We've got stars directing our fate
and we're praying it's not too late
'cause we know we're falling from grace
-Robbie Williams, "Millennium"
The rays of the sun shone through the window, bathing her room in golden light. It didn't discriminate with what it touched, having no preference for it being wood, stone, or cloth. It didn't seem to mind at all that it crept up the bed like fingers cast by the finest goldsmith, grasping without actually doing so to sheets of deep crimson. Moreover, it didn't give a damn at all that it gave its attention to the two women laid out amid the confines of the sheets.
In a sprawl she was laying; had she been awake she would have found it offensive in some fashion because she never slept like that. She was a dignified sleeper, one who as soon as she laid down did not move until she awoke later. A perfect specimen of how one should sleep if there was ever such a thing. Instead there she was, sprawled out over the blonde who was equally sleeping as she currently was with limbs everywhere.
Just before dawn was when she always awoke, a habit instilled in her since she could remember. By the time dawn actually arrived she would be up, cleaned and dressed and ready to start her day. Often with meditation first and then chores, whereas other times it was chores first then meditation. It was whatever her grandfather had for her to do that dictated her day, but she never minded. Even after he was gone, she still varied her day depending on what needed to be done. It was a variety, the only real variety she had to claim in her life.
This then was the change. She had never napped in the middle of the day yet Minako had introduced her to that the first time they had … or rather, the blonde had done anything to her. Then there was every time that followed, an insitute of change to her life and routines. Even if she didn't include the things that Minako had … introduced … her to, certainly there was a lot of change to life as she knew it. From sparring and physical calisthenics, there was a lot of history given to her in the forms of simple talking. When she was with Minako, outside of these … physical expressions of their bodies, the blonde would detail out the palace and the inhabitants.
She learned the layout of the palace, the quickest routes to take from one point to another. After all, Minako had timed her on that, often time with some delivered note by the various guards of the Lunar army that did not have an issue with them. The note was always simplistic in its wordings, yet she couldn't help but imagine that there was some smirk on the Venusian's face each time she drafted one of them. Sure enough, she'd be waiting for her wherever it was at, looking like the wait never bothered her at all and with a smile. Some offhanded remark as well, maybe about how long it took her, before the blonde would mention that outside main hall, if she took the corridor by the first painting depicting a waterfall, she could get to the training yard ten minutes faster. Or, if she took the first left, followed by the third right, and took the passage by the vase with the red flowers, she could get to Mare Serenitatis in fifteen minutes, instead of close to the standard hour if not more if the nobles were especially out and wanting to mingle and generally get in the way.
That was important to know, because Minako had been waiting out there for her by the lake on a blanket. She was out of her standardized uniform that they all wore, instead in a soft yellow sundress and sandals. Lounging she wore that and a smirk, calmly stating that had she not arrived in this time frame, she wouldn't have gotten her reward. Her reward indeed left her gasping for air on her back in pleasure on the blanket, surrounded by the wildflowers and the soft kisses from Minako along her body.
When it wasn't that, the blonde would walk with her, explaining to her the ranking structure of the various guards; things she would question her about whenever she was being timed on where she was to appear to recall their insignia. She learned of the courtly gossip, who various nobles were and which ones to avoid. Not that she couldn't talk to them, just that it might not be in her best interest to. A few times was all it really took to doubt her, to mingle a bit only to understand just what the Venusian was talking about. Snubbed more often than not, the biting words that were barely contained to be spoken once she turned her back told her that the Lunarians were mostly petty and full of bigotry, having little regard for anyone no matter who they were, if they were not of the Moon.
It felt so silly that it would offend her, but in those times that she spoke to Makoto, she found that the Jovian was also deeply affected by how the Lunarians regarded them. Certainly the not present Princess was quite loved and adored by the Lunar people, but that she needed guards seemed so outlandish. It wasn't like the Princess would ever leave the Moon; never mind that she was on the Earth of all places, so why would she need guards? Their only saving grace was their own status among their own planets; the nobles of court found it best that the less civilized planets had their own first born Princesses serving as her guards, though truly they must be hand maidens. But not very good ones, for of the four of them it was only Minako who looked presentable. Yet she was a Venusian, and whatever favor she might have had was instantly negated by that simple fact.
Ami, she was surprised, shared the same thoughts as the rest. Maybe she thought that the Mercurian would be different somehow, yet no matter her intelligence and mind that was nearly as perverse as the Venusian's, the way they were treated by the majority affected her. Like some barely tolerated outcast or barbarian at the gate, few of the Lunarians liked them much less the thought there were here. The occasional one that did wasn't enough to offset the scorn levied, making her further and further glad in a fashion that … she had the others. Of everyone, they were the only ones that understood the sensation, even if really of them, she was the most clueless as to why they were even here in the first place.
