AN: Hey all! I'm so sorry this chapter took me a little longer. It just wasn't flowing out like I wanted it to, BUT it finally did, and it's extra-long for you, too!

A HUGE thank you, thank you, thank you, to my sweet, darling, lovely, amazing, ridiculously talented beta, FloraOne. I couldn't do this without you, and your friendship means the WORLD to me. Love you so much!

Thank you to everyone who's reviewed so far! I'm amazed every chapter at the response, so please let me know what you think of this one!

Enjoy 33333

oOo

Serenity sat contemplating her reflection, as Naru gently brushed through the mass that was her hair, a slight grimace upon her face as the sweet maid hit the occasional snag.

She was dressed in one of the most beautiful gowns she'd ever had the privilege of wearing. The fabric was a deep burgundy that highlighted her pale skin, giving it a luminous quality. The bodice, with its off the shoulder, cap sleeves, clung to her, accentuating her tiny waist, before giving way to the flare of the full skirt that, while large, didn't threaten to drown her as many of the gowns seen at court would. The entirety of the dress glittered with sequins and stones that made Serenity feel as if she were wearing the stars.

She felt beautiful. And despite knowing that anyone would look amazing in such a dress, Serenity took a moment to thank her luck that she had been the one chosen to wear this gorgeous creation.

"If Prince Endymion hasn't already fallen in love with you, he certainly will, tonight," Naru said softly, winking at the princess through the mirror.

Serenity smiled sadly back at her maid, knowing full well that such a thing was impossible. But her heart swelled in gratitude towards Naru. The brown-haired lass had become so much more than a maid in Serenity's short time on Earth, and she felt completely at ease with her. Something the princess so desperately needed with someone.

While Naru began to arrange her hair in its usual fashion, Serenity let her mind wander towards her husband.

They would soon be on their way to a dinner, held in their honor by one of the more seasoned dukes, at his manor in the nearby countryside, and she and Endymion were to ride in the same carriage.

To be alone in such close and confined quarters with her husband…

Not that they hadn't been alone before, under vastly different circumstances. Every night, in fact. And she was certain it would remain so, until she was with child.

A blush crept up her cheeks at the thought, and Serenity was grateful that Naru was currently too absorbed in making the perfect buns on her head to notice.

But this kind of contact was rare for them. Time completely alone, without Venus looming twenty feet behind them, or Kunzite suddenly popping up to call Endymion away. This would be a time without any agenda. And the ride inside the carriage would be far from short.

The thought both thrilled and terrified her.

Serenity had felt a sort of tentative truce bloom between her and Endymion over the previous week they had been walking together in the gardens.

Everyday, without fail, he would meet her there, mid-morning, and the two would spend, at least an hour each day, if not more, walking and speaking together easily.

Of course, the topics were never deep or remotely controversial.

They spoke of flowers, her favorites and his, and Endymion even showed her how he cared for a few of the more exotic species he'd planted. And though they hadn't yet had the opportunity to visit the horses, Endymion had promised to take her there that week, and begin her riding lessons the week after.

And despite the fact that Serenity knew her husband loved another, she couldn't help but look forward to her time with him.

He was a fascinating person to be around, his knowledge of almost any subject she could think of to ask about was incredibly vast. And since Endymion had begun to warm up towards her, Serenity had felt his guard begin to slip ever so slightly.

But she could still see the deeply buried hurt that he hid behind those gorgeous smiles of his, and Serenity would have given anything to take it away from him.

She had wept for him on more than one occasion, her heart clutching painfully in her chest when she thought of how much he must be hurting. And though his behavior towards her in the beginning had been less than ideal, Serenity had forgiven him the instant he'd confessed to her his love for another.

People lashed out when they were in pain, and Endymion was no different.

But his recent attitude shift towards her, had left Serenity somewhat confused. Especially, when the kind-hearted man she had seen so often with others, began to show himself to her.

Endymion had been so kind and caring to her since their wedding, and though she loved the attention he gave her, Serenity knew she was in serious danger of falling hard and fast for her husband.

