So sorry this took me so long you guys! I took a lot of time to write it, it is extra long, and I wanted it to be perfect! It is their wedding after all!
Because I had to concentrate solely on Endymion and Serenity in this chapter, future ones will have more of the scouts and generals, promise! ^_^ Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own any Sailor Moon characters
Chapter 11: The Wedding
Endymion rolled over in his bed and gasped at the sight of two big blue eyes staring back at him. Serenity had some how without detection from himself or any of the wards, snuck into his room and under his sheets. She placed a slender finger on his lips so that he couldn't scream her name out in anger.
"I wanted to see you before all eyes were on us," she whispered.
"You mean for the wedding tomorrow?"
She nodded silently. He could tell she was scared and he instinctively opened up an arm for her to scoot closer to him. Serenity curled up next to him in a fetal position and breathed deeply in and out, trying to calm herself down.
"There are so many expectations," she explained. "Mother wants me to wear the royal gown, your mother wants me to be adorned in the royal jewels of the state, and your father has bid me to wear a crown made for princesses only of the Golden Kingdom. I am surrounded by the wants of others and I don't get a say in any of it." Her giant blue pools shot up at him, "Have you had to deal with any of this?"
"Father is asking me to wear certain royal materials on my double breasted tuxedo, I have to wear specific jewels for the occasion, and of course my princely crown," he said. "I don't envy you though. This has always said to be the lady's day and thus more attention is showered on you."
"I don't want this attention," she scowled.
"You're a princess. Haven't you always had this?"
"No. I was hidden from large crowds. I was only seen in paintings … as you have had the pleasure of seeing yourself before we met."
He coughed a bit at the aforementioned artwork, "We'll have to get another image of you painted after we're married." Endymion brushed a strand of silver hair out of her eyes and asked, "Is your mother going to walk you down the aisle?"
"Yes," she answered. "She arrives tomorrow morning. She is going to talk to me about the wedding night and what I am to expect."
"It's never like what they say," he murmured under his breath.
"I know," Serenity replied, much to his surprise.
With wide eyes, he asked, "You 'know'?"
"My ladies are not all 'maids'," she answered slyly.
Endymion sighed loudly and said, "Oh, your ladies."
"I was always told to wait until I was officially married," she announced with a brisk nod. She became serious and asked, "You will respect my wishes, won't you?"
"Yes, of course I will," he smiled. "I'm not about to force you into anything you don't want to do."
"Good, because I would have to result to violence if you did," she laughed. After a filled pause, she announced, "You know, I was this close to giving it up for a man I fell deeply in love with."
"Who was this man?"
"Promise you won't try to murder him in cold blood when we're married in order to defend my honor?" she asked, holding her pink out.
"Promise," he chuckled lightly, looping his pinky around hers.
"Okay then. His name is Demetrius. He is Chief of Command in the Moon Kingdom and the top member of my mother's cabinet. He practically holds her ear when it comes to diplomatic agreements and that sort of thing. I don't know why I found him so appealing … maybe it was just lust … who's to say? It was a while ago and I was childish—"
"Was childish?" he chided.
She socked him lightly in the chest and continued, "I almost ran off with him, but then we would be social outcasts in the universe and I would be stripped of all my titles as Princess of the Moon Kingdom."
"Were you in love?" he asked seriously, stoking his hand over her face.
Serenity thought about for a moment while their eyes stayed locked together, "I don't think so. I'm starting to see what it really is now."
She sat up in his bed and started to get out as he asked, "Is he coming tomorrow?"
"Yes. Most of the cabinet is."
"Interesting."
"Indeed."
Endymion watched as she left his room silently, not making one sound. It must've been another one of her unearthly powers or something of the sort. He flopped onto his back when he knew the door was shut and he exhaled loudly. By tomorrow afternoon, he was going to be someone's husband. And not just anyone; Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom.
