This was the world Serenity was raised in, glittering gowns and pressed white gloves. A few wore fine jewels on their heads, wrists, necks, and ears. It was all a ball in her honor, and yet, she never felt more alone and lost in her life.
Her mother reached over and patted her hand as they slid through the crowd; couples once spinning now halted at their arrival. An Earthan ball and all eyes were on them, the Lunars.
No one moved; even the Queen (her mother) stood still as the many took in the sight of them. Serenity prayed something would come to break the tension, filling the ample space and doubling as faces turned from blank to either sneers or grimaces. She wasn't sure what they were there for; no one here wanted the terrible Lunars near. Any doubts of the hatred towards Serenity's people -or at least the royal court- it was washed away by the hatred that flooded over Serenity and her dearest people around her.
Yet to move, Serenity, Makoto, Minako, Rei, Ami, and her mother, along with the queen's guards, stood at an impasse as the Earthans didn't move an inch save to glare. Serenity sucked in a deep breath when the crowd began to part hastily, dark hair bobbing over the masses.
She tried to get the air out of her lungs before she was met with Endymion's dark blue eyes, but it refused to leave. It was scared too. Serenity reached blindly back, grabbing a hand of whichever guard was closest. The way it squeezed back, she knew it was Ami, encouraging her to play nice.
When Endymion dipped before them, lowering to a bow, there was a slight but prominent murmur around the ballroom. He said nothing, holding out his hand for Serenity to take. His eyes never waivered either, focused on Serenity and making her heart throb. Ami took the hand she held and offered it to the Prince, and he took it without hesitation. And no one hesitated around her that she could see, her guard leaving her to her fate as Endymion led her to the dance floor.
He turned her, placing his hand on her spine to pull her in close. Serenity took one last look around, noting the eyes dropping one at a time until it was a more bearable level of onlookers. Those who continued to stare with malice, Serenity didn't take note, too busy getting swept away by the Prince of Earth.
The heat of his hand bled through her gloved one he held, making it feel as if they touched skin. The same went for the hand on her lower back, the heat making her squirm in his hold. Endymion noticed but didn't care, pulling Serenity in closer to him, his eyes locked on her face as he searched it over and over.
It wasn't until he spoke that Serenity realized her hand was at the nape of his neck, playing with the strands that met his collar. "Forgive my people…they are ignorant and stubborn."
"They sound like someone else I know," Serenity murmured, trying to break the spell.
But Endymion didn't waver, keeping his darkened irises on her face. "If I were ignorant, I never would have ventured to the moon. Nor would I be holding the Lunar Princess in my arms right now."
"Thank you," Serenity spat, surprising herself and Endymion, "you saved my family and me just now, didn't you?" He shrugged and focused on her lips, "I feared we would soon be burned at the stake by your people? But they have calmed significantly at the bravery of their Prince."
"They lack imagination."
"And you do not?"
"I have it in spades, my lady."
She giggled slightly at the thought, and Endymion smiled. It had her heart racing all the more, his white teeth framed by thick lips. Without thinking, her fingers had twisted his strands around them. Serenity was lost, lost in Endymion's orbs of the deepest blue, the upward turn of his lips, and the secret wish in her heart that she could feel his hair on her fingertips.
The song ended, and she gently released him, pushing on his chest when he made no moves to do the same. "If we dance together more than this…people will think…."
Serenity stopped, and Endymion didn't let go, "think what, Serenity?"
Now leaving his spell, she looked around at the many eyes and ears attuned to them. "People will think we are lovers," she whispered.
"What if they do?"
Whipping back to him, Serenity found Endymion all seriousness. She struggled for a response while the next song began to play. At the edge of the dancefloor, it would be easy for her to escape. Or for another to ask for her hand in dance but on Earth, she expected no such offers.
When Endymion continued to hold her still, the other couples passing by them in a waltz, Serenity was saved by another woman. "Prince Endymion," her tone was tight, and Serenity broke from Endymion instantly to give the new woman her respect, "it isn't fair that you allow yourself to be monopolized so…."