The sun however did not care about it. The sun was neutral and ultimately uncaring in how beings treated each other. If apathy could be such a good trait, then surely the sun would be worshipped as a deity. At the moment though, the sun was making its way inside, signifying that it was beyond dawn. That importantly … she was late in waking. With a start her eyes flew open, blinking away the haze that clouded her vision and judgement in a blanket of comfort and seduction. A few moments of such brought her world back into focus, glancing to see it was not too late, perhaps five minutes past when she'd normally awaken.
Her gaze left the window to return to the things directly in front of her. It wasn't hard to do, more so given it was a breast filling her eyes. It rose and fell slowly, gently with each breath that Minako drew under her. It was smooth, seemingly perfectly formed and just the right size for either of her hands to cup. Her flesh was supple, seemingly kissed by the sun and she more than knew that Minako had no tan lines whatsoever. Topped by soft nipples that gave away her desires when they hardened, fitting perfectly between her fingers to be plucked or pulled on by her teeth.
Instantly she felt her face flush. It really never seemed to matter how up close and personal she got to Minako, the fact that she was … was right there. Naked… Exposed… Her thoughts left her in some hazy thoughtless daze that at best, all she could do was just stare. Under her ear she could hear the steady beat of the blonde's heart, the way her breath was drawn in and out of her body with each inhale and exhale. Swallowing hard her hand rose from its sprawled position of before, fingertips trailing along the smooth skin she was resting on. It was much of a facade as the blonde herself was, a veil of hidden pretenses that guarded who she ultimately was.
A smooth exterior with a few marrs of showing that she dedicated her life to this. Maybe a bit over zealously, but she was devoted to it, there was no question about it. But to what end was she doing it, what was she getting from it? It certainly wasn't acceptance from the Lunar court or its staff; she still recalled how the head seamstress spoke to her before going to get her fitting for the over abundance of clothing that now hung in her wardrobe. She highly doubted it was this sense of staying busy, the constant drills and the sparring. Though she understood that Minako loved to dance … a love of dancing couldn't be enough compensation for the slights and insults levied at her.
Fingertips trailed, feeling muscles under their wake. She was quietly strong, a graceful woman that could twirl about with the greatest of ease all to stick a sword in someone's neck until it exited out the other side. It screamed elegance in all of her movements, a self confidence borderlining often, if not completely breaking through that line, of smug arrogance. Maybe that was to be expected though … superficial as they were, as she was really … it just seemed natural that Minako would be exactly as everyone knew a Venusian would be. Yet she was that and more. Far more. Her breath was warming the flesh of the blonde, little beads of moisture forming on her skin from the sheer heat her body produced naturally.
Entranced, hypnotized … she felt almost enthralled. Like the flames she would meditate with and lose track of time before, the rhythm of Minako's breathing, the rise and fall of her breasts… She swallowed hard, almost snapping out of it with a turn of her head and for what really, her gaze snapped right back to where it was. Lacking care she turned slightly, her mouth better posed to leave a soft, barely there kiss to the skin she had spent who really knew, much less cared, time looking at. Under her, Minako remained asleep, not moving outside of those that came from being alive. It wouldn't do, her mouth trailing as lips left a pathway to the same nipples she had been staring at prior.
She was rewarded with a soft catch in breath, an almost hum, but it still wasn't enough. Wanting far more; it must be Minako's influence on her, her lips parted for a single swipe of her tongue. That got her what she wanted, the feel of hands, even laden with sleep, against her body. Then there was the arch of the blonde's body, her back rising upwards with the tilt back of her head into the bedding. Not a pillow because none of them seemed to have remained on her bed but it didn't stop either of them in any activity, much less that of sleeping. There was also the louder gasp too, the way that her heart began to beat faster, the sound of her breathing increasing.
There was a sound, something that sounded suspiciously like a moan and a gasp, that followed. The warm body under her was squirming a bit, shifting this way and that as Minako awoke. The sleep laden hands of before were becoming purposeful, tangling in her hair. Not to move her head, but to keep it where her lips currently entertaining. Legs shifted in the bedding to either side of her, tangling just as much as her hands were doing in her raven hair, hardly finding rest. The gasping sounds weren't vanishing, just transforming into something more. Something that sounded like pleas in a fashion, told to her by way of vocalizations and the way her body moved, that begged of her not to stop.
Finding that she was only far too happy to continue on; why wouldn't she be when she started this all anyway?, hardly in a rush, enjoying the moment for what it was. Her moment, her direction, the blonde under her at her complete mercy and for once, not fighting for superiority in their intimacy. It was everything she wanted, having nothing to do with some lofty feeling of control or domination. It was instead Minako giving in, relaxing and putting aside the expectations that defined her and forced her hand. Difficult to explain, far more difficult to put to words and not just feelings, it wasn't something that needed to be dwelled on right now.
Certainly not right now. Right now was for the pursuit of pleasure. Right now was for the pursuit of everything she wanted, right in this very moment.
