A/N: I'm officially back from vacation and ready to dive back into this story with you all!
We've officially reached over 1,000 reads! That's so amazing, guys! Thanks so much to those of you who have commented, followed, favorited, PM'd me regarding this story. It truly means the world to me that there are people out there who are enjoying it. :)
As promised, this chapter is in Endymion's POV. Please leave any feedback you may have—I always love hearing from you guys!
P.S. Currently working on another Serenity/Endymion fanfic, this one will be inspired by Persephone & Hades from Greek mythology. The plot is still in the brainstorming stage ;)
P.P.S Sorry for any typos/grammatical errors. I tried to proof read the best I could, but I wanted to go ahead and get this chapter out for you all.
Unti the next chapter,
-Dev
"There is always risk. At least when you love someone it's worth taking."
—Greer, "Reign"
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.:Endymion:.
The throbbing pain pounding against my skull was the first thing I noticed as I emerged from the thick of unconsciousness. Each piercing pulse curled around my awareness to tug me from the suffocating darkness. I emerged with a groan and found myself curled on the frozen ground, the scent of pine and earth thick and heavy.
Someone was shaking me, gently at first, then more urgently. The sound of my name pierced the heaviness pressing against my senses, pulling me further from my dark unconsciousness.
With a struggle, I opened my eyes and found myself in a forest shrouded in fading light, with just enough to illuminate the surrounding pines and the guards standing nearby, eyeing me worriedly. Crouched beside me was my personal guard, Malachite.
His pale brow drew in concern at my groan. "Your Highness?"
I struggled to sort out where I was and what had happened, but the pain pulsing against my temples and the tendrils of darkness trying to pull me beneath it made it difficult to work out the puzzle.
A relic hunt...traveling late...the approaching storm...an unexpected encounter with an entourage from Clariness...Serenity...a stolen kiss...caught...
Caught.
The pieces snapped into place to form a complete picture. I gasped and sat up so quickly that blood rushed to my head, causing the world to sway. Malachite rested a steadying hand on my shoulder. "Are you well, Prince Endymion?"
I only groaned in response as I lifted my hand to my head and carefully felt for the bump forming at the back of my skull from, as I remembered Serenity's guard. A feisty, protective thing, but despite my annoyance at being the victim of her distrust—effects I'd likely feel for several days—I was begrudgingly grateful that Serenity had such an ally.
"My head—" I managed.
"You were knocked out, by that princess—"
"Not her, Malachite. Her guard..." It was a struggle to explain. I saw all the words I wished to express, but with my throbbing head, it was as if they were scattered around me in a disorganized pile, leaving me to sort out how to organize the chaos. With great effort I managed to string together the essentials. "Is Serenity alright?"
By Malachite's widening eyes, I knew I'd said something wrong, but in my delirious state it took me a moment to realize I'd shown a bit too much concern for my supposed enemy.
"You're asking if the Crown Princess of Clariness is alright?" His tone was incredulous.
Another memory returned, vying for my attention—a game of hatred, a game I loathed at the best of times and one that would be almost impossible to play now.
I forced myself to snort. "When have I ever cared for the princess's health? I couldn't care less if she's well." The blasphemous words were poison on my tongue, but they managed to smooth out some of the bewildered and even slightly suspicious lines on Malachite's brow. "I'm simply asking if the blasted princess got away," I amended.
His eyes were still narrowed and it took him a moment to answer; he only relaxed at my glare that dared him to question my hatred for the enemy. "Unfortunately she got away, Your Highness."
"Unharmed?" I forced myself to use a tone that made it sound like I hoped for an answer opposite to what I really felt, while inside my anxiety rose. Please say she's safe...
"Yes."
My heart lifted in relief even as my expression twisted in distaste. "Unharmed? You mean we had her in our clutches and she is no worse for the experience?"
"I regret to say so, my prince."
"Damn!" I spouted the expletive, one which was a bit harsher than I typically liked to use, but it had the desired effect for the image I struggled to maintain—another charade, another game. My life seemed to consist of nothing but games, as of late.