Endymion had yet to look at the woman, her black eyes dancing between the two of them. Serenity offered the woman a smile, "she is right; there are many who would like a dance with the Prince, I am sure."
"What others like is of no concern to me," Endymion spat back venomously.
She glared up at him, and he winced, dropping his hands from her, and Serenity took her freedom willingly, turning fully to the woman. She was beautiful, fiery red hair that spilled down her back in waves. Her body was that of a woman, making Serenity feel inadequate but she didn't fault the woman for her misfortune.
"Hello, I'm Serenity, Princess of the Lunar Kingdom…"
"I know who you are," the woman said with a tight smile.
"Then you should be in a bow," Endymion growled.
The woman flinched but soon began to drop. Grabbing her gently, Serenity stopped her, "There's no need. The Prince is too harsh."
"I am not," he growled again but softer this time.
The woman focused on Serenity, gently removing her touch from her. "I'm Lady Beryl, the daughter of Lord Magnus. I stand to inherit his title… but I suppose that's nothing compared to what you have to offer?"
Beryl's eyes flitted to Endymion who said nothing, crossing his arms over his chest in indignance. Serenity's eyes went to the floor beneath them, taking in the short hem of Beryl's gown and how it was littered with white and sparkly stones. The sadness in Beryl's tone was hard to miss; this woman cared for Endymion and wanted him. In contrast, his attention was on Serenity. And for what? The woman made it clear, saving Serenity from making a mistake.
"Fear not, Lady Beryl, I am a Lunar and Endymion an Earthan. Even if we were serious of an alliance, it would never be allowed."
"Forgive me," Beryl said quickly, "I did not mean to imply…oh no, I'm sorry, Princess Serenity, I have hurt your feelings."
Popping up, Serenity caught the sincerity on Beryl's face and quickly forced a smile on her face. "You have done no such thing. The Prince was only being kind, helping me ease into the Earthan court. Nothing more. He is all yours, Lady Beryl."
She wasn't sure what part of what she said was wrong or offensive, but Beryl's mouth twisted to a frown. Perhaps, it was the Prince's willingness to help a Lunar? Or that Serenity had admitted to trying to gain an in to the Earthan court? It should be no secret; the Lunar Kingdom wanted to be on better terms with Earth. But, after centuries of trying, maybe it was a lost cause. Serenity was nothing if not determined, even if the Prince was less than tolerable.
Turning she faced him one last time, Serenity bowed her head to the Prince, "thank you again, Prince Endymion. I think this bodes well for the future of our Kingdoms."
When she lifted her head to take one last glance, Endymion wouldn't look at her, frowning over his shoulder at nothing. She gave one last smile and nodded to Beryl before hastily leaving the dancefloor.
Serenity didn't stop moving until she found a friendly face, Rei and Minako talking softly yet animatedly. She reached out, and they took note, ending their conversation and taking her offered hands to pull her in close. Circled, Serenity felt at ease for the first time in hours.
"I'm shocked the two of you are not dancing?" Rei and Minako never wanted for willing dance partners, and yet, here they stood without, "I hope this is not for my sake?"
"If we were asked," Minako spat, "we would have turned them away. Something you should do as well, Princess."
Rei's head shook with hers, "we cannot offend these people, Thalia."
"Neith is right," Serenity added, "we will never have peace if we continue to act higher than others."
Minako huffed, "we are higher. These Earthans are nothing more than jealous, simple-minded creatures, with nothing to offer us in return for our generosity."
"Nothing?" The three of them turned at the voice; the blonde-haired man that stood by Endymion at the Lunar Eclipse smirked back at them, "Lady Thalia has clearly never seen one of Earth's sunrises? Or swam in one of our warm oceans?"
"Of course, I haven't, "Minako spat back at the man, "Is that why your Prince runs wild? Is his guard too busy chasing the sun and water? I do not need the silly distraction!"