"Oh fuck we're late!"
She was waiting out in the main room, her hands irritably still tugging at her clothing. The damn uniform that she didn't really care for yet still had to wear. She still didn't like it, even less so since she had been rushed into it once Minako realized the time. Perhaps she should have realized that the Queen was returning today and taken that into account, but leave it to Minako that despite everything, she just couldn't forget. That was probably what irritated her the most, not really the clothing or the fact she was standing waiting for the rest and the Venusian to arrive, but that no matter what she did … the blonde simply could not forget.
Perhaps a minute later both Ami and Makoto walked into the room where she stood, both looking none too pleased about the situation. While they all were prone to rise at dawn and meet for breakfast, it was with the understanding that they would then break for training or their own activities. That they both knew the Queen was arriving today, this very morning … if she wasn't here already … meant there was an almost ominous presence in the air. Worse than a weight hanging over them, it felt like a strangulating force, recalling memories of her dreams that plagued her on Mars, the night that she confessed to Minako that she was having such visions. It was like a hand, prompting her hand to rise to her throat almost as though that phantom hand was there.
The gesture was for once, not taken as an opportunity to jab at her or the relationship she had with Minako. Both Ami and Makoto would find near any chance to press her buttons, especially if she had some mark on her pale skin left there by the blonde. It wasn't exactly malicious, but neither did she exactly look forward to it. Instead both looked at her and nodded, the Jovian fussing with her boots while the Mercurian was worrying a hand through her hair far more than any other time before saying something. "We knew all this time yet it was so easy to just pretend that the day wasn't coming."
"Is the Queen really that bad?" Really, all she had to go off of was just second hand knowledge. Unlike the nobles of court, she couldn't just go out and find out for herself. Even Minako rarely spoke of the Queen, just that she was … she was … nice? The blonde was often at a loss for words when it came to describe the Lunar ruler, outside of rather common words. Like she was driven, or fair and just, or a cool and calmly collected woman. It wasn't like intimidation … but some mix of gratitude and … fear. That was how she spoke of her, the lyrical nature of Minako's voice often losing itself to a soft whisper as though she was self-conscious of something. It would last for seconds at most before she would rebound back with an almost too big of a smile to be real.
"We actually haven't had much interaction with her to be honest." It was Makoto who answered her as she righted, done fussing with her boots. "We mostly deal with Luna, but … the Queen. It's kinda hard to explain. She's almost … predatory."
What surprised her more was how Ami joined in with agreement, having nothing to do with the fact that she was agreeing with Makoto. "It's a very calculating way that she looks at you, almost as though she is judging you to look for weaknesses that she might exploit but she never seems to take it that far. It's a rather uncomfortable feeling though."
"It's predatory, she's the hunter and you're the prey." The Jovian followed. "And her court doesn't help matters much. They pick up on everything that the Queen doesn't comment on."
That made no sense … who would follow a leader like that? Willingly? She felt her forehead constrict, her eyebrows draw together as she looked between the two of them. That she went so far to vocalize it she didn't even realize, until she heard Minako's voice offer a response.
"Because she asked us to."
They walked together in a line of four, drawing strength from the fact none really wanted to be here, yet they had each other. Maybe it wasn't required that they need to be there actually greeting her, but if they were not, it would be far too noted by the Court. They were about to leave when Minako stopped them all, shaking her head. To her she held out her two sheathed swords, her own falchion and the chain about her waist. The breastplate wasn't there and neither was that ridiculous looking helmet at least.
"We go armed. You'll both want to get your weapons." The blonde directed to Ami and Makoto who left with a glance between them. They weren't even out of the room before she found the belts going about her, regardless of the fact she was capable of putting both on herself. Minako found some degree in comfort in it, her care evident as her hands ensured no wrinkles could exist in the uniform that more and more, she absolutely despised. Maybe though comfort wasn't the right word. Maybe it was just a means to vent her otherwise frustration at the moment and what had transpired and really, had been interrupted.
Which if she went by that logical standpoint, the blonde had no reason at all to complain. She wasn't the one really ultimately intent on doing something only for the other to realize the time and the whirlwind that followed in the wake of hurried activity. Her thoughts snapped back to the present as she found herself grunting by the sudden pull on the belts about her. "What was that for?" Out came her huffed out inquiry, partially to much off balance to realize that she was actually formulating questions that she never did prior to the blonde dropping into her life.
"I wanted you to pay attention to me."
"I was paying perfect attention to you."
"Mmm, no, that's a lie and you know it. Otherwise you wouldn't be stoically looking at me when I just told you that I wanna hear you scream out my name in pleasure in the throne room."
Her attempts at bluffing failed her miserably, the heralding blush that left her features heated and flushed gave it all away.
"I was kidding. I did however, want to get your attention. Before Ami and Makoto get back. The Queen … yes. She can be … cold at times. But at the same time … she has my loyalty because she gave me what little ever did."