Under normal circumstances, she would have been thrilled at such a notion, but the constant knowledge that Endymion was in love with another woman, weighed on her heavily.

She didn't blame him, of course. Endymion had simply had the misfortune of already having found someone he wished to spend his life with before their engagement was announced. But Serenity didn't like the feelings of jealousy that threatened to rear their ugly head at the thought of this, 'other,' woman.

The intensity of the feelings Endymion was causing in her, both good and bad, frightened her. Especially since she knew no good could come from them, should she allow her emotions to blossom.

Serenity was forced from her thoughts when a knock echoed through the room.

"Come in," she answered the visitor, as Naru put the finishing touches on her hair.

And as the door opened, and a man entered, Serenity felt her breath catch at the sight her husband made.

Endymion was dressed to the nines in an embroidered and perfectly tailored waistcoat. The deep blue of the garment caused his eyes even deeper blue eyes to shine, and the smile that lit his face when he saw her, caused a blush to return to her cheeks.

The prince walked up behind her, his eyes locked on hers through their reflections in the mirror.

When he reached her, Endymion placed a gloved hand on her shoulder, telling her with a tone that she could have sworn was sincerity, "You look beautiful, Serenity."

Equal feelings of confusion and giddiness flooded through her at his words, and she felt an involuntary shiver run down her spine at the intensity of his gaze.

Serenity tried her best to appear unaffected by him, but her heart was pounding so hard in her chest, she was sure he could hear it.

The complement he'd just bestowed upon her was more than welcome, but, Serenity rationalized, he must have simply offered it to her because that is what husbands do. Endymion probably felt it was his duty to flatter his wife, whether he carried any romantic feelings towards her or not.

But despite her conclusions about Endymion's intentions, Serenity couldn't bring herself to look away from his gaze.

The moments they spent staring at each other through the mirror seemed to drag on, and it wasn't until Naru gently cleared her throat, that the husband and wife came crashing back to reality.

"Your cloak, your grace," Naru said, offering Serenity her richly lined, wool cloak.

The princess rose from her chair, and walked over towards Naru, closing her eyes in relief as the warm fabric enveloped her in safety.

Once Naru had fastened the cloak around her, Serenity turned towards the maid, and grasped her hands tightly.

"Thank you, Naru," Serenity said quietly, and when the girl before her smiled, Serenity couldn't help but smile in return.

"Are you ready, Serenity?" she heard Endymion ask hesitantly, as if he was loathe to interrupt the quiet moment between the two friends.

She stilled briefly at his voice, but quickly realized how silly she was being. She would welcome this kind side of him, and although it couldn't possibly be caused by anything remotely akin to love, perhaps they could be friends. She could learn to live with that maybe.

Serenity whirled around gracefully, her skirts rustling beneath her, and she smiled as brightly as she could muster.

"Yes, I'm ready."

oOo

Serenity breathed a sigh of relief when the carriage door slammed shut, and the rocky movement of the wheels began to turn underneath them.

She sat back against the plush cushions, and closed her eyes in weariness.

"Tired?" a soft, deep voice asked her.

Her eyes fluttered open, and a small smile curled up the ends of her lips, as she looked over at Endymion.

"Yes," she replied, in an equally soft voice. "Exhausted."

Silence fell on the couple after the brief exchange, and if it weren't for the churning swell of emotions inside her, Serenity would have easily allowed the gentle swaying of the carriage to lull her to sleep.

But that was not meant to be, as Endymion had, once again, confused her beyond belief that night.

Their carriage ride to the dinner party had been pleasant enough.

They had spoken easily with each other about the sights that were passing by outside the carriage window, as Serenity had delighted in the rolling hills and the occasional animal that happened to be in their path.

She had so enjoyed the evening, having finally gotten the chance to escape the confines of the palace, and be around such vibrant and entertaining people. But even she had grown slightly weary after meeting nearly every important official in the region, and though she wracked her brain trying to remember even half their names, most evaded her.

