AN: No one really answered about doing this as a separate story. But since I don't feel like dealing with a new story, I'm just gonna post the flash back here. It's only four LONG chapters lol.

Thank you all for your reviews! I'm glad you're all loving this. If you really enjoy my storytelling, check out my socials for my OG pen name. I go by A. A. Achibane and I have one book out currently with another coming next May. Both were originally SM FanFiction that I loved so much I turned them into OGs.

Sorry to single you out like this Boston but since you're a guest I can message you privately. I wanted to answer your review question. In the first chapter the scene you mentioned is supposed to be confusing because so Usagi is confused. It's reading like I wanted but I don't want you to feel left out or anything! The screeching sound is Luna telling everyone to get back and the blurred vision is caused by the crystal encasing her. When she wakes up later Usagi mentions how strange everything looks and then the crystal breaks away. It's a continuation to help explain what was going on in that hectic scene. I hope that clears things up. Tbh, I'm updating this story just to answer you lol. Sorry, again, if you feel exposed. I just really wanted to answer your question.

Mist surrounded her, and Mamoru stood at a short distance. His hands behind his back, he grinned softly back at her. But when Usagi took a step, he held up a hand to stop her. "You're not here for that. Not tonight."

"What am I here for then?" With the hand he held to put her on pause, he pointed to his right, and Usagi followed, finding the frosty glass. "What is that?"

"It's…complicated. Think of it as a tv or stage. Only…the things on it are real. Or were real."

"It's our past?" Usagi didn't look but knew he nodded. She also didn't look to know he followed her as she stepped up to the 'window'. This time, when she touched it, it didn't disappear; it shattered. Mamoru grabbed her back to keep her safe, but it was over soon enough, and everything changed around her.

It was like the time she stepped through the glass, taking on the person's physical form in the memories. Only this time, Usagi knew all the lines of the play. She wasn't watching or playing a part; Usagi was alive in the moment and memory.

Rising from her large bed, Serenity stretched her arms high over her head with a groan. The sun shone brightly, even if fake, and it filled her with a giddiness that made her giggle. Before her handmaids arrived, she was out of her sheets and pulling out dresses to choose from. The maids chuckled when they entered, not surprised at all by her eagerness.

"My Lady is excited for the festivities?"

Serenity giggled and jumped up and down in her place, "Of course! It is my favorite time of year!!"

Morice and Jalance looked at one another and then back at Serenity, "even more than your birthday?"

With a huff, Serenity fained irritation at the two, "I stopped enjoying my birthday two years ago."

"Spoken like a true lady," Luna whipped out as she entered Serenity's room, "and a fine Princess."

"I am both of those things, so why not act like them?" The maids chuckled again, but Serenity ignored, bouncing across her bed to Luna on the floor near her door, "Is mother coming?"

"I am afraid not. The Holiday has left the Queen with much to do. She will see you later this evening at the ball."

Serenity wished she could say she was surprised, but her mother scarcely had time to spend frolicking—something for Serenity to look forward to. So instead of wallowing or pouting, Serenity dressed faster, wanting to enjoy the time she had in freedom as much as she could. As her future dictated, now would be her only chance to enjoy it.

Trading her nightgown for a day one, Serenity braided her long tails to wrap around her buns, Jalance screeching at the sight, "My Lady!!"

"Hush and calm yourselves," she said calmly to the nervous maids, "I wish some anonymity today."

Morice huffed and wore a smirk, "you are known regardless. Your golden hair and beauty have spread across the galaxy and back. You would need to hide your lunar crest regardless…."

Just as Morice said the words, Serenity wrapped a braid across her forehead, "like this?"

"That is not what I meant, your highness," Morice frowned.

"Thank you for the advice. I shall blend in all the better now."

"And what of your guard?' Jalace asked, "will they not stand out in the crowd? Today and any day?"

"They have agreed to my wishes of peace and calm. You will hardly recognize them yourselves, I dare say!"

With that, Serenity skipped out, met by the very guards spoken of. They wore simple gowns and dresses instead of their armor. It was too much to ask they go unarmed or wear colors outside their linage. It was why Serenity was flanked by the colors of a rainbow, just like the ones she'd read in her studies. It was hard to be mad when they followed her orders otherwise and looked so pretty.

Serenity looked at each woman, proud to have them as her friends and soldiers, but still viewed them with respect. Her mind spun a little, too warm or lack of food on her belly. But for some reason, the women in question had two names in her mind.