"And that is?"
Minako merely shook her head at her, hands falling to the wayside instead of at her belts. Instead to her own belt they unnecessarily went, straightening out fabric that did not need to be straightened out and readjusting things that did not need to be adjusted one way or another. "Respect, Rei. Few Venusians … actually have respect from anyone in the entire expanse of the Cosmos."
She felt her mouth begin to open, ready to object to that, ready to tell Minako in no uncertain terms that her idea of respect was completely and utterly outlandish. It simply did not exist; if the blonde thought that the way the Court of the Lunar Kingdom treated her, or the seamstress, or most of the guard, the servants… fuck even most Martians. If she thought that was respect. Gods above, the blonde was simply delusional beyond all reasonable expectations.
Just because she felt her mouth open though didn't mean that she had a chance to vocalize what she thought about it. Both Ami and Makoto had joined them once again, and the brief moment of vulnerability that she had seen across the blonde's fair and beautiful features, so full of life and joy and far too much seriousness that bothered her more than maybe was healthy was swept away. Hidden behind a facade Minako merely smiled, her voice full of false bravado that tore at the very fibers of her being.
"Well, shall we?"
The commotion that was given for the fact that the Queen was arriving wasn't something she had really considered. Maybe it was a case that she was sheltered from the entire process that was necessary to see to a returning dignitary. Maybe it was entirely the blonde's fault for keeping her more busy than was really needed for her to be, even at the cost of shirking her own duties and that damn report that once Minako had fallen asleep, she had finished. Maybe it was because she was to be training. Or it could have been that she just didn't see the point in it, being who she was and raised how she was.
But once she saw it, she was in awe.
The transport area had been cleaned; it was already clean before but now seemed to positively glow from the amount of effort put into it. A long thick rug of crimson had been carefully rolled out from where a ship could land, all the way in a straight line without a wrinkle, to the entrance to the palace itself. Guards were lined up in some degree of perfection that would make even the most afflicted by some compulsive disorder at ease. Not caring at all about them her eyes went to the rest. Behind the guards and some invisible three foot barrier that seemed no citizen would dare broach, the Lunar court stood. In their finest they represented their wealth and prestige, not a single gem or jewel out of place. Even the more common folk of the court seemed to stand tall, dressed in their best that couldn't be considered even the worst thing that the more influential owned, but they all seemed proud to be there regardless.
She didn't have long really to look however, upon their arrival the misplaced Martian from before, that had lighty walked her through combat drills, was there waiting for them. The Lunar uniform of pale white mixed with gray and soft blue looked far more out of place on him than anyone it could have, even herself. His steel eyes though did not give anything away, did not betray the fact that everyone else was nervous. "Everyone is setup for the Queen's arrival. Her pilots radioed in that they would be arriving within half an hour, all systems are normal with nothing occurring from when they left Earth to now. The passenger list remains the same, though…" He trailed off for a moment, shaking his head before dropping the subject. "Luna will be arriving shortly, along with Lord Artemis. They will be among the first to greet the Queen and her daughter upon their return. After are a few nobles of worth, such as the Marquis Skodis and Grand Minstrel Copic, then the four of you. It … was the best I could do." He at last finished with.
"That will be fine Captain, I'm sure that the Queen will appreciate everything that you've done and praise you highly for your thoughtful and attentive nature." Smoothly, Minako accepted what was apparently some sort of slight, reassuring him that everything was quite alright. The Guard Captain nodded, stepping to take his own place which was along the line of other nobles that would be behind the four of them and looking none too pleased over the very notion of it.
Turning, she looked at the three of them. "You heard what Dharius said. The Queen will likely speak to both Luna and Artemis, who will then walk with her to the Marquis and the over titled bard. After that, she'll greet us all in turn, and we'll walk with her to the palace. The remaining nobles and Dharius will fall in behind us. Most times, she'll stop before her throne, say some things, the Princess will be entrusted to our care, and we will be dismissed. I haven't heard of any reason why that would change. This … is the first time though that the Princess has traveled. The excitement may get to her where she will want to sleep, which would be for the best of us all. Any questions?"
Both Ami and Makoto shook their heads, signalling that they had none at all. She should ask something she knew, at the very least, but she found that the words simply wouldn't form. Perhaps it was all the people around them. It could be that, after all. It could be all that, and just the nervousness of meeting with this individual that made so many people dance to the strings she pulled, herself included. Was it enough to be the way she was though? Had the Queen not, she certainly would not have met Minako. Not yet ready to admit to her feelings on that outside of outright possessiveness, she too finally shook her head.
"She might ask a few things, but she'll know who you are simply because … she knows these things." Minako finished with, giving each of them a sort of lingering look before Artemis and who could only be Luna were walking to them, two more men dressed in more outlandish finery than any noble present a few steps behind. She guessed it was Luna, if the slight look of exasperation that Minako gave was any indication. Dressed in yellows primarily, her long black hair hung in curls and ringlets down to her waist, she was being escorted by Artemis who at least she knew. Upon being spotted she watched as Luna all but pulled Artemis with her to where the four of them stood.
