Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or associated characters.

Author notes: So the thanksgiving weekend and work has kept me from typing this chapter. It took me almost five hours, so I hope you readers enjoy. Lightly edited, so any mistakes, don't hesitate to tell me. There isn't going to be too much action the next few chapters, and I made my Serenity shy, last second decision. Let me know what you think. Thanks for the reviews!

Caty- Nothing much is going to happen with the girls, this story is all about Endymion. Since I'm a guy, it's easier to write about a guy. Plus, Mamoru doesn't really have a strong personality in the anime, so I feel justified in making him how ever I want.

LunaCrusader- Thanks for pointing out what you like, I'll try to keep the transitions smooth and the story flowing naturally.

All the rest of the reviewers, thanks for the positive reinforcement.

Chapter 3: Slave Girl

"I'm sorry, Prince Endymion! I didn't know that you didn't want you father to know," Jadeite was still going at it, even after 2 hours of Endy's stubborn silence. He had lost count of how many times Jadeite had said 'I'm sorry', but the man really didn't understand.

Endymion's small army was only a day away from Tywn, the center of his kingdom. Well, it will be Endy's someday anyhow. Yesterday, Jadeite had sent scouts forward to inform the city and the king of the victory and of their homecoming. The captain was obviously thrilled to have a hero's welcome, whereas Endy had grown tired of the pomp and ceremony involved in such things. That's what had the prince sulking at the current moment, the thought of going through all the fuss when he just wanted to get home, to the palace, and rest. Now his father would probably meet them at the entrance to the city and walk him through a parade that would be thrown in his honor, then have a banquet that night to further his misery. Lots of food, wine, and women to 'welcome' him home. Endy was seething just thinking of all the crap he would have to endure because of Jadeite's greed.

"The men will enjoy it," Kunzite mentioned, casually. Endy opened his mouth to retort, but snapped shut when the implications hit him. Kunzite always managed to throw a new perspective on his way of thinking. It also seemed like he read his mind, too.

Now thoughts of how his soldiers would revel in a hero's welcome home, minus six hundred and eight. Six hundred who had volunteered to man the garrison, and the eight who had been killed in the attack. Endy's captains had said it was a great victory for him, but he had told them to go tell that to the families of the eight men. They had no reply.

"For them, then. They deserve the praise," Endy agreed with Kunzite. He gave a nod to Jadeite, to let him know that he was out of his bad mood. A cheery smile widened Jadeite's face.

Endy then started to brood on what he needed to do when he got back. The captains, used to his moods, went on to think jovial thoughts on their own favorite parts of celebrations.

The Southern Gate to Twyn was similar to the other three. It was humongous, soaring almost as high as the watch towers. But, what drew attention were the cravings in the stone that climbed up both sides. Extraordinary carvings, depicting human beauty and accomplishment. It was said that the gates could influence anyone who saw them to do great things. As Endy passed through the gate, he knew that it was only one sign of prosperity the city had to offer.

The carvings left their mark on Endy, leaving him feeling calm and content. Unfortunately, the lack of his father standing at the gate and crowds of peasants cheering had him worried after passing through. This wasn't like his father at all. Every chance the king had to torment his son, he took it up. Endy knew that wasn't how his father viewed things, but he couldn't help but feel that way.

"Now I'm worried about father," Endy leaned over to Nephrite to say.

"Why? Because he thinks that his son deserves a quiet return home after being away for so long?" Nephrite queried.

Endy shook his head, not believing that for a moment. Nephrite, himself, had a sheepish look on. He knew how the king and the prince's relationship went. The king would never find a more loyal subject then his own son, but Endy didn't approve of his father's personal life and it showed in how they treated one another.

They made their way through the paved streets of the Merchants Quarter, with eye catching manors lining both sides. Endy was starting to worry about the soldier's morale because of the missing homecoming welcome. His mind raced, thinking of ways to lift the descending cloud of gloom that was settling among the men.

"Have the men start up a victory song while we march to the palace," Endy addressed Kunzite. They were approaching the Market District, and his plan was sure to draw some curious bystanders. He could see peasants up ahead going about daily business.

