Sorry for the long delay, I haven't given up on this story yet though. There's still a lot more to come, hope you guys enjoy it!

The King's Love by Increbresco

Chapter 11

*The Forest Vetus*

In the darkest hour of night, in a long forgotten path leading deeper into the heart of the forest Vetus travelled Endymion and Serena. Endymion grasped Serena's hand tighter, he could feel her trembling and knew that she was afraid but didn't want to show it. They had been walking for nearly two hours in the forest, the only thing surrounding them were tall trees and the sounds of animals lurking in the dark. His original plans of teleporting them away was foiled by the sudden brewing of a large solar storm. Endymion hadn't even factored in that the storm could affect his abilities, in the past such storms had proven to slightly disrupt his power but then again he never dealt with a vicious storm like this before. He could just imagine his father scolding him about always being prepared for the unexpected.

Endymion was very impressed with Serena; she had been very brave when they had snuck out of the palace. He sometimes felt like he needed to remind himself that she was just sixteen. She was very mature for her age well except maybe back when they were bickering however she proved to be very calm and collected. He didn't know much teenage girls but that seemed like a rare quality to him. It was one of the many things that he loved about her. 'Loved!' he thought panicking. He tightened his grip on her hand and felt his pulse speeding up, 'What the hell is the matter with me?!' he thought frowning. That was the first time he used that word when referring to a woman in his life and there had been many women before but none like Serena. She was shaking things up too much in his life and Endymion wasn't sure he was completely comfortable with that.

The truth was that he didn't open his heart to anyone; he spent most of his life being lonely; sure he had his best friends, the generals and his parents but after many years that wasn't enough for him. He wondered briefly if Serena could be the one for him. It certainly would be unexpected; he always thought he would fall in love with a beautiful smart loving woman. Serena was very beautiful and loving and he knew from their classes together that she was very smart and had great potential. Making love to her would be easy despite her age however if they started a relationship then her age would be a problem. He didn't want to hold her back from all that she could accomplish in life, she was still young and it was only natural that she should date more men even though the thought of it sent him into a fit of jealousy. He didn't want to imagine any other man holding her intimately.

Endymion shook his head of his wayward thoughts and tried to focus on the task at hand, he knew she was tired but they had to keep going, the further away they were the better their chances of escaping were. He was considering whether or not they should stop and make some sort of camp. He didn't know how far they would get, but he knew they could be caught at any moment. Although there was a small chance that the guards hadn't noticed Serena's absence from her room. 'Her room…' Endymion thought frowning, he couldn't understand why they had moved her from her cell into some posh suite. He would have to question her later about what happened during her capture.

"Endy, I'm so tired," mumbled Serena faintly coming to a complete stop.

"I know you are Sere but we have to keep going, we have to get as far away from the Palace as we can," whispered Endymion putting his arms around her shoulder.

Serena groaned and laid her head on Endymion's chest, "I can't walk anymore…"

"I'll carry you," said Endymion stroking her hair gently.

"Please Endy, let's just hide somewhere tonight and rest. If they were coming after us wouldn't they have caught up by now? Besides you said that you left a note in your office so when your father see's it he'll come rescue us right?"

"Absolutely not, that was just in case! We are not going to sit here and wait for my damn father to come save us! I'll get us out of here, I'm more than capable," said Endymion angrily.

Serena withdrew her head from Endymion's chest and glared at him, "What's your problem?! You don't have to be such a macho jerk all the time, there's nothing wrong with needing help every once in awhile!"

"I don't need any damn help! Just shut up and keep walking!" yelled Endymion grabbing her arm roughly and stomping ahead.

Serena pulled her hand free from Endymion's grip, "Don't touch me again you idiot! I'm not walking anymore!"

Serena walked over to a nearby tree and sat down hugging her knees.

Endymion sighed deeply and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. 'She's so frustrating!' he thought fuming. He was trying his best to get them out of here and she just had to open her big mouth and completely emasculate him. She had no idea how much pressure he was always under; people were always comparing him to his father. The last thing he needed was his father to have to come save him and make him look weak.

"Get up!" shouted Endymion towering over Serena's slumped form, "I'm not kidding Serenity! Get up or else I'm leaving you here!"

Serena kept her head buried against her knees and ignored him. Fat drops of rain started tumbling from the suddenly stormy skies smacking down on the pair. Serena screamed and launched herself into Endymion's arms when she heard the deep roar of thunder that tore through the sky.