Serenity's face was fanned over and over again as she took in deep breaths while clutching on to the bedpost in front of her. She assumed the days of wearing a tied in corset were over, but she was wrong. Her mother had forgotten to mention that the royal wedding dress required her to be jailed into one of these contraptions. She could feel her face grow red and warm with each pull and tug of the strings. A grunt or two popped out of the back of her throat when they started to close the upper half of her into the cloth like clamp. Once she was cramped in completely and tied up, she lifted her arms up for Ami to slip the bejeweled and embroidered dress over her while Lita had her step into a thin petty coat.
"Am I allowed to change out of this when we dance?" Serenity asked her mother who was walking around the room in a slow pace like hawk stalking its prey.
"Perhaps," the queen answered. "We'll see when we get there."
"Mother, I can hardly breathe in this. It's worse than the earthly dresses you made me wear before!" she whined.
"Calm down dear. We'll see how you feel after the ceremony," she stated. "Now, about the wedding night—"
"There won't be any wedding night to speak of," Serenity mumbled.
"Excuse me?"
"I've discussed it with him and he said he would respect my wishes."
"Serenity, you need to give an heir to this throne. There's no question about it."
"He won't chop off my head, like you have so lavishly explained to me. He's not his father. Even you said that to calm my nerves down," she said, making her mother tongue tied. The girl had a way with words and getting what she wanted.
When she was finally all tied up in the glittering top of the dress, she was asked to step into the large, fluffy white skirt. She grimaced at the mirror; she looked like a cupcake with too much frosting. Her ladies in waiting were all wearing simple empire waist dresses in their own colors and they could actually breathe. Serenity tried to adjust the top where her bosom was practically busting out. The seamstresses went to either side of her arms and slipped on her sparking sleeves. They pretty much sewed her into the garment and then topped her off with a veil that was dabbed with pearls.
"I'm jailed in a cloud," she complained.
"Serenity, if I hear one more sour word fall from your lips…" the queen trailed.
"Let's just get this over with," her daughter murmured as she made the last adjustment in her gown.
"You sound so ecstatic!" Rei said sarcastically as they grouped together and started to walk out of the room.
Ami handed the large bouquet of flowers to the princess as she went over the schedule of the day, "So we've been through the rehearsal. You just say yes to everything. When the ceremony is done, you and the prince will go into the drawing room and wait to be retrieved for your grand entrance to greet the people and then off to the reception. You will be presented, you will sit on the throne and receive gifts from people all around the galaxy, you'll dance, be merry, and then head off to bed."
Serenity shivered a little bit at the thought of sleeping together. It would be strange to have a man in her bed beside her. She was a light sleeper and would wake up with any movement in her own bed, so what would it be like to try and spend the night with someone else? Would it be difficult? Would she never sleep again? She shook the questions out of her head as quickly as she could; she had to concentrate on her entrance and not tripping on her dress down the aisle. She tried to take a deep breath when they made it to the giant double doors, but her ribcages were squeezing her lungs too tight. She watched with itching anticipation as the doors creaked open, being pushed by two well dressed servants on either side. In the grand hall was a huge gathering of brightly colored and adorned people; you could tell they were all rich and of status. Serenity felt her stomach flip suddenly and did her best to not whine underneath her bated breath.
The first couple to walk down the aisle was Ami and Zoisite, followed by Lita and Nephrite, Rei and Jadeite, and finally Mina and Kunzite. However, before the Princess of Venus could slip her arm through the Commanding General's arm, she was tugged back by Serenity.
"What's the matter your majesty?" she asked.
"I can't breathe," she whispered.
"Nonsense! That's just nerves getting the better of you!" her mother insisted. She looked at the concerned blonde and ordered, "Go Mina. Walk down the aisle."
She wearily examined the princess once over before taking her spot next to Kunzite to march down the aisle. When they were out of the queen's earshot, he asked her, "Is Serenity alright?"
"That dress is killing her," Mina answered behind the fake smile she had plastered on her lips. "We need to get her out of it before the reception."
