Later that evening Prince Endymion tried for the seventh time to knock on Serenity's door. For some reason he felt it only right to apologise for his father's rude behaviour. For some reason he thought that she might just empathise with him. If he spoke to her, told her that he didn't want to force her into marriage, that perhaps they should be aquatinted first, and then maybe, just maybe a foundation for a good relationship could be established. Endymion's resounded down the hallway. Countless doubt held his hand back from completing the knock. Defeated he rested his head against the door. On the other side he heard Serenity giggle. His smile quickly changed to a frown when a masculine laugh joined hers. Someone else was in the room with her.

'I can't just leave Diamond.'

'Why not? Why should we care when all that matters is being together.'

'But think of the consequences...'

'Damn the consequences. You can't ask me to sit by and allow the woman I love to be forced into a marriage bed with a stranger. No Serenity. We leave tonight.'

Endymion burst through the door. Serenity and silver hair dark prince were locked in a tight embrace. He sneered at them. Serenity ripped herself away from Diamond at his sudden intrusion. Fear froze her face. Silence resumed between the three for a split second before Diamond erupted, drawing a sword thirsty for his fresh blood.

'Diamond no!' Serenity screamed. She gathered her skirts and jumped to his side. Endymion bit his lip. He hated the devoted look in her eyes.

'Serenity he knows of our plans to elope...'

'I know but maybe...' she stole a pleading glance at the dark-haired prince.

Endymion's heart shattered. The raw desire to hold her, to be with caught him off-guard. It was something in the way she looked at him. Pity? Regret? I want her was the only thought that spun endless through his head. Without thinking he lunged for her, slipping his fingers around her waist, wrenching her towards him. Diamond's reaction was swift, but not swift enough. He drove towards Endymion. In a blink Endymion spun them away from the blade's fury and with his free hand seized his attacker's wrist. Effortlessly he twisted, tugged and snapped the joint so that the blade clanged harmlessly to the floor. Diamond grunted, buckling to the floor. With a thud Endymion rendered his opponent unconscious using the sword hilt. Serenity's screams echoed.

'What do you think you are doing' Serenity shrieked. Endymion grinded his jaw as she rushed to the still body. His gaze never left the princess sobbing over her prince.

Several guards bombarded the room within seconds. Some were shocked whilst the rest were confused at the scene before them. They're parents arrived within minutes; the king looked half-awake, his hair and beard a muffled mess whereas Queen Serenity looked smooth and presentable; Endymion doubted if she'd even been asleep.

'What is the meaning of this Endymion?' the earth king rubbed the slumber from his eyes.

All three were summoned to an urgent meeting of the Silver Alliance the next evening. Every member was present to witness the formal engagement of the earth prince and moon princess. Serenity paled as she was marched into the vast chamber lined with numerous faces she recognised; all eyes were on her. Each step was agonizing slow. The silence of the chamber felt heavy on her shoulders.

At the end of the chamber sat her mother and Endymion's father, both looking intense in their most formal clothing; the moon queen shimmered in silver contrasting pleasantly with the gold suit of the earth king. Endymion, attired completely in gold armour over a black suit, stood next to his father, his gaze fixed to the marbled floor. And Diamond stood in the middle of two armed soldiers, fists bound, and eyes ablaze.

Queen Serenity stood slowly 'We have called this formal meeting of the Silver Alliance to honour the proposed marriage of Prince Endymion of Earth and Princess Serenity of the Moon thus united our people. Each and every one of you has been dually informed of this proposed alliance. Any now who objects should speak of their concerns now.'

None of the council spoke. Fists clenched white, eyes glaring the two princes faced one another.

'You can't take her from me! I love her!' fine slivery locks fluttered with Diamond's struggle against his restraint.

A few feet away, Endymion remained unmoved by his words. With thick ebony hair he was the complete opposite to the man kneeling. His dark midnight eyes stared back at the desperate man's crystal blue ones.

The Earth King held his hand high, 'Prince Diamond, you will be silence otherwise you will be formally banished.'

He grimaced, biting his lip enough to taste bitter blood in his mouth.

Emotionless Endymion kneeled on one knee and looking up at the Moon Princess recited, 'Princess Serenity, I, Prince Endymion formally ask for your hand in marriage and in doing so to unite the Earth and Moon kingdoms together under the Silver Alliance. Together we can lead the galaxy against the horrors of the Negaverse, defeat it and claim peace forever. Will you accept my hand, Princess Serenity?'

She refused to look at him, to react to his words. Endymion's heart tore a little as he realised he'd destroyed his chances forever. Nonetheless he held his hand out to her, as practiced. Until now she had remained a silent witness, torn between her heart and duty. Fear seized her heart, twisting it into oblivion. Prince Diamond glanced at her, words passed between them. Tears welled in her wide eyes.

Suddenly Diamond bulged from his position, his restraint clattered to the floor whilst he rushed for the princess. He swallowed her into a deep embrace, burying his face into her neck, devouring her scent. Rough hands grabbed him, forcing them apart.

'You have been warned Prince Diamond. From this moment onwards you are formally exiled to the planet Nemesis.'

'No!' Serenity screamed. Another guard held her back.

Diamond growled as he witnessed Serenity's hand placed into Endymion's, forced to accept the proposal. As soon as their hands touched, she crumpled, tears finally flowing freely. She grieved for what she knew she could never have. Endymion froze, unable to focus on anything. Everyone's heart constricted as they witness the scene, a sicken wrench pulled all their hearts as Diamond's screams resonated down the great palace's corridors, closer and closer to oblivion.