They had met a few years before whilst Serenity was spending time with her beloved cousin on Venus. It was the first time Serenity had been away from home yet the excitement outweighed the home-sickness. There had also been too many young bachelors' to distract them.
On the first night a splendid ball was held at the royal castle; many guests from across the galaxy were welcome, near and far. Amongst them was the alluring Prince Diamond; the low light created shadows across his features, casting a gentle glimmer in his lustrous violet eyes and straight silver hair. Never blinking his gaze always appeared intensely interested and at the same time unemotional, although the edge of a smile always teased his firm lips. That night his pale features had contrasted delightfully with the black attire, the usual dress-code for such a formal evening.
When Diamond entered the grand chamber, scattered lanterns illuminated sections of the room where some couples danced to flowing music whilst other's formed chattering groups, to which Serenity sat with her cousin immersed in innate conversation. It had not taken him long to ask for her hand in the preceding dance.
Startled by the abrupt invitation the young princess accepted without a second thought, heat exploding across her cheeks. His gaze evoked shyness within her, her insecurities bubbling forth. She thanked the stars for allowing the blemishes on her skin to clear and for her golden hair faultlessly styling into the traditional double-bun style of her lunar heritage. A glance in the mirror confirmed her blooming youth, but she thought her blue eyes too wide, her chin too plump and her freckles not faded enough. Yet the handsome prince had noticed her, amongst all these other gorgeous women.
In the centre of the dance floor Serenity's hand slipped firmly into Diamond's, his other hand wrapped around her slender waist. The music slowed, the rhythm swaying the surrounding couples gently. A dry lump formed in Serenity's throat; Diamond's eyes never left hers.
'Serenity where have you been all night? One moment you are sitting next to me, the next your gone.' Mina linked arms with Serenity at the end of the evening. Serenity glanced back at the prince who was slouching against the far wall, sipping a glass of red wine. Mina followed her gaze and smirked. 'I see, Prince Diamond has caught your fancy dear cousin. Come now, tell me everything.'
'What is there to tell? He took me to the dance-floor and we danced.'
Mina tutted, 'where's your sense of romance Serenity?'
A smile teased Serenity's lips, 'I had immense fun tonight Mina. I hope to meet him again soon.'
The following morning Serenity was dressed early in a simple violet off-shoulder dress, the skirts flushed to the floor, finishing her breakfast in the kitchen when Prince Diamond strolled in. At first he did not notice her huddled away in a dark corner, skirts tucked beneath her. He looked as if he had just awoken; silver strands tousled, eyes blurred and skirt loosely tucked into his trousers.
A boldness overcame her, 'What brings you down here this early Prince Diamond?' he spun, startled by her light words. Her breath caught in her throat as she glimpsed the smoothness of his chest.
A smile spread across his lips. 'Why my princess, I am looking for a spoon to eat my breakfast with, but I am not familiar with any other kitchen but my own.'
Serenity teased her spoon across her lips, glancing up at him. 'It appears I have used the last one.'
With two swift steps he stood above her, hand over hers. Again his gaze never left hers as he stole the spoon from her grasp, 'then I shall use the one that Serenity has.'
She tried to protest, saying that she would clean it for him. 'Why, it has only had Serenity's lips on it.' In jest he pretended to take great pleasure in savouring and licking the spoon until his breakfast was finished. All the time Serenity's eyes remained fixated on the ground, a crimson blush burning her cheeks.
'I had better finish preparing for the day princess, perhaps I will see you later at tonight's masked ball your fine cousin is holding.' He gently lifted her hand to his moist lips, 'perhaps then I may steal a kiss from your lips. Until then I thank you for the spoon, and your company princess Serenity.' He spun on his heels, leaving a deeper shade of crimson across the girl's face.
Princess Mina had really excelled her hosting abilities that evening. The grand ball was transformed from last night's atmospheric glow to a glorious spectacular, with crystal chandeliers suspended high above, the pale walls sparkling with moondust, and several water fountains gurgling and spurted across the room. Masks were mandatory, the glamour dresses and suits were not; Serenity was attired in a fitted silver dress that hugged her blossoming curves, flowing across the floor as she tried to gracefully float in sparkling heels. For once her hair was styled in a messy bun with tiny gems securing it tightly into place, revealing her slender neck. A thin white mask completed her dress. Glancing in one of the various mirrors she noted how she looked maturing than sixteen.
In a similar golden dress, Mina strolled across the room with ease. Her hair was braided with fiery ribbons to match those that wrapped across her narrow waist, flowing freely to the floor with her skirts. Mina embraced her cousin. Serenity squinted across the floor behind.