They parted ways at the end of the aisle and stood on either side that represented the moon and the earth. Endymion was standing by the high priest, talking to him happily while waiting for the bride to come down and join him. Although his mouth was chatting up about superficial things going on in the world, his mind was on the discussion he had with Serenity just last night. She didn't want to consummate the marriage and he respected that whole heartedly, but there was going to be a lot of attention and pressure from both sides of their family. He even had his generals joking with him that morning about what the wedding night was going to entail. When he told them there would be no love-making, they were shocked and angry. Zoisite even exclaimed that he would have the rest of his marriage to enjoy a lifeless bed. He was right about that, but he didn't want his bride to feel uncomfortable. He was starting like her a lot … maybe even love her.
The music suddenly changed and Endymion's head turned to the opened up doors where the queen and princess of the moon were perfectly framed. He felt a smile creep over his face. This was it. This was the moment. She was being escorted down the lane by her mother and he could even tell behind the veil that she was beyond nervous. He embraced the queen, kissing her cheeks on either side as they approached and then he took Serenity's hand while she gave Mina her bouquet to hold.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here to join the Prince of the Earth, Endymion Aethlius Latmus, son of King Cronus and Queen Rhea to Princess of the Moon, Serenity Aurora Seras daughter of King Hyperion and Queen Serenity in holy matrimony," the priest declared to the audience in front of him. He turned to the prince and asked, "Do you, Prince Endymion of the Earth, take Princess Serenity of the Moon to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?"
He took a deep breath, turned to Serenity and stared at her through the thick veil as he said, "I do."
The short, small eyed priest with the big bushy eyebrows turned to the princess and asked, "Do you, Princess Serenity of the Moon, take Prince Endymion of the Earth to be your lawfully wedded husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?"
She took a few deep breaths, nodded, and said, "I do."
Endymion looked at her from the corner of his eye and wondered why she sounded like she was out of air. He hardly heard the man say, "By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife, bonded for life! You may now kiss the bride!"
The only thing that reached his ears was the clapping – even that was muffled by his curiosity – and he helped her pull her veil back from her face. She looked like she was trying really, really hard to keep it together. He kissed her for a good ten seconds, which felt like ten minutes to her, and then turned to the audience. They waved to them and then walked down the white strip together as quickly as possible. Endymion led the way to the waiting room once they had made it out of the grand hall while Serenity was trying to keep up. The scouts and generals followed with smiles on their faces, thinking that the couple just wanted to get away from the crowd so they could be intimate. When they all entered the room however, they found out it was the exact opposite. Serenity had collapsed in his arms, passed out from lack of air. He flipped her over on the ground so that she was on her stomach. He pulled a small golden dagger out of his pocket and started to cut away at the dress.
"What is going on?!" Queen Serenity exclaimed as she shuffled into the room, pushing past the mini crowd.
The prince didn't answer and tore open the bodice of his new wife's dress. He rolled her over to find that she was now starting to breathe properly.
Leaning over her, he chanted slowly, "Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. There you go Serenity … that's it."
She placed her hand on her bosom with her eyes closed and let her chest rise and fall gently. Endymion put his palm over the back of her hand smiled at her as she started to regain consciousness. He looked over his shoulder at the queen with an expression of disdain.
"Who ever put her in this dress didn't seem to know that it was cutting off her air supply," he explained.
"I told you we needed to get her out of that dress," Mina said quietly to Kunzite, her hand brushing against his arm.
"Did I ruin our wedding?" Serenity asked, her voice barely above a whisper as her eyes fluttered open. "Everything was a blur to me."
"No, everything went beautifully," Endymion grinned. "This, however, will be a fabulous tale to tell our children."
Rei giggled, "Oh yes! 'Mother dearest fainted like a weak butterfly after the ceremony! Father was a hero and saved her in front of everyone!'"
"I would never say I saved her," he murmured. "I would be lying. She's the one who saved me."
"You are full of it," she smiled as she sat up in her slip, the remnants of her sleeves, and the fluffy skirt that hadn't been ripped off of her body. "Can someone get me another dress please?"
"And one that won't kill her," Endymion finished as he helped her up to her feet.