Serenity's heart was in her belly with the worry of the offense, but the man just continued to smile brightly at them. "Forgive me; I was under the impression your Princess was a kind woman?"
"Serenity is the sweetest!!" Rei yelled, and Serenity grabbed her to calm her quickly.
The two women around her fell for the man's baiting so easily; it was almost comical. He chuckled softly, and Serenity's smile couldn't be contained. "Then it would stand to reason Princess Serenity wouldn't allow her Guard to miss such wonders of this planet? After all, she afforded you such freedom during the Lunar Eclipse?"
"Do not compare us to yourself," Rei growled, "we are on another level in comparison."
"Oh?" He stepped closer and held a hand out to Serenity. She took it, watching Rei and Minako glower back at the man, too busy fighting to notice he was pulling her towards the dance floor, "then you won't mind me taking her for a turn? Since you're so far out of my league in skill, I pose no threat, correct?" Nothing more was said, and Serenity giggled all the way to the floor. The man pulled her in but kept her at a distance that was far more fitting for a waltz. "It is a shame your Guard does not find me as humorous."
His eyes were still on Rei and Minako, more focused on Rei than anyone else. "They are usually more accommodating. I apologize for offending you…."
"Never you worry. I am used to much worse," the man turned his smile down to her, "Sir Jadeite of the Earthan Guard. And the bane of existence to all those too serious to enjoy life, it would seem."
She giggled, "they aren't that bad, I promise. You cannot be surprised by their apprehension on your planet?"
"The Princess has a point," he spun her out and waited to speak when she was near again, "however, there are many fearful rumors of your planet as well. Yet, here I am, getting close without fear."
Serenity's face fell, watching their feet instead, "of which rumors do you speak? The one where we live forever? My father died just like any other, so that should dispel that thought."
"I know. I'm sorry for your loss."
"Thank you," she responded as usual when someone said things about her father.
"The rumor I am curious about, though, is the one of magic? They say you Lunars are blessed with powers beyond imagination?"
Serenity sighed ruefully. Of course, that is the one Jadeite wanted to know of. "We cannot alter our appearances. And we cannot force others to do our will. Mostly, what you all consider magic, we call science."
"I am familiar with that study," Jadeite answered with a smile, "We have our own here on Earth. But you must admit, your science far exceeds our own."
Serenity knew little about the inner workings of her planet's science. That was Ami's field, not hers. "They keep me in the dark on many matters such as these," Jadeite's smile fell a little and Serenity knew then, she was being worked over. But she didn't care in the least. There was nothing to hide, and it would dispel fears if she were candid. "They say…that most of our amenities come from the goddess Selene, who blessed us with a life on the moon far from others. It is why we were there before Earthans were spawned. And why Earth fears us so because we are different. Different origin stories make for scary bedtime tales."
"What about the powers Selene left behind? Do you inherit them when you ascend?" Jadeite asked, a brow raised.
"It is not that simple," Serenity said with a sigh, "if the power doesn't accept me then I will be without. The next worthy candidate will appear someday and receive the 'gifts'. But keep in mind, the powers are nothing extraordinary."
Jadeite's brow lifted in inquisition, "the Lunar Kingdom has been peaceful for well over a century; how would the Princess know what the gifts were capable of until they are her own?"
He had a point, for no one would tell her a thing until they were forced to. Serenity was sure the crystal, the gifts left behind by Selene, were nothing of note. Otherwise, there would be far more struggles over it as power begets power, does it not?
She was about to point this out to her partner when her eyes drifted on their own. There, a couple of partners away was Endymion with Beryl in his arms. A fitting pair, Serenity tried to remind herself that it was the way it should be.
Serenity pressed her eyes back to Jadeite too late, his eyes following hers and then huffing. "That is a rare sight," he turned back to her quickly, "I suspect our time together will come to a swift end."
"Why do you say that?" She asked, confused by Jadeite's sudden discomfort.