"At once, General!" Kunzite's mood picked up at the idea. He motioned for a lieutenant to come along side and passed the order. Then he sat back in his saddle, more relaxed then he had been.

A few moments passed before the men's voices started up. Uncoordinated at first, but after a few lines they had the song in full swing, singing as one. Not a musical masterpiece by any means, but the happy roar of the men filled the depressing atmosphere that had encompassed them before. Endy sat proudly at the front, waving and smiling as the ordered ranks of soldiers entered the Market District.

The peasants had cleared the way already, standing to the side, trying to figure out this marching line of raucous men. Then they saw their beloved prince waving and smiling to them. The crowd went wild, cheering louder than the men singing and frantically waving back at the prince and his men. Even though the crowd was small, their endorsement lifted the soldier's hearts, which could be told by the sudden increase of volume in their singing. The whole way to the palace went the same, small crowds of peasants cheering them wildly and the men basking in the attention.

"Have the men stow their gear, then wash up. They can go home to their families tonight, but they have to be back in the barracks by dawn. I'm sure my fath… the king will have something to say to them," Endy had his captains around him while he issued his orders, "Then see to yourselves, wash up then come and find the king for reports. I'm on my way to see him right away." His captains saluted him with fists to hearts. He causally returned the salute and his captains went off to see his orders carried out. Endy gave a big sigh before heading to the kitchen doors. He'd grab a quick meal before seeing his father.

He entered the warm atmosphere of the kitchens. The heat not only coming from the ovens, but from fond childhood memories as well. A loud gasped escaped from a tall, brown hair woman. She was the head cook for the palace. "Endy! You're back! Oh, goodness. Everyone has missed you so, you can't leave for that long again! And you missed your birthday! I'll make up for it, you'll have the biggest, scrumptious feast that I can cook up!" She had come around the counter that she was working at, and pulled him into a bear hug. The top of her head was even with his eyes, she was a very tall woman.

"Makoto, my ribs!" Endy laughed, "I'm glad to be home too. Please, I need to breathe." He patted her back, while she gave him one more squeeze and released him. "I can catch up with you later, and my birthday feast will have to wait as well. Right now I'd like a quick meal before I see my father, please."

Makoto got a mischievous look in her eyes and smiled. "Of course. You're going to need food before that." She giggled and took off, picking up a plate and piling food upon it. He saw lamb, eggs, potato cubes, and part of a loaf of fresh bread being added to his plate, making his mouth water. Assistant cooks were giving little waves and smiles, but were too busy to come over and greet him. Endy returned their waves and sat at a little table at the far end of the kitchen.

A mug of water and a plate heaped with delicious smelling food was thumped down in front of him. "Here you are, love. I'm sorry I can't watch you eat, cause I'm in the middle of mid-day meal prep. But I'm sure I'll see you tonight." She took off before he could ask her about the look she had before. Endy started to shovel his food down while he watched Makoto go station to station, making sure the food would come out perfect.

His plate was only part way done before he had enough. His stomach had shrank since he'd been away. He stopped a scullion boy and handed him his plate, telling him to make the food disappear so Makoto wouldn't be upset. The boy's eyes lit up, not only from having the prince talk to him, but being asked to eat the rest of his food too! The boy scurried off to a corner to carry out orders. Endy picked himself up and made his departure, making sure to wave to Makoto before he left.

He took the servants side passages to quicken his travel through the palace, seeing many familiar faces as he jogged. Many of the faces held a look as if there was a joke on him and he didn't know about it. Endy shook off the dreaded feeling that was forming at the pit of his stomach and hurried to the throne room. He was sure his father would be holding court at this time, but if not, he could ask around and find him.

Endy burst out of the side passages into a main corridor leading to double doors of the throne room. He slowed to a walk when he was a few paces from the double doors. Servants opened the doors and Endy nodded to them as he went through.

"Endymion!" His father exclaimed. He was sitting on the dais on one of two thrones, but after his bellow, he jumped off and scurried down the steps to Endy. They met halfway across the large room and embraced. Luckily, the room seemed empty except a few guards and them.