The girls escorted her out of the room and into her own chambers which had been stripped down of anything that would make it her own. The movers had come in during the ceremony and transferred all of her things from this room to the master bedroom that she would be sharing with her new husband. She swallowed a hard lump that had formed in her throat as she held her arms out and let the scouts pull her out of the rest of her dress. Lita brought forth a simpler, sleeveless gown with a long glittering train. The neckline was lower than she had expected, but they covered it up with a strand of thick diamonds. The bodice wasn't too tight like the last one, which she was more thankful for. Her mother breezed on into her room just as Ami was tying her gently completely into the dress.
"I apologize for not listening to you like I should have," she said to her daughter.
"You thought I was complaining like I always do," the young newlywed replied. "I understand mother."
"How do you feel in this garment?" Ami asked.
"Perfect. I can move. I can breathe."
The girls smiled and suddenly there was a light knock at the door. They turned around to find the prince standing there, his head cocked to one side as he examined his wife up and down. She certainly knew how to stop a man in his tracks if needed.
"Are you ready for your appearance to the people?" he asked, holding his hand out to her.
Serenity simply nodded and clasped her hand over his. They strolled with one another toward the stair case. The generals paired up with the scouts and the queen walked at the end of the long line of people. Endymion glanced at Serenity out of the corner of his eye. She was feisty, she was controlled, she knew what she wanted and she was headstrong. He had always imagined that these qualities would be the downfall of their marriage. She seemed like a stubborn child when she first arrived on earth a few months ago. Then again, he himself hadn't exactly been the best of fiancés. He had been running around with Lady Catherine like nothing was going to change now that he was getting married. He never expected this young woman to take hold of his heart like she had. Every second he spent with her, he felt his walls drop down.
They finally made it to the large balcony where servants, butlers, and the king and queen were waiting patiently. They each embraced the royal couple before going out to the ledge to speak to the impatient crowd. The king raised his thick arms up in the air, gesturing that the audience down below fall silent in order for him to speak.
"We have been joined with the Moon Kingdom in a bond that is stronger than a treaty!" he hollered to them. "It is a bond of strength, a bond of kindness, and most of all it is a bond of love! No one can possibly break these vows and we will forever be connected to our brethren of the moon! It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you the new royal couple and great addition to our kingdom! Here is my son, Prince Endymion of the Earth and his newly wedded wife, Princess Serenity of the Moon!"
The crowd burst into roaring cheers as the twosome took a few strides out onto the terrace. They waved happily to the mob down below and were showered in roses being thrown at them. Serenity couldn't help but laugh out loud as she watched the flowers leap up onto the balcony at their feet. She picked one up and sniffed it which made the crowd grow even louder with applause.
Endymion leaned over and whispered in her ear, "They love you already."
"They hardly know me," she replied.
"They can see your beauty and they like it."
"Is that all they'll see?" she asked as she continued to wave to them. "Or will I be able to be myself?"
With his smile still on his face and his arm growing tired from waving, he asked, "What do you mean?"
"I won't be erased by your great name," she answered through her broad smile.
"We're going through that again?"
"It's not something that will die, Endymion."
"Serenity—"
"Kiss the girl!" his father interrupted with a great chuckle following it.
Chanting from the mass down below made them glance at each other nervously. Endymion exhaled and wrapped his arm around her waist, tugging her closer. She placed her hands flat on his chest and stared up into his eyes. She closed her deep blue orbs the moment he leaned forward and lowered his lips against hers. His hand that wasn't on the small of her back was clutching onto the nape of her neck. She moved her arms to wrap around his neck and pressed into him, letting her tongue dance with his and explore his mouth.
After what felt like ages of kissing one another, they pulled back and waved to the crowd. Serenity tried her best to not faint … again. She was led away from the hordes of people down below in the courtyard by the tug of Endymion's hand. They traveled through the castle to the ballroom where the rest of the guests were waiting for them. The group was greeted with a loud applause and a choreographed bow to them. The king and two queens led the way to the thrones and gestured for their children to step up and sit on the golden chairs. Now was the time for presents.
"First up we have the Chief of Command of the Moon Kingdom, Demetrius Themus giving a gift to Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom!" the announcer yelled.