The two were denied the chance to say anything as the commotion of an arriving spacecraft drew all attention. From out of the port opening, she could just barely make out some ship that looked similar enough to what she had left Mars in. Having little interest in space ships really, she glanced to either side of her. The guards that lined the way, already at attention, seemed to be somehow even more so. The nobles of court, normally loud and obnoxious, were strangely silent. Makoto looked slightly anxious, Ami not much better, and Minako … Minako looked like she was resigned to her fate.
The ship landed without issue, and a few moments later the door opened and stairs were lowered. The first from the ship was a pair of guards who stood outside and equally at attention as their ground based counterparts. Off in the distance she heard a trumpet sound, followed by musical tones as the Lunar Queen stepped at last from the shuttle and into their lives.
"And Minako, you simply have to come to Earth with us next time! You have to! There were so many nice people there, and the fashion and the food! Oh the food Minako, it was wonderful! The servants especially were cute and handsome, oh I wish we could have servants like that here, not these stuffy shirts that all look the same."
The Princess was going to be a nightmare. That was all she could think of as the young girl, maybe fifteen at the most, clung to Minako's arm and prattled on and on about her experiences on the Terran planet. The senseless words were enough to drive from her the way the Queen had looked at her, some look of possible indifference mixed with some sort of anticipation gaze that sent a shiver down her spine. The rest of the activity was lost to things her mind couldn't recall, filled instead with the Princess filled any chance of silence with ceaseless noise.
The blonde, she noted had no choice but to be lead along, drug really, towards their collective room that left them free of all pomp and circumstances. It gave her a chance to keep pace with Ami and Makoto, both of whom had the same tired look, like they had endured this countless times before and yet were willingly subjecting themselves to it again. So much for Minako's hopes that the Princess would be far too exhausted to want to talk to them; she seemed full of energy that it would last long into the night.
"Oh and I met the King! And the Prince! Really it is such a shame that his mother passed away so unexpectedly. But he has his own horses Minako! And a dog! It was adorable, a little puppy all brown and black. I begged Mother to let me have one to bring back, but she said dogs don't like the Lunar surface. Can you believe that? Have you ever heard of anything at all like that Minako? Oh, and we went to the beach! They have such wonderful beaches there, full of sand! Not like the beaches here with our seas… they have actual oceans! Oceans so vast you cannot see across them even with a telescope like you can here. Oh Minako it was wonderful… we ate and danced and talked and the nights went by so fast and the days were spent horseback riding or at the beach or taking in the sights. You must simply come next time, I insist! I asked Mother why you couldn't and she said you were away on some backwards planet… oh. Oh, wait…" The Princess stopped, jerking on Minako's arm who to her credit, seemed to absorb the sound without giving it away.
The Princess, blonde like Minako but hardly the same shade and eyes that would never compare to the blue that she found herself often lost in, looked at her. It was only then that she realized Ami and Makoto were there, but her gaze was riveted on her. "You… you're the Princess of Mars, aren't you?"
She hated that title. If there was anything in her life that she hated, truly it would be that Minako never would let go and that try as she might, she was the Princess of her home planet. But out of politeness she nodded.
"Oh you are! How delightful!" The demeanor of the Princess didn't seem to ever change beyond overly bubbly. Dropping the death grip she had on the blonde who used the chance to rub her arm while no one was looking, the Princess stepped right into her personal space, looking her over. At least her hands didn't rise to touch her, but neither did she like the fact that she was so close to her all the same. "I've never seen a Martian before! Or such dark hair! The people of Earth have such wonderful hair! It's dark and light and all these shades in between!" She stopped again, staring right at her. Her voice, still an excited pitch, dropped to a whisper but it still seemed absurdly loud and echoing. "I've never seen eyes like yours. Do all Martians have eyes like you?"
She wanted to escape. Someone to come rescue her, a savior to offer solace away from this nosy young girl that never shut up about anything it seemed like. It was upsetting her, her temper rising within her. How dare this girl, this girl and her mother arrive and throw her world in a reverse of how she was finally accepting it to be? It took how long for her to get over the fact that Minako had her so ensnared; was this girl going to do the same?
But she bit down the lashing she wanted to give about her arriving and disrupting everything that she had known, acting civilly instead. "Not all Martians do, but some." Was she supposed to call her something? An honorific? Minako, for all she had done, hadn't mentioned it to her. It didn't matter though, not when the Princess seemed to accept that, latching onto the tall Jovian and the quiet yet intelligent and perverse Mercurian to regale them both with tales of things she had done.