"Good to see you well, father," Endy whispered into the graying man's ear. The king was a stout man with a large build. While Endy was tall with a medium build. Although they had different body types, they almost mirrored looks. The king's eyes were gray and his black hair held lots of gray streaks, were the only difference between the two.

The king held his son at arm's length and studied him. "You lost weight, my son. You should go see Makoto after we are done."

"I already have," Endy responded with a grin.

"Well, see her again!" the king roared with a laugh.

"I promise to later. But the garrison to the south…" Endy wanted to get the reports over quickly.

"None of that! We'll do that later. I'm really excited to give you your birthday present!" the king interrupted his son.

"But!.... Alright, what kind of present has got you all excited?" Endy asked. The dreaded feeling was coming back.

"Come over here!" the king motioned to some servants that were tucked behind a fluted column, effectively keeping them hidden. As they came into the lighter part of the room, Endy saw that it was only a one servant leading five women in light colored dresses and another servant bring up the rear. Endy's fears were confirmed and his stomach twisted itself into knots.

"Father! You know how I feel about you pushing women onto me, I won't have it again," Endy's brow dropped and anger permeated his voice.

His father was a well respected king, having brought his kingdom into an age of great prosperity. All political moves were executed flawlessly, and he defended his people as no other king has. But Endy felt like his personal life was wanting. Ever since Endy's mother died when he was very young, the king would have different women around all the time, after a mourning period of course. The king started to push women onto Endymion about six years ago. It annoyed Endy to no end, because he wasn't like his father in that regard. He wanted something special with a woman, not just a night's pleasure. And here it was again, five beautiful women his father rounded up as a birthday gift!

It was that moment when his captains entered the throne room. Endy waved them to the side, so he could finish the argument he was sure to have with his father.

"Ah, son. But these are different," the king replied, red starting to color his face, but his voice remained calm.

"Pray tell, father. How is this different?" Endy shot back.

"These are slave girls, and I want you to pick," the king said defensively.

Endy's jaw dropped. He wasn't expecting this at all. Then his eyes clouded over as rage filled him. "You bought slaves? What the hell were you thinking? We don't allow slavery in our kingdom!" He couldn't think anymore, he was so angry and surprised.

"Don't address me in that tone, boy!" the quiet warning in the king's tone pulled Endy back from the brink.

"I can't believe you would do such a thing," Endy said in a much calmer voice. He had been his own man for the last two months, so it seemed weird that he wasn't the highest ranking person there. He needed to watch himself until he was used to it again.

"It's my last resort! I'd like a grandchild before I leave this life, and it's high past time you got interested in women. Unless you're interested in men?..." the king got a horrified look on his face.

Endy didn't bother to respond. He just gave his father a dangerous glare.

"Alright, alright. So no men, thank the heavens. But now it isn't an option, I'm ordering you to pick one," the kings eyes dared his son to talk back.

Endy saw the walls of a trap forming and no way out. He thought furiously for a way to get out of this. There wasn't a way.

He smiled suddenly. "Okay, I'll pick one if you release all of the others. Give them their freedom."

"Done," the king said a split second after Endy present his condition. "Only if you agree to my condition."For some reason, the trap seemed to be closing in faster.

"Which is?" Endy asked.

"After you pick," the king nodded to the girls. He wasn't going to argue with the old man anymore, so he simply nodded.

He needed time to think, so he went over to the girls and started to look them over. They were all beautiful. With different colored dresses and hair. The first had a pale purple gown, the second had a soft sea green, third one with a dark blue, fourth had a pastel red, and the last one a golden one. He stepped back to over look them all at once, not thinking he could choose.

"Aren't you going to give the last one a look?" the king asked.

Startled, Endy looked at the last girl, who he had thought was a servant. Now, with a closer look, he could tell she was no servant. While her gown was white, that's where the similarities with the servants work dress ended. This gown was quite original. It was simple, having ribbons over her shoulders holding up the dress, while the rest of it just flowed smoothly down the rest of her. It didn't have far to go, as the girl was short, the top of her head almost to the middle of his chest. Endy was wondering if she was even old enough to be considered, but when he saw the swell of her bosom his doubts evaporated. Her breasts weren't huge, but big enough to proclaim her a woman. Her golden locks were pulled back with a pink ribbon, tied into a bow with her hair hanging down to where he imagined her knees were. Then his eyes met hers. He felt like gravity reversed and he was falling into the sky. Her eyes were so big and perfect blue. Endy wanted nothing else but to drowned in them. He noticed that she was trembling slightly. All the other girls had a little meat on their bones, while this girl was skinny. She was freezing, so Endy took off his coat and wrapped her up in it and his arms, rubbing her back briskly to help create heat.