The handsome man that she had spoken of the night before came sauntering up to them like he owned the place. He was tall, with broad shoulders, a strong build, and long red-golden hair that trickled down to his shoulders in soft, curling waves. His whole demeanor was drowning in arrogance, including his smile. The prince narrowed his light blue eyes at him; he didn't like this man one bit. Jealousy, maybe?
"Lord Demetrius!" Serenity exclaimed joyfully. "Why do you only bring me a gift and not one for my husband?"
"Forgive me, my lady, but I do not know your husband that well," he bowed. "Surely it would be presumptuous of me to bring him a gift as if I knew his character like I know your own."
"I find it negligent," Endymion muttered.
"Don't mind him," Serenity waved. "He's just cranky that he didn't get the first present." She leaned forward, "So what did you bring for me?"
Demetrius snapped for his personal servant to come rushing up and present a wooden box to the princess. He opened up to reveal a sparkling sapphire and gold crown encrusted with diamonds all over. She gasped at the sight of it.
"It's beautiful!" she beamed.
"Now that is presumptuous!" Endymion said pointing to it.
"Darling …" she warned.
"No. I will not stand down from my statement. Generals do not give crowns to royals. Crowns are specifically and specially made for royalty through their own vision. I will not have some military man stick his hand in our affairs."
"Endymion … it is jewelry. It's an accessory," she begged. "Please calm down."
Queen Rhea stepped up to Serenity and explained, "Child, he's right. On earth, the crown is a symbol of that monarch, not of anyone else. It would be disrespectful to our world and your own if you wore it as part of your royal wardrobe."
She could feel a tantrum bubbling up inside of her, but everyone in the room had their eyes on her so she just forced a smile on her face, "Well my Lord, thank you for the gift. It will be treasured!"
"Thank you, your majesty," he bowed. His eyes shot over to Endymion who was glaring straight through him.
"Next," the prince ordered.
They went through the rest of the gifts from kiss-ups, friends, and people whom they hadn't even heard of, but their parents knew well. It went on for about an hour and they were left with a giant silver goblet, a golden sword, a hand crafted crib, a new set of horses, beautiful fabrics from other planets, sculptures representing the moon and earth together, a scepter, and bunch of furs for the upcoming winter that was fast approaching. They all could finally disperse amongst the crowd in front of them and get some food that was set around the room at different tables pressed against the walls. Serenity was greeted by many people, introduced to high powered officials. Mina finally pulled her away from all of the politics and was able to chat to her privately with the rest of the girls.
"So … how are you feeling? We haven't been able to talk to you all day, but we've been around you every minute," she smirked.
"Story of my life," Serenity murmured as she sipped her wine. "I'm feeling fine. I can breathe."
"How do you feel about Demetrius being here?" Lita asked.
She shrugged in response, "He has to be here. I knew he would be."
"That crown came out of left field!" Rei said. "He knows the earthly policies! He knows he shouldn't have given that to you!"
"Do you think it was a status thing?" Ami inquired. "Like he was trying to prove something to the prince? They couldn't keep their eyes off of each other."
"They were practically shooting daggers out of those slits you call eyes," Lita commented as she munched on some fruit.
"They'll have to learn how to get along. They'll be working together from now on," Mina said.
"Does he know about your history with Demetrius?" Rei asked.
"Yes. I told him last night," she answered nonchalantly.
"Last night?!" Ami snapped. "How did you see him last night?!"
"I snuck out of my room. It was easy. This castle isn't as heavily guarded as the Crystal Palace," she replied.
"We'll have to fix that," the queen said slyly as she approached the girls. "You always were a little sneaky when you were younger. I suppose it trained you well to maneuver your way around here without being detected."
Serenity smiled at her mother and tilted her head to the side, "I wasn't that bad!"
"Tell that to the chefs that thought they went mad! They would have the storage room stocked and filled with inventory and then the next morning they would find things missing! Chocolate, fruit, bread, drink, all gone the next morning."
The girls laughed at the memories and then Serenity gasped out loud, "Speaking of food! Look at what just entered!"
