In the early hours of the dawn Serenity awoke to a gently thump. An earthy scent awakened her senses further. Unwillingly her fingers stretch against the smooth chest. She felt Endymion groan under her.

Serenity did not want to open her eyes, to allow the first rays of sunlight to invade her peaceful slumber. Neither did she want to force herself to move from the comfort of being curled up next to her dark-haired prince. When she did finally succumb to reality, shifting her form into a seated position, she could not help the giggled erupting her chest. Endymion's hair was dishevelled, more so than normal. Playfully she ruffled it even more. When was the last time she felt so free, with anyone?

'I love your hair my prince. It always betrays the man I think.'

Endymion stopped her teasing by pulling her down into a tender kiss. The familiar flame of desire ignited; with a disappointed groan she eased away from the luxurious feel of his lips.

'We are to be married today.' Nerves like delicate butterflies scattered through her belly.

She had just slept with this man, enjoyed her first love making with him, exposing herself in such a tenderly raw manner. So why was she bombarded with nerves?

Confused Endymion observed her frown. It twisted his heart slightly. He cupped her cheek whilst smoothing a thumb over her face. It was then he noticed the faint aura surrounding her face.

'You are glowing?'

Looking down at her fingers Serenity gasped. A golden aura was indeed glowing brightly around her. It ran up her hands and arms, and on further examination, her entire body. She stroked her skin as if to wipe the glow away; it remained brightly visible.

It was then she noticed the silver aura shimmering around Endymion. It too encompassed all of his limbs.

'Why are you shimmering silver?' she questioned, not really expecting an answer.

Transfixed by the aura Endymion stood still. He reached his hands towards the opening of the cave, observing how the sun filtered through his fingers and how the aura neither dimmed nor intensified. Pulling the other hand through his hair he silently walked away from Serenity.

All of a sudden the aura died, snapped off as if by the snap of a finger. He spun around. She had also noticed the vanishing light. A thought grew within his mind. With an outstretched had he pulled Serenity to him, embracing her slender form? He loved how the smoothness of her skin fitted perfectly with his not to mention how it stirred his desirers as well. Their glowing auras returned instantly, a mixture of gold and silver swirling around them. Both gazed in awe as the lights brightened.

'It only happens when we touch. Interesting' Endymion murmured, nuzzling into her neck.

'Does this happen after….what we did last night?' Serenity giggled.

'I have never seen, or for that matter heard of anything like this happening before.'

'You mean that you….you also…have known no other' She managed to finish meekly.

Endymion looked directly into her eyes. Why had she thought he had loved any other but her? It did not matter, for in that moment he vowed to only worship and love the moon princess before him, and to never let any harm come to her; he would forever be the protector of her heart and smile.

'My sweet love, Sere…like you….I have known no other. And once we are married today I never intend to be far from your side.'

At his words the smile he loved so much slowly crept upon her lips. After sharing another tender kiss, Serenity lifted their inter-laced fingers up.

'That may pose a problem if this happens every time we are near.' Endymion rested his forehead against hers as they filled the cave with their combined laughter.

How they had managed to sneak back into the castle and their bed-chambers without anyone noticing was beyond Serenity. Perhaps those who had noticed had learnt not to say anything; after their entire beloved earth prince and moon princess were to be united in wedding bliss today. And with the ceremony only a few hours away Serenity reluctantly left Endymion to begin her perpetrations. The next time she would see him standing in the great hall, its decorations complete and people waiting for her entrance.

In her chest her heart fluttered, feeling light and giddy just like her mind. Last night Endymion had worshipped her whole body, had kissed away the pain he caused and made her whole once more. Hugging her chest tightly she promised to spend the rest of her life nurturing the warmth there, the growing love for Endymion. At that moment in time she could remember ever harbouring feelings of hatred towards him.

During the morning preparations Serenity enjoyed the joyous conversation and light jesting from her older maids. In no time at all Serenity was bathed, dried, her hair styled with elaborated braided buns and pigtails, and pearl necklace and bracelet clasped securely on. Finally it was time to be laced into her dress; Serenity had favoured a simple off-white gown that flowered with multiple layers to the floor. It complimented not just the shimmer of her hair but their length as well. Standing in front of the mirror Serenity was stunned by the beautiful women before her.

When had her features matured so much? Gone were her childish freckles and plump cheeks. Her blue eyes were still a little too wide. Nevertheless her skin had a healthy sheen brought on by the earth's sun. In her bridal gown she was reminded of her mother's majesty and grace. It made her wonder exactly when a woman had replaced the girl.