Endymion sighed rubbing his hand down Serena's back trying to calm her down. 'Great the last thing we need is rain! Can this get any worse?!' he screamed inwardly. And just as he was unlatching his cloak to wrap around Serena's cold wet form he felt something tugging at his mind. He paused and looked around suddenly alert of their surroundings, pulling his sword from its sheath he raised it high ready to strike.

Serena whimpered nervously hiding behind his back, "Endy…"

Endymion shushed her and stood completely still trying to detect any suspicious movement. After a few moments while still holding the sword he grabbed her and lead her down the same path as before in complete silence.

Finally he whispered, "I think we're being followed."

"What?!" gasped Serena holding onto him tighter, "Oh no! The guards! They're going to catch us!"

"No," whispered Endymion walking faster, " Not I don't think its the guards, it's someone else."

"Who would be following us then?" asked Serena fearfully.

Endymion tightened his hold on her, "I don't know, something isn't right. Let's hurry, there's bound to be some shelter amongst that stone elevation up ahead."

The rain continued to fall making the ground beneath their feet damp and muddy as they trudged ahead. By now they were completely soaked, clothes becoming heavy and clinging to them its iciness causing shudders to run through the weary pair.

*Palace Medical Unit*

Reika sniffled loudly as Andrew stroked her hand lovingly, "Oh Drew I'm so glad you're better, I was so worried."

Andrew smiled brightly at her, "Hey none of that crying, I'm okay. You're not going get rid of me that easily. We still have a lifetime to spend together."

Reika nodded and hugged Andrew tightly, the stress from the last couple of days melting away slowly.

"So tell me what's been going on around here, I'm sure the place fell apart without me," said Andrew adjusting himself on the bed in a more comfortable sitting position. His whole body was sore from laying in bed so long especially his legs.

"Your parents were here and Lizzie, we all stayed by your side the entire time," whispered Reika tearing up for the millionth time today. It was all becoming so surreal, a couple of days ago Andrew was on the brink of death but now here he was as good as new talking to her. It was just so amazing.

Andrew gestured for Reika to sit beside him on the bed; he held her close stroking her hair trying to soothe her. He was thankful to still be here, King Elysion's elixir had worked wonders on him and for that Andrew was deeply indebted to him.

"How is Endymion?" asked Andrew, wondering how his best friend was dealing with all that was threatening his kingdom.

"I'm not sure, I think he's been quite upset dealing with you being injured and…I don't know how to tell you this Drew," started Reika nervously, "Serena…she was taken from the palace the night of our wedding by those horrible creatures."

"What?!" screamed Andrew springing out of bed and onto his weakened legs which gave out from under him causing his immediate collapse. 'It can't be! Why would they take poor Serena' thought Andrew faintly.

Reika scrambled to help him as he leaned against the bed, "Please Drew, go back to bed, you're still too weak, you need rest."

"No!" said Andrew sharply, "I have to help Endymion! Get my armor please!"

Reika nodded knowing it was pointless to argue with Andrew, he had made up his mind, there would be no stopping him.

*Dark Cave*

Serena gulped as she watched Endymion peel off his wet shirt, he tossed it aside and bent down to nudge the small fire he had managed to start earlier. The fire was almost out; the scraps he managed to light were dust by now. The rain soaked everything outside so getting any wood that would burn was out of the question. Serena watched as he tried fanning the small flames in vain before it completely gave out. They had come to find this obscure cave when they had been trying to find refuge near the gigantic chunks of rocks that seemed to be remnants of a mountain ravaged by some unknown force. The opening was so small they had barely noticed it from far away until Serena had tripped and landed nearby. It provided them with safety for the night from whoever or whatever was trailing them. Endymion had told her that as he tried to cover the opening with fallen leafy branches, which unfortunately had been blown away by large bursting gusts of wind. Moonlight peeked in through the opening of the cave coating them in its glow. The moon was especially bright tonight and Serena was very grateful for she hated the gloom of night.

"Take your dress off," said Endymion startling her from her thoughts. He came over and sat beside her having given up on the fire; his legs sprawled out in front of him. He was only wearing his wet black pants; his boots and shirt lay on his cloak at the other side of the cave.

"Why?" mumbled Serena looking anywhere but at Endymion. 'Breathe Serena, Breathe!' she told herself blushing.

Endymion gave her an amused smile, "Because you'll catch a cold if you don't and we need to lay our clothes out to dry so we won't be stuck walking with wet clothes in the morning."

Serena stared at him, her mouth opening and closing without a word. Endymion chuckled and reached over to her knees trying to pull her nightgown up. Serena jumped up and moved closer to the other side of the cave blushing furiously.