She pointed to the grand entrance and in came the giant cake she and Endymion had ended up in a food fight over. She saw people parting away as it was rolled out onto its specified space. Serenity's eyes caught Endymion making his way with his generals and parents to the lavish looking cake and she promptly followed suit with her own entourage. They met at the table and nodded to one another before gazing in awe at the giant beauty that the pastry chef had made. It was ivory colored with gold painted adornment and at the top was a silver moon and gold painted earth wrapped up in one another, symbolizing their union.
"It is exactly what we asked for," Serenity said as Endymion wrapped his arm around her waist and placed his chin in the nook of her shoulder.
"It is, isn't it?" he replied in her ear.
They were handed a large knife to cut their first piece of cake together with his hand over her wrist. The heard clapping from all around as they performed this symbol of trust in front of everyone. An in-house chef came up to them with a plate and scooped their slice of cake onto it, serving it up to them. They were handed utensils to eat the food, but they didn't use them. Serenity used her hands to nibble on the cake and what was left in the tips of her fingers she smashed against her husband's face. He laughed as he took a piece and smothered her lips with it. They heard the people around them chuckle as they wiped their faces clean.
"Please! Eat the cake before she shoves it all into my face!" the prince cried out joyously. He turned to Serenity and asked, "May I have this dance, wife?"
"Yes, husband, you may," she replied coyly.
They glided out onto the floor with a mix of people watching them and guests getting their hands on the perfect cake. The music started up and the royal couple started to get into the swift, easy swing of their first dance as husband and wife. Serenity was glad to get out onto the floor where they were alone and the music was muffling their voices; this was the most privacy the two of them would have in a room full of people.
"Your conduct earlier was out of line and extremely uncalled for," she whispered harshly into his ear.
He pulled back and studied her expression finding that she was actually trying to have a serious discussion with him. He sighed and responded, "I apologize if I offended you, Serenity, but that man is—"
"A friend and ally to the Moon Kingdom!" she cut him off. "You need to learn how to work with him now that we're married."
He tried to think of an argument, but she caught him against a rock and a hard place. It was impossible to fight with her at this point and he didn't want to ruin their wedding day all because of jealousy. Endymion could deal with Demetrius later. For now this was a celebration of their coupling.
"I am sorry," he repeated. "Today is about us and about our union together."
"Exactly," she nodded. "Speaking of union, you did hear that the priest said that you must forsake all others. Is Lady Catherine out of your system?"
"Why am I the one getting attacked right now?" he asked her.
"Because it is the bride's day, remember?" she grinned.
"Lady Catherine and I are nothing. Absolutely nothing. Old lovers. I'll never see her again, I promise you."
"You'll tend to your vows? You'll forsake all others?"
"Only if you do," he replied.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"If Demetrius is going to be around us as much as you have inquired, I want you to keep your word as well!"
"We made vows to each other; it is our duty to uphold them."
"Then let us drop the subject of infidelity when it hasn't even happened yet," he stated. "I will heed those vows just like you will. I promise."
The music stopped and Serenity stood on her tiptoes to kiss him quickly, "Thank you."
The rest of the night went on without a hitch … almost. By the time the party was winding down, Serenity was caught off guard by a tap on her shoulder and turned around to find Demetrius. He bowed to her and kissed her hand. This was an expression of affection that she was worried about. She quickly, but sweetly, removed her hand from his strong grip before her husband could catch the exchange.
"Hello, my lord," she nodded.
"Your majesty," he replied. "Congratulations on your marriage."
"Thank you," she smiled. Taking a sip of her drink, she turned down to a serious note, "Did you give me that crown on purpose?"
"Excuse me, your highness? I don't understand."
"Yes you do, don't play me," she said curtly. "I am not a naïve little girl anymore. Answer my question."
"I thought you would like the tiara. When I saw it, I thought of you," he answered.
"Demetrius … I am married to Endymion, Prince of the Earth now. I can see through someone who is trying to pull the wool over my eyes."
"Are you saying that the prince does this often to you?" he asked, with an arched eyebrow.
