Hi - just a quick note to say I am very sorry that I have not regularly updated this story but plan to do so from now on (the next chapter is almost finished). Please feel free to leave a review/ constructive thoughts for me ;-) x

Inside Endymion something snapped. Perhaps the kiss had allowed him to hope after all, that someday the princess of the moon would consider him as something more. Perhaps it had unlocked an inner boldness he had promised the princess would never see. Or more likely he was tired of apologising to her time after time. Without caring if it hurt, he abruptly grabbed her shoulders and slammed her against the wall. Serenity gasped at the coldness intruding muscles on her back. Yet she kept her eyes locked firmly on his, never once flinching from his roughness.

'If you hate me princess then tell me why did you not only let me kiss you, but kiss me back!'

'I thought you were Prince Diamond.' She lied, to both of them.

Serenity had no idea just how much the words sliced through Endymion's heart. His eyes widened with utter shock and humiliation. Instantly Serenity felt disgusted by the lie but it was better he think worse of her than admit she actually might have enjoyed their kiss.

Endymion exhaled slowly. 'I am truly sorry that you will not be the man you love so much.'

'And so you should be. It is all your fault and nothing you say will ever make me forgive you.' Endymion held her fast whilst she struggled against him, eyes literally spitting daggers at him.

'Do you really think you would have succeeded in your plan?' Endymion growled. Now it was his turn to hurt her with words. 'Do you really think that the Silver Alliance would have accepted your union and left you to live your fantasy of happily ever after? Wake up Princess Serenity. They would have hunted you to the ends of the galaxy and dragged you back kicking a screaming. But that's not the worst of it. Your beloved prince would have been executed in front of your very eyes. You would have to live the rest of your life imprisoned, isolated and humiliated on the moon whilst a war waged throughout the galaxy, between Nemesis and the Moon Kingdom at first, then the rest of the Alliance would have broken down. Finally my kingdom, my people would have been sacrificed to the power-struggle. Tell me Serenity would you have wanted that life for yourself, your mother and even your darling prince?'

All Serenity could do whilst Endymion ranted was fight the tears from falling. In the depths of her mind all he said was true. There was no future for her and Prince Diamond. Endymion's chest heaved with the weight of his rant, his breathing frantic. It felt hot on her cheek, now melting into it as coldness swept over her limbs.

Finally she nodded. She turned her gaze from the enraged dark-haired stranger, so different to the prince she knew so well. A single tear trickled down her cheek.

'We met on Venus so many years ago, before I knew it to be a forbidden. I fell in love when I knew I should not. When I knew my heart was not mine to give. Yet I loved him regardless. And I always will.'

Endymion felt his heart melt as a tear escaped her watery eyes, filled with so much pain and longing. It was a completely different reaction to the fierceness she had shown just moments before. Here was now a vulnerable heart-broken girl, who once had dared to hope, to love so much she would have defied all. Gently he eased away from her body. With deep tenderness he cupped her cheek, wiping the single tear away with his thumb.

'No matter what Princess, your heart belongs to you alone. No one can tell you who to love or who to hate.' Serenity's gaze snapped back at Endymion's, the words spoken hitting hard into her heartbeat. For a moment it froze, unable to remember how to beat. A new emotion flooded her, constricting her heart back into action. 'I accept that you love Prince Diamond. And no matter how far the distance between you or the time you spend apart, or even the life you build for yourself, he will forever hold a piece of your heart. That is why I am truly, truly sorry for tearing it.'

Several heartbeats later the two still stood against the wall, transfixed by the other. The dark-haired prince was unable to blink for fear that the new emotion held in her eyes would vanish. The silver-haired princess desperately tried to remember how to breath, how to think and how to move her body away from him, the new familiarity between them freezing her to the wall. Gradually Endymion lowered his hand from her cheek to her slender neck, stroking her smooth skin. His heart skipped when, sighing into his hold, she gently placed her hand over his.

'I think Prince Endymion I greatly misjudged you. Perhaps we can be friends after all.' With a slight squeeze of his hand, she shrugged past Endymion. But not before he glimpsed a hint of a smile on her rosy lips. He closed his eyes, allowing the smallest chuckle to escape.

