Full Summary: Princess Serenity is fully prepared to marry the man her parents have chosen for her in order to save her kingdom from ruin—until she falls for the son of her family's greatest enemy, Prince Endymion. Despite their struggle to be the enemies expected of them, they cannot resist the secret friendship that transforms into a forbidden love. Regardless of their fear of discovery and the obstacles barring their way, they're determined to find a way to be together, no matter the cost.
"I can't control my feelings
I can't control my thoughts
I'm staring at the ceiling
Wondering how I got so caught
You're completely off limits
For more reasons than just one
But I can't stop..."
—"Wonder" by Lauren Aquilina
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Present Day...
.:Serenity:.
Tension cloaked my entourage as we rode through the dense forest known as Elderen Wood. Silence as thick as the surrounding trees had been our constant companion in the hour since we'd breached Elysion's border. My guards shifted anxiously in their saddles as we rode along the well-marked forest path, their gazes darting nervously about, as if they were expecting the enemy to be lurking amidst the foliage, prepared to ambush us at a moment's notice.
My best friend and faithful head guard, Mina, rode rigidly at my side, her hand hovering just above the hilt of her sword as she searched the surrounding evergreens through narrowed, calculating eyes. The fading sunlight flittered through the canopy of branches above and the air was filled with the scent of fresh pine, our damp horses, and the approaching frost. Nothing appeared to be amiss, but I didn't let my guard down; one was never completely safe within enemy territory.
"We shouldn't have taken this shortcut, Princess." Mina's anxious whisper rose above the sound of our horses' hooves against the soft undergrowth. "It's too dangerous."
I was surprised she found the endeavor foolish; she likely would have argues against it much sooner if my earlier orders hadn't overridden her complaints. "After weeks of traveling, I want nothing more than to return home before dark."
"Better to arrive late than not at all." She tense as the crack of a twig pierced the air. She slowed to squint through the pines up ahead, a worried frown tugging on her usual laxed expression. Behind us, my guards shifted uneasily, and for the first time I wondered whether I should have heeded my head guard's sensible advice.
Too late now, for we were over halfway through the shortcut. All we could do was continue forward, if Mina would allow it. She continued to scan our surroundings through narrowed, suspicious eyes. She was right to be nervous, for safety while traveling through Elysion hadn't been guaranteed to the kingdom of Clariness in centuries.
After a moment's perusal that yielded nothing, Mina urged her horse, Artemis, forward and we all followed. "I don't like it," she murmured.
"We can't turn back now, not with night settling soon. Also, it appears it might storm." I rubbed my hands, numb from the late autumn chill.
"Snow is nothing to what fate will befall us should we find ourselves in the enemy's clutches."
That was a valid point, and yet...I glanced east, the direction I knew the palace of Elysion resided several miles away, as well as...him. I stared longingly, as if I could somehow bridge not only the vast distance but the months that had separated us.
Months... How much longer would this last?
I tore my gaze away to stare straight ahead, but despite my attempt to maintain my fragile composure, a weary sigh escaped, immediately earning Mina's notice.
She studied me in concern. "Are you still disappointed, Princess?"
I stiffened and, for a horrified moment, I feared she'd discovered my secret. What would I do if she had? Would she inform my mother? But my pounding heart calmed when I realized she spoke only of our failed quest, our third this year, and because of the approaching winter, undoubtedly our final attempt until spring.
My shoulders slumped at the thought of my mother's disappointment. She had always expected much from me than my younger sister, Astraia, for I was the crown princess and thus her heir. Up until two years ago, my greatest wish had been to prove myself worthy of my title as Crown Princess, an opportunity that had been granted me when I'd finally come of age at sixteen to embark on the traditional quest every heir had embarked on before me―to obtain one of the magical relics hidden through the surroundings kingdoms. The centuries-old tradition allowed every heir the chance to prove to their subjects they were worthy of the crown to which they'd been entrusted. I'd begun my own search three years ago, after having carefully selected the relic I felt would best serve the needs of my people.
But now everything had changed.
Admittedly our quest hadn't even crossed my mind since we'd entered Elysion's portion of Elderen Wood; the guilt that seemed a constant presence only deepened as I gratefully latched on to Mina's excuse for my melancholy. No one could learn the true reason for my somber mood―it'd ruin everything.
"I was certain we'd find it this time."