"Twisting her words around. Lovely," Mina said as she slid up next to her princess. "I think this conversation is done." She looked at Serenity and announced, "Your majesty, your bed chamber that you are sharing with the prince is ready."
"Thank you Lady Mina. I am exhausted!" she sighed. "Goodnight Lord Demetrius."
"Goodnight your majesty," he bowed.
"Your grace," Mina nodded.
"My lady," he replied.
She walked up to the large double doors of the grand hall and found her mother waiting there to say goodnight to her. She hugged Queen Serenity tight and kissed the king and queen of the earth. Endymion did the same and the two were allowed to walk off by themselves while the rest of their crew and parents tended to the straggling guests left behind. They strolled down to their large bedroom hand in hand. Serenity gasped at the room's décor; tall ceilings and windows, a huge set of double doors that led out to the garden and a four post bed with glittering curtains surrounding the whole thing. The white bed was covered with red rose petals and candles were lit all around the room, making it smell like vanilla and lavender. She turned to Endymion and grinned widely, looking like a little kid who just received a teddy bear.
"This is beautiful!" she said as she skipped further into the room.
She pushed back the curtain that surrounded the bed and sat on the edge of it. She thumbed a petal against her fingers and then looked up at her husband as he ambled toward her. He rubbed the side of her face with his knuckles and leaned down to kiss her, but she turned her cheek.
"What's wrong?" he asked, crouching down to her knees and looking up at her.
"We … we're just going to sleep, right?" she asked nervously.
"Yes," he whispered. "Of course. That's what you wanted, correct?"
"Yes, yes it is," she nodded, letting out a big breath. "Today … today was such a big day and so much happened. I'm just overwhelmed."
"Sleep is what you need then," he smiled, standing up to his feet. "We'll shower, get changed and go to bed. You go first and I'll get this bed cleaned up."
Serenity smiled appreciatively and went into the bathroom to shower while he went to go retrieve a servant to clean up the petals that were scattered everywhere. Once the young lad swept up the room, making it completely spotless without a red piece staining the white decorated area, Endymion started to undress himself. He got out of his heavily decorated white and gold suit that had all of this bright gold stitching and even a few medals that his father thought would be nice to show off to other husbands. The king always did like to rub people's faces in his accomplishments. At political banquets, Endymion was talked about like he was the greatest creation on earth. He hoped to not speak of his future offspring like that too much; it created so much pressure.
The door to the bathroom opened up and Serenity was dripping wet in her towel, looking like a glowing star of the night. Endymion had already gotten into bed and was waiting patiently for her to get changed into her nightgown in the closet. She wrapped her long tresses up into a glittering silver net and slipped into her white silk negligee quickly.
As she climbed into bed, Endymion mused, "You know something you said today bothered me."
"What's that?" she asked, sliding underneath the soft sheets.
He wrapped an arm around her body, trying to mold himself to her as he answered, "You said you didn't want to be shadowed—"
"Erased," she corrected him.
"Right. Well, I wanted to tell you before we were so rudely interrupted by my father that you really don't have to worry about that. In fact, even if I did try to overpower you with my status as prince and future king, I don't think you would take it, would you?" he asked. She shook her head in response. "That's what I thought…. I want this marriage to work. I'm not going to make you do anything you don't want to, but I hope to receive the same respect in return."
"Understood," she said simply as she rolled over to face him. Serenity nuzzled against his muscular arm and whispered before drifting off to sleep, "We will be devoted to one another as we should be."
He stared at her face; it was glowing so angelically in the moonlight that flooded the room. If this marriage was solely based upon those contracts and treaties, then it would never work out the way they wanted. He had to find the true love in the match and get her to do the same. It was tough to be in love and his father's first marriage was a fine example of such a statement. This all had to work out some how. He would talk to his generals over the next few days about how to possibly get her to fall in love with him. If Serenity had been a normal girl, he would have had her in bed in a week upon meeting her like he had done with so many other women he had encountered. She wasn't a mistress though. Nor was she a plain woman. She was a princess. And she was from a strong lineage of women in her blood; she wouldn't be easily taken over.
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