"Why didn't you go after her?" I demanded.
"A few men tried, Highness, but our greatest concern was finding you. With the fading light it took us a while to locate you, only to discover you unconscious and injured." Malachite warily eyed my throat. "What happened? Did they attack you?" His words came out as an angry hiss even as he tensed, as if poising himself to go after the enemy in my defense.
"Attack? No, no, of course not." If they knew Serenity's guard had been the one to inflict the wound they'd surely inform my father. I'd hate to think of what he would do with such information, especially when he'd spent years vying for an excuse to wage war against Clariness.
Malachite appeared bewildered. "Then, what happened?"
"I...ran into...a branch." I could tell my guard didn't believe the weak excuse, but without proof I was lying he couldn't give my father an alternate story. Since I was the one who would report to the king, I'd be able to keep my non-visible heady injury secret, which meant Father couldn't use it as an excuse to attack the enemy. Not that he wouldn't find another one. If Serenity only knew how much danger she and her kingdom are truly in...
She didn't know because I refused to tell her.
Guilt prickled before I forced it away with my usual excuses. Serenity had enough to worry about without me adding to her burden, especially when I had the situation well in hand, at least, for now. Admittedly, though, my control was slipping more with each passing day. If we could only find the Relic of Peace... At least, then, this obstacle barring the way of our being together would finally vanish. We were so close, enough so that I stubbornly maintained my silence about the impending dangers to Serenity's kingdom.
I ignored Malachite's offered hand and struggled to my feet with as much dignity as I could muster, considering the circumstances; an effect ruined by the way I fumbled with a nearby trunk to steady myself as the world swayed once more. My guards watched me warily, while a few clearly struggled not to openly snigger, and several even murmured to one another from the sides of their mouths; likely their theories of how their apparently stalwart prince found himself knocked out in the midst of negotiating with the enemy.
Despite my rising embarrassment, I found my lips twitching. Serenity had certainly won this round. It'd been a while since she'd emerged from our game victorious. She'd surely be pleased.
At the thought of her I glanced in the direction of the Clariness border. "What happened to the princess?"
"Her guard snuck her away, but before we could follow, her men attacked us. They put up quite the fight."
I swiveled to face Malachite in alarm. "Are there any casualties?"
"Several wounded on both sides, but no deaths."
I released a shaky breath of relief that no blood would stain either of our hands, especially hers. But surely the knowledge that several had been injured for her benefit would still effect Serenity's tender heart. I ached to reassure her, but I'd have to settle for doing so via letter, and not for the first time I cursed our blasted circumstances that, not only kept us apart, but made everything so damn difficult. To think I had to resort to comforting the woman I loved in such an impersonal way...by letter?
My shoulders sagged, a movement which Malachite, watching me closely, noticed. "Are you disappointed you lost her?"
"Disappointment doesn't even begin to cover it." In that I could be honest, even if it wasn't for the reason he believed. "Come, we must return to the capital. His Majesty needs a full report."
My words were even, conveying calm. Anxiety pressed against my thoughts and acted as companion as I led my men through the trees back to where our horses waited, pawing the frozen ground nervously, as if they too felt the lingering tension.
Crimson blood splotched the ground, evidence of the fight that had results on our behalf. I kept my face firm, even indifferent, as Father had taught me, but inside my stomach churned. I hastily looked away, only for my gaze to settle on several men whose armor was stained in blood.
"Your injuries?" It was an effort to keep my voice steady.
They gave me a full account, one my throbbing head and the knots tightening around my stomach made difficult to follow, but I managed to understand just enough to assure myself that none of their wounds were serious. Good.
Desperate to escape the scene, I went to my horse, Destrier, and struggled to lift myself into the saddle. Malachite stepped up behind me. "Would you like assistance, Your Highness?"
"No." The rebuff came out sharper than I intended, but I refused to be helped into the saddle like a child; I already felt ridiculous enough.