And then, of course, there was the matter of her husband. After they had arrived at the duke's lavish manor, Endymion had kept close to her the entire time, as if he didn't want to leave her.

Serenity had expected him to stay close for a time. It was proper, after all, for a husband to at least appear as if he enjoyed the company of his wife. But he hadn't left her side at all, and had even rested his hand against the small of her back for most of that time, too.

She could still feel the warmth of it against her back, now, as if it had been burned there, and she mentally chided herself for the sweet, protected feeling it gave her.

How was she supposed to keep a clear head, when he kept touching her so tenderly, and looking at her with those endless, royal eyes of his?

And the worst part was, she knew it all meant nothing. Just a kind-hearted prince, trying to make everyone believe he was fond of his wife.

She sighed in defeat, perhaps a bit louder than she had intended.

"You know," that deep, velvet voice of his spoke, again. "We don't have to have our nightly meeting since you're so tired."

Serenity glanced back over at her husband, warmth filling her being at the boyish way he looked with his hair falling down into his eyes. She had to bite back the urge to reach up and brush it away.

"Oh, no, that's alright, Endymion," she tried sound convincing. "Of course we can't skip that."

"You don't sound very excited about the prospect," Endymion said, eyeing her with what appeared to be a mixture of concern and hurt.

Serenity's face fell at his response. "Oh, it's not that I'm not...excited," she managed to get out. "It's just that…" she paused, again. "Well, Endymion, may I be honest with you?"

He raised an eyebrow at her, before answering, "Always."

She smiled reassuringly at him. "It's just that..." she stopped and swallowed visibly. "Sex isn't exactly what I thought it would be."

Endymion looked thoroughly confused. "What do you mean?"

"Well, of course, you know I grew up at court, and women have loose tongues, you see. They were always bragging about their trysts with this man and that. And they made it seem as if sex was the most amazing thing they'd ever experienced, which I know now, they were simply trying to outdo the others," she finished with a bright blush that she knew Endymion could see even in the darkness of the carriage.

There was a long pause, and the silence drew her to look over at her husband, who was staring at her blankly. He opened his mouth a few times, as if to speak, but no sound came out.

Serenity saw Endymion shake his head, appearing to clear himself from the stupor he'd fallen into, and he finally spoke.

"You mean…" he began hesitantly, "you...don't enjoy our sex?"

When he was finished with his question, Serenity couldn't miss the hurt that was clearly written on his features.

Oh, dear…

"Oh, Endymion, I'm sorry," she blanched at how lamely the apology sounded, even to her ears. "It's not unenjoyable, persay."

Endymion just continued to stare at her, brows furrowed.

So, on Serenity went, trying her best to placate him. "And I'm sure it has nothing to do with you! I'm sure I just had unrealistic expectations!"

"But Serenity, it's supposed to feel good," he said quietly, the same, pained expression on his face.

"And it does, Endymion, I promise," she told him, taking his clenched hands into her own, trying to soothe him. "It's just not that...other-worldly experience that I had always heard it to be."

Endymion nodded his head once curtly, and turned his head to look out the window next to him. But he made no move to extricate his hands from hers, so Serenity continued to rub calming circles across his skin.

The couple remained silent for the rest of the ride, no sound passing between them, until the carriage had rolled to a stop, and Endymion held out his hand for her once he'd exited the space.

His gaze towards her was determined, when he spoke. "I'll see you shortly?"

Serenity smiled shakily back, feeling as if she had failed miserably to hide the extreme uncertainty she was feeling, especially at his sudden change of mood.

"I'll be waiting."

oOo

She sat on her bed, examining the intricate lace pattern on her nightgown with much more intensity than it required.

Serenity was always nervous when night fell, and the time for... sleeping was almost upon them.

Not because she was afraid or uncomfortable around Endymion. Far from it, really. She had grown up under the protection of Sailor Venus, after all. Nudity was nothing to her. But Serenity often felt incredibly exposed with her husband. Much more so than naked skin could explain. And she wasn't sure if this was simply the knowledge that she wasn't what he wanted looming over her head constantly, drowning out any thoughts that might lead her to believe her husband would ever love her, or if she simply wished he might think of her that way, as well.

