Chapter IV. A Feast
Upon entering the threshold of the castle, Princess Serenity was amazed at how similar it appeared to her own. It had been long rumored that the Earth and the Moon had shared histories, and possibly even shared ancestries; the hall was evidence of this. Though her castle did not possess so many turrets, or the same type of stone for foundation, the insides were eerily comparable. There were seven columns; they were arranged in a circular fashion; three lines along the left and three lined along the right, while one stood in the back of the center of the hall. They surrounded a large courtyard, embellished with elaborate patterns of stone along the pathway to the back of the room.
Towards the back of the room was a pair of thrones; one was empty, and the other, a slightly taller throne, was occupied by a rather regal gentleman, with a long, black robe covering his shoulders. On his head rested a generous crown encrusted with several gemstones, the largest being a golden charm, which rested in the center.
The king was not the only person in the room; aligned along the walls of the room were numerous others, all apparently part of the royal court.
As the couple walked past the guards and other attendants, each of them courtesied to Endymion. Serenity was in awe—such a massive court was rival to her own. They were varied in costume; some were guards and soldiers, while others were clearly rich nobles and common peasants. No wonder the people of the Moon considered humans a force to be reckoned with.
"I see my son has arrived. And, pray tell, whom do we have the pleasure of meeting today?" greeted a jovial king, rising from his throne to greet Endymion and Serenity as they approached him.
The prince bowed low to his father. The moon princess motioned to do the same, but the king put a hand on her shoulder. "You are my son's guest, and therefore have no need to courtesy me. Now, my dear, what is your name?"
"Serenity," the blonde replied. She left out her title on purpose, and exchanged glances with the prince, hoping he would catch on. He nodded slightly, as if he understood her hesitation. There would be time later to explain her background. She thought if this meeting went well, and relations were established, perhaps she could initiate diplomacy. Goodness, would not Luna be proud of her now?
"And indeed you do look serene. Perhaps you know of me, but I will introduce myself. I am King Edward, a man pleased to make your acquaintance. Will you not join me at my table this evening?"
Princess Serenity nodded, smiling. "I thank you kindly for this invitation. It would be an honor." Apparently Luna's lessons in formality were not lost upon her after all.
"Then we shall dine!" The king motioned for the court to disperse. The king, his son, and Serenity headed behind the column to a long hallway. Bronze axes, shields, and swords with red dragon emblems decorated the hallway, along with portraits of what appeared to be previous rulers. The king motioned to his left as he began explaning the decorations. "These bronze axes were made a long time ago, back when my great-grandfather was seeking to defend our kingdom from invading forces. They are a reminder of our heritage and power."
"From what I remember, he was a skilled master of tactics on and off the battlefield," Endymion added.
King Edward nodded in agreement. "That is correct, my son. He innovated some of the techniques that my commanders still employ to this day." He chuckled. "But I am sure our talk of warfare is not fitting for your lady friend here. She is but a delicated flower, and it is for people like her we aim to protect this world," he said with a gentle smile. "Alas, we cannot protect everyone…" He removed his gaze from the moon princess and stared down at the walkway.
Serenity could sense the saddened emotion from the king, but declined to inquire about the source. Perhaps he had lost someone important to him a long time ago, she thought. She looked at Endymion, who also seemed to share the same sense of loss. Someone important to the both of them.
They reached the end of the hall, which opened to a large dining area. A large square table that could easily sit thirty to forty people was surrounded by guests who had already occupied the chairs, waiting on the approach of the king. When the king entered the room, the room ceased talking and everyone stood and bowed to the king. He waved his hand at them and made his way to the head of the table, with Serenity and Endymion following him. As they reached their seats, the king pulled out a chair for the young princess. "As the guest tonight, you are to be at my right hand. If you should have need of anything, let my attendants know." Serenity nodded, lifted her dress and sat down gently. The king pushed in the chair and went to sit in his own chair, while Endymion sat across from Serenity at his father's left side.
Four gentlemen in dark blue uniforms were seated next to Endymion and Serenity, two on each side. They were not unlike the other soldiers, but had markings on their shoulders to indicate their higher status. "Ah, we have a guest this evening. And whom has Endymion brought tonight?" inquired one of them, who was seated next to the princess.
"She is Serenity," Endymion answered. "Serenity, these are my Shitennou: Kunzite,"-the man with silver hair who had spoken nodded—"Zoisite"—a blonde man with long hair waved, seated next to Kunzite—"Jadeite"—a sharp looking man with short blonde hair seated next to the prince bowed his head—"and Nephrite,"—a brunette with long wavy hair smiled gently.
Attendants entered the room, their hands full with meats and vegetables for the feast. They placed their plates on the table and stood to the back of the room. If one at the table motioned, an attendant came to assist the person.
As those seated at the table began to reach for what they desired and filled their plates, Serenity observed their actions. Endymion motioned for her to do the same. Something about her shyness attracted him to her. She was so innocent, and yet, was taking a big step by inserting herself into his world.
The man named Zoisite smirked at the prince. "Honestly, you tell her about us, but you have not mentioned her to us before. What kind of introduction is this?"
"I have merely met her today," replied Endymion.
Jadeite scowled. "Then how do we not know if she is a spy or not?"
"A spy? Sure you are joking," said Nephrite.
"It is no joke." The blonde man looked more serious than ever.
The prince put his hand on Jadeite's shoulder. "She is no spy. Surely even your psychic abilities can sense the good I see in her."
"And besides, from where would a spy come from?" inquired Zoisite.
"The Moon, perhaps?" Jadeite inquired.
