grinning wickedly.
Artemis rolled his eyes. The King had always been very flirtatious, as most women in the palace knew. He had been quite the cad when he was younger, definitely much more of a player than Endymion. The Queen rarely tolerated King Elysion's behavior and always punished him severely when she caught him flirting with any women. Their fights were legendary and so were their make up sessions. Artemis figured the King was trying to take advantage of the fact that the Queen was not awake yet and therefore meant he could be very playful with any woman he came across until then.
"King Elysion, these are not maids, these girls are in high school, they are friends with Serena, the one that was kidnapped," said Artemis figuring that he should inform the King of the girl's ages so he would stop gushing over them like a horny teenager.
King Elysion stopped what he was doing and quirked up, "Is that so? Well I must insist that you girls join me for dinner tonight, there is some information I require from you about your missing friend."
The girls all nodded quickly honored to be invited to dine with the King himself but a little worried about what he wanted to know about Serena.
"Your majesty, I must tell you that Endymion will be upset if he knows that you're planning to gather information about Serena," said Artemis cautiously.
"I'm his father Artemis, it's my job. Besides Endymion says he has too much work to do tonight so he will not be joining me for dinner," said the King smiling as he made his way to the door, "I will also be expecting you and Luna to dine with me as well."
Artemis nodded politely in response.
Everyone just looked at each other after King Elysion left and went back to work wondering what they had gotten themselves into.
*Throne Room in Largos*
King Zirconium sat on his throne massaging his temples; his head was still spinning with what he found out about Serena. He wasn't sure if she was his sister or related to him, she looked nothing like him and that story about her father just didn't add up.
He needed more information about his father. He would have to tear the palace apart to find some shred of evidence about his father's life in Largos before he left, maybe that would give him some clues. And then of course when he found Nuumite, he was sure Nuumite would be able to answer his questions. Zirconium was interrupted from his thoughts by a guard.
"Your Majesty, Queen Esmeraude has requested your presence immediately," said the guard bowing.
King Zirconium nodded and left the throne room making his way to his grandmother's chambers. 'I wonder what this is about, I hope her condition hasn't worsened..'
*Palace Dining Room*
"It's so obvious they have feelings for each other you majesty, it's really cute!" said Mina grinning.
"I must say the things you've told me that's been going on between him and Serena doesn't sound like the Endymion I know at all," replied the King as he took a sip of wine. He never saw Endymion banter with any women or take them into his room and not sleep with them.
"He has not been himself since she arrived your majesty, in fact I think he's in love with her," said Artemis laughing. The mood was much lighter in the palace since King Elysion's return, his presence brought security in these uncertain times.
King Elysion almost dropped the glass he was holding, "My son's in love? In love?! I never thought it would happen!"
"I don't think either of them realizes it but love is definitely in the air," said Mina chewing on her steak.
"I'm completely shocked," mumbled King Elysion. 'I can't believe it!' he thought as he shifted the food around in his plate distracted.
*Queen Esmeraude's Chambers in Largos*
"Grandmother, how are you feeling today?" asked King Zirconium giving her a light peck on her cheek.
The old woman sat wearing a long flowing black nightgown. She never wore any other color not since her husband King Topaz passed away many years ago. She had long grayish white hair and green eyes, which looked tired. Her crackly reptilian skin was over run with wrinkles a product of old age.
Queen Esmeraude perked up and smiled, "I'm fine Zirconium dear, I don't want you to worry about me all the time."
"I cannot help it you know that, you are the last of my family. I want you to stay healthy," said Zirconium smiling as he took a seat beside her at the cushioned bench facing the window.
Esmeraude nodded at her grandson and stared out the window absentmindedly again, "I heard that you were looking for your old school teacher Nuumite."
Zirconium was surprised that she had found out so soon, nothing got past her, "Yes, I need to gather some information from him."
"Is it about your father?" asked Esmeraude taking his hand in hers and stroking it softly.
Zirconium sat back shocked that his grandmother had actually referred to his father. He knew it was a very painful subject for her. He only mentioned his father once before when he was very young and he remembered the way she reacted. She had started crying and locked herself in her room for days.
"Yes," said Zirconium guilty, "It is about my father…"
Esmeraude sighed deeply and started tearing up. She took a deep breath and began, "I have always regretted not sharing more with you about your father. Topaz forbade me from speaking about Sapphire to you. It was so hard for me you know, when he left I was so shocked so was you grandfather. Topaz, my dear arrogant husband, he was so angry; Sapphire had hurt him the most. He had so many dreams for his son."
Zirconium nodded and stayed silent listening to every word she had to say.
"Your father never embraced this life, he didn't want to be King. I knew it ever since he was young; I always prayed that he would change his mind. But he couldn't that was just the way he was. He wanted to travel the galaxy, he had so many fantasies about what was out there," she went on closing her eyes, "He was still a great Prince though, he was so smart just like his father and brave beyond belief. He once saved Topaz's life you know."
"He saved grandfather's life?" asked Zirconium impressed.
"Yes he was just seventeen at the time, there was a battle outside Largos between us and the humans. Sapphire saved Topaz from being taken prisoner to Crystal Tokyo, where he would have no doubt been killed," said Esmeraude with pride, "Your grandfather was so grateful and proud of Sapphire, everyone thought he would become a fine King one day. But when he turned eighteen the following year, things started changing. Sapphire became so withdrawn, he would never leave his room and when he did, he seemed so distracted. He ignored his duties and would wonder off for days which as you can imagine caused many fights between him and Topaz."