With her golden yellow dress and dark blonde hair, Thalia stood out as Minako in Serenity's mind. While the rest dark beauties, clad in red and green, were known to Serenity as Neith and Juno but as Rei and Makoto as well. They were all impossible for her to mistake; Proteus was even harder to be confused over with her bright blue hair matching her gown. And yet, Serenity nearly slipped and called her Ami when her excitement got the better of her.

"Will Haru…I mean, Tisiphone be joining us?"

Proteus shook her shoulder-length blue locks at Serenity, "no, she has business elsewhere."

"Just like mother…."

Neith flicked a black lock over her shoulder to look back at Serenity, at the head of their small group. "You should be fortunate you have the opportunity to venture out today. The Queen shoulders much of the responsibility so that you may play."

She knew this, but it still ate at her the future she would soon have to take upon herself. Made worse when Thalia placed a hand on Serenity's shoulder for her attention. "But the Queen is without a King. Match yourself with a strong husband, and you may still have all day to play."

"She doesn't need a man!" Juno screeched, fully offended, "she can handle the kingdom on her own; Serenity has no need for a husband!"

Serenity didn't agree or disagree, letting the women fight over her as they often did these days. "She should have some protection, and that comes with a King at her side," Ami added softly.

"No, what she needs is to change the system to her favor!" Rei roared, "tell them, Serenity! You will be the Queen that finally puts such antiquated beliefs to rest!"

She wanted to agree with Rei, tell them she didn't need a mate to help her rule. But even her mother was married for a time, securing the Lunar line and the kingdom. "I cannot produce an heir on my own…."

That had all of them, especially Serenity, turning red with a flush. "Serenity! You shouldn't speak of such things!!"

"I know I want to be taken care of," Minako squeaked, changing the subject slightly, "I want a man at my side to take all responsibility off of me."

The others laughed while Serenity focused on her walking. "Of course, you do, Thalia. You're accustomed to the lap of luxury…."

"And you're not, Juno? Tell me you wouldn't pick a suitor that fell at your feet?"

Minako pursed her lips in a taunt, baiting Makoto, who fell silent. They had reached the end of the corridor but not the end of the discussion, Rei picking it up for Makoto, "I don't want a simpering fool."

"They're all fools around Thalia," Ami added with a giggle.

Minako took a moment to gesture and pose, showing off her beauty even though well known. "I can't help it. However, Serenity is far worse; men fall at her feet in reverence thanks to her beauty and power."

"I do not wish for any man to do such things…." Serenity offered softly, "the most I can hope for is…a friend? Someone I can talk to as easily as I can you four?"

They all paused and gave her a sweet look, Rei the one to speak next, "and so you shall, we will be sure of it."

The rest of the walk to town was spent in idle chat, glossing over all the events they wished to visit. The small village closest to the castle was a buzz of bodies and festivities. It was the Lunar Eclipse which only occurred every two or three years. For centuries, the Lunars feared this time until Queen Selene (Serenity's grandmother) announced it as a holiday.

"When are the Earth, Moon, and Sun ever more closely together than this time?" A vendor cheered, quoting Serenity's mother.

The wink the vendor sent Serenity's way was telling, letting her know her disguise wasn't fooling all. As long as the crowd remained unaware, Serenity was fine with it, taking the tart lunula cream with a smile. The others pressed on while Serenity hung back, carefully stepping up to the man selling honey. It was from Earth and considered risqué, the sweet golden syrup divine to the point of sinful. Checking around for eyes, Serenity quickly dropped the honey into her cream and mixed it in.

She had her spoon tucked into her mouth when Serenity found eyes glued to her. He stood a distance away, yet; she felt his eyes on her as he watched her every move. A grin slipped to the side of his mouth, and her heart skipped.

He was handsome; something made more apparent as he moved through the crowd to stand before her. Serenity didn't recognize him, but there were many strangers in the town today, all from other villages and towns on the moon. The man stood out, his black locks falling happily over his brow. It nearly hid his azure eyes, but they were currently pinned to Serenity's eyes, making it impossible to move.

"Is that the secret?"

His eyes danced to her mouth, but she still felt trapped. "Pardon me?"

The man gestured to her pudding, "honey? The treat is quite bitter. Shockingly so."