Serenity nearly dropped her utensils but kept her composure. She had almost been discovered, and she had been on earth for merely a short time! She felt a pressure on her foot—she looked at the prince, whose glance told her she had nothing to worry about. He addressed the accuser, "Now Jadeite, how would a person from the Moon appear here? Would she be alone, as Serenity is now? We have not heard from the Moon in such a long time, and there would be no point in them visiting us now."
"Perhaps you are right." Jadeite did not look reassured, though. He kept a sharp eye on Serenity as he ate. This behavior continued throughout the evening.
Nephrite spoke up. "Enough of this nonsense. Surely you do not think the brunette I introduced you to could be an enemy as well?"
Jadeite grumbled. "I just think it's suspicious that all these women show up uninvited."
His friend laughed. "Come on, she made the most delicious stew I have ever tasted, and apparently it's not poisoned—Prince Endymion and the others had some."
"What was her name again?" asked Zoicite.
"Makoto."
Serenity nearly choked on her food. Her friend had mentioned her visits to Earth, but not about meeting the people below. What a surprise to discover! She composed herself, but caught the curious glance of Endymion. The prince smirked, as if he already had figured out her panicked reaction. She sighed, knowing that she would owe Endymion a full explanation later.
Fortunately, Jadeite's sharp senses had missed this exchange of looks. "In any case, you can never be too careful," he commented.
Nephrite patted his comrade on the shoulder. "Perhaps you should find yourself a girl too, it would certainly cheer you up."
"Watch, it will be someone just as stubborn as he is," joked Zoicite.
Kunzite joined in the conversation. "If it is, she will be just as suspicious of him, and their relationship will never go anywhere."
"That's true."
The king, who had been listening to the conversation, commented to Serenity, "So where is it that you hail from?"
It was the question she had been dreading. She knew not the exact layout of the land, so could not think of a location to use as her cover. She sent a quick pleading look to Endymion, who quickly answered for her, "She is a maiden from another land north of here. She journeyed here and is traveling to broaden her horizons." The irony of his statement was not lost upon her, and she was grateful for his explanation.
"Much more north, and it gets colder," commented the king. "I take it you are enjoying the weather here?"
"Yes sir, I am," she quickly replied, relieved he accepted the lie.
"Heh, I'm sure. Different climates can be difficult to adjust to, but you seem to be doing well. What occupations are your parents?"
Princess Serenity nervously replied, "Well, my mother is an important leader in the community—"
"Like a governor," interrupted Endymion.
She nodded, "And my father…" Her voice drifted off. She had not spoken of her father in so long, even to her senshi. She cleared her throat. "He was killed a long time ago. It happened when I was young, so I do not remember much about him." Her statement earned her looks of pity from those listening.
The king bowed his head. "I'm sorry to hear that. I lost my wife some time ago as well, when Endymion was young. She was ill from an incurable disease. It appears you two have that much in common."
"I'm sorry," Serenity replied.
"Don't be. It is not your fault. These things happen in the course of life. It is only natural. My greatest regret is that she could not be here today to see her son become a man."
Endymion cleared his throat. "Father…I am not proposing to Serenity—yet. I was merely introducing you because she is a stranger in our land and needed an ally in her journey."
"Oh, I see. Well, in any case, I am glad she is here." He turned to her. "You are most welcome anytime, my dear."
…
Dinner continued without my incident, aside from Jadeite's suspicious glances at the newcomer. Serenity could hear some heated muttering between Nephrite and Jadeite, apparently as to her intentions and origin. She felt guilty for causing some concern, and voiced this to Endymion when they were outside again, walking in the cool night air.
"Do not worry yourself about them. Jadeite is suspicious of everyone; naturally, he is also the highest general in my command. But he also possess the power to feel emotions and read signs; it is rumored that he is psychic. If this is true, then surely he will see you mean no harm," the prince reassured her.
"But he nearly guessed where I come from!"
"That was uncanny, I must say, even for him. But I will speak to him. He and the other Shinnetou are my most trusted companions; the truth will settle his worries, and will keep it a secret."
Serenity asked worriedly, "You are going to tell him?"
"Well, would you not tell your 'Makoto'?" the prince countered with a smile.
"I knew you would mention that," sighed the princess.
"Is she one of your senshi?"
"Yes. She told me of this place, and of the rose garden. She neglected to mention the precise details of her visits, however."
"So even your trusted senshi keep secrets?"
Serenity crossed her arms. "She had her reasons, I am sure, for not mentioning it. Knowing her, she probably forgot. She was much more enthusiastic about her roses."
"Ah, so that is where the last few blooms disappeared to," said Endymion. "It is quite alright though, her food was quite divine."
"She is known for her cooking and gardening. Quite a homemaker, I suppose you would say."
"No wonder Nephrite fancies her." The couple spent the next few moments in silence as they walked along the path, leading back to where Serenity had first met the prince. "Are you sure you have to go?" Endymion asked softly, stopping in his tracks.
Serenity stopped as well. "I am afraid so. My senshi can only cover for my absence for so long. Perhaps you should take a visit up there," she said with a wink.
"Perhaps I will, though from this evening, I think we will be much more discreet."
"I agree." They had drawn closer with every word, and were now merely a breath apart. Serenity could feel a strange yearning in her to kiss the man before her. Apparently he felt much the same way, for he came closer to her lips, sealing them with his own. The slowness of the moment took her breath away, and yet, it seemed to end all too soon. She smiled, as did he. "I will return."
"And I will come see you. I promise." He kissed her hand, and backed away. "Now I am curious as to how you depart."
Serenity grinned. "Like this." She closed her eyes in total concentration, and a glow enveloped her. She shot off into the night sky, leaving behind a trail of light and a prince who wished to pursue.
As he watched her disappear, he heard movement behind him. "So I was correct." The prince turned around, and Jadeite stepped out from the shadows, a smug look on his face.