Perhaps her wish had been granted. Save she knew better, more so when the Princess turned to look at them all again, outside of their sanctuary away from things like this. "Oh I know I shouldn't, but can I come in? I'll only stay a moment then Minako you can bring me back to my rooms. I think I'm going to go to bed, it was such a long flight here. First we had to…"
She stopped paying attention, the Princess given access to their safety instantly took to a couch that previously had seen the Mercurian and Jovian going at it on. Of course it had since been cleaned but she had noticed that no one save Ami and Makoto ever sat on it, and they in turn never sat on the couch that Minako had collapsed in the few times she wasn't away. Minako looked positively hopeless, the other two not looking much better as the Princess, oblivious to it all, went into great detail and completely out of order how they had taken off from Earth to fly to the Moon.
The only thing to be thankful for was the fact that maybe thirty minutes later that felt instead as though thirty days had passed the Princess had drifted off to sleep. A collective sigh followed as the sweetness of silence graced their ears with its wonderful presence. Each of them in turned slumped to sit down at the table instead, opting to leave the Princess alone lest she waken and telling them further of things.
"I never thought she would ever stop." Softly Makoto spoke, rubbing her face as though she had been up for hours beyond measure.
"She can't stay here though. Plus, the Queen has the ball for tonight still planned. Someone is going to come look for her." Tiredly Minako spoke from her face down in the table position she had adopted.
"Makoto, you're going to have to carry her back." Even Ami sounded exhausted, leaned back in her chair with her eyes closed.
The Jovian started to whine before a knock at their door had them all snapping back to attention, their features and gazes speaking of wariness. Collectively, their gazes shot to the couch where the Princess was snoring softly then back to the door. Waving them down she rose from her chair, figuring that the least she could do was answer it and give the others another minute of rest. Opening it she found both Luna and Artemis at the entrance, the former about to say something until the later spotted the sleeping Princess.
"The flight caught up with her. We'll get her back to her room and changed. The Queen wanted us to let you know that she appreciated your presence being there when she arrived. Your gowns should be in your rooms for it, she wants to stagger your arrivals though so you'll be held to a strict time table. We have a couple servants to help you ready for it and all that it entails, they'll also lead you to the ball itself."
What choice did they have really other than to nod their agreement?
This had to be by far, the worst she had ever endured. Ever. There simply was no measure to it. Even all the physical beat downs she experienced was nothing in comparison. The session standing to be measured seemed so mild now, so very trivial and a far more welcomed affair than this was. She tried her best not to scowl but it seemed like a hopeless venture, more so when it did nothing for her. It did not send the attendants off running; if anything it seemed to make them give her more attention.
She absolutely hated it.
The attendants did not care of what she cared about though, the moment after Artemis and Luna had informed them of their upcoming duties they had all shared a look before reluctantly separated to their individual rooms. There waiting for her wasn't some degree of peace and serenity; it was instead the attendants. Three in total, while two saw her stripped of her arms and clothing, the third ran a bath. That she was then subjected to, her hair washed and her body scrubbed that, despite waking up late, despite perhaps anything that happened the night and early morning prior with Minako, she wasn't that dirty. It didn't matter though, she wasn't allowed to leave until her otherwise pale complexion was a rosy red that did not look good on her.
Oh she had tried to object, really she had. She tried her very best to protest, that she was more than capable of wearing her dress that… at first look she wasn't even sure she could put on by herself. Not that she would relate that of course, but she pulled on every ounce of confidence that not only could she dress herself, but that it would be put on perfectly.
It got her nowhere, forcing her to accept the fact as clothing was drawn over her body and closed where necessary in some hidden display of ties and a zipper or two. She hadn't counted, though maybe in hindsight realizing after she was nearly completely dressed, she should have. Otherwise, how was she to get out of it? It was seriously worth considering until she realized how foolish it ultimately was. Naturally Minako would, she just knew it. The Venusian had a sense for all things relating to fashion and this whole dress ordeal was likely something she just loved.
The thought alone was reason for a smile to be on her face, pulling at her lips despite how the attendants were trying to keep them still to apply things to deepen their overall color. She didn't care though how irritated they might be; she felt far more entitled to it than they ever could or maybe even had a right to, the orders of the Queen or not, she didn't ask to be put into this display of formality in any capacity. With half paid attention to herself, she watched as at last the two stood back and gave her a look over. Apparently she passed their inspection and just in time, for a knock at the seemed to be their signal.
No one was there to await her she realized as the three attendants lead the way. The hallway was empty, though she did take a few glances to the doors as she passed them. Perhaps in some vain desire to have the ability to see through things, perhaps to gain an insight as to how her comrades were doing. As to how she was doing… a sudden pang struck her heart. It was among the first times she had been separated from Minako and not of her own free will or choosing. The longest time prior, at least where the Moon was concerned, was while the blonde slaved away on her report. Prior to that… she didn't want to really think about it. It seemed like a lifetime when in stark reality…
In stark reality.
It had just been a week.
