First Light

Kiyoko found Seiya in the castle's combat practice studio. Even though there'd been a decade of peace, they all knew that they always needed to be prepared. If Kiyoko didn't have a council meeting soon she would've been happy to spar with her fiancée. It was always fun. As soon as she entered Seiya turned and ran to her. She grabbed her and kissed her deeply. It amazed Kiyoko how much Seiya loved her.

When they finally broke the kiss Kiyoko smiled and spoke, "I love you too Seiya. But I have to talk to you about something and I don't have much time before my council meeting." She caressed Seiya's cheek, wishing that there were more time, "I spoke to Minako again." She began.

Seiya let out an exasperated sigh, "Again? She is more worried about our wedding than we are! It wasn't about the colors again, was it?" Seiya rolled her eyes.

Kiyoko giggled, "That wasn't the only thing. She asked about my maid of honor again." Her face turned somber at the thought again. She knew who she wanted it to be. But she didn't think she'd agree in a million years.

Seiya picked up on her beloved's thoughts and cupped her face, "If she loves you as much as I think she does she will come around. She'll be there when you need her." Kiyoko nodded and Seiya kissed her cheek.

Kiyoko smiled a tiny smile, "Well, I was actually thinking about that. I think it's been long enough that I need to deal with it. You have your side all worked out, so I need to get mine in order." For Seiya it had been simple. They both agreed that they didn't want a large wedding party and if they weren't firm on that she'd have all of the inner Senshi trying to be bridesmaids at the very least. And since Seiya did not want to choose between Taiki and Yaten, she'd asked Usagi. She'd happily agreed. Kiyoko continued, "And I don't think I can do it from here. I think I have to go back to Earth and speak to her face to face." This wasn't untrue.

Seiya nodded, "I think you're right. When do we leave?" This was where things could become difficult. When Kiyoko didn't answer right away Seiya got worried, "What is it my love?"

With a deep breath Kiyoko responded, "I don't think WE do. I think this would be better if I went on my own. Besides, I think you should stay here with the children." She hoped Seiya would concede.

"There's no way you're making that trip alone. Taiki and Yaten can look after the children. You going alone is out of the question!" Seiya had set into her determined mode. This could get messy if Kiyoko didn't tread carefully.

Kiyoko kept her face serene as she did when she spoke to Yaten, "It would be better if one of us were here with our children. You know what a handful Ruka can be. If you insist I have an escort then allow Yaten to accompany me. You should be here. If there is trouble the council will come to you as my fiancée. Please."

Seiya hated the idea of being dragged into politics and Kiyoko knew that. But Seiya knew that she was right. Sometimes it was infuriating how logical her fiancée was. And she was right about the children as well. Finally she nodded, "Fine, my Queen, I concede. But Yaten is most definitely coming with you!" She kissed Kiyoko again, this time it was a mixture of that infuriation and love.

When they broke Kiyoko stroked her beloved's hair, "I appreciate when you see logic my dear Starfighter." She kissed Seiya's cheek and pulled back, "Now I have a council meeting to attend. A ship won't be necessary. I only plan on taking a small satchel as I still have many things on Earth and knowing Yaten, she'll travel light as well. Will you speak to her while I meet with the council? She knows I am going, but not that she is." With that she slipped away as quickly as she could before Seiya could say anything else.

The council meeting went about as Kiyoko had expected. The members were very disturbed by the suddenness of Kiyoko's announcement. But she'd been able to calm them and get their consent, not that she needed it, it merely made them feel better. Her mother said that she was as diplomatic as her father. Kiyoko hoped this would help her in her journey ahead. When she left the council chamber Kiyoko found Yaten waiting for her.

It didn't appear that Yaten was angry. Kiyoko attempted to get a read on her and was relieved to know that she really wasn't angry, though she was annoyed. Kiyoko put her hands up, "I am sorry I didn't tell you I was going to suggest you as my escort. It wasn't exactly planned. But you were right that Seiya wouldn't let me go alone."

Yaten nodded, "I know you're Highness. And I understand her feelings. So when would you like to leave?" Kiyoko was happy that Yaten was such a dedicated Senshi. They were family, but she had such as strong sense of duty it allowed what needed to be done to go more smoothly.

Smiling, Kiyoko replied, "At first light tomorrow. I want to spend what remains of the evening with Seiya and the children." They worked out the details quickly and agreed to meet at the front gates of the castle at first light.

When Kiyoko arrived at dinner Seiya, Ruka, and Endo were waiting for her. She could sense from across the room that Ruka and Endo were disappointed. Obviously Seiya'd told them of the trip she was planning. She took a deep breath and came to sit down at the table. She smiled, "Good evening Endo, Ruka. How was school today?"

Endo started to say something, but Ruka cut him off, "Why can't we go with you mamma?" She slammed her hands on the table in frustration.

It was Seiya who responded, "Ruka! Mind your manners. I know you're disappointed, but your mother has made her decision. We must respect that." It was nice to have Seiya's support even if she wasn't happy about staying behind either.

Kiyoko looked at her children tenderly, "I know that you're both unhappy that you're not going with me. I am truly sorry. But I think that it's best for this trip. Do not worry. At the very least, you'll see most everyone in eight months for the wedding, possibly sooner if Minako has her way."

Ruka still looked unhappy, but Endo looked at his mother and said, "I understand mamma. We'll be fine." He looked at his sister in that way that seemed to sooth her anger, at least somewhat.

"Thank you Endo. Now let's enjoy this evening together. Yaten and I leave at first light tomorrow," She took Seiya's hand, hoping to convey that love and appreciation she felt. By the look on her face, it appeared that Kiyoko had succeeded. The four of them spent time together that evening reading Endo and Ruka's favorite stories and when it was time for bed both Kiyoko and Seiya sang to them the way they had when the family had visited Earth.

Once the children were in bed Kiyoko and Seiya retired to their own chambers. As soon as the door closed Seiya was on Kiyoko with such passion it made her dizzy. The way that Seiya leaned her body into Kiyoko's and kissed her so intensely. Kiyoko returned that intensity and soon they were wrapped around one another leaning against their door. Seiya began kissing a trail down Kiyoko's neck and she let out a small moan, leaning her head back.

Seiya moved onto her shoulder, beginning to pull the gown that Kiyoko wore down her shoulders. Kiyoko responded by pulling her up by her chin and crushing her lips against Seiya's, unbuttoning her shirt with the greatest of ease. With a laugh Seiya pulled back from the kiss, "My Queen has come quite a long way from that cabin in the mountains."

Kiyoko laughed too, "I've had an excellent partner to grow with. I cannot wait to call you my wife." With that she slipped the shirt off of Seiya completely and began her own trail of kisses down Seiya's neck to her chest. The fire that movement ignited within both of them could not be extinguished. Seiya was not as graceful as her fiancée and soon that beautiful gown was ripped and laying on the floor. Somewhere amidst their passion the two of them managed to find their way to the bed and did not sleep at all that night. There was a hunger inside of both of them that lasted throughout the night.

Not long before first light they took a lingering bath and Kiyoko readied for her journey. Her only real necessity was the spell book, which she'd brought to their chambers before dinner. But she knew that she had to pack a few other things to keep Seiya from asking questions. So she packed a couple of her favorite works of fiction along with a few other inconsequential items. At first light she kissed her children goodbye as they slept and made her way to the castle gates arm in arm with Seiya. Yaten waited and with a kiss and a promise to contact Seiya once they'd arrived, the two of them were off in a flash of light. Kiyoko's heart was filled with a blend guilt and hope. So much was riding on this trip…. There was no room for failure.

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