I sighed again, this one more exaggerate, but Mina fell for my poor performance. The sympathy filling her expression only increased the guilt pressing heavily against my chest. It seemed I'd done nothing but lie these past two years, and it was always worse deceiving my dearest friend...before the role had been claimed by another. Once again, I couldn't resist staring into the trees towards the direction I thought he might be.
"It's too early to give up, Highness; there are several places where it might be." Mina's tone was reassuring, but it did little to calm me.
She was wrong, but telling her otherwise would betray the secret I'd do anything to protect. "I certainly won't give up." In that, at least, I could be honest.
"Where should we look next considering it wasn't in Saharia's caverns?"
I carefully considered the words that wouldn't give me away. I felt as if I were walking a tightrope of deceit―one wrong move would cause me to slip, and then the truth would be exposed. I'd already risked exposure when I suggested we look for the Relic of Abundance in such an obscure place. Thankfully Mina hadn't questioned me, but one day I'd run out of lies.
I gnawed my lip, a nervous gesture that once again didn't go unnoticed. Mina's concern deepened as she bridged the short distance between us to rest her armor-clad on my arm. The cool of the metal caused a shiver to run down my spine. "I know you're worried about the kingdom, Princess, but we'll find the relic. I promise."
The guilt encasing my heart squeezed tighter, but all I could do was nod. I knew how desperately our struggling kingdom needed the abundance such a powerful relic would bring after a fourth year of poor harvests and the drain on our resources due to the continuing feud with our neighboring kingdom: Elysion.
And yet, in truth, I wasn't searching for that relic at all, despite what everyone believed. Instead I was leading everyone on a wild goose chase, purposely looking for the Relic of Abundance in all the wrong places as I, instead, searched for another, the artifact that would benefit me far more than my people.
It'll help them, too, I rationalized for the dozenth or so time, since coming up with my plot. And perhaps in my search I can still find the Relic of Abundance.
My apprehension grew as I remembered that even if I did find that relic I wouldn't be allowed to take it, not if I'd already claimed the other I was seeking. Choosing a relic other than abundance would be abandoning the needs of my people. My heart wrenched, both at that thought and the realization that no matter how many times I tried to convince myself otherwise, my selfishness would win, just as it so often did.
The light began to fade into dusk, increasing my entourage's unease. Mina frowned up at the sky almost accusingly, as if she blamed the night for descending while we remained in danger. The guards surrounding me tightened their protective halo, their expressions tense as their gazes darted nervously around, as if they expected to be ambushed at any moment.
It wasn't an unfounded fear, not when the number of attacks against our kingdom had been steadily increasing with each passing month. I bit my lip, something that once again didn't escape Mina's notice. "Are you finally realizing the danger your shortcut has put us in?"
No one but Mina could have spoken to me in such a way and gotten away with it, but I couldn't reprimand her, not when deep down I knew I deserved the rebuke. How could I explain the irrational desire that had caused all sense to flee and led me to make such a foolish suggestion?
I took a steadying breath. We were only a mile away from Clariness's border. All would be well. I silently gave myself this reassurance several times, causing me to miss most of Mina's whispered tirade.
"...I shouldn't have allowed you to convince me to come this way," she snapped. "With the increased raids there are more of the enemy lying in wait to ambush the wayward traveler than ever. Should we be caught, especially by the king or his men—"
"You needn't scold, Mina; I'm aware I've made a mistake."
She pursed her lips and thankfully fell silent…for now. But I had no doubt I hadn't heard the last of her complaints; more would surely follow before we reached home.
It was growing darker and colder. I shivered and pulled my cloak more tightly around me. I stilled as another twig snapped, piercing the uneasy silence. I yanked on the reins of my horse, Luna, and snapped my hand up in a silent command for the others to stop. They immediately obeyed.
We waited with bated breath as we listened intently to the sounds of the forest. My pulse palpitated wildly as I searched the long shadows cast by the surrounding trees. Although they appeared to be empty, I sensed someone there, someone…sinister, and with my growing apprehension I finally fully realized just how irresponsible I'd been.
What were you thinking taking yourself and your guards into the territory of the King of Elysion? I silently scolded myself. What will you do should he or his men encounter you?
I'd only seen the infamous king once, but the memory of his cold, dark eyes was forever imprinted on my mind, along with the dark rumors circulating the court about his cruelty. While nothing but poison towards our enemy burned on our courtiers' tongues and made the rumors difficult to trust, I knew each began with a seed of truth. If those spoken of the infamous king were true…I'd just led my entourage into the jaws of the dragon.