Confused, Serenity glanced around, looking for some kind of clue. "This is a traditional Lunar treat; why do you speak as if you've never had it before?"

"I haven't," the man spoke confidently, "this is my first Lunar Eclipse."

The man was far from a babe, so it would stand to reason he'd experienced nearly as many as Serenity had.

He didn't give her a chance to figure it out, taking her spoon from her fingers and dipping it into her pudding. The man had her spoon in his mouth before she could say otherwise. Then he moaned, causing her skin to tingle. "Much better," the man replaced her spoon and leaned into her, his face inches from hers, "funny how it takes something from Earth to make something from Lunar tolerable?"

Serenity regained enough of her wits to tilt her head up at the man and frown. "Many wait all year to taste lunula cream. You should consider yourself fortunate to experience it yourself finally."

"Oh, I never said I didn't feel gratitude. I am wholly thankful for this experience…Miss?"

He was asking for her name, and she struggled to come up with one to give. There was no indication who this man was or if he was even friendly. Other than being familiar with her spoon, the used utensil back in her pudding and spreading his spit throughout Serenity's treat. Something about his brazen show of familiarity with her made Serenity want to put him in his place, grabbing the spoon as she spoke, "Serenity. Princess Serenity."

She punctuated her name with the spoon, putting it firmly in her mouth. The pudding somehow tasted even sweeter now, but that was her imagination. The grin that grew on the man's face was not. "How honored I am that you would be so forthcoming, your highness. Given your appearance, I would think you wouldn't want it known?"

"I wish to keep my presence secret, yes, but only so that it will afford me some peace on this day."

"The Princess does not care for her people?"

"The opposite!" She said a little too loudly, "what good would it do these people hoping to sell their lot if all are busy trying to gain my attention? I wish not to add to the competition."

"Is that why you helped the man sell his honey?" Looking over her shoulder, Serenity now found a long line to the honey vendor, "Such a beauty, licking and enjoying his product? I dare say you cause competition for all regardless, Serenity."

It was how he said her name, so informally as well as the tone with the deep cords of his voice making her shiver, that Serenity dared to ask. "And just who are you, brave Sir?"

The man smirked and grabbed her spoon away from her, taking more of her pudding without asking. "Endymion. Prince Endymion."

That was why she didn't know him; he was a Prince from another planet. It also explained his interest in her. Prince Endymion would have known who she was at first glance. He'd come over to try and convince her to an alliance of some sort. Giving his closeness and candor, she guessed it would be one by marriage.

Pushing her pudding into his hands, Serenity got free of Endymion and his dark gaze. "I shall take my leave then. You're welcome for the tip."

She turned to go, but the Prince grabbed her elbow and held her close, "just a moment longer, I beg of you, my Lady." Ready to scream, Serenity halted a moment more when she caught the guards that passed. They were from the palace and would recognize her in an instance. Opening her mouth to call out to them got the spoon shoved in her mouth, silencing her, "I promise, I mean you no harm, Princess." Endymion whispered, "I only wish to go…unnoticed, same as you."

Fear was the last thing in her body, but she still searched out her guards, looking for Minako, Rei, Ami, or Makoto. But they were long gone thanks to her needing some secrecy. She got the spoon out of her mouth just in time to watch the palace guards walk out of sight, watching them dumbly while trying to understand.

"You wish to hide from armed men? That is highly suspect, Endymion."

He smirked, and her lungs fluttered. "Let us call it displacement. I'm not where I'm supposed to be currently. And it makes others…nervous."

"I should say so," Serenity whispered, "my guards will be searching for me, and if I'm not found alone, there will be trouble for you."

"Is that a warning from the Lunar Princess? I'm honored."

She frowned, and he chuckled. "You mock me while all I am doing is showing concern for your well-being."

Endymion stepped closer, no space between them now as he put her in his shade. "Is that your way of saying you care about me?" He was still teasing her, baiting for a reaction, so she gave him none, turning to leave. But she was still trapped, his grip firm and unyielding on her elbow. "If your highness is so concerned for my well-being, she should stay with me a little while longer."

"If you wish me to stay," Serenity said with a glare, "then you should be kinder."

He pulled her back onto his shadow, "I am nothing but kind. I can assure you of that!"

Endymion was grinning again, and it made Serenity shiver. It was then that he dipped into the pudding and held out the spoon for her mouth. She raised a brow and rose to the challenge, eating off the shared utensil yet again.