"Are you nuts?!" she fumed, "I'm not getting naked in here with you."

Endymion bit down on his lip to keep from laughing at her pouty red face, "Sere, just do as I say, you could get pneumonia!"

Serena sighed knowing he was right, her nightgown was completely soaked not to mention slightly muddy. But she couldn't just take off all her clothes and let Endymion feast on her with his eyes that would be too embarrassing. 'What if he laughs at me because I'm probably so scrawny compared to the women he's seen before" thought Serena frowning.

"Endy, I can't…I'm too embarrassed…" whispered Serena tearing up.

Endymion stood up and walked up to her grasping her shoulders firmly and gazing down into her eyes, "You have nothing to be embarrassed about, you're the most beautiful woman I've ever met."

Serena shook her head weakly not believing him. Endymion pulled her close and she felt him pull the ends of her nightgown up. Serena's breath hitched when he pulled it up over her head and tossed it away.

"Endy…" whispered Serena trying to cover herself with her arms.

Endymion sucked in his breath, his pants tightening at the sight before him. He let his eyes roam her body freely drinking in the sight of her exquisite body. 'May the heavens of Asphodel help me, I'm in trouble!' he thought.

He frowned at her attempt to shield her body from him, "Don't Serena, let me look at you."

Serena stared up at him her eyes locked with his and let her hands fall to her side. Her body flushed under his gaze.

Endymion hesitated at first but then gave in and laid his arms on her shoulders rubbing them slightly. Serena stiffened under his touch but after a moment relaxed and let herself enjoy the warmth of his hands. Endymion continued massaging her shoulders trying to calm her nerves or were they his nerves, he wasn't sure at the moment as a matter of fact he wasn't sure what he was even doing. He was going down a potentially dangerous path, taking their relationship to the next level would change everything. Things could certainly become complicated after this but somehow he didn't allow himself to over think things, not tonight. Endymion would give in tonight, just this once to what he truly wanted without thinking of the consequences.

Endymion bent down covering her mouth with his, he slipped his hands into her golden mane, licking her lips he pleaded for access. Her soft pink lips parted and she moaned as his tongue rushed in eagerly to meet hers. Serena thrust her tongue against his wildly wrapping her arms around his shoulders as he lifted her off her feet and pushed her into the dirt wall of the cave. She wrapped her legs around his hips eliciting a loud moan of appreciation from him. Endymion let his hands run along her bare back before cupping her ass firmly. He pressed her into the erection that was straining against the seams of his pants begging for release, but not yet he didn't want to rush things, he wanted to enjoy every inch of her before he took things that far.

He broke away from her lips panting softly and started kissing his way down her neck. Serena gasped softly running her hands through his glistening jet-black hair as he devoured her neck. Endymion growled with excitement at her touch, he ran his teeth down her neck to the base of her shoulder becoming dangerously aware of where he was headed. Gazing up at her one last time for confirmation he lowered his mouth to the pink nipple that hardened under his breath. Serena moaned uncontrollably as his tongue mercilessly sucked on her. Endymion held her firmly as she became wild with passion, her hands tightening on his shoulders. He raised his lips back up to meet hers capturing them in a heated kiss. He moaned at their softness, she tasted so sweet he couldn't get enough of her.

"Oh Endy don't stop please!" begged Serena in a throaty seductive voice as his mouth found her creamy breast once more.

Endymion moaned in acknowledgement as he started lowering her onto the cold muddy ground of the cave, his lips never leaving her breast for a second. He laid her onto her back and positioned himself over her as he tried to give each breast equal attention. Serena moaned in appreciation her hands gripping his hair tightly. Endymion pulled away from her now flustered chest and started trailing kisses down her stomach, which made Serena bite down on her lip in anticipation.

She screamed out his name when his mouth finally found her womanhood, her legs thrashed about wildly as she was consumed in pleasure. Endymion tightened his grip on her legs trying his best to keep them open to his advances. He explored every crevice of her, his tongue hungrily lapping every gush that came from her. She tasted it like honey and it made him even drunker with passion than he was before. By now she was incoherent, her head tossing from side to side begging him to continue. Endymion slipped his finger inside of her slowly making her cry out loudly, he pulled it back and pushed in again continuing his slow tortuous rhythm. He could see her trying her best to hold onto the last of her sanity and wanting to push her to her peak he slipped another finger cautiously inside her.