"This girl is freezing! How could you be so thoughtless?" Endy asked his father. The girl snuggled deeper into his embrace, really shuddering now.

"I see you have picked," the king replied with a big grin. It took a moment for Endy to realize the truth of his statement. He thought of the other girls and wondered if he would've done the same for them. No, he decided, he would've asked a servant to bring them a blanket. So what made him give his own coat to this shivering girl? He didn't have a good answer, other than a protective feeling for her. Silly, he didn't even know her.

He released the small woman and stepped towards his father. "Now the rest are free?"

"Of course. We'll find them jobs, and I'm sure they'll like it here, in my kingdom," the king said. Endy felt stupid, freeing slaves and not thinking of the implications of doing so. His father thought of everything, thus showing Endy how far he had to go to be a good ruler.

"Good. Do I have your leave then, my king?" He was already walking over to his captains to discuss things. The girl with his coat was halfway between the spot she was in, to the king, looking unsure. The other girls were quietly talking amongst themselves.

"And my condition?" the king asked.

Endy cursed, silently, hoping that he would get away. He spun back towards his father and waited impatiently. Then he felt horribly, as the girl just stood in the middle of the room shivering still, looking around hopelessly. He went over to her and wrapped his arms around her again.

"She is to be by your side at all times, except when you visit the privy. That's just undignified. Until I say otherwise," the king had an evil smile while he stated his condition.

Endy released the girl again and stormed over to the king. "That completely nulls her freedom! That infringes on my condition!," he raged.

"Not exactly. Her freedom rests with you now," the king said, not backing down.

The girl had followed Endy and now curtseyed to the king, then Endymion. "As your majesty wishes," her voice came out soft and melodious. Endy wanted to wrap her in his arms again, but didn't cause she was doing what the king wanted, making him mad at her. His conflicting emotions tumbled in his head, vying to be the winning sentiment.

"Fine!" Endy muttered. He caught the girl's hand, taken aback at how cold it was, and tugged her gently to follow him. He could hear the king chuckle lightly as he made his way over to his captains. "He'll probably take our reports over dinner, so rest up and do as you wish until then," he said when he was in front of them. They all had shit eating grins on their faces. "Bastards!"

"What… about the… girls from the… garrison?" Jadeite got out between his laughs.

"Oh, shit! I forgot all about them. Damn. Have the servants make up rooms for them in the guest wing and we'll present them to my father at dinner. He can figure that one out too, him being all clever recently. Bastards!" Endy cussed at his captains, who were now laughing out loud at him. He didn't see what was so damn funny. He walked furiously out of the throne room, pulling the girl behind him.

Endy entered his room, still angry at everyone. The girl, by proxy, entered the room behind him, still holding his hand. His room was toasty, thanks to a cheery fire going in his sitting room fireplace, and his personal servants were sitting there already, standing by.

"Good afternoon, Prince Endymion," both servants addressed him and curtseyed.

"Enough with the formalities! Ami, Naru. I get enough of that from everyone else," he sighed.

"Who's your friend, Endy?" Ami dropped back to normal, quickly enough, he noticed.

"She, ah…" He felt like such an ass. He hadn't even asked her name yet. Of all the impolite things… He kicked himself repeatedly mentally. He knew he owed her now, things like this couldn't be over looked.

"My name is Serenity," her voice was just as soft and musical as it was down in the throne room.

What a beautiful name. He looked at Serenity again. Truly a… a what? Beautiful couldn't describe her. The other girls in the throne room were beautiful. No, he didn't have a word for it. Adorable. That would work, as adorably didn't limit itself to a class. It could transcend beautiful.