Horse hooves pierced the silence, coming from not just up ahead but all around us. My breath caught in horror; we were already surrounded. Mina edged Artemis further in front of me, her sword half-unsheathed, ready to defend me at a moment's notice. But her protection would do little good if we were outnumbered.
What had I been thinking?
The horses were drawing closer. I clutched the reins until my knuckles turned white, and didn't release my breath until a familiar figure emerged from the trees.
Mina gasped. "Prince Endymion!"
Thank goodness it wasn't the king. My shoulders relaxed.
Fear so thick it was palpable emanated from my guards, for according to the rumors, Prince Endymion was almost as horrible as his father, King Eldas. He pulled his horse to a stop only a few yards away from me, his oceanic eyes riveted to my face as his own men slowly filed out behind him until they completely encircled us. As if sensing the escalating tension, our horses nervously pawed the forest floor with their hooves.
Mina paled as terror penetrated her rarely immovable mask. I could almost sense her frantic thoughts as she scrambled to figure out how she could protect the Crown Princess of Clariness from her kingdom's greatest enemy when we were at such a disadvantage. The fragile treaties that granted a shaky foundation of peace between our feuding kingdoms and thus some semblance of safety were useless considering I'd wandered onto their land without an invitation.
I almost groaned at my foolishness, but I refused to allow my composure to falter. My heartbeat escalated as I met the prince's glistening gaze, a look I knew all too well. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly before he rearranged his expression to one hardened and unyielding. Mina inched Artemis closer, her stance rigid and protective.
But I wasn't afraid.
Prince Endymion continued to stare a moment more before he slowly smirked. "Look what we have here: Crown Princess Serenity of Clariness. What a fortunate discovery." His chuckle was rather sinister.
Mina tensed and lowered her hand to her sword. "If you harm the princess, it'll be the last thing you ever do."
The glint in the prince's eyes deepened. "Who said anything about harming her? Not only would such an act cause a war, but I respect the treaties between our two kingdoms. However, I can't help but wonder the reason why my enemy is trespassing on my land?"
I lifted my chin. "That's not your concern."
"Hmm, but if you're up to anything suspicious, I'm afraid it must become my concern, Princess." By his knowing look he undoubtedly suspected my reasons already. Despite my uncertainty over what he planned to do with this information, I couldn't regret the shortcut.
I lifted my eyebrow in response. "I doubt passing through is against even the finest print in the treaties between our kingdoms." In truth I hadn't studied them that closely to know, and by the way Endymion's lips were twitching he'd certainly noticed my bluff.
He caught himself and hastily rearranged his expression into a frown. "Merely passing through? I suspect your reasons are far more underhanded than that considering you're traveling with an entourage of guards so near the capital. It'd be prudent for me to interrogate you in order to uncover your true motives."
A shiver rippled over me, but not from fear, not when I recognized that look in his eyes. Yes, a private interrogation was exactly what I needed. Despite my desperation, I somehow managed to keep my expression stoic, but just barely.
Mina hastily lurched forward, her dark expression relentless. "The only interrogation I'll allow is with my sword." She yanked it from its sheath and pointed it at him.
My heart leapt. "Mina, our laws demand that any trespasser must subject themselves to a thorough questioning." I fought to keep my voice steady, a difficult task when I was so anxious. What if this didn't work?
"Your Highness…you can't." Her voice lowered to a hiss of warning.
"Will you cooperate, Princess?" Endymion asked, almost lazily. "Or will I have to…force you?" The look he gave me only escalated my pounding heart. It was all I could do to maintain my poise in my saddle.
"That won't be necessary." I urged my Luna forward, but Mina jerked hers in front of me, blocking me.
"No, Serenity." Panic pierced her composure. Addressing me without my title? She must really be upset.
"Mina," I said evenly. "I must accept responsibility for my mistake. There's no need to fear; the royal family of Elysion are bound by rules of honor. I'll be safe."
Her jaw tightened as she glared at Endymion in blatant mistrust. He stared rigidly back. "The risk is too great."