"Let us call it a hunch," she didn't let him get away with such an answer, and he smirked soon, "my Prince is not like you, Serenity. He is shy and brusk. The Prince doesn't take well to others, and he barely tolerates his guard and me. But, as the closest thing he has to a friend, believe me when I tell you, whatever attention he shows you are special. You are unique, and that is more than just a tribute to your beauty and linage."
She shook her head hard, "he shows me no favoritism. On the contrary, I dare say he barely tolerates me as well. Endymion only wants an alliance, same as me."
"If that comforts you, Serenity, then feel free to think as such. However, you are only the next in line, the same as he. So an alliance would be determined by your elders, would it not?"
"If that were possible, it would have already occurred. Endymion is smart; he knows it is up to the two of us if there is to be a resolution."
Jadeite sneered, his smile forced, "Is that why the Princess is so kind towards my master?"
She didn't answer, for she had nothing to say. Nothing that she could admit. Not to Jadeite and not to herself. Just when she worried her silence was telling, Endymion and Beryl appeared at their side. Beryl smiled softly at her, and Serenity returned the sentiment. In contrast, Endymion's face was stuck in a grimace that he aimed at Jadeite.
"My lege. I expected you some time ago. I have acquired all the information I needed and relinquish my partner to you."
At that, all movement between Beryl and Endymion stopped, and he dropped his hands from her hastily. Without a word from her, Endymion swept Serenity back into his arms as soon as Jadeite dropped Serenity from his. But before the Prince could take her away, Jadeite grabbed Endymion's shoulder hard. "Best behavior, my Prince."
Endymion shrugged Jadeite off and pulled Serenity tightly to him. It was far from appropriate, but he neither cared nor allowed her to push him away. They spun, but it was far from the expected dance and what the others around them did.
His breath was in her ear, and Serenity noted the manner in which his hands shook this time, holding her differently than before entirely. Serenity needed to say something, "Jadeite is…a good man."
Endymion's grip tightened and began to hurt. "You like him?"
"Yes," Endymion huffed loudly at her response, "do you?"
"He is a servant. My guard and nothing more."
"My guard are far from servants, and I love them dearly. Is the Prince of Earth so cold that he would forsake those who love him the most?"
Endymion was still in her ear, his voice tingling as it traveled down her spine, "If they loved me so, then why would they steal the only thing I've ever wanted for myself?"
"What did they steal from you?!" She asked, aghast.
"Would you…prefer to dance with Jadeite?" He whispered, changing the subject. "I'll return you to him if you wish with thanks."
"Thanks?"
"I suppose we are even. I saved you with a dance just as you are saving me."
Serenity twisted her head as much as she could, looking around them from her resting place against Endymion's chest. Eyes were on them again, but she searched for someone in particular. And there she was, Beryl, standing on the side of the dancefloor, waiting.
Serenity pushed again, and this time, Endymion allowed her some space. She regretted it, for now, he looked down at her with his eyes nearly black. "I am keeping you…."
"That you are."
She tried to release him and allow him to return to Beryl, "why did you interrupt your dance? You had Beryl in your arms!"
"She wasn't the one I wanted in my arms!" he shouted, a few heads turning their way. "I don't…dance."
Stepping back up so their conversation would remain as private as possible, Serenity searched Endymion's face this time. "All evidence to the contrary, your Highness."
There was a slight flush to Endymion's cheeks that Serenity wondered the cause. Was it the heat of the room and the exercise they received or something else? Jadeite said Endymion was shy, was he embarrassed to dance with her? With anyone?
"Do you want to leave?" Endymion tilted his head, his mouth parted in confusion while not taking his eyes off her. "If you are not comfortable, then you should leave…."
"If you will accompany me?"
This was how Serenity found herself back in the Earth Kingdom's gardens. The night air was warm and thick feeling. It was as if it was full of something, but Serenity wasn't sure what. And she could not see home; the Moon was hidden by what looked like dark cotton stretched across the sky.
"It will rain soon," Endymion said, and Serenity turned to look at him, "the air is full of moisture, and the clouds are covering the sky."