Another point for you, Serenity, I thought wryly, but my attempt at amusement did nothing to lessen the heat prickling the back of my neck from the attention of my men as they fought not to laugh at my fumbling attempts. I undoubtedly appeared weak, and even though that was how I often viewed myself, it wasn't at all what my father wanted for me. I cringed to imagine how he'd manifest his disappointment.
After considerable effort, I managed to climb up and settle in the saddle, though it was difficult to remain upright. It was foolish to ride when I'd so recently been knocked out, but the exercise would prove an adequate distraction for my thoughts, which were growing steadily darker as they wondered at my father's reaction when he learned what had happened. These worries accompanied me throughout the entire ride back to the palace where, sure enough, my father's wrath awaited me.
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"What do you mean she got away?" Father's face was puce and his voice had already risen several notches; the volume would only increase before the confrontation ended.
My heart pounded wildly and it was all I could do to maintain a façade of calm; anything else would betray weakness, and Father detested weakness in all forms. I frantically sorted through the potential excuses I'd come up with during the journey home in explanation for what had happened, but there was only one path open to me: I needed to shoulder the blame so it wouldn't fall on Clariness.
On Serenity.
I took a steadying breath. "I'm afraid she escaped due to my negligence."
I stiffened, awaiting Father's anger, and wasn't forced to wait for long. It came as a torrential storm of yelling, curses, and threats to take away my crown, all of which echoed throughout the throne room. Trepidation coursed through me at the threat. I wasn't sure why I clung so fiercely to a crown tainted in blood and dark rumors, one that acted as an obstacle to what I truly wanted, but despite how much trouble it'd brought me and the obstacle it erected between me and the woman I loved, I found it difficult to let it go. While I dreaded taking up such a notorious mantle, I was determined to use my role as king to turn things around, if I could manage not to be disinherited before that day came.
Father paused in his tirade to take a sharp breath, his gaze narrowed at the cut on my throat. Glee pierced his purpling countenance. "Were you injured?" He sounded far too cheerful at the thought of his heir having come to bodily harm.
Blast. I'd forgotten about my injury, evidence of what had truly transpired that would go against my attempts to hide the truth by not speaking of it. If Father hadn't met me in the entrance hall and dragged me to the throne rom to hear my report the moment I'd returned home, I could have cleaned it up in the hopes he wouldn't notice.
"No," I lied. "I ran into a branch..." Providing the true details of nearly having my throat slit, and then being knocked out, would only add fuel to Father's burning hatred against Clariness, one he kept not only lit but at a roaring blaze.
"A branch indeed." Father looked positively giddy, a look that didn't suit him at all. "This is excellent, Endymion. Most excellent."
"I'm glad you think so," I said wryly.
"If the princess's men did you harm, then we finally have a valid reason—"
"It wasn't the princess!" I hastily protested.
He frowned, clearly not believing me. "I know you don't want to admit that a pathetic girl got the better of you, but since your pride had already suffered, we'd best use the situation to our advantage."
I gritted my teeth. "It was a branch."
Father strode closer, peering intently at the wound, even giving it a painful prod with his finger, causing me to his in pain. "A branch wouldn't inflict an injury such as this. It definitely came from a sword."
I had no words to adequately defend his assumption, so I helplessly shook my head.
Father's eyes glistened in a dangerous way. "Even if it wasn't Clariness's doing, what's to stop us from laying the blame at their feet? The little princess trespassed on our land, attacked our heir—it's the perfect story use a catalyst for our plans, son!"
"She wasn't trespassing, Father," I protested. "We encountered one another in Clariness." I knew the lie only pulled me deeper into this dangerous game, especially when my father could easily untangle my deceit with a single conversation with my guards. But doing so would force him to stain the image of the crown he fought so hard to maintain—for the heir to the throne to be caught lying would almost be a worst fate, in his mind, than the fact I'd lied at all.
Father studied me a long moment, his look calculating, as if trying to pry off the layers guarding my secrets. "I'm curious why you're so insistent on maintaining such a story. Surely as my successor you're just as eager to seize the opportunity we've long been waiting for." His tone darkened in warning.