Endymion's grin turned lopsided and softened. "I lied," he spoke softly, "I'm not kind. Ask anyone, and they will tell you the same. But, believe it or not, this is the nicest I've ever been to a person before."

Serenity giggled, "I believe you, but I dare say even your attempt falls flat."

He frowned and dropped his head in a bow to her, "forgive me, Princess Serenity…."

"I already have," she said with a sigh, "tell me why you're in hiding?"

"Same as you, I'm sure," Endymion gestured around to all the other people around them currently, "I wish not to cause a stir. The day is not about me and who I am."

"Then why come at all?"

"Perhaps," he spoke softly again, her eyes locked on his lips, "I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I thought the Lunar…eclipse was overrated. I see the error of my ways now."

Endymion popped another spoonful of pudding in his mouth. Serenity was still watching his mouth, not thinking of anything else, when she took the spoon out of his mouth, got more pudding, and licked it clean. "Lunars used to fear the eclipse. Being cast into darkness? I admit, it makes me nervous, but the festivities more than makeup for it."

His eyes were wide since she retrieved the spoon from him, his mouth slightly ajar, so his hot breaths washed over her face. It soon curled into a smirk, leaving his mouth open to speak. "The Princess fears darkness?"

Serenity glared up at him through her lashes, "no, I'm not a child! I said it makes me nervous, that is all."

"A ball of light such as yourself would fear something like the dark."

"I told you, I am not afraid!"

Her breath caught in her throat, Endymion reaching over to stroke her ear. He pulled back with a small white feather, a bird from a stall had lost it, and it found its way to her locks. Before she could say anything about it, Endymion tucked it away in his pocket, retrieving the spoon from her fingers again. "There is no shame in having fears, Serenity," he spoke gently, "I have my own."

"Oh? And what are those?" She asked in a challenge.

Endymion looked to the ground, shuffling his feet as if nervous or embarrassed. "I fear being a leader. That I will fail my people."

Something clenched at Serenity's heart, knowing instantly that Endymion was no longer playing and that he was telling her the truth. A secret. "Any ruler who does not fear that is a fool. Or heartless."

"And you?" Endymion tipped his head up, watching her through his bangs.

It made her heart skip in her chest, looking back at their shared treat for another taste. "I fear…being the one that causes the darkness. That it will never leave."

Endymion put a gentle finger under her chin, curling it around and pushing her back up to face him. "Someone like you would never cause darkness. Not by your fault."

Serenity swallowed thickly, struggling with Endymion's words, eyes, and touch affecting her. "You…you speak as if…you know me. But you do not."

"I know enough."

She slowly pulled from his grasp and his shadow with that, "I suppose you would? Of course, a fellow monarch would know all those around him, wouldn't he? Especially if he was interested in an alliance?"

Serenity dared to look up and regretted it, Endymion lifting a single brow that made her knees shake. "Is the Princess propositioning me?"

He was teasing her again, so she teased right back. "Perhaps I am…and maybe not. You may never know." As she stepped away, Serenity caught sight of Rei, her fiery violet eyes locking on hers. "My time is up, Prince Endymion."

That was what she thought, but as Rei tried to cross the stream of people to get to Serenity, a man stepped between. His shaggy blonde hair was all Serenity could see, and Endymion turned to spy what the Princess looked at. "So it is. As is mine, I'm afraid." Endymion moved quickly, grabbing the man that challenged Rei back. "Stand down, Jadeite."

The soft and gentle tones Endymion had used the entire time he spoke to Serenity were gone. As was his smile, frowning deeply at the man who was only doing his job. Rei reached around the pair, grabbing Serenity and pulling her to her side. "This one belongs to me."

Jadeite smirked at the two of them but lingered on Rei before grabbing Endymion. He put an arm around Endymion's shoulders in an amicable manner. "And this one is mine."

While Serenity coiled deeper into Rei, Endymion nearly shoved Jadeite to the ground. "Remember your place." He growled, refusing to look at Serenity.

"And you would do well to remember yours! There are ladies present, my lord."

Endymion rolled his eyes and finally looked at Serenity, a smile threatening on his lips. She quickly turned away, hiding in Rei. "Well, this was…interesting. But we shall take our leave first." Rei pulled them out, not getting far before leaning into her ear to whispered harshly, "have you lost your senses, Serenity? We agreed to blend in so we could be at ease, not so you could do as you please!"