Serena bit down on her lips hard trying to control her breathing when she felt Endymion's second finger slip inside her. His hands formed a rhythm and continued to stretch her and push her to the limit. She cried out over and over as he continued his ministrations. Finally unable to hold on any longer Serena screamed loudly as she felt an explosion of pleasure spread throughout her body. When she came to she was instantly aware of Endymion lapping up the remnants of her orgasm. He didn't stop until he had tasted every last drop she had given him.

His eyes finally met hers and he moaned seductively, "Your taste is absolutely addictive Sere."

Serena smiled and pulled his head to hers bringing their lips together once more. Their kiss was hot and passionate full of desire and need.

Serena pulled away and suddenly feeling brave she started kissing his chest enjoying the feel of his hard muscles under her hands.

Her hands made their way to the buckle of his pants but he stopped her, "You don't have to do that Sere." He knew she had no experience and was worried that she might become overwhelmed.

Serena shook her head and licked her lips eagerly, "I want to Endymion, I'm not a child Endymion, I'm a woman, treat me like you would any of your other lovers."

"You're not like those women Serena, you're better. You are the woman I've been waiting for my whole life," whispered Endymion his gaze penetrating her.

"Oh Endy!" sighed Serena dreamily.

*Palace Dining Room*

"Your majesty please you must stop! You're making me blush!" giggled Luna as she dug into the moist cream filled cake she had prepared earlier. She savored each bite allowing her taste buds to gorge on the bounty of sweetness it was being fed. Her pregnancy suddenly made food irresistible probably one of the many changes to come.

King Elysion smiled brightly his blue eyes twinkling merrily as he watched a blush spread across her pale skin, "I can't help it dear Luna, you are fairer than most of the Queens of the Galaxy."

Artemis mumbled grumpily under his breath folding his arms tightly against his chest. 'Damn Bastard!' he thought frowning. He cleared his throat loudly in an attempt to shift the King's focus from his pregnant mate but was unsuccessful as he was completely ignored by the two.

Across the table, Ami gave him a reassuring smile sensing his ruffled feathers. She pointed to the large bevy of desserts that lay on the table in front of him hoping his gluttoness might serve as a much-needed distraction.

Artemis pouted defiantly, darting a quick glare at the King as he was currently sharing some sort of private joke with Luna who was an eager listener. Artemis contemplated the situation for a moment and then slumped his shoulders in defeat as depression settled over him. He took the gold spoon beside him and decided to drown his troubles in the comfort of his good friend cheesecake.

Raye elbowed Ami, snickering for she too had witnessed Artemis's predicament. 'Poor guy!' thought Raye shaking her head in amusement. After all what could one do when the once King of Earth was flirting with your wife.

Mina who was up until now completely oblivious to what was going on around her shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She was having some intense urges. Her body felt flustered and very turned on. She was picking up on the feelings of someone around her. Glancing around she eyed each person at the table suspiciously.

Artemis was rather disgustingly devouring the last remnants of the cheesecake in front of him. Raye and Ami were whispering amongst each other giggling every so often. Lita was on her cell phone no doubt texting Nephrite for the two seemed inseparable lately. Mina wondered briefly if the feelings were coming from Lita but after carefully inspecting her face for emotion she determined that Lita was as giddy as a schoolgirl not passion filled.

Mina's eyes came to rest on the King and Luna. They were huddled relatively close to each other, talking privately. Every so often Luna would look away and blush while the King's grin would spread wider. Mina tried to focus harder trying to figure out if desire was radiating off the pair but after a few minutes she realized that their interaction was for the most part innocent.

Mina frowned in confusion, this never happened before. It certainly wasn't the first time she had been an unintended witness to passionate vibes emitting from couples around her. However most times the perpetrators would be right in front of her but this time the culprits were no where to be seen. 'Maybe somewhere in the Palace there's a couple in the throes of passion' thought Mina confidently. Her powers must be getting stronger.

Ever since she was young she had this strange ability, which proved to be severely awkward in most cases. It had started to feel like a curse when she became a teenager for she was always feeling what she didn't have, love. Things were changing now, she had Kunzite and he was simply wonderful. She already began to sense love blossoming between them and that made her very happy.

Lita frowned as she reread the latest text she received from Nephrite. He was unable to reach Endymion and had been trying for the last couple of hours. She quickly texted him back that she would locate him and let him to that Nephrite needed to talk to him urgently. Lita figured that she would check his office after dinner.

*Outside the Cave*

A dark figure stood shrouded in the darkness watching the couple inside the cave locked in a passionate embrace. 'Well this is certainly unexpected' muttered the figure. Glancing down the solitary path from which it had come, the figure gestured for the others to follow as they headed towards the opening of the cave.

TO BE CONTINUED! :)

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