I hated being connected with his scheme. I struggled for an excuse to appease him, but it was difficult to think through my pounding head. "Winter is nearly upon us," I finally managed. "To begin a war at such a time will result in great loss, and after all the years we've built to this moment, we deserve the greatest triumph."
Father considered this before giving a curt nod. "I see the wisdom of your words. Very well, then; I'll exercise the patience required for the triumphant end I desire. It won't be long now..." He gave another decisive nod. "We will use the winter season to prepare, as well as for you to finally acquire your relic. Have you discovered any more information regarding the Relic of Abundance?"
I bit my lip to suppress a weary sigh. The emotions from the trying day and this even more difficult encounter had left me exhausted and in no mood for direction the conversation was shifting. I shook my head. "None."
His jaw clenched; that was not the answer he wanted. "You're taking far too long to perform such a simple task. If you take any longer people might mistake you for being incapable, and I refuse to allow such a prince to succeed me. You have a standard to live up to, the one I created; it only took me three months to find my relic."
Try as I might to be indifferent, his insults pierced my defenses. "I could do the same." My voice hitched defensively. "But I'm searching for a specific relic, and rare things require a greater cost."
He frowned. "True. Such a relic is far more difficult to acquire, but acquire it we must—our kingdom deserves nothing but the finest, and the Relic of Abundance will grant us riches beyond our wildest dreams." Considering drought no longer afflicted our kingdom, Father's desires for the relic were not founded in need but pure lust for riches and power. It would be dangerous if it ever fell into his hands.
Which meant I had to do all in my power to prevent that. I considered my words carefully. "The challenge brought by such an elusive relic is what makes the seeker worthy once he discovers it."
Father pondered a moment before finally giving a conceding nod. My tense posture relaxed. "Though I'm frustrated by the length of your search, I agree it's better to acquire such a powerful relic than a weak one. The relics of the past that proved easiest to find left little to no impression on the land or the rulers who acquired them." He strode to his throne and sat down in preparation for a lengthy tale. "The Relic of Wisdom, for instance, barely did anything for our ancestor King Claude's pathetic rule considering he was too foolish to know how to properly use it, and the Relic of Patience was much the same for his successor. Several generations down the line, King Baron acquired the Relic of Peace at the most inopportune moment, right when Elysion had the largest army that could have crushed the surrounding kingdoms to a pulp, resources which were utterly wasted once that relic was found—"
I startled, my wavering attention returning abruptly to his monologue. "The Relic of Peace is part of our kingdom's history?"
Father glared at having been interrupted. "As I've just said. I don't tolerate inattentiveness, Endymion."
I scarcely noticed his criticism, my mind whirling with what I'd just heard. Excitement flared, but I hastily schooled my expression; Father learning of my interest would ruin everything.
I'd never once considered asking Father for information concerning the relics. Not only would he be angry I was seeking assistance in a hunt that was supposed to done on my own—help which would only make me appear weak in his eyes—but he'd scoff if he suspected I possessed even the slightest interest in a relic he regarded as useless; he considered any thought of peace a vice.
"I'm afraid I'm ignorant as to the role the Relic of Peace has played in our kingdom's history." I fought to keep my voice even, disinterested.
He rolled his eyes. "I'd be more annoyed by the negligence in your studies if I found it a worthy topic, but that aspect of our kingdom's history is rather embarrassing. To think our ancestors' values were so drastically different than our own..." He shook his head in disgust.
"So it was acquired before the feud began," I surmised.
He nodded. "It was one of the first relics our ancestors sought. To think they'd go after something so weak, when there is such power to be found in other relics..."
I bit my lip to suppress a sigh. It seemed that rather than providing any useful information, Father only had interest in berating the mistakes of our forebears. "If they successfully required it," I said slowly, carefully, the moment there was a break in his rant, "does that mean it's still within our possession?"
Father's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Is there a reason for your interest in such an insignificant thing?"
I hesitated, searching for just the right words to appease him. "Surely there's wisdom in knowing about the rulers who came before and what they valued. Knowledge brings power, which will allow me to become a ruler far superior than they were."