"Presenting Princess Rei of Mars, serving in the capacity of Her Royal Highness Princess Serenity's guard."
The herald wouldn't let her escape who she was as she stepped from the tucked away alcove where she had been directed to stand, all in the name of not allowing the masses a chance to see who she was until it was the perfect moment. From the enclosure she stepped out into the grand ballroom, decorated completely from the polished floor all the way to the towering, ever encompassing dome. The columns themselves, meant to hold aloft such a construction marvel, didn't even look out of place. Around them lingered Lunarians and guests alike, and she wore every single one of their collective attention.
Her dress ruffled against itself and her body, and she hardly gave a damn about it. She didn't even care about the masses that followed her with not only their eyes but quiet discussion of barbarians and the out of place. How could she feel out of place when none of them even existed? The ball, the murmur, the laughter and the music. It didn't exist. It couldn't exist.
Not when her eyes found her.
The attendants made Minako shine. Absolutely shine. And glow. And a host of words that she just didn't have the vocabulary for, try as she might. Thinking of words right now just didn't seem to be so important. The dress was some golden yellow color, a hue that seemed to catch the light and reflect it right back but not jarringly so. Over one shoulder the material gathered, save that it allowed her left arm bare and free. Free to collect the almost half cape that was gathered in back and left to flow naturally behind her. It was bunched at her waist, seemingly to show off the delicate nature of it. Down her leg the material went, dancing just above her foot. It would have left her other leg bare, not to mention the start of her pelvis, had there not been an opaque material set with golden swirls that completed the skirt of the dress.
Sandals of some sort gave her already imposing body for its beauty and commanding nature a boost by way of height. Back and up her hair was done, allowed to spill down in controlled amounts, she was somehow pleased… somehow relieved, to see that despite being put on display for the court to oogle over, she hadn't given up the red length of cloth that to see her without would have made her quite sad. Where the thought came from, she honestly wasn't sure. Just that … to see it was like a sign of rebellion. That no matter the ceremony they must endure, Minako was still going to be Minako, and there wasn't a damn fucking thing anyone could do about that.
The smile that grew on her face was enough for her to bare no recollection as to what followed after.
It was hours later by sheer virtue of it had to be so that she could at last catch her breath. Sitting next to her on the bench Minako continued to giggle, a hand pressed to her side as the tale-tell sign she had been laughing for hours and ached from it. In between bouts of soft laughter she was struggling to breathe, yet miraculously, never once spilled a drop of her never empty wine flute. Not too far away from them both, on another bench, Makoto and Ami were equally as flushed from the liquor that had been more than flowing.
Far too enraptured by Minako, she had completely missed their entrances. The Venusian would probably agree with her towards concepts of awareness, but knowing her she'd be hard pressed to admit that she wasn't paying attention. Even as the wine assaulted her system; rather empty as they hadn't even been able to pull away for so much as a small piece of cheese or other assorted appropriate finger foods that were carried about and presented on trays by staff, the blonde had split her attention between her and the Princess.
The Princess, she had discovered, was merely fifteen years old. It suddenly explained her overall disposition, the overt cheerfulness and vapid shallowness that colored the lenses she looked through at the world with. There wasn't anything really mature about her, other than her desire to hang all over Minako and the rest of them, spouting on and on about how one day, she was going to be Queen. How her mother had gone to Earth to meet with the Chancellor and had done so many times before. How she met the Prince and wasn't really sure about him but then she'd suddenly change her disposition to be enamoured by the notion of marriage, just because he had a puppy.
It was sickening, really. Yet she had to admire Minako for putting up with the insipidness displayed, until at last the Princess had been escorted off by Luna and Artemis to bed. She hadn't even protested, then again it was hard for her to do so, given she was stupidly tipsy and more asleep than anything after half a glass of wine. Of course, she made a big deal of having it and drinking it; apparently allowed, doing her best to emulate the rest of them who held the glasses more for something to do and less for actually drinking. From there they had been at last allowed to relax, or at least as much as they could given that they were still surrounded by a snotty Lunar court. At least the liquor worked in their favor, blunting the otherwise sharp barbs to something dull and easier to ignore.
Not that they cared. Retreating to the benches they finally enjoyed the wine they had otherwise socially coaxed about. They watched as the crowds slowly thinned out as the hours wore on, while the motivation was there that they could leave, the overall lack of energy hung about like shackles. It was easier then to just drink, letting the stuffy atmosphere fade away with each sip turned gulp.
That was now. Minako was resting against her side, softly giggling at something only she really knew why it was funny, yet it was infectious. Ami and Makoto joined in on occasion, apparently betting on which noble would be the next to lose their ability to retain their liquor and make a greater fool of theirself over their peers. The more that the blonde moved against her side with her laughter the more she was reminded of how interrupted their morning was. Giving her a nudge she watched as blue eyes upturned to look at her through thick lashes, forcing her to swallow before she spoke and even then, it still sounded cracked to her ears.
