(Heya - I just want to apologize for the lenghty delay of contiuning this story...things have been very chatoic this past year but my main aim now is to finish this creative project. Thanks for those patienly waiting and I hope not to disappoint. Please rate and review xxx)

After a lengthy year apart, where both Serenity and Diamond agonisingly kept themselves distracted with numerous duties, the two finally reunited back on Venus. From the hour the birds welcomed the dawn to the late sunset the prince and princess's laughter would resound across the volcanic landscape, often engaged in one or other of their favourite pass-times; each had their own horse, Diamond a pure white stallion whereas Serenity adored her black spotted mare with golden hair and hooves. From her window a grin would light up her cousin's face as she watched their affections grow.

She loved the way the moon illuminated his fine silver hair. She loved the way the stars glistened in his eyes and how she could lose herself within their depths. She loved the way his embrace melted her heart. From the moment their eyes met there was rarely a moment they spent separate; in one another's company their indulged their growing attraction and barely thought of the consequences. Now it had come to their final few days together, before Serenity had to return home once more; the increasing pressure in her chest nearly suffocated her as she thought of spending another year apart.

'You should come visit me on the Moon soon. I'll teach you how to skate on ice' she played with his hair absently. Diamond closed his eyes. He captured her hand in his, inhaling her sweet scent. He never wanted to forget her touch. With a slight nod Diamond agreed to her request.

'Serenity have I ever told you how much you mean to me?' to which the princess giggled, shaking her head playfully. 'Then we have a problem me thinks, as there are no words in the entire galaxy that can describe how much you feel to me.' Horror flashed across her face. He teased a smile, 'Yet I believe I may be able to show you.'

With one swift movement he brushed his hand against her blushing cheeks, leaning his lips towards hers. Serenity closed her eyes just before him. He paused for the briefest moment, observing his princess in all her beauty, her soft feminine features on the verge of womanhood, rosy cheeks and lips and the softest glossy hair he'd ever stroke. Gently he caressed his lips against hers, relishing their feel and taste. Serenity's response was instant. She hummed with delight which only provoked Diamond deeper into the kiss.

Breaking the kiss for another brief moment Diamond whispered, 'I love you' before devouring her lips once more.

Serenity giggled gently as her prince fumbled over his words. He loves me! Never had she hoped her feelings would be mutual. Before Diamond could back away anymore, she planted a delicate kiss on his lips.

The next day Princess Serenity teased Prince Diamond, as usual. He chuckled and shook his head. She stared up at the moon, 'Will you come and visit me when I return home?' Diamond pulled her closer and pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

'Negotiations between Nemesis and the Moon are not going as smoothly as I would hope Serenity' he sighed.

'Maybe I can help. Maybe I can...' Diamond shifted away. She shivered with the sudden cold left behind.

'No Princess, by all due respect you cannot help in this delicate matter. My family and your family have always lived a forced albeit fragile truce. It is something that has always been since our exile, and something that will always be.'

A light sigh escaped Serenity, her shoulders slumped. This was a situation that she'd always been aware of, knowing full well that if they'd not met on Venus then interaction between them on the Moon would have been near impossible. It was one of the reasons their feelings, their relationship had been hidden from her mother. Serenity knew her mother would understand, but that she would have to insist that Serenity and Diamond no longer see one another. At least socially anyway. It was a situation Serenity normally did not want to dwell on, but everyday as their separation became near once more, her heart panged for a solution.

'What if there was a union between our families. Surely a solution lies there?' Serenity clenched her fists embarrassed by her own boldness.

'Hmm. I doubt it Princess. No one would agree to any sort of arranged marriage like that. Besides it would have to be between one of the high nobles, someone like...oh.' For the first time since she knew him, Diamond became speechless. His face, now emotionless, explored hers. A flush overcame her entire body. He lifted a hand to her cheek, stroking her smooth heated flesh with his thumb. Her eyes closed at his gentle touch.

'Sweet Serenity have I ever taken the time to tell you how beautiful you are.' With tender slowness he lower his lips to hers, delicately pressing against her. It took Serenity's breath away. He felt so smooth and firm at the same time. Everything melted into the essence of their kiss.

Diamond broke the kiss softly, inching back a little so they were still nose to nose. 'Serenity it would be an honour if you became my wife. I love you so much but with our families...I do not dare to hope.'

'Prince Diamond there is no other I wish to spend the rest of my life with. Only you.' The remainder of their last evening together was spent with much laughter and kissing