"Forgive me. I lost you, and that…man found me."

"You need to be wary. The guards are on high alert. Some Earthians are here, and the fools lost sight of them."

"Earthians? Here?! Today??!!"

Rei turned, facing Serenity and stopping their walk, "calm yourself; your mother invited them. She was assured they meant no harm and only wanted to learn of our society. But then they disappeared…."

Serenity was breathless, thinking of Endymion and the words he'd chosen to speak to her. He had been candid about his name and title but not where he hailed. Not that she'd asked, but now she wished she had.

Had Serenity shared lunula cream with the Prince of Earth?!

oOo

"Must every ball be a masque?" Makoto asked, twirling her mask on a finger before as they walked.

"The King enjoyed them," Ami answered but then regretted it as Serenity frowned, "take heart that your mother loved him so, Serenity, that she continues to honor him."

Serenity shook her head, curls bouncing against her cheeks, "I understand."

She didn't; how her father passed was still a mystery to her. No one would tell her the story, no matter how old she got. That was the story of her life, constantly protected even if overly so.

A fine example stood before them. Haruka was waiting in a suit at the end of the hall before the doors. She had her mask in place, but there was no doubt who she was. The large-breasted woman had no issues with wearing men's clothing as often as she could. Serenity didn't hesitate to take her elder guard's arm, the others leading the way to make their grand entrance.

It was the same as every ball; Haruka would lead her in and keep her busy with dances. Until Michiru arrived, that is. Serenity wondered if the distant guard would make an appearance this evening. "Will Rhodes be here tonight?"

"Just in time for the fireworks, little rabbit."

No one dared to cut in while she was in Haruka's arms, but Serenity didn't mind, letting her dear friend dip her and spin her around the floor. That is, until someone was fearless, making Serenity's heart leap into her throat. "May I cut in?" She recognized the voice instantly, refusing to get caught in Endymion's stare as she looked at Haruka for help. "The Queen sent me here to fetch you, Lady Tisiphone."

Haruka was about to tell Endymion off when her eyes caught something. Serenity followed her gaze and saw the Queen summoning Haruka from a distance. A pitying glance her way, and Haruka released her to Endymion.

When she continued to frown in his arms, Endymion pulled her in tighter and spun them a little more. "What has you ill with me, Serenity?"

"You did not tell me you were from Earth," she spat easily, getting her anger off her chest quickly.

"You never asked where I was from."

"It is a lie by omission." Serenity's gaze floated around the crowd, finding many eyes on them as well as a few familiar faces. Like the blonde man that took Endymion away earlier. "I didn't like the manner in which you treated your man, either."

"I told you," Endymion said, his voice tight, "I'm not a nice person."

Serenity rolled her eyes as she looked back at him; Endymion's dark orbs latched onto her. "The fact that you can be kind to me proves you have the ability. You simply lack the want."

"So what if I do?" Endymion was defensive, and Serenity failed to see why. "We are the next in line, Serenity. We will have to make hard choices that are in the best interest of our people. This means leaving others we care about behind."

"I'll never leave the ones I love behind…."

"You say that because you're a protected, naïve little girl."

The song played on, but Serenity stopped, and Endymion slowly stopped with her. Then, her face to the floor below them, she pulled from his touch and found the strength to glare up at him. "You, sir, are nothing more than a coward."

"Coward?!" He yelled, stepping closer.

"Yes, a scared little boy," he grimaced, looming over her now as she refused to back down, "scared to love or care. That is what you truly fear, Endymion, Prince of Earth. And it will be what makes you fail."

His mask did nothing to hide his eyes, vast and quivering, while his mouth took the ugliest form she'd seen, a deep frown. Another body came to her side, refusing to break the staring match she had with the Prince. "Erm…excuse me, but…may I have this dance, Princess?"

Serenity didn't look; she just offered her hand, wanting to be taken far away from the dark man before her.

oOo

The darkness had just begun, and Serenity counted the minutes as they passed, waiting for the sun to return. "Let me guess; you're anxiously awaiting the sun's return?"

Serenity had been waiting for her mother, out on the palace's veranda to watch the eclipse. But now, she was joined yet again by the Earth Prince. "What are you doing here?"

"I was invited." Endymion was back to smirking while his words from the night before still stung her heart. She went back to counting while Endymion took the spot next to her. "I should…apologize…."

"Yes, you should."