In the mirror Serenity caught the shadow shift behind. The movement was so slight at first she believed it to be her imagination. Just as she convinced herself otherwise, a cloud outside drifted by so a ray of sunlight illuminated the shadow to reveal a man leaning against the wall. Through the mirror their eyes met. Serenity spun round to face the fathomless violet eyes that bore into her.

How was he here? The screams from their last moment together resounded through her ears, almost deafening her mind. Fear stuck Serenity's heart with an icy blast. It froze her entire being.

'My sweet Serenity…you are breath-takingly beautiful.' His whispered was barely audible.

Hearing his voice again, old feelings surfaced within the moon princess. Although she desperately wanted to run into his arms, to rest her head upon his chest and hear the lull of his gentle heartbeat, she could not for in less than an hour she was to wed another dark-haired prince.

Finally Serenity blinked. Her once beloved prince still stood there transfixed and waiting for her by the bed, arms open.

'Prince Diamond…how…why?' It was all too much. Clasping her aching head she sunk to the polished floor.

He swooped down to his knees, gasping her hands in his. Their watery eyes locked on one another.

'"Prince Diamond?" Since when have we addressed each other so formally?'

Serenity whispered 'You cannot be here Diamond. I am to marry Endymion.' She slipped her hands away and placed them deliberately on her lap.

'Do you not see, I am the white knight here to save you from that beast of an earthling? He could never love you like I do, my sweet Serenity. Come with me now.'

He held her shoulders so gentle, as if afraid to find her only a figment of his imagination. After throwing the cursed ring aside he soon unearthed it, using it to seek her out. Through the ring he had patiently watched as the moon princess was fashioned for that man. After what seemed an eternity she was finally alone.

'I do not need saving dear Prince Diamond. I am sorry.' Although her words were barely a breath they suffocated his heart.

He grimaced finding it difficult to keep his tone level. 'You love the earth prince?'

Serenity thoughts paused for an instant. Did she love Endymion? Over the past months she had developed affection for him and thought him attractive. And after last night, she knew she was happy to face a future with him. In fact she was looking forward to sharing his bed tonight. Yet how long ago was it since she felt the same towards the man before her? Fresh confusion filled her again. A future with Prince Diamond was no longer possible. But how could she hurt him so? She had truly loved him when they were together.

'Please believe me Prince Diamond when I say I care for you still. And I am so sorry, but yes I do think that I am falling in love with Endymion. I want to be here with him.'

'Endymion?' Diamond spat the words like poison. 'I see. He has forced you! He has made you forget our love!'

'No Prince Diamond, '

Abruptly he stood, pulling her with him. Without letting the princess finish the sentence he pulled her into a hard kiss, pressing their bodies together in a suffocating embrace. In vain Serenity pushed against his chest.

Momentarily he broke the kiss, but only to murmur against her tender lips.

'Do not worry sweet Serenity. I will remind you. I will save you and with it our love.'

Endymion nearly skipped up to his sweetheart chambers, the bunch of roses bouncing in his hands. Tonight would be the first of many where she shared his bed. A boyish grin brightened his already glowing face. It had taking him no time at all to bathe and dress but all the time in the world to fuss.

He just had to glimpse her before the ceremony. Tradition dictated that the groom should not see the bride before the wedding ceremony, yet he wanted to offer her the roses as her bouquet. He could have asked any house-maid, or even one of his generals. But he had made them just for her, out of his earth magic, and he wanted to see her smile when she received them.

Stopping outside her door he taped lightly several times. There was no answer. He tried again, louder this time. This time he heard raised voices. Endymion growled as he recognised the male voice.

Without a second thought he barged through the door, the ancient wood holding no resistance to his will. Across the chamber he witness two dim silhouettes embraced in a kiss. Serenity's silver hair flared behind her. Yet his eyes were focused on the man who held her, his white hair masking his features as if to hide his identity. Endymion knew very well who it was.

All of a sudden history repeated itself; with fists clenched and eyes glaring they faced one another. This time it was the dark-haired prince who had to watch Serenity being stolen away, and he who released a heart-wrenching yell as they began to shimmer from his vision. Bolting into action he dashed for the couple, Serenity's eyes wide with mixed emotions. In Prince Diamond's arms she stayed; there was no struggle.