One of his guards pulled his horse closer to the prince; I immediately recognized him as the prince's head guard, General Malachite. He wore a gray uniform with blue trimming, white gloves and cape to match, with epaulets that had a blue gem. He was tall, with tan skin and ash-blonde hair that grew past his shoulders; his features were sharp and fierce. "If she doesn't come willingly, shall we take her by force, my prince? His Majesty would be most pleased if we brought his enemy back to use as ransom."
I stiffened. Should it come to that, Mother will kill me…if King Eldas doesn't do it first. But surely the prince wouldn't allow it. I glanced at him. He straightened in his saddle with a rather calculating look. "An excellent idea, General."
I blanched, but it was quickly replaced with a cold glare. He wouldn't…would he? What had happened to his interrogation? He lifted his eyebrows, as if daring me to fight back.
"There's no need to resort to such extremes," I shakily managed. "Shouldn't we at least make an attempt to negotiate?"
"Another excellent idea." He swung off his saddle and approached me. I stared down at him with as indifferent an expression as I could muster, but I must have failed miserably, for his lips were twitching again.
Oh, he was obviously enjoying this. I would have as well if I'd been able to maintain the upper hand…and if my future wasn't so uncertain or precarious. What would I do if he took me back with him?
He offered his hand, as if determined to pretend to be a gentleman for the sake of appearances, something I refused to allow. I slid gracefully off of Luna, but my attempts at elegance were thwarted when I nearly lost my footing and fell against Endymion; only his touch, heated against my waist, kept me upright.
Mina leapt from her saddle to plant herself firmly between me and the prince. "Don't you dare—!"
"Mina!" I hissed. "Might I remind you that not only have we been caught trespassing, but we're vastly outnumbered. Maintaining peace is the best way to ensure my protection, and thus we must go along with Prince Endymion's terms."
Her eyes narrowed. "No one from Elysion knows the meaning of the word peace."
"An interesting observation considering the only person here with a drawn sword is someone from Clariness." Endymion's challenging look successfully caused Mina's rigid position to falter. His voice was smooth and soothing as he continued. "Allow me to assure you that no harm will befall the princess. Elysion is in no position to fight a war; the drought has affected us as well."
Mina hesitated. I could almost see the battle taking place in her mind—one between my protection and that of my people should she inadvertently anger our enemy and cause a war; we'd been teetering on the edge for so many years, one wrong move away from causing the fragile peace between our kingdoms to crumble.
The need for peace won. Mina pursed her lips as she glared at the prince, searching for any hints of dishonor or deceit, and he stared unblinkingly back. In the end she had no choice but to give in considering we were also governed by laws and honor.
Her shoulders slumped as she reluctantly backed off. "Negotiations only. Over my dead body will I allow you to take the princess for ransom." She glared at me as she turned away. "I told you we shouldn't have gone this way."
Whatever Endymion had in mind for our negotiations would determine whether or not that had been a bad decision, as would whether or not I'd be able to escape unscathed. I shifted restlessly, anxious to end my wondering. By the mischief in his eyes, the prince found my impatience amusing.
He bowed. "I promise no harm will befall you, Princess."
"And I promise to pay whatever price will be required for my shortcut."
By the way his eyes glistened, he already had a price in mind. I accepted his offered arm, and after he held up a hand to silently order his own guards to remain behind, he escorted me away from the others. Mina made to follow, as did a few of my guards, but they all stopped when I shook my head, my silent command for them to remain. By Mina's glower, I had no doubt we only had a few moments before she defied my wishes and came after me.
How I prayed she'd give us enough time.
I followed submissively as Endymion led me deeper into the trees, but I didn't go completely quietly. The moment we were out of earshot from those we'd left behind, I glared at the triumphant smirk toying at the corners of his mouth.
"Don't look so smug."
"I can't help it. I do like winning."
I rolled my eyes. "Who says you've won?"
"I suppose we'll see after we…negotiate." His wink caused my stomach to flip.
I forced myself to scowl, but the effort was half-hearted. "I must warn you that my guards will likely only give us a few minutes." If even that. I peered nervously over my shoulder to see if any were following.
"I can accomplish a lot with a few minutes."
This time I couldn't contain my grin. How I hoped he would.
The moment we were completely out of sight, Endymion ducked behind a particularly large clump of trees and backed me into the trunk of a large pine, where he rested his hands on either side of me, trapping me in like a cage.
"I still can't believe my good fortune to have found the enemy princess wandering where she's not supposed to…and to now have her at my mercy." His grin was wicked.
