Chapter 4

Observing Possibilities

Endymion had almost recovered from his fright by the end of the salad course. He was picking at his onions with the fork when he let out a long sigh. Michelle looked at him quizzically, and then proceeded to sip her milk. "I hate onions," he muttered under his breath. "You have to eat some of everything on your plate," His mother and sister scolded. Endymion scowled. "This is some of everything," "Some of everything but none of onions." His mother pointed out cheerfully. "Endymion, you should eat your onions otherwise you won't grow big and strong."

Michelle piped up. Endymion frowned at his onions and put one in his mouth. What a horrid spicy taste! He wanted to be alone and suddenly he had an idea. "Father, King Apollo, May I be excused?" The adults gracefully acquiesced to this and the little boy left the Dining Hall

"I hate grown-ups!" He stormed, a temper tantrum coming on as he ran down the corridors. He was so angry he didn't see where he was going and presently he came upon a pleasantly lit series of stairs. He took them, two steps at a time, and found a door ajar on the left of the landing. The room was a nursery: painted the colors of an early summer sunrise. He stepped in, cautiously. A nursemaid lazily dozed in a grand rocking chair, Serenity awake and squirming in her limp arms. Remembering his last encounter, he turned to leave before she started shrieking again.

Hello hello hello hello?

He stood, confused. A little girl's voice was calling him, loud and clear though he could not tell where it was coming from.

"Yes?" He said, aloud.

Don'tgo don'tgo don'tgo I'm here I'm here.

"Where?"

The small female voice groaned disgustedly, and then remembered to respond.

Right in front of you, right in front of you

Endymion, feeling somehow wrong-footed, looked and only saw Serenity, still, with a peevish expression on her face.

It's me, Serenity, Serenity.

"Serenity?! But, how?"

I'm not talking, just thinking. Hurry up and think back before some grown-up thinks you're crazy!

I sure think I'm crazy now, he muttered. Serenity laughed.

You did it, you did it, you did it!

Ouch! Quit yelling!

Sorry, sorry.

Why do you say the same things over and over again?

Hey! I'm just learning! You're being mean! She whined, causing Endymion to let out a frustrated groan. Am not!

Are too! I'm telling Daddy!

How are you going to tell King Apollo if you can't even talk aloud?

I don't have to.

You're going to think-talk to him?

No.

Then what are you going to do?

Scream and cry, she said matter-of-factly, her bright eyes wide with innocence. Endymion drew back. You wouldn't.

Serenity made her mouth as wide open as she could. It gave her a rather comical look and had any bystanders seen it I doubt that they would have been able to resist the laughter that would have come forth. Endymion, however, did not find it half so amusing. He warily regarded the infant with an expression more suited to watching for a bomb to go off.

I'm leaving, he said and was about to turn tail when Serenity called out to him again.

No, wait!

He saw her stretch her arms out to him, a pleading expression on her face. He sighed and waited for her to finish.

I'm sorry! I won't do that again. Just don't go! I don't want to be by myself again! She begged, looking at him with tearful eyes. Endymion looked at her suspiciously.

You're with your nurse. What's wrong with being with her?

Look behind the chair.

Looking rather bemused, Endymion tip-toed across the room and peeked behind the chair. There was something wedged underneath and he pulled it out. He came up with an empty bottle in his hands that smelt old and strong. Endymion recoiled in disgust. Was this what Serenity was talking about? Serenity nodded. That's the thing that made her so sleepy. Endymion grimaced again at the pungent odor and stuffed it back under the rocking chair.

Alright, I'll stay, he relented, taking her out of the nurse's arms and setting her in his arms while he sat cross-legged on the carpet.

At the dinner table the adults began to talk in a queer language. I wish I knew what they were saying, Michelle thought wistfully. She didn't know it then, but they were speaking Realto and it was a secret language meant for diplomats and royalty to use when discussing 'sensitive' subjects. Had Princess Michelle been able to translate their conversations, she would have stumbled on a very sensitive subject indeed.