She jumped when the knock came on the door that separated their two chambers.

"C-come in," Serenity managed to squeak out, once she had managed to somewhat slow her pounding heart.

Endymion opened the door, carrying a single candle to light his way, as he always did. But something about his appearance was very different than their previous encounters.

He was clothed, not in his usual nightly dress, of a simple, white gown, but instead, he was shirtless, with the breeches he'd been wearing that evening slung low across his hips.

Serenity's lips parted, as she sucked in a breath at the sight of him.

He was gorgeous.

Taut, well defined muscles made up his tanned chest. His hair fell haphazardly across his forehead, once more, and the sharp lines of his face, accented by his deep, blue eyes made her mouth run dry.

Truly, he was the most beautiful man she had ever seen.

Walking towards the bed, Endymion set his candle down on the nightstand next to her bed. Turning towards her, he smiled the cocky, arrogant smirk she'd grown so fond of in the few weeks she'd spent with him. The smirk that gave her those, not at all unpleasant, butterflies in the pit of her stomach.

"Good evening, princess," he said, and Serenity could have almost sworn his tone held the slightest hint of seduction in it.

Serenity opened her mouth to respond, but no sound would come out. She simply couldn't manage to speak with him standing there, looking like...that.

Endymion caught her gaze on his chest, and he laughed low and deep. "See something you like?"

Her eyes flew to his, and then quickly darted away when she realized she'd been caught in the act. She swallowed, feeling the bright blush painted on her cheeks.

"N-no, I just-" she started, but stopped when he climbed onto the bed with her, and put one, long finger to her lips.

"I want to try something different, tonight," he said, voice not wavering in the slightest. "Is that alright?"

She breathed in deeply, uncertainty clouding her thoughts. "I..uh...well…" she stuttered about, until he interrupted her gently.

"I won't hurt you, Serenity. I promise," he said with a sincerity that caused her doubts to fly out the window faster than they'd come.

The princess shook her head in the affirmative, suddenly knowing and trusting that his words were true. "Yes, that's alright."

The smirk that melted her insides was back on his face after she spoke. "Can you lie back?"

Serenity did as Endymion asked, laying back against the numerous pillows that adorned her bed.

He followed her movements with his eyes, and she was surprised to see that when he reached his hand out towards her, there was an almost imperceptible shake that trembled through him.

The thought that he was nervous, too, helped to calm her. And the way he was looking at her caused a rush of something unknown to travel between her legs.

Endymion's hand landed on the string that tied the top of her nightgown together. His eyes latched onto hers, and he held her gaze, as he slowly undid the simple knot she had tied not twenty minutes before.

With a timid, but sure hand, he gently pushed the fabric further down her chest, so her breasts were exposed to his view.

Serenity felt completely exposed, but the heat that was coursing through her from his gaze, made her forget the discomfort almost immediately.

And when he cupped her left breast in his hand, trailing his thumb back and forth over her nipple, she couldn't hold back the nearly guttural moan that left her.

Endymion continued the movements on her breast. His fingers tracing across her skin in the lightest of touches. He stroked her hardened nipple, over and over, until her moans grew needy, and he switched to the other, picking up right where he'd left off with the first.

She began to squirm, trying to bring him closer, and push him away all the same. But all too soon, his hand left her, and she whimpered at the loss of contact.

This was all certainly new, and Serenity had never felt anything as strongly as she was feeling in that moment. Her heart was pounding against her rib cage, and she could feel sweat starting to break out on her body, despite the cold of the room.

Her eyes opened slightly, and she was sure everything she felt would be reflected there for Endymion to read clear as day. But she couldn't bring herself to care, as the only thing she wanted in that moment was for him to keep going.

She didn't have to wait for long, as her eyes locked with his, and his hand was back tracing her curves with the slightest of touches.

