Weary from her lack of rest the Princess stumbled through the doors into the dining hall. Rubbing her right eye carefully the petite figure slumped into her chair wearily.
"Princess, you were absent from your room between the hours of 12am and 3am."
Mercury raised her head from where it had previously been buried in her itinerary. Jupiter, Goddess of Protection, nodded beside her and swallowed her mouthful of sweetbread.
"I noticed your window was ajar on my patrol route and we monitored it all night."
Sudden silence fell across the table of five women; awaiting some sort of feasible excuse. Minutes felt like hours as the silence stretched onwards, unbroken and unwavering.
Luna flung open the door, cheeks flushed red and fabric swinging around her bare feet. The sudden motion and clatter caused all to turn their heads to the Princess' personal advisor.
"The envoy has arrived, from Kinmoku! The Princess bears gifts, and brings only three guardians. Please hurry to the throne room!"
Skirts clutched high around her thighs the Princess raced for the throne room. Alone. Having had to return to her quarters in order to retrieve her crown. The likelihood of her arriving at the throne room before their company was slim - though still possible.
Bursting through the heavy door she releases the fabric bunched up in her hands, but it's too late.
Just as she reaches the steps the palace doors open slowly, receiving the small envoy into the Silver Palace. Gathering herself, Serenity turned to the approaching trio and their following princess. As they stop before the steps, she looks down upon them and bows her head in gentle curtesy.
"Envoy of the planet Kinmoku, Guardians of Kinmoku and Princess Kakyuu. On the behalf of our humble Silver Millenium I welcome you graciously to our fair land."
Rising from her place Queen Serenity stands beside her daughter with a careful smile. Nodding to the Princess she signalled a pair of Guards to receive the offered gifts and carry the chests away to their treasury.
"But you have travelled far. My daughter and her guardians would be more than honoured to escort you to your quarters."
As if on queue, Mars and Venus move to accompany the silver-haired guardian, the woman almost oozing arrogance and charm. Mercury and Jupiter escorted out the other guardian, with an intelligent face and focused eyes.
"Princess Kakyuu, you and I have much to discuss. Please follow me. My daughter will tour the palace with the Head of your Warriors."
The two, speaking in hushed tones, leave the room without another word to their accompanying party.
Between the two left the silence stretched on. As soon as Serenity was sure that her Mother was gone she presently slumped to the floor and removed her crown in order to readjust her surely odd buns.
"Ah...Princess?"
Raising her head the blonde returned the heavy, pearl-studded crown to her head and rose.
"My apologies. I ran, and my hair most likely - well. Nevermind."
"Of course, Princess. My title is Sailor Stat Fighter, Head of the Guard."
"Sailor Star Fightet, Head of the Guard...what a mouthful! Call me Serenity, informally Usa."
Turning to lead her out from the throne room the Princess looked back, tilting her head and winking childishly.
"You coming, Star Fighter?"