I rolled my eyes at his theatrics. "After all our effort in our charade, is that really the proper way to greet me?"
"You're right, gloating can come later, after..." He dipped down and captured my lips with his.
I responded immediately. My hands rose not to push him away but to weave through his hair, still damp from his ride.
"Serenity…" A shiver rippled over me at the deep, husky way he said my name. I shivered when he burrowed his face against my neck, where he placed several heated kisses before he gathered me close. My arms wound around him, and in this position we stayed for several moments, simply basking in being together.
It had been a long several months. He was the first to break the cozy silence. "What are you doing here, Sere?"
"Looking for you," I managed breathlessly. "It's been too long."
His lips caressed my jawline. "Eighty-seven days, to be exact…not that I've been counting. I was tempted to stage another raid just to force a meeting with you…only for you to conveniently come to me." As if he couldn't get enough, he kissed me again, but it didn't last long before he pulled away with a disapproving frown. "What if it'd been my father, Serenity? Or one of his spies? Do you know what would have happened if—"
My heart squeezed, remnants of the apprehension that, until moments ago, had cloaked me. I didn't want to admit my fear of the very scenario he'd described. "I know, I know, I was reckless."
"That's quite the understatement."
My arms looped back around his neck to pull him lower so that our foreheads touched. "I know it was risky, but in the end it wasn't your father, it was you."
He shook his head, but even his exasperation wasn't strong enough to hold back his rakish grin. "Did you miss me so much you had to risk being captured?"
I lifted an eyebrow. "Captured? So we're not negotiating? What a shame—centuries of treaties, all broken in a single meeting."
He rolled his eyes but his smile remained; he was always so generous with them whenever we were alone together. "It was a shame you made your capture so easy, but since I win this round I create the terms, and I know exactly the negotiating I have in mind."
He dipped down to caress my lips with his again and I happily returned his kiss…but only until my persistent worries grew too loud to be ignored any longer. Even after I forced myself to pull away it took me a moment to catch my breath.
"It was perhaps a bit too effortless a capture. I fear we've given our escorts reason to be suspicious; our excuse to be alone was rather weak. I feel we're playing with fire." The confusion in my guards' expressions—particularly Mina's—filled my mind. I'd undoubtedly come a bit too quietly.
But I'd been desperate.
It had been too long since we'd seen one another, and during our last encounter we'd not only been unable to find an excuse to be alone, but our interactions had again been marred by our being forced to feign hatred for one another, all for the sake of an ancient feud we, as the future monarchs of our kingdoms, had a duty to maintain. Yet our hatred was nothing more than a charade, our true feelings the opposite in every way…hence it was so forbidden.
I refused to allow the impossibility of our relationship to ruin this moment, likely the last in an endless stretch of time before we could steal another. I happily snuggled against his chest, basking in being with him after all these months apart. "It's been too long, Endy."
"I know." His arms tightened around me, drawing me even closer. "Is that the reason you risked your life to traipse through Elysion's section of the woods?"
My responding smile was innocent. "It's a shortcut."
He released a shaky breath. "You're so reckless."
I stood on tiptoe to kiss the corner of his mouth. "Are you going to be grumpy during one of the rare moments we have together?"
His gaze darted in the direction where our entourage awaited us. "We're going to get caught…and then we'll both be in heaps of trouble."
"When did you become such a worrier?" I kissed the other corner of his mouth. "We haven't been caught yet." But I couldn't deny I was worried.
"Exactly…yet. I can't even imagine what my father would do should he learn about us."
The ever-present fear returned, encasing my heart in ice. I didn't even want to imagine what my Mother would do either. "We knew from the beginning the game was risky."
Endymion released a whooshing breath. "Risky is such an understatement. I only keep playing because the prize is so great."
I batted my eyes. "Am I the prize?"
He chuckled as he nuzzled back against my throat. "You are worth any risk."
"As are you. That's why I'm here."
I melted back into his hold, yet despite the contentment I found in his arms I couldn't quite dispel the nervousness that always accompanied my secret meetings with Endymion. Not for the first time I wished I could have a relationship free from worry and sneaking around just to be with the man I loved, a relationship where each interaction wasn't a heavily guarded secret.
But I couldn't, for I'd chosen to fall in love with the son of my kingdom's greatest enemy. No one could know, not even Mina. I cringed to think of her nearby, riddled with anxiety as she imagined what sort of horrible things were taking place between Endymion and me.
