Chapter Five
War Approaches
The Royal Family of Swenyos stayed for about a fortnight in the Sunstruck Palace, and in that short amount of time, Princess Serenity gained four new admirers: Queen Gaia, King Dagda, Prince Endymion, and Princess Michelle. Queen Gaia spent much of her time in Queen Selene's chambers, laughing and talking while bathing a very reluctant Serenity. Serenity was fascinated by the sparkling jewels that adorned the women and gurgled with delight when they allowed her to hold them in her grasping fingers. Her happy infant noises amused the two queens while they chatted quietly between themselves.
One of their chief sources of entertainment was to watch an unusually patient Dagda try to calm King Apollo while he slowly went insane, bouncing his little daughter and trying to burp her, unsuccessful in his attempt to block out her roars of discomfort. Dagda only barely managed a straight face when King Apollo emerged from her nursery, battle weary and quietly pleased with himself.
Princess Michelle shared Queen Gaia's adoration for the tiny girl, and it was rare for either of them to be seen without Queen Selene or Serenity close by. But of all the visiting family members, the one Serenity was most attached to was Endymion. They'd talk for hours on end, sprawled on haphazard cushions; Serenity snuggled in the crook of Endymion's arm.
On the morning of the day before the family of Swenyos were due to leave, the Sunstruck Palace was abuzz with activity. Queen Selene had been insistent that they have it in honor of their new friends' departure. She was sad that they had to go but she wanted their visit to end on a proper note of fun and gaiety. And so the Court was invited, the Ballroom aired out, and preparations begun.
That night the Commander of the Guard came, dressed in darkest red and accompanied by her husband. She waited for several dances to finish and then quietly asked the Queen for a private audience. Queen Selene's eyes widened but she said nothing as she picked her way with poise through the throng of gentlemen and ladies waiting for their turn on the floor. Walking through a closed-off hallway into an empty drawing room with the soldier in tow, Queen Selene closed the door behind them.
"What news have you, Sir Luna?" She asked. A flash of remorse crossed the warrior's face as she inhaled slowly. "My liege, word of the Princess's birth has reached the Queen of Calpeart's ear." Queen Selene sunk into a chair, feeling her strength to stand slip away. She knew what was going to happen next. "Beryl has declared war on Illuseon." The Queen bowed her head to hide the emotion on her face. The Commander continued, hoping to reassure her. "Swenyos will support us. They would at a minute's notice, as would all of our allies. Worry not Majesty, the Whore of Calpeart will not live to slander the heir, our Princess." The Queen blinked away a silent tear. "Thank you, Commander." The warrior curtsied and drifted out the door, followed by a grim-faced Queen.
The Queen inwardly cursed herself. How could she have been so stupid as to believe her precious daughter could be sheltered from the poisonous jealousy that had been aimed at herself? Selene wrung her hands in despair. She couldn't put Swenyos in the same danger Illuseon was in, nor could she let her country be destroyed because it fought alone. Queen Selene wiped her moist eyes and took several minutes to calm down before re-appearing at her husband's side in time for the next waltz. She watched the dancers on the floor with rue she had not felt a mere ten minutes ago. I know that the future is not what I thought it would be, She said to herself regretfully. But can't tonight be a night I can pretend it is? The music paused but there was no answer in its quiet, and certainly none to be found when the din began again.
The next morning found a teary Serenity and Endymion at breakfast. It was hard to say who looked more unhappy and cross of the two but their parents did best to ignore it. The solemnity of the morning dampened its spirits and while everyone felt it, the tension was such that nobody spoke of it.
Queen Selene hadn't said anything to King Dagda or Queen Gaia but her expression made it apparent that she was silently suffering though they knew not the cause. Queen Gaia patted her awkwardly on the arm. "We'll see each other again soon, Selene," She said, nodding at the pouting babe in her son's arms. "Endymion and Serenity will make sure of that." Queen Selene chuckled a little, reminding Queen Gaia of something she'd almost forgotten. "Oh, that's right! Before we go, I have a gift for Serenity. Endymion, could you please come here?" Endymion edged curiously toward his mother. She took out something from her indispensable. It was a tiny bangle close to the wrist and intricately carved. Queen Selene gasped at its exquisite beauty. "This bracelet is made of enchanted porcelain. It will never break nor ever become too small." King Apollo raised his eyebrows in curiosity "It's Otherworldly." It wasn't a question. "Otherworldly treasures are extremely rare, and this one is too valuable to accept. What if Serenity lost it?" "It has a bond with its owner and can never be lost, Apollo," Queen Gaia replied swiftly. She turned to Selene. "It's a proper gift for a princess, Selene. Just give it to her." Queen Selene sighed and slid it onto the infant's arm. It shimmered briefly and died, causing Serenity's eyes to widen before a sleepy grin settled on her face. Endymion started slightly but he relaxed as he looked up into the baby's face. No one noticed that they shared the same peaceful expression.
Heartfelt goodbyes were exchanged between the families until the ebony carriage door was shut and the coach sped away with promises to return. As it past her door, Lady Setsuna watched the family within, eyes resting on the prince's face as her lips curved up in a pleased smile. She alone had Seen everything and what it entailed. It was all coming together, and now it was time for her to ensure the vision of the future's survival.