Serenity almost missed when he began to hitch up the fabric of her gown, her focus too intent on how her husband was looking at her as if she were the only woman in his world. And for the moment, she could so easily believe she was.

But she started when she felt his fingers grazing the insides of her thighs, and he chuckled at her, a sensual smile on his face.

Endymion leaned forward slightly, causing Serenity to have to lie back, once more, and he whispered in her ear the same words he'd asked on their wedding night. "Do you trust me?"

When he pulled back, and looked at her so earnestly, she could have sworn her heart would leap out of her chest.

She did trust him. Even though he held the power to crush her in his hands, as if she were a tiny bird, she did trust him. Completely.

"I trust you," she whispered back, her breath right at his ear.

Endymion smiled at her, moving so he could position himself with her back against his chest.

Serenity closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his strong arms wrapping around her waist, as he pulled her flesh against him. And before she could even blink, his fingers were back on her thighs, tracing tantalizing patterns all over her soft skin.

Her breathing quickened, and she moved her hips out of pure instinct, trying to bring him closer to something she knew she needed, but couldn't name.

There was a slickness between her legs that was becoming impossible to ignore. Serenity had been aroused before, but never to the heights Endymion's fingers were driving her to, now.

She felt something unfamiliar coil in her belly, as her breathing came fast and shallow. Her hips were rising off the bed, seeking more of his touch, as her muscles clenched and released of their own accord.

"Please…" she whimpered out of desperation, when the feelings became too much to bear.

She felt that infuriating smirk of his against her neck, but all thoughts of it were wiped away when she felt his fingers touch the soft curls that covered the core of her.

And then she felt what she'd been longing for without knowing it. His finger had dipped between her lips, stroking her long and slow, pausing at the top to rub her clit in a swirling movement that made her cry out.

Endymion continued these movements growing more sure with each stroke, as she called out his name repeatedly.

She had never experienced anything like this, this insane, all encompassing pleasure, that seemed to only grow, and never lessen. Serenity could tell she was dangling on the edge of something just out of reach.

Her breaths were coming in pants, now, and she wasn't entirely sure of the words that were coming out of her mouth. Serenity only knew that she wanted more. More of this exquisite pleasure, and more of the man who was giving it to her.

And in an instant, she fell over a ledge. A blinding white light flashed behind her eyes, and she called out Endymion's name louder than she ever would have, had she been able to form a coherent thought.

Serenity's whole body shook, as she tumbled into her very first orgasm. She was so overcome with the intensity of the feeling that she barely registered when Endymion moved away from her to take off his breeches.

But she soon couldn't ignore him, when she felt his hands on her face, and his body move over her. And he was moving in her, more desperate than she could ever remember before. And her treacherous mind whispered to her that it was as if he couldn't get enough of the soft, warm haven she offered him.

Serenity felt herself arching to meet him, something she had never done before. The need to give him even half the pleasure he'd given her, the only thought in her mind.

A sweet feeling of fulfillment and satisfaction swept over her, when Endymion cried out his release, and he collapsed against her, his breath quickly slowing into a deep rhythm that indicated sleep wasn't far away.

She prepared herself for him to move completely away from her. To quietly leave the bed, and move slowly back to his own chambers for the night.

But his exit didn't come, as it normally would.

Endymion rolled gently onto his side, and much to her surprise, he pulled her with him, nestling her against his chest, as he closed his eyes and breathed in the scent of her hair.

The familiar confusion she so often felt, returned tenfold as she laid her head on his bare chest. But she was too tired to question it then, especially when he was stroking her back so soothingly, as he was now.

"I'll take my apology, now," he mumbled against her hair.

She moved her head back to stare at him, surprised at his words, and slightly annoyed when she saw the teasing, half smile on his face. But despite her annoyance, she couldn't help the giddy feeling that coursed through her.

"An apology for what exactly?" she quipped back, mirth evident in her voice.

"Thinking our sex was bad, of course," he said, slightly hooded eyes gazing back at her.