I cringed at the ridiculous babble I was spouting. I sound like an egotistical, power-hungry—
But the absurd words earned me a rare smile. It wasn't a true smile considering it didn't reach his eyes, but his lips widened in a tight grimace. "An excellent strategy for an heir worthy to succeed me."
His praise left me uncomfortable, but I forced myself to nod graciously, as if I didn't feel uneasy at the thought of inheriting a throne shrouded in so much darkness and corruption.
"Now that I see the wisdom in your interest, son, I'll humor you," he said. "The relic is contained at Wistal Palace, along with several others our ancestors acquired throughout the generations, on which, as you so wisely pointed out, would be prudent to study."
Despite finally discovering the relic's location—one far closer than I could have ever dreamed—I frowned as I remembered something. "A relic that had been claimed by an earlier ruler cannot be reclaimed by the same kingdom."
"That is correct."
My heart sank, for that meant Serenity would have to be the one to acquire the Relic of Peace. The thought left me uneasy. Though she'd joined me in searching for the Relic of Peace, I sensed her reservations having to give up her initial search for the Relic of Abundance that her people so desperately needed, not for greed like our kingdom wanted it for, but necessity. If she was forced to take the Relic of Peace instead...
I didn't want to force her to make such a sacrifice on my behalf, so I'd long since made the decision to be the one to acquire the Relic of Peace, not just for her but because it seemed fitting considering the brunt of the feud was caused by my kingdom.
But if I couldn't be the one to acquire it, I'd be forcing Serenity to give up the Relic of Abundance she not only also wanted, but desperately needed. Guilt encased my heart, but because there was nothing I could do to abate it, I forced myself to focus on all the Relic of Peace would do for our kingdoms. No more feuds, no more raids, no more hatred. We would be free to be together, a future I wanted more than any other. To think that the Relic of Peace had been so close this entire time... I'd likely seen it many times in the palace gallery each time I visited Wistal in the winter.
I ached to write Serenity and tell her our long search had finally ended, but I was forced to endure the remainder of Father's lecture, one that my rising impatience caused to feel like an eternity, escalated by the weariness from my long and cold journey, the lateness of the hour, and my pulsing head.
When I was finally dismissed, I was tempted to return to my rooms where a hot meal, soothing bath, warm bed, and a remedy for my headache awaited me, but my letter to Serenity was of greater importance.
The dark corridors were nearly abandoned as I made my way to the library. Light from the fire flickering in the hearth bathed the room, illuminating my younger brother and sister waiting for me. I nearly groaned; I wasn't in the mood for company.
Esmeraude promptly looked up with wide, sad eyes that, as usual, had the effect of tugging on my heart. It wasn't difficult to figure out the cause of her ire. I sighed. "I'd forgotten I promised to play draughts with you upon my return."
"You promised, and you broke it." Her bottom lip was far too immature for her twelve years. But considering she'd been so young when our mother had died, and she'd been forced to grow up beneath the shadow of Father's indifference, it was impossible not to indulge her childish whims.
"I'm sorry, Esme. I'll play with you tomorrow; I have a horrible headache." It was now pounding relentlessly against my skull, each pulse sharp and piercing.
Her pout only deepened. "I don't want to wait until tomorrow. Why can't it be tonight, Endy?"
"He's indisposed," Saphir said with a rather wicked grin, one that, in the faint, shadowy light, looked more sincere than teasing. "I heard you were knocked out by the enemy princess."
Esmeraude's eyes widened. "Is that true?"
Despite overall being happy that Serenity had been able to get away, I still resented the loss of my younger sister's admiration that the truth would cost me. I collapsed in the wingback chair nearest the fire. "That is the rumor."
"A rumor confirmed by General Malachite, who had to revive you." Though my brother looked sympathetic, his eyes glistened as if he was silently laughing at me. Unease seeped over me. While my brother often was all that was noble for a prince, occasionally I caught glimpses that gave me cause to worry...
I gave my head a rigid shake to dispel a thought I was far too exhausted to entertain. "Very well, I confess I was knocked out. A lapse in judgement."