He huffed, "as should you, Princess."

Glancing behind, Serenity found Minako hovering. She took one look at her company and stepped out of sight. Serenity had the security of her life with her guard near, but Minako would not do more to save her from this man. "If I apologize, will you leave?"

"If that is what you wish?"

"I do!" Serenity spat back, looking to the Prince for the first time since he got so near. There was hurt in his eyes that he couldn't hide behind his grimace.

Suddenly, he stepped back and bowed at the waist, "forgive me, Serenity, for my mouth and thoughtless ways."

He stood, his hair falling over his brow and making her mouth dry. Then, Endymion turned, leaving her alone yet again. "Wait!" he froze and slowly turned back to her, "I have not apologized; where are you going?" He looked at the floor to hide his grin, but she still saw it, turning away from him to huff. "Although, I'm not sure why I should? I only spoke the truth!"

Endymion had returned to her side, so close, his chest pressed into her shoulder. Serenity could feel his heart as it beat heavily and quickly against her skin. "Then why do you feel guilt?"

Shaking her head, Serenity hoped to clear her mind, but it failed. "Who says I have any?"

"Don't you? Or have I misread you?"

Slowly, she tilted her head up towards his, looking over her shoulder at Endymion and his dark eyes. "You have. I feel nothing towards you."

"Nothing? Or are you stalling?"

"Stalling?"

"For once you apologize, I will have nothing more to keep me here. My visit is over, Serenity; once the eclipse has passed, I will return home."

Serenity ignored the pain in her chest and Endymion's attempts to push her. "I suppose your brash behavior shouldn't surprise me, Earthian."

He started to grin, so she looked back at the sky, "Now she insults my people? This does not bode well for peace, Serenity."

"And I suppose," she growled back, "you've never accused Lunar for your struggles? Or thought of us as monsters?" Serenity fully turned this time, completely facing Endymion, who was silent. "Do you expect me to believe you came all this way for peace while your people call us witches? Or did you come here to see if rumors were true so you could rightfully declare war?"

In a swift and sudden move, Endymion backed her up against the railing. His hands on either side caged Serenity in. "I came to see if the rumors were true, yes. And I find that all of them are, undoubtedly, reality."

"We don't eat our young…."

"Not about that. About you!"

"Me?! What about me??"

Endymion leaned in, and she tried to lean away, "They speak on end of your beauty. They call you a goddess. And although I wasn't so sure at first by your appearance alone, I do find you enrapture me."

She forced her heart back into her chest and looked anywhere but at him, "so you approached me in the market to see if I lived up to your expectations?"

"I approached you because the mere sight of you made my palms sweat." She looked back at him with that. "I thought, here's a woman that would make the Lunar Princess look like a distant star; her beauty was so bright."

Serenity never wanted her looks; it made it more complicated since it encouraged people to love her for the wrong reasons. It was why she pushed Endymion away with her fist in his chest. "I'm sorry for my harsh words, Prince Endymion. You may take your leave now."

The sun hit their shoulders as the silence stretched out. Finally, a man, different from the one before, called out to the Prince. "It is time, my lord."

Endymion said nothing more to her, leaving her behind as he walked backward to his guard, disappearing and taking the tickling feeling in Serenity's belly with him.

oOo

She barely took notice of their guide, too busy taking in the dark castle around them. Serenity's guards weren't much different, but they were most likely looking for exits and threats hiding in all the corners. The castle of the Earthian Monarchy and it was as dark as Serenity's nightmares.

The guide led them down yet another skinny hallway, and Serenity felt as if she would swoon with the need for air. She was slowly edging to the back of the group, hoping to find the chance to slip away when her arm got caught.

"Come with me," Endymion whispered, pulling her back as he spoke.

Serenity watched as the tour continued without her, allowing herself to be pulled away. Then, taking her hand, Endymion led her to where she didn't know. But as long as it was outside of the dreaded castle, she was happy.

With her destination unknown, Serenity took in her guide. He was informally dressed as she knew him best. It looked like he ran out on another task, his shirt partially tucked and chalk on his slacks. His hair was in its usual messy state, and it was made messier when Endymion ran a frustrated hand through it.

Serenity was about to ask where he was leading her when the light blinded her. Endymion held her while her eyes adjusted but released her when she gasped. She was surrounded, colors everywhere. Endymion had led her to a garden.