'The relationship between both of them seems to be improving, a little too slow for my liking.' The Earth King informed Queen Serenity a few weeks later during one of their informal meetings, 'Since that night they seem to have an understanding. Princess Serenity sits next to Prince Endymion at meal times; they enjoy daily walks along the rose garden, as well as horse-riding and trips into the town. More often than not nowadays I witness the beauty of your daughter's smile.'

Through the flickering projector the king could still observe the Queen's reaction clearly; she beamed a full grin at the recent news.

'The wedding preparations are well under-way?'

'Yes Queen Serenity. It will be here soon.' The queen nodded, the weight on her heart lifted slightly. Yet a frown darkened her features.

'I never thought I would say this but the sooner they are married the better. You have of course heard the latest news?'

The King grunted. 'Never fear Queen Serenity. The escaped prince will not ruin the intended union or the peace of the Silver Alliance for that matter. Rest assured all will be well.'

And the queen wished with all her being for his brisk words to come true.

Even though it was still an early morning in early spring, the heat was already increasing steadily. Endymion paused for a moment to indulge in a deep breath, heavy with the scent of dewy grass and roses in full bloom. And something else he could not quite place.

A movement to his right stirred into action. He swiftly ducked, only just missing the punch aimed for his face. With ease he sprang up, seizing the arm of his sly opponent before twisting it into a punishing arm-lock.

The blonde-haired youth gasped in discomfort, sweat dripping across his forehead. Through gritted teeth he admitted his surrender. Endymion chuckled and released his arm.

'You have a killer lock Endymion.' Jadeite grumbled as the prince helped him back onto his feet.

'That because he practices so much on us even though he does not really need to.' Another of his generals moaned; Zoisite tied his hair back into a loose pony-tail, preferring to train as little as possible.

'Should you not be planning your day's activities to woo the fair moon princess?' Nephrite pulled on his companion's hair, earning him a slap on the shoulder.

Endymion shook his head. The fourth general, the eldest of the group huffed from his position at the back. 'His highness did not come here to chit-chat about his woman. He came here to spar so I suggest we get on with it. Even you Zoisite.' Kunzite's white hair shined with blinding authority in the radiant heat.

Suddenly all four men surrounded Endymion. One by one the prince faced his opponent's attack, blocking and dodging hits and issuing punches and kicks in return. Since he was a small boy this was his release, a way to expel his fierce temper, to control his emotions and think with clear rationality. The bonus was how the training kept his muscles and body in peak condition; he had heard both men and women admire his physique. Even Serenity had seemed pleased when they had snuggled together that night.

Thoughts of the moon princess invaded his vision suddenly. A sloppy kick from Zoisite, which the prince should have easily avoided, landed square on its target. Agony erupted from Endymion groin and he buckled to the floor. Zoisite blundered next to him, babbling apologies. Jadeite and Nephrite stood their ground and tried to suppress the laughter from escaping their lips. Only Kunzite remained still, arms crossed and face disapproving.

'That is what comes of losing focus boys and girls, even if only for a second.'

Endymion growled at the men but he was angry more with himself. How could he keep losing focus over the moon princess? Since that night in the cave their relationship had improved greatly to the point they were now friends. Good friends. But Endymion could not help wanting more. After all, he cared for her deeply.

'Why do you not just tell her you love her, take her to your bedchambers and do the deed?' Endymion glared at Jadeite. The youngest of the group never seemed to have any respect for the opposite sex.

Nephrite jabbed him in the ribs, 'our prince cannot do that. He has to wait until his wedding night before performing such deeds to our fair moon princess.'

'That is enough!' Endymion roared. 'Do not talk about Princess Serenity as if she is a piece of meat!'

Both men flinched and gulped loudly. Beside him Zoisite whimpered.

'So you care for the princess then? It is not just a formally arranged union?' Nephrite boldly stated.

All four then witnessed something in the prince they never thought they would. He simply sat on the grass, legs and arms crossed in a defeated manner. With his eyes fixed firmly on the floor to hide the glimmer of a blush they could not help but be reminded of a little boy who had admitted his first crush. Endymion looked utterly lost.

Zoisite laid a hand on the prince's shoulder. 'You should tell her how you feel. Feelings this strong …should not be kept hidden inside.'

Endymion shook his head in despair. How could he tell Serenity how he felt about her when all she could think of was her love for Prince Diamond? It did not matter how much he loved her; her heart would never be offered to him it seemed.