Serenity blushed, and her eyes widened at his forwardness, but in spite of herself, she giggled at the sight he made. "You're something else, you know that?" she asked, finally allowing herself to reach up and brush the hair out of his eyes.

"Mmm," was his sleepy reply.

They were silent, then, and she took the opportunity to watch him for few moments.

He was completely unguarded, as sleep took him, and Serenity allowed the dangerous, blissful feeling to wash over her, as sleep beckoned.

oOo

"Serenity?"

The princess jerked her head away from where it had been staring at a particularly interesting patch of ground.

"I'm sorry, what?" she replied to the voice, who happened to belong to her husband.

Endymion smiled amusedly at her. "That's about the fifth time I've called your name, just now. Is everything alright?"

She blushed a deep pink. "Yes, I'm fine. I'm just in another world, today, I suppose," she replied, looking back towards her favorite bit of grass.

And it wasn't far from the truth, really.

From the moment she'd awakened that morning to an empty bed, Endymion apparently having left sometime during the night, Serenity had been trying to make sense of everything that had happened the evening before.

But the conclusions that her mind was drawing, that the actions of her husband were that of a man who was falling in love, simply couldn't be. She knew this all too well.

"Serenity, can I ask you something?" Endymion's voice filtered through her thoughts.

"Of course," she answered without looking at him, noticing that they'd, once again, fallen into step with each other automatically. The thought turned the edges of her mouth up slightly.

"Is it...tradition that all the heirs to the Moon Kingdom be named, 'Serenity'?" he asked.

She looked back at him with surprise, her feet unconsciously slowing as she thought. "You know, I'm honestly not sure," she answered honestly, "but I certainly hope not."

"And why is that?" he responded, genuine curiosity in his voice.

Serenity was silent for a moment, thinking how she could best answer such a question.

"Well," she answered finally, "I've always felt so...confined by the name." She finished with a shrug, not elaborating further.

"What, you don't feel like being serene all the time?" Endymion teased, poking her gently in the side with his elbow.

She couldn't help the giggle that escaped her. "No," she said smiling, "no, I don't really feel like being serene all the time. Especially since my mother exemplifies it so well."

"You don't do so bad of a job yourself, you know," he said, and she blushed, again.

"What about your name?" Serenity asked, turning the conversation away from herself. "Do you like it?"

His brows furrowed before he answered, "Oh, it's alright, I suppose, but it does feel a little...stuffy. And it's quite the mouthful."

Serenity giggled, again, when he winked down at her.

"You know," she began slyly, "we could give each other names that only we call each other by. Really stick it to the establishment, if you will."

"Oh?" he asked with a brow raised, and a grin on his face. "And what would you call me, then?"

"Hmm," she said, pretending to think. "I think I'll call you...Endy!"

"Endy, hmm?" Endymion said, rolling his eyes, though amusement was clear on his face. "I suppose I could live with that."

Serenity beamed at him, her insides rejoicing that he accepted the nickname she'd been calling him in her head for some time now, so easily.

"But what will you call me?" she asked. "Sere?"

His nose wrinkled at the notion. "No," he said, "No, I don't think so."

"Then what will you call me?"

"Ren," he answered with a resolution that surprised her. "You'll be Ren. It suits you," he added.

She felt the blood rush to her cheeks. God, the man was always making her blush!

"I hope that's acceptable?" Endymion asked, when she neglected to affirm his choice.

Serenity smiled softly. "Of course."

A bell tolled in the distance, signaling that noon had arrived.

"Oh, I must go, Endy, I'm sorry!" she said with sincere dismay. "I've got a dress fitting."

He chuckled at her sudden change of demeanor, "Go on, I'll somehow manage to survive without you for a while."

In a moment of boldness, Serenity leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. She lingered briefly, taking a moment to inhale his scent.

When she came down to rest firmly on her feet, again, her gaze held his, as she spoke with a bright smile. "I'll see you tonight, Endy?"

Endymion nodded, a brilliant smile lighting his face. "Til tonight, Ren."