"Things went on like that for years until he turned twenty one. That night when he left, I should have known something was wrong, he was acting very strange. Topaz was away in the countryside attending to his royal duties at the time. Sapphire came into my chambers, and he sat beside me for a long time not speaking. When he finally did, he told me how much he loved his father and me and apologized for his behavior the last couple of years," said Esmeraude woefully, "I was so surprised, I hugged him and told him not to worry about the past anymore and focus on the future. Sapphire didn't say anything else he just hugged me and left. The next morning when I woke up, I sent a guard to fetch him for breakfast but he was gone..."
Esmeraude started crying softly after she finished speaking, her chest heaving with sorrow. Zirconium wrapped his arms around her and tried his best to comfort her.
"Don't cry grandmother, I can't stand seeing you like this," uttered Zirconium handing her a tissue from her vanity.
She tried to compose herself and wiped away the tears, "I blamed myself for a long time. I should have been more attentive to Sapphire, maybe if I had said something different he wouldn't have left."
"It wasn't your fault, it sounds like he made his mind up about leaving and I don't think you could have done much to stop him," replied Zirconium thoughtfully.
"Zirconium, I know you want to know more about where your father went but I don't know much," said Esmeraude as she got up and went over to her jewelry box. She rustled around in it for a few moments and returned with a small picture in her hand.
"This was the only one I managed to save when Topaz destroyed Sapphire's things. I want you to have it," she stated handing him the picture in her hand.
Zirconium took the picture and stared at it for a long time. A smiling young man with dark hair and intense green eyes stared back at him. His skin was similar to any other Crugi, for he was after all a pure blooded Crugi. Zirconium smiled, he did look like his father, almost exactly if not for the differences in their skin.
"This means a lot to me grandmother, thank you," whispered Zirconium gratefully.
"Nuumite was in contact with your father after he ran away. Nuumite was the one that told me Sapphire had run away with a human woman," admitted Esmeraude, "Nuumite and Sapphire were inseparable, I suspected that both of them used to sneak off to the outside world and that's when Sapphire met your mother."
"Nuumite was also the one that brought you to us not a guard like everyone thinks. He said that Sapphire wanted us to have his first born to have a heir to the throne he had abandoned," said the Queen quietly, " Nuumite took that job teaching at your school so that he could look out for you. I was the one that got it for him, he said that he made a promise to Sapphire that he would always be by your side."
"But then grandfather sent him away…" mumbled Zirconium unhappily.
"Don't be mad at your grandfather for that, he thought he was doing what was best for you. He loved you very much Zirconium," whispered Esmeraude, "Find Nuumite, he will give you the answers you seek."
Zirconium simply nodded. He decided not to share anything about Serena to his grandmother; he didn't want to break her heart if he ended up being mistaken about Serena's relation to him.
*Serena's Chambers in Largos*
Serena stared out the window at the darkening sky, feeling really depressed. A single tear slipped down her rosy cheek as she thought about whether or not she would see any of her friends again. She went over to the bed and sat down brushing her long golden hair slowly.
A loud tap at the window startled her making her drop the brush. She whirled around fearfully and almost fainted when she saw Endymion's face staring back at her. She jumped off the bed and ran to the window flinging it open.
"Endymion!" she cried out happily.
Endymion smiled at her and gestured for her to keep quiet as he climbed in through the window. He was wearing a large black cloak similar to the ones the Crugi guards wore.
"I pretended to be a guard and snuck in," whispered Endymion hugging her fiercely.
Serena sobbed against his chest holding onto him tightly.
"It's okay I'm here, don't cry," he told her nuzzling her hair.
Serena pulled away suddenly and smacked him hard on the arm, "Are you crazy?! If anyone sees you they will kill you!"
"Don't worry, I was careful. This was the only way I figured I could get you back safely," said Endymion rubbing his arm and pulling her close again, "I have been planning this since they took you, I'm sorry it took so long. Did they hurt you?"
"No, they kept me in a cell for a couple of days, Oh Endy I was so scared, I thought you didn't care about me!" whispered Serena crying again.
Endymion tightened his hold on Serena angry with himself for not rescuing her sooner. 'I swear I'll kill these bastards first chance I get!' he thought.
"I care about you very much Sere, I don't want you to ever doubt that," confessed Endymion wiping away her tears.
Serena smiled and leaned upwards kissing him softly on the lips. Endymion moaned in response realizing just how much he had missed her the last couple of days. After a few minutes they pulled away breathless.
"We better stop, we need to get out of here," said Endymion taking off his cloak and wrapping it around Serena's small frame.
"How are we going to get out of here without being seen?" asked Serena sniffling, her big blue eyes wide with fear.
"Don't worry, we'll teleport Sere," said Endymion kissing her on the forehead.
"You can teleport from in here?" asked Serena curiously.
"Not from inside the palace or else I'll be detected, we have to do it out there, that's where I came from," said Endymion gesturing out the window beyond the palace walls to the forest.
Serena bit down on her lip nervously, "Endymion, are you telling me that I'm going to have to climb out of this window?!"
Endymion laughed softly and scooped her up in his arms, "Don't worry princess, I'll be right at your side, I won't let anything happen to you. I know exactly where each guard is stationed. We have to be very quiet and fast."
Serena nodded and clutched Endymion's hand as he helped her out the window.
'I hope we don't get caught!' thought Serena frightened.
TO BE CONTINUED! :)
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