"Is it on your schedule to have a rain?" Endymion had been spying the sky, but with Serenity's question, he gave her an incredulous look, "our climate is controlled, and therefore our rains are scheduled."
"We do not have such science here. Earth has its own means, and they control us."
Serenity looked back to the sky, eyeing the fluffs in the dark sky closely, "amazing."
Voices filtered over the silence and Endymion grabbed her hand, leading her deeper into the darkness. They passed a few guards, but nothing was said or done as they dug deep into the garden. Endymion didn't stop until they were utterly alone yet surrounded by elegance.
Serenity pulled away in a trance and Endymion released her as she walked right up to the strange flower. "This is beautiful. What is it called?"
"A rose." He stepped up behind her and reached around, plucking a bloom for her and handing it over after a few moments of messing with it. "Here."
Serenity caught the spots of blood on his hand and gasped, taking the rose with one hand and grabbing his injured one with the other. "You're hurt?!"
"It's nothing."
She didn't listen, taking the bloody finger closest to her and kissing the wound without thought. When she opened her eyes and lifted her head, going so slow her neck began to hurt, Endymion was less than an inch away. His breath rained over her heavily. At least his eyes weren't imprisoning her, stuck on her mouth instead. The one lamp nearby was behind her, lighting his face so she could see just where his attention was without guessing. The flames danced in his orbs, making it look as if they were what was on fire.
Serenity shivered from the intensity and pulled away, "we should..discuss our kingdoms while we can."
"Our..kingdoms? What of them?"
She had tried to release his hand, but Endymion held hers tight. And Serenity didn't attempt to pull away…unable to. "It is up to us to change our futures."
"I agree," Endymion said, his voice deep and husky.
It made her shiver again, turning so her back was to him even with her hand in his grip. "We could at least be…friendly towards one another? A friendship between our kingdoms would benefit, would it not?"
Suddenly, Endymion's hold weakened, and her hand fell against her side in surprise. "Is that what you desire from me? A friendship?"
Now she turned, facing him in the dark. The light was no longer behind her, so Endymion's face was no longer illuminated. "Of course, I do."
"Is that what you see in me? You see an ally and nothing more?"
Even without seeing it, Serenity dropped Endymion's gaze, twisting her skirts between her fingers. "It matters not what I want. If there is no understanding of peace between our people, we will never be allowed anything more than friendship. If even that much. And I…I wish to keep seeing you, Endymion."
It was a truth she hadn't admitted to even herself. But the sweet scent of the roses around them, the thick, warm air coating her skin, and the sounds of Endymion's gentle cords had Serenity out of sorts. Regardless of her feelings, Endymion had admitted to missing her. Was it too much to hope that he would continue to see her? Serenity hoped he would if they were friends as she couldn't ask for more. And neither could he, not that he would.
"I do not have friends, Serenity," her heart dropped to the ground and shattered, "I told you, I am not nice. I'm not kind, and if you have learned nothing from your time here other than this, then it has been a fruitful trip. I am who I am asked to be, a ruler. My sole focus is my people and my duty to them. The man on the dancefloor? The one that danced with you to save you from others? That is not me. It isn't who I am, not at all."
"Then who are you?" Serenity screamed, raging from heartache, "if not that man, then who are you, Endymion?"
"I am the goddamn Prince of the planet you stand on, that's who."
"So? What does that mean? Endymion, if you care for nothing, then you will have nothing in return!"
"Then there will be nothing for others to take away from me." He spat bitterly.
There was a new pain in Serenity's heart as it bled for the broken man before her. "Endymion…"
"Is this why relations between our kingdoms have failed? Foolish ideas of friendship and caring? No wonder our people hate one another; get your head out of the clouds, Serenity, before someone cuts it off while you're not looking."
"Would you be the one?" Serenity took a step back, leaving her heart behind as she planned to run. "With so little thought or care for my feelings, would the Prince of Earth be the one that takes my head? Or is my heart enough for you?"