The thought tainted the otherwise peaceful interaction, a complication that always arose whenever we managed a stolen moment.
Endymion sighed. "This can't go on forever. One day we're going to get caught."
Dread pooled in my stomach. Such an outcome was a very real possibility, a risk I'd understood from the moment we'd first begun this complicated and forbidden game. But despite all the risks, nothing had ever brought me so much joy. When we were apart, sense would occasionally visit to try and persuade me to do the right thing and let Endymion go, but whenever we were together…
I met his gaze, filled with a tenderness that effortlessly stole another piece of my heart. Many rumors surrounded the crown prince of Elysion—the result of his association with his cold-hearted father, the infamous King Eldas—but they were so different from the man I'd come to know and care for. The true Endymion was good, sweet, and filled me with incredible joy.
I brushed aside the inky hair falling messily across his brow, a gesture which earned me my favorite lopsided smile. "I'm glad I encountered you in the woods today."
"Despite the risks, I am too. Are you returning from your quest?" Excitement overcame him at my nod. "How did it go? Did you find the Relic of—"
I shook my head. "I searched every surface of the caverns in Saharia but discovered nothing. Did you have any luck in Kadure?"
"None. Every possibility only leads to one dead end after another."
Disappointment squeezed my heart and it took great effort to push it aside. "I won't rest until we find it." But despite my promise, my usual doubts resurfaced about whether or not I should find it, for surely the cost required was too high. How could such a sacrifice truly be the right thing?
Endymion cupped my chin. "What's wrong?"
I forced a smile. "I'm just worried our time together is drawing to a close." A time that had once again been far too short. I glanced warily through the trees. None of our guards could be seen approaching, but I knew it was only a matter of time. "We'd best use our remaining time to discuss what to do now."
Endymion sighed. "You're right. Unfortunately, I think we've negotiated enough."
"So what's the plan?"
He bit his lip as he considered. "As happy as I am to see you I now find myself in quite the bind. My guards' loyalty is first to Father, and thus they'll do all in their power to take you for ransom. If I refuse…"
"Quite the predicament you find yourself in." But my attempt at lightheartedness did little to loosen the knots suddenly tangling my stomach.
His snug hold tightened around me, as if protecting me from even the thought of such a scenario. "I'm afraid taking you back is the only way to avoid suspicion... Not to worry, I'll let you escape before we reach my father."
He gave me a snuggle that would singlehandedly dispel every dark rumor surrounding him should anyone witness it. Too bad no one ever could.
"And if your efforts are thwarted? You know my kingdom can't afford a ransom." Despite the anxiety of such a thought, I fiddled with his collar. "Perhaps I could persuade you to pay it?"
He chuckled. "I'd love to see what kind of persuasion you have in mind. I must warn you I won't be so easily convinced." He dipped down to steal another kiss, the only ransom he had in mind. "Shall I carry you back to my horse, and after a moment of enjoying riding with you in my arms, you hit me and make your escape?"
"Won't your guards chase me?"
He frowned. "Quite likely, and I can't very well order them not to."
I sighed. "Why must everything be so complicated? Things would be so much simpler if I'd never gotten mixed up with you."
"Now that would be quite the shame." The tantalizing way his lips caressed my jawline made it impossible to forget exactly why I'd chosen to entangle myself with him. "I suppose you couldn't resist my charm."
I snorted, refusing to fuel his ego…though I couldn't deny his charm had been what had initially drawn me to him and made me question whether I should hate him simply because it was expected. I'd obviously lost that argument.
"I suppose you make it worth my while."
He grinned from his place against my cheek. "I knew you thought so." He pressed his lips back to mine, where we melted into another kiss.
Which was exactly how Mina found us.
I suddenly found myself yanked from Endymion's arms and shoved protectively behind her. She pulled her sword from its sheath and lifted it to his neck.
"You cad," she hissed, the glint in her eyes as she glared at Endymion murderously. "I knew you were dishonorable!"
And just like that, things had become much more complicated.
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à suivre...
A/N: Any grammatical errors are my own. I do try to proofread thoroughly before posting, though :)
Welcome to the first chapter of DWOHT! I truly hope that you stick around and enjoy the journey for Sere and Endy! I truly enjoy these two characters show much from the anime and just want to give them more of a backstory, even if it is all AU.
Feedback is always appreciated!
Until the next chapter,
Dev