She stepped deeper, taking a deep breath and feeling as if she finally filled her lungs with air. And it was sweet, the floral's scent wafting with the heat of the sun. Serenity tilted her head back, washing herself clean of the darkness and feeling warm for the first time since entering the strange home. But she wasn't alone, far from it.

Endymion was watching her, his face blank of all emotion. It still made it hard for her to breathe, a different struggle than the one she had in the halls. "I heard…the lunar court was visiting?" Serenity looked at the ground instead, needing to breathe, "I didn't think you would be among them?"

"Why not?"

"Given how…we parted ways last?"

"This is for my people, Endymion," Serenity had to keep her eyes to the grass, afraid her face would tell her lie, "getting along with our closest neighbors would be…prudent."

"Is that why you looked so pale inside?" She shrugged, "You don't seem bothered now. In the sunlight and my presence."

"Your Highness…"

His shadow fell over her and Serenity suddenly felt cold. That's what she attributed to her shiver. Then, just as he did the day they met, Endymion coiled a finger under her chin and forced her to look up at him. "I haven't stopped thinking of you," he admitted breathlessly, "have you thought of me? At least once?"

She had…almost constantly. "No."

"You're a terrible liar, Serenity."

His fingers went from her chin, along her jaw, and to her cheek. Serenity was able to release a breath that stumbled out, forcing her to take in another that didn't feel as satisfying. "You would be the first to think so."

"Perhaps…no one has ever told you before?" Endymion tilted, his entire being pressing on her with only his hand touching her. "Or…you only struggle at lying when it comes to me?"

"We should…" thoughts and words tumbled in her mind, making speaking a difficulty with Endymion so close, "I should return. I will be missed."

"I know the feeling," a flush graced Endymion's cheeks, making Serenity only feel warmer. "If the lady wishes, I will lead you back."

He slowly removed his hand from her cheek and held it out for her to take. Endymion led her back into the castle but not to the tour, holding her hand gently as they strolled around the grounds. He only spoke when she asked a question, and he answered it quickly and clearly. After a few moments, Serenity twisted her fingers with his, lacing them together. They fit together perfectly, and she marveled at it until Endymion came to an abrupt stop before her.

Minako and Makoto stood before them with two other men. Serenity recognized one; he had retrieved Endymion at the end of the eclipse. The other was tall with beautiful brown waves.

The foursome took note of their hands, clasped together, and all but the strange brunette frowned. He smirked.

"What is the meaning of this?" Makoto barked.

"I was showing the Princess the castle. It is my home; I'm the best equipped."

Endymion's voice was cold and clipped, making Serenity want to recoil. But he held tight to her hand in protest. The one with white hair (that was at the eclipse) grimaced deeply. "Of all the young ladies we've introduced to you, this is the one you form an attachment to?"

Endymion released her at that, putting a hand on her back to push her carefully to her guards. "Diplomacy was suggested. Serenity was bored with the tour, so I gave her one of the gardens."

"People have started wars over less," the white-haired man growled.

"Serenity would not have wandered off without prompting," Minako yelled, "and we all know how prone your charge is to disappearances."

"It was once," Endymion muttered.

"Perhaps if you took better care of your charge, we would avoid…misunderstandings."

Minako and the white-haired man were squared up. It was interesting to see a man not fall at Minako's feet, Serenity tilting her head in wonder. Who was this man?

"Stand down, Kunzite."

He smirked down at Minako and stepped back. The brunette caught him, pulling him back further and grabbing Endymion as they made their leave. "Forgive us. Such lovely ladies in the castle have us all out of sorts."

His eyes flashed to Makoto, and Serenity caught the flush on her face before the men disappeared. But not before she did some flushing of her own, Endymion turning back to watch her as he disappeared. Unable to look away, half expecting Endymion to reappear, Serenity's view of the door was blocked by angry blue eyes.

"What are you thinking, Serenity? An Earthian?"

"There is nothing to worry about," she assured Minako, "he is nothing more than a brute. A cad. And I was only friendly to help our kingdoms. As I was told to do."

Minako stared her down, and Endymion's words echoed in her head. If Serenity was a terrible liar, then why did Minako fold after a few heartbeats? A smile was on her face as she pulled Serenity towards their guest quarters. "That's good, Serenity. You'll make a great Queen someday. I nearly thought you had feelings for the Prince of Earth!"

"Yes," Serenity murmured, "that would be ridiculous."