"Wouldn't it be nice if Endymion and Serenity fell in love and were married?" Queen Gaia said dreamily. King Dagda snorted. "What a pair those two would be! I can just see it: a little husband who cowers in the corner while his tiny wife storms like a dragon because he gave her daisies instead of roses. Imagine that," He replied dryly, taking a sip of wine. Queen Selene protested. "I think they are both a little too young for us to be sure of anything." She turned toward her husband, hoping he would back her up. King Apollo felt her eyes boring into him. Not wanting to say anything rash, he cut into his food, put a bit in his mouth and chewed it slowly, meditating on his response. By the time he swallowed, the entire table (except Princess Michelle) was waiting for his response. "I believe," he began unhurriedly, "that none of you are quite completely right." he said, stress the second-to-last word. "Yes they are young, but it's possible that they could grow up and find feelings for each other. It's possible, maybe probable and not exactly unfeasible." Queen Selene glanced thankfully at him and added: "It'd be an excellent way to unite our kingdoms but I agree that we shouldn't force them together."

"Why don't we have the two be betrothed and see how things work out? We wouldn't say anything but if the children marry, we'll tell them." Queen Gaia offered. Her husband's eyes lit up. "It'd be a good joke wouldn't it? I say we do it." King Apollo consented and soon the talk turned back to the state of affairs in their respective countries.

It was only when the tea and coffee was served that everyone remembered that the little Prince was missing from the table. I do hope Endymion didn't get lost," Queen Selene said worriedly. "Most of the servants have the day off- I don't think he could find his way back without one." King Apollo quietly suggested that they all go out and look for the boy. After an hour or so the group rejoined in the throne room. "Did you find him?" King Dagda asked. "Queen Selene shook her head. "I need to quickly check on Serenity, she's probably hungry or something." "We'll come with you." Queen Gaia assented softly. "Maybe he's nearby."

I'm starving, Serenity whined for maybe the hundredth time. Endymion wearily offered her his thumb to suckle. I know that already, Serenity, He reminded her tiredly. But I don't know where our mamas and papas are so I'm going to stay here with you. I'm starving, too, you know. His stomach growled at the thought of his half-finished dinner and how he'd finish every single onion if he had his plate here. Serenity giggled. That was a really funny sound you made, Endymion.

You're welcome, he grumbled. Serenity looked hurt. Did I say something bad? Endymion sighed. He couldn't make her cry. Not today. He didn't know why, he just couldn't. Endymion shook his head. No, it's fine; it's not your fault. Serenity beamed, but then raised her arms slightly. Umm…Endymion? Endymion looked at her curiously. My neck hurts. Could you get me something for it? Endymion spied a pillow under the nurses' left arm. He slipped it out with one hand, Serenity on his right hip. He showed it to her.

This do?

Yes.

He sat down, slid it gently under her head and neck and she eased into the cradle he made with his little arms. Ahh…that's better. Thank youuuuu… She dropped off to sleep. Endymion yawned. He was about to nod off too when the four grown-ups and his sister walked in, the door left agape. "Endymion!" Queen Gaia whispered joyfully as she ran to him. She plucked the sleeping infant from his arms and handed the baby to Queen Selene. Endymion looked up at Serenity's mother. "She's really hungry." He said bluntly and both Queens flushed scarlet. "Why don't you go finish your dinner, Endymion?" Queen Gaia said calmly, trying not to show just how much his statement embarrassed her. "Michelle can take you." "Alright," Endymion stood and waved to Serenity, who was slowly stirring. Bye, Serenity. She murmured something incoherent in her sleep and Endymion took that as a goodbye. He took his sister's hand without complaint and walked out. The four parents looked at each other, the same thought floating through their heads and as usual, King Dagda was the first to speak. "I don't know what happened, but it looks like the arrangement might just work."