His jaw dropped for a moment, picking it back up only to grimace at the grass. Serenity watched for a few breaths as his cheeks danced with tension before turning on her heel and running. It was a blind dash, not knowing which way to go. When Makoto's voice called out to Serenity (near), she was covered with sweat.
"Do not tell me," Makoto frowned, "that you were off with that no-good Prince of Earth again?!" Makoto had never been this angry with her, seething to the point of panting. "Why were you running? Did he try something untoward with you?! I'll kill'em."
Makoto's language always suffered when she was in a rage. Serenity quickly dashed the remaining distance and wrapped her arms around the livid soldier. "No, of course not!"
Pulling her back, Makoto still had a look of hatred on her face. "It's not an absurd leap! You're beautiful and powerful. And he is a man. The Prince to a dying kingdom!"
"Dying?! Our kingdom isn't dying!"
The man with long brown waves hustled up to them, and Makoto threw out an arm to hold him back. He didn't get near enough for such a defense, but Makoto didn't drop her guard.
"It's far from thriving," Rei growled, coming up to Serenity's side, "and with all your people inside talking of Lunars as a means to an end, it's not hard to figure out your Prince's intentions."
"Hold your tongue!" Jadeite spat from behind Rei as if the two had arrived together. "I won't allow you to sully Prince Endymion's name!"
"Or is that your plan?" The wavy-haired man asked, "do you plan to force Prince Endymion's hand? Does the Lunar Kingdom crave the Earth so much they will make up a bias to get it?!"
"Serenity would never! It's your Prince that keeps stealing her away to secluded places! We all know very well why men do that!" Rei screamed.
They were on the terrace, but the music still didn't cover all their words as a few onlookers began to step out of the ballroom. Whispers began to fly, and Serenity tugged on Makoto. "Stop this. Nothing happened; we are causing a scene…."
"Damn right, nothing happened. Prince Endymion has had handfuls of beautiful women throw themselves at him. Not once has he taken advantage. If you think for a second that you're the prettiest one to try then…."
"That's enough!!" The brunette's mouth slapped shut as the older man with long white hair commanded. "The moon princess is right; you are making a scene. Prince Endymion is missing, and you two are playing with words and fire that you don't understand. GO!"
Both Jadeite and the other guard fled. Serenity would have too from the older man's ferocity, but Rei held her still. Then, the powerful soldier fell to his knees, bowing deeply to them. "Forgive Nephrite, your highness. He has had a strained life and forgets himself from time to time."
Pulling from Rei, Serenity stepped up to the bent man, touching his shoulder, hoping he would rise soon. "All is right. Have no fear, good sir. It makes me happy to see those who are passionate about Endymion and his well-being." When he remained lowered and looking up at her, Serenity could stand it no more. "Please rise. It vexes me."
He lifted and wore a smirk. "I'm not surprised," his eyes danced to the women behind her then away from them completely, "you are well cared for as well, Princess."
Serenity followed his gaze, finding Minako at the end of it looking shell-shocked. Then turned back to see Endymion leave the darkness of the gardens, freezing at the sight of the group. His eyes lingered on her for a moment but then quickly dropped to the ground. When he raised them again, he looked to the man before her. "Kunzite, you're not terrorizing our guests?"
The man, Kunzite, wore a militaristic smile, befitting a soldier. "No, my lord, I am not."
"No, that was your other men! Nephrite and Jadeite!" Makoto tattled.
"It was a misunderstanding," Serenity pleaded.
Endymion glanced at her as if to remind himself she was there, then back to Kunzite. "I expect you to handle this."
Kunzite slapped a fist to his chest and bowed his head. "Yes, your highness."
"Serenity," Minako cooed, suddenly at her side, "Ami is waiting for you inside. The Queen is ready to leave."
Endymion didn't offer to walk her inside. Instead, he left in another direction, far from her. No one questioned Serenity's blatant lies when she told them she was fine, even as she cried herself to sleep that night.