"One for which you must seek revenge." Saphir sounded overly eager at the prospect.
My frown deepened. "We can't retaliate with winter upon us."
I prayed that by the time spring arrived, the Relic of Peace would spare our kingdoms the fate neither Serenity nor I wanted for our people. Why should thousands spill their blood over something as petty as revenge?
Saphir hesitated a moment before nodding. "A wise decision, but I wouldn't expect anything less from the future king." No malice filled his words, and yet, I almost felt mocked.
I gave my head another shake. I was simply tired. The sooner I wrote to Serenity, the sooner I could go to bed and put this arduous day behind me, one that, save for my stolen moment with her, had been nothing but one trial after another.
I rose to go to the desk, pausing to give my sister's ear a playful tug. "I'll play my promised game with you first thing in the morning, Esme. I'll likely still be feeling poorly, so you can be assured a victory."
She brightened instantly. "I do like winning. Very well, you're excused until tomorrow." And humming cheerfully, she flounced from the library.
I settled at the desk and searched for quill and parchment, pausing at the heated sensation pricking my neck, as if I was being watched. I glanced over my shoulder to discover Saphir still in the room. "Did you need something, Saph?"
He said nothing, at first, simply studied me with a rather calculating look that, for a brief moment, looked just like Father's. All too soon it vanished, leaving him merely curious. "Why did you really let her go?"
My heart flared at the question. "I...didn't. She got away."
"I see." Saphir lifted his chin. "I wouldn't have let her get away." With that he left the room.
For a moment I stared after him, frowning, but I had no more energy left to expend worrying about the strange interaction. I needed to write Serenity, and then I would rouse my most trusted courier who had, for a hefty price, been conveying all of my letters to Clariness in the two years since our forbidden relationship had begun.
I turned to my letter, one that my headache made difficult to compose. It took three failed attempts, and working until the fire had nearly burned out, before I'd finished:
'Dearest Serenity,
First I must congratulate you for successfully emerging victorious in this last round. I confess I hadn't realized the stakes had become so high, but I'm fiercely relieved that nobody was seriously hurt.
Despite the price I was forced to pay, I'm exceedingly grateful you got away, and pray that you remained unharmed in your journey home. And though a letter is entirely inadequate, when I'd much rather comfort you in person, I hope you bear no guilt for the events of the evening; they were not your fault.
Though I'm relieved at your safety, I fear the repercussion of our discovery. Has your guard informed your family of us? I ache to be there to support you and feel so helpless being so far away. I also fear the obstacles between us will only grow worse. But perhaps the negative effects brought about by our discovery are only temporary, for I believe I've finally located the Relic of Peace.
I still can hardly believe that, after all this time, I've finally penned those words. My head is pulsing too fiercely for me to go into great detail (thanks to your faithful guard), but midst tonight's tirade, Father told me that the Relic of Peace had been acquired by one of our ancestors; something he finds shameful, which is why I don't believe I've heard of it until now. I curse the fact that my neglect in researching the relics of my own family line had delayed our search for so long, but at least we now have some idea where it is: Wistal, the winter palace in Elysion, contains a tribute to rulers past. It is the ancient palace near the border of our kingdoms and so should be relatively easy to reach. I would attempt to bring the relic closer, but I'm afraid my interference might prevent you from acquiring it at all; and it is too precious to lose the opportunity to use it.
It's too dangerous for you to enter Elysion in order to search for it on your own, so I will accompany you, and together we will finally find the key to ending this ridiculous feud forever. And then, after all this time...we can finally do what we've so long discussed and yearned for: marry.
I will be ready to set out for the relic the moment I receive word from you. I'm hopeful the count of days separating us will be far shorter this time and we will see one another soon. And, if we finally succeed, we never need be separated again.
I'm ever thinking of you, Sere, and wishing you well, especially after the trying events of the day. I pray you won't suffer any negative consequences or heartache, and that if you do, they will fade the moment we finally have what we've been searching for.
All my love,
-Endymion'
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à suivre...