'Princess Serenity does not wish to hear of my affections.'

Without warning Kunzite seized the prince by the shoulder and hoisted him up. Staring directly into the princes eyes, their noses nearly touching he whispered. 'Are you defeated by love then your highness?'

'I do not know what to do Kunzite' Endymion whispered; his companion's actions and words stunned him slightly.

'Then let me advise you in the ways of women; they always want what they cannot have. How does the saying go…absence makes the heart grow fonder? Use that intelligent head I know you possess your highness. Use some of your earthly magic and charms; show her the depths of your devotion. And do not lose yourself to love but become all-loving.'

Briskly he shoved the prince and his blue eyes away, storming a short distance away. 'Now that you have a plan your highness I suggest we spar on last time, do you not agree gentlemen?'

Endymion was at a loss for words. Never would he have expected to her such advice e about love from the eldest and apparently coldest of his generals. After all this time had the general hidden an aspect of his character under a fierce and unyielding façade?

As the temperature of the day rose and their bodies became increasingly slick with sweat the men had one by one discarded their uniform jackets. From the balcony Serenity leant on she tried not to glance in their direction. It was becoming increasingly difficult with every passing second. The dark-haired prince's physique could not be faulted. And it was becoming near impossible not to remember how smooth and firm and hot his skin had felt next to hers that night.

Left to her own musings that morning she had spent some time in the library, reading up on earth laws and traditions as expected of her. After all she would one day be queen. And that no longer terrified or annoyed her. Breathing in the crisp air she pondered on how fickle her heart seemed. How could it turn from loving one man so undeniably to forming a bond with another? And in such a short space of time.

Yes she loved Prince Diamond. Everytime she was reminded of him her heart ached, yearning for the sound of his voice, for the touch of his lips, the breath on her skin. Yet since their night together in the cave, when she had gone further with Prince Endymion, their naked bodies entwined and nearly bonded with passion, the thoughts of Prince Diamond became less painful. Had she accepted that their time together was a fling of the past? She had loved Diamond but did that mean loving another was a betrayal of that love? What if Diamond had died, or loved another? Would she still feel as guilty as she did now?

Even now her heart leapt as she watched the shirtless prince spar with his generals. By far he was the superior, easily blocking all attempts to subdue him. His words and actions had always been patient and kind. He had never pushed their relationship further than what she was ready for. They had enjoyed many precious moments together, laughing and teasing one another. Their relationship was different from her one with Prince Diamond.

A blush heated her cheeks as her thoughts went back to that night. Was it wrong of her to fantasy about it, and of the promise of future nights once they were married? With a heavy sigh Serenity resigned herself form the balcony, more confused than ever about how fickle the heart was.

His hand caressed her entire being; its roughness teasing her smooth skin, untouched by no other. She moaned, melting into his touch. The sensations pulsing through her body were intense. How could she endure so much pleasure?

Hands swept across her neck, her breasts, her stomach and her thighs. Sweat beaded her forehead as she moaned for more. A burning heat grew within her most secret place. She desperately wanted to be touched there.

Hands were replaced by hot, wet kisses. He showered her with love, devoting himself to her pleasure. Never had they gone this far before; it had been forbidden. Suddenly his lips found hers. He teased her with a gentle kiss, whilst stroking her thighs. Serenity caressed his neck before losing her fingers in his hair. She shivered as his tongue parted her lips playfully. Oh how his taste was intoxicating. Their kiss deepened, filled with promises.

All Serenity could think was how she wanted more but more of what she did not know. Suddenly he did the unthinkable; he touched her there, that place she yearned to be touched. A finger pumped gently into her. A new sensation shook her body. Her hips began a rhythm of their own, completely uncontrolled by her mind. Serenity moaned once more, her mind lost to total pleasure. How could anyone endue such pleasure? She tilted her neck. He immediately kissed and sucked at her neck.

Serenity dared to open her eyes for a second, to glance at her lover. Dark hair, thick and ruffled shocked her. Then fathomless blue-eyes swept up at her before seizing her lips once more.

'Serenity, my love…'

At her name the princess bolted up from her sleep. The intense burning feeling in her body slowly disappeared as she tried to understand the full intensity of her dream and its meaning.

Endymion groaned in his sleep as his princess melted from his embrace into oblivion, the ring glinting mischievously on his finger.