"How adorable! Nice to meet you, Serenity. We're Prince Endymion's personal servants. I'm Naru, and this is Ami," Naru curtseyed to her and Ami followed suit, saying exactly what he was thinking. Serenity scurried behind Endy, clutching the back of his shirt, peeking from his side. Her shyness was very endearing to him, and he wanted to hold her again.

"I'm very dirty, and tired. Could you have a bath drawn?" Endy asked Ami.

"It's already done. It should still be hot, as we just finished a few moments ago. Do you want me to wash your back?" Ami asked, teasing.

"I'll do it," Serenity squeaked from behind him, not getting the teasing in Ami's voice.

Serenity couldn't know that Ami and Naru were a couple of girls his father had tried to push on him, and Endy had made them his servants instead. Ami and Naru would tease him about what might have been, but were quite happy with their jobs. They didn't mind at all that he didn't want to bed them.

"Ah, Serenity. Ami was joking, okay? You don't have to go into the washroom with me, I can bath myself," he spoke gently to her, so it wouldn't sound harsh.

"I'm going in," she said, stubbornly.

"Look, I'm sure my father didn't mean for you to be literally by my side all the time. You can stay out here, talk to Ami and Naru. Get to know them," the thought of her washing his back delighted him and scared him all at the same time.

"The king said only the privy I don't have to follow," she said simply, using as few words as possible to convey her thoughts.

He turned around so she wasn't taking to his back. "You don't talk much, do you?" he asked.

She shook her head in answer.

"Well, I still don't think you should go bathe with me. No one is going to tell the king if you don't go in the washroom with me, so just stay out here," this would be where Endy would get angry, normally, but he just couldn't seem to do it now.

She shook her head again, more violently this time.

"Whatever! You'll have to close your eyes then," he said.

Serenity clung to his shirt the entire time while he walked over to the washroom door. Ami and Naru shared a look and grins when Endy wasn't watching.

Endy opened the door and gently pushed her through. Serenity was wearing nothing but a large towel, looking like a drowned mouse. Well, a very cute drowned mouse. Endy followed, wearing the same except it was only wrapped around his waist. His campaigning had left him with pure muscle on his frame and both of his servants were getting an eyeful of his chest.

"Stop that! Can I get a pair of under trousers? And if you have something for Serenity?" He looked a little sheepish at their situation.

"They're on your bed, and I left to grab an extra shift for Serenity while you two were bathing," Ami said, normally. The noises heard during their bathing were completely non-exciting. It sounded exactly like what she said, Serenity washing Endy's back, and by the look of it, he returned the favor. The prince was so uptight, Ami wondered if he even grabbed a feel. Probably not.

"Thank you. You two are dismissed to go enjoy your evening, I don't think I'll need anything more tonight," he said. Did Ami sound disappointed? The two got up to leave, dropping curtseys as they left. Did Naru look a little sad? Is everyone going fucking crazy?

He went to his bedroom door and turned the knob. Serenity had come up behind him, leaning against him and shivered. Even though the room was warm, she was still wet and small. He found the articles of clothing on his bed as promised. He pulled his under trousers on underneath his towel. Then took her towel off her and started to dry her. He had to concentrate with all his might so his lust wouldn't overcome him. Her perfect skin was the color of moonlight on a clear night, and touching it sent electricity through his spine. He had to concentrate harder as he got the shift onto her body, then wrapped her long hair into the towel.

She looked up at him when he finished. The only light was from the fireplace in his bedroom, smaller than the one in his sitting room. Her eyes looked dark with so little light, and so innocent.

"I've been traveling for a long time, and I'm pretty tired. So I was going to sleep, I don't know if you're tired or anything, but the bed is big enough for both of us," he sounded stupid, he knew. And she was still shaking. Endy couldn't stand to see her so cold, so he wrapped his arms around her once more and pulled her to the bed. He got them both into the bed with only a little awkwardness and settled down on his pillow. Serenity pulled the heavy covers over both of them. She threw an arm and leg on top of him while resting her head on his chest.

It took a few minutes until her even breathing told him that she was asleep. The he started to worry about what was happening. How did this gorgeous creature ensnare his heart in half a day?

Author Note: Stay tuned for the next chapter, there will be a flashback of bath time! Nothing really racy, but interesting.