"Let's go. I don't think anyone would mind now."
"Mm?" Was all the response she got, blue eyes blinking at her before they shifted to the crowd that had greatly dispersed. A smile followed before the other sat up straighter, nodding. "That's … the best idea I've heard in … Goddess who cares." Rising to her feet her hand reached out to the column nearby, catching her balance before it failed her completely. Another soft, drunken giggle followed. "Ahh that's a brilliant idea Rei… simply brilliant."
Grinning she rose, her hand and arm slipping about the blonde's waist all in the name of making sure she didn't fall. That's what she'd say of course if asked. No one looked at them as they trailed along the side of the ballroom, heading towards the exit. Passing by the Mercurian and Jovian in the process, she wasn't surprised to see them rise after them both. Obviously leaving sounded far better than lingering and their bets over noble impropriety.
They had just cleared the ball room when the presence of the Queen stopped each in their tracks. It was sobering, and maybe even funny if she could think, at how fast they all straightened to attention. How it didn't matter that for the past hours all they had done was drink and jest. In succession they each curtsied, no matter how awkward it seemed, Minako speaking for them all. "Your Majesty we-"
"Come with me." The Queen's voice was cool, calm and collected just as she always seemed to be. Then again she had little to draw on save for when she arrived that morning. Without another word she turned, her steps none too hurried yet it seemed like they were rushing too. Short of an outright run, their steps were quick in attempts to keep up. Despite the elegant nature of the gown that the Queen wore, she had no issue at all with moving in it. Which was not something she could say for herself, feeling her ankles protest with each step she took in the hellish heels she had been dressed in.
It took her a moment, a moment she pulled from her focus on trying to walk at a faster step than made sense, to understand where they were going. To the throne room… but why? She knew it was the route as Minako had showed it to her before, but from what she understood, it was rarely used. Why they would they be… the question went unanswered as two of the Lunar guard pulled open the great, heavy white doors open. Without missing a step the Queen swept into the room, headed to the center. As they had little choice, they all followed after her.
The throne room was cool, much cooler than the ballroom had been. Far too many people crowded in such a spacious room coupled with her nerves and the blonde's rather intoxicating presence had made it hot. Hotter than she was really used to or wanted to admit to. The throne room was the exact opposite, almost cold and uninviting. Shrugging it off as just the fact there were no others here; indeed the doors had been shut behind them, and the late hour, they all stopped a span of five feet away from the Queen who turned about to face them.
Within her hands she held aloft a glowing crystal, taken obviously from the pedestal that she stood by. A column of marble lined with what looked like sigils of sort, the soft lavender eyes of the Lunar ruler passed over them all, almost in judgment. It made her feel uncomfortable, sensing that same predatory sensation that had struck her before. It passed just as quickly, the smile though that followed … she would rather have the other emotion than this.
"I have yet to formally thank you for your acceptance to protect my daughter. As you know, she is the most precious thing to me, and it is not without your sacrifice that she would be safe. Yet, I know you have all given up so very much to be here, and I want aptly compensate you for your efforts. Close your eyes."
The hesitation was there as they looked at each other. The command though hung in the air, the crystal seemingly picking up on their reluctance and the slowly growing ire of the woman holding it. Pulsating the room seemed to grow darker though nary a thing was done to make it so. The atmosphere then… it felt choking, stifling… reminding her of the visions she had on Mars. That alarmed her, sensing something … a presence. It felt too much like before, like the one she felt… that had claimed her mind and tormented her…
She was about to open her mouth when she saw Minako close her eyes in silent acceptance, the rest following suite. Meeting the gaze of the Queen, she defiantly looked back at her though she couldn't say why she felt that way. Closing her eyes meant something, she knew it… something akin to giving up her freedom. The Queen's eyebrow rose, daring her, goading her to say something before something pounded in her head.
It is standing right behind you. Do not move. Do not breathe.
She gasped, feeling her eyes squeeze tightly shut. It was then the sensation of something more filled her, a burning blaze, a raging fire that consumed her from within. It was like she was warm all of a sudden, the blood in her veins no longer blood but living fire instead. Searing, it didn't destroy her but instead … instead it seemed to strengthen her. It gave her resolve, a feeling like if she called, if she reached … something would happen. Something marvelous, something amazing.
That was when she felt it, a connection to the Fires of Mars, to her home. It filled her with purpose, a sense that she couldn't quite place to words yet… yet if she tired, she was sure she could understand. Her eyes opened, blinking, looking at Minako in wonder who seemed to mirror her expression. They all did, looking between each other and their hands, the sensation shared among them.
Completely missing the look of cruel satisfaction that graced the Queen's lips.
A/N: My huge thanks to my beta Decido for everything. It wasn't really writer's block; it was more finding how I wanted this to all lay out and I don't think I'd have been able to do it without her help.