'If you are searching for your prince he has not arrived yet.' Mina giggled as Serenity tried to hide her disappointment, 'Come dear cousin, the night is still young and there are many young bachelors hereto entertain you whilst we wait.'
Although Serenity meet and conversed with many attractively interesting men, none made her heart beat except for Prince Diamond. She had all but given up when she caught him slouched against the moon-dusted wall, a glass of red wine in his hands. The black tuxedo contrasted with his silver hair glittering under the light. He had sleeked it back. His white mask matched hers.
Serenity gulped the last of her wine. With forced courage she approached her prince.
'My prince, I've been searching everywhere for you. Shall we dance?'
Without an answer she seized his hand. On the dance floor she briefly realised her grip only to adjust their position. He smiled down at her, white teeth mischievous. For a while they swayed to the music, occasionally spinning and twirling, giggling with joy. As the rhythm slowed she rested her head against his shoulder, listening to his steady heartbeat.
Breaking away from the dance floor the two found an isolated balcony. A cool breeze teased her cheeks pleasantly as she rested on the stone railing, gazing her distant home. He asked if she was feeling well.
'Mmm...Yes. I have had a wonderful time this evening. We do not have grand balls like this back home, only for formal occasions and such.'
He joined her, leaning his lean figure on the balcony, 'The moon princess not feeling home-sick.'
Serenity grimaced. He thinks me but a child! I will show him.
'No my dear prince,' she faced him, eyes narrowed, 'I am glad to be away from there for a short while. I am especially glad to be here with you, I feel like I have been waiting to meet you for an eternity.' And before he had chance to speak, she tilted her head up, pressing her sweet lips to his.
Stunned the masked prince froze eyes wide and hands shaking. But as her hands glided up his chest his body responded, a hand cupping her delicate cheek to deepen the kiss. He inhaled her sweet scent, an intoxicating dizziness overcoming him, preventing his rational thought. And as quickly as the kiss had started Serenity broke away, displaying a teasing smile.
'Now it is my turn to leave you after stealing a kiss from your lips, my prince.' With a swirl of skirt she glided through the glass doors, back into the busy throngs of the ballroom. Brushing a hand through his hair the prince exhaled. Sliver dust fluttered about him, revealing his midnight-black hair. An intense heat flowed through his entire body, electrifying his limbs. The Moon Princess had been the graceful beauty expected but nowhere near as shy as indicated. He thought it is almost as if she mistook me to be someone else, someone she is familiar with. For the rest of the evening he contented himself with the company of the moon and glistening stars.
Serenity had barely slept that night, her heart exhilarated by her courageous kiss. She giggled, remembering his shocked reaction. Like the previous morning she dressed before waiting for him to enter the kitchen. She could think of nothing else but him.
A prince entered the kitchen, strolling across the counters piled with dirty dishes, pots and pans, searching shelf after shelf for something to drink. He was slender and tall, similar in statue to Diamond except for his ebony hair, short and ruffled by sleep. Yawning he quenched his thirst with a glass of water. He noticed her as he gulped the water, nearly spurting it at her in shock.
He coughed; she stifled a laugh, 'I am so sorry. I thought myself completely alone Princess Serenity.'
'That is quite alright. I was about to leave.' His puzzled look stopped her, 'I was waiting for someone.'
'Who? Perhaps I have seen them on the way to meet you.'
She informed him that it was Prince Diamond. For a second his eyes narrowed, 'No, last I heard of Prince Diamond was that he had left for an urgent meeting on the moon. Sometime early evening.'
'That cannot be. He was at the masked ball last night. I was with him there.' The silence thickened between them. He lowered his head to the stone floor, the coolness forcing him to accept the reality; last night she had believed him to be someone else.
She pulled at her hair, now back to its traditional style. What have I done? I have kissed a stranger, a man I do not even know. How can I ever forgive myself? Grinding her teeth Serenity was unable to move. The stranger approached her; her legs bolted from the room. It was not until she was back in her chambers that the cry escaped her, confusion and dread hitting her hard.
Hiya - hope your enjoying the story so far & I will update as soon as possible. Just thought I'd inform my fans of some happy news over this joyous christmas hoilday - I will shortly be expecting a baby! SO as I have already forwarned in my previous update, updates on this particular story may not be as frequent as I'd like, what with my normal chaotic lifestyle of full-time job & martial arts training/teaching, now mixed with further uni exams, nephew babysitting...& pregency/newborn baby. But watch this space as I'm really enjoying writing this story & promise to update! xxx