Within seconds the two forms that belong to Diamond and Serenity vanished. Endymion leapt into the air, hoping to catch hold of his love. It was too late; thin air filled his gasping fists. He tumbled to the polished floor, skidding a short distance. A combination of rage, shock and panic suffocated his lungs, yet he still managed to shout her name. Only an empty silence answered.

'Diamond take me back this instant!' Serenity shrilled. She finally broke free from his hold.

'What do you mean? I saved you!' Diamond tried to reach out to her.

'I did not ask you to save me! Now take me back!'

Diamond yelled, 'Serenity, you can stop pretending now…we are together again, and I am never letting you go. You are free from him.'

Serenity slapped his hands away. Diamonds eyes glazed over. 'So you really do not care for me, or for what I have sacrificed to save you. Have you forgotten how we were torn apart? I was dragged away into the darkness to face an eternity in oblivion, but I thought my fate was nothing compared to how you were forced into a union with that man. To have to share the rest of your life isolated on earth during the day and in his vile bed at night. Every night your screams wake me Serenity. Every night the nightmare replays in my mind and you tell me that you do not need saving. Instead of obeying and living out my exile on Nemesis I broke free. Now my life is forfeit.' Diamonds eyes glistened. He paused, searching her expression for a response. 'And you tell me that you do not need saving, that you love the human that…that…'

Just as Diamond turned away Serenity gasped his shoulder. A sicken feeling twisted her very core. Without turning he placed a hand over hers. Its warmth comforted her slightly.

'I thought that I would never see you again. It was not my intention to…love Endymion.'

'Please do not say his name like that.'

'Why?'

'It breaks my heart to hear the affection you have for anyone but me.' Diamond turned, kissing Serenity's palm. Her breath hitched for a moment. He was as handsome as she remembered. Was it really so long ago that they would spend hours lost within one another, their eyes, their thoughts and their lips. Serenity could feel her heart tearing all over again.

'Diamond, I still care for you deeply. I always will.' He lifted his lips from her palm and made for her lips. With her other hand, she placing her fingers tenderly to his firm lips. 'But Diamond, the future we promised ourselves…it can never be. No matter how much we love each other, it will never surpass the duty we have for our people, and the peace of the Silver Alliance. I see that now.'

Diamond interlaced his fingers with the ones placed on his lips. Then he gently lowered his forehead to hers before whispering, 'Serenity my love, you once told me that love can conquer all the evils of this world. You once loved me enough to allow us both to dare to hope that it was enough. Have you truly forgotten?'

'Diamond I could never forget.' She withdrew her hand away to show him the ring on her finger. It glimmered in the dim light. 'Endymion allowed me to hold onto our love. To remember the times we shared. He never wanted me to forget and he never forced me.' With the same hand she placed it on his smooth cheek.

'How can you live loving him and still love me?' he breathed in her scent, daring to keep her hold a little longer.

'I do not know. So much has happened these past few months. I know it still hurts when I think of you.'

'I cannot help thinking that if you had never been forced into a union with him that we would be together now, living happily for the rest of our lives. Please Serenity…you said you still care for me…'

Eyes overflowing with hope seared into her. Those deep violet orbs that captivated her wildest dreams back on Venus; as they danced under the moonlight; as they raced across the plains; as they frolic without a care in the wilderness; as they spent dusk till dawn laughing and teasing and caressing. Tender memories warmed her heart. It wanted to melt again, to become one with him.

But no matter how much she wanted to take his hand or to kiss him once more, it was the brilliant blue eyes that lifted her heart and pulled her towards the light. And that was the way it would always be. Something inside physically pulled her touch away from Diamond. It yeaned for Endymion.

'Diamond, I cannot. I…I belong with Endymion.'

Rage replaced the hope in his eyes. How could she dare to say his name again, the words dripping with passion? Like a poison it oozed into his spirit, killing him slowly with each syllable of his name. Diamond screamed. He screamed his hatred for that man and his name. He screamed for the intensity of love in his heart. He screamed for what he had lost. And he screamed for how he saw his love give herself completely to another. He screamed into the darkness, the echo's outlasting the burning in his lungs.

Serenity stepped back, frozen by his screams. She could feel his anguish embrace her. Once the screams and the echo's had died, Serenity wept silently.

Thanks for all the reviews - its good to hear that you are enjoying the story so far. Please feel free to keep the reviews - I like good & bad ones all the same. I will take a short break from writing (damn life getting in the way again lol!) but I promise the next chapter will be out as soon as possible N/B I plan to finish this story before I go back to work in September xxx