Something was wrong. At first, it was a whisper inside Endymion's mind, but now it was a screaming distraction. Zoisite's voice had long since become a distant din against the raging inferno of his thoughts. He needed to pay attention to the meeting, but his mind was elsewhere.
Instead, he was thinking of her.
She drifted unbidden into his mind. Sitting there, graceful and delicate in her pristine dress. Everything about her was mesmerizing. The vibrant glow of the sunlight caressed her face, highlighting the soft curve of her cheeks and the graceful lines of her neck. Her elegant stride that seemed so innate and elegant. Even how her eyes would brush his face.
It was a vicious torture. Remembering the sparkle of vibrancy in her eyes, a breathtaking blue that seemed to mirror the oceans. Whenever a soft caress licked past his skin, he thought of how her hands felt on him. Cool, like a whisper of silk sliding across sensitive flesh. The sensation sent shivers down his spine, leaving him wanting her more.
Even her voice was captivating. That melodic lilt that slid through him, stirring everything primal inside. He'd never forget when her eyes met his, with that delectable hint of playful youth and something else, something that made his heart thump and breath hitch. The intensity of their connection, the unspoken bond that seemed to form the moment their eyes connected, left him feeling both intoxicated and terrified.
What would happen if this rebellion worsened, and she met her death? Watching her red blood ooze from her body… Even thinking about that made rage explode inside. But she was on the moon and he was here.
Despite their encounter being brief, it had sprouted a longing that he couldn't understand or begin to explain. Almost like something inside had awakened a dormant desire. The thought of her, the image of her face, the sound of her voice—they devoured him, pulling him further away from his duties and responsibilities.
No matter how hard he struggled to focus, his mind drifted back to her, to the way she'd made him feel so vibrant, so alive. He couldn't ignore or forget the memory of her touch, the cool sensation of her hands, the depth of her gaze—it all lingered in his mind. Tempting. Teasing.
"Prince Endymion."
Endymion knew he had to regain control, had to push these thoughts aside. But it was harder than even the most extreme challenge. How could he, when every fiber of his soul was being drawn to him, to the woman that stirred such powerful emotions within him?
"Prince Endymion."
Still, there was one undeniable fact. Any sort of relationship was forbidden. Not just by the laws of man, but of gods. Mortals had defied the gods before. History and myth were full of stories, and they all ended in tragedy. He'd face long-lasting and severe consequences.
A loud boom made him jump. "Prince Endymion!"
Cursing his distracted mind, he glanced up at the faces of his four kings. Their expressions ranged from disbelief to shock. Unsure of what to say, he broke eye contact and looked away.
Like all the rooms in the Golden Castle, this one was a testament to Earth's grandeur. The soft golden light filtering through the tall, arched windows cast a warm glow on the intricate mosaics adorning the walls. The scent of aged wood and ancient scrolls mingled with the fragrant aroma of fresh flowers from the royal gardens, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Beneath his fingers, the large oak table felt smooth and polished, its surface reflecting the dancing light from the ornate chandelier above.
"I don't think the window will save you," Jadeite said with a chuckle.
"Not even close," Nephrite added.
Now even more flustered, Endymion tapped a finger on the large oak table before them. Polished to a mirror finish, it dominated the center of the room. The surface reflected the light from the ornate chandelier above. Countless crystals sparkled, each catching the light in a dazzling display.
"Let's continue," Endymion said, adjusting some papers before him.
Kunzite leaned back in his chair. "Can we? The moment Zoisite starts talking, you'll zone out again."
"Never mind that we have important information to discuss." Zoisite tapped on the tablet before him. "But let's not impede the prince's daydreaming."
"I'm NOT daydreaming," Endymion insisted.
All four kings laughed. They elbowed each other and joked. Endymion considered throwing them out the window.
"Right," Jadeite said, snorting. "And I'm not devilishly handsome."
Nephrite smacked him so hard Jadeite lurched forward. "You're not that good looking, which is why Mars never seems to want you around."
Jadeite bristled. "At least she didn't knock me out the first time we met. Jupiter laid you out flat."
Endymion resisted the urge to roll his eyes, instead examining the tapestries on the wall. Their vibrant colors depicted scenes of nature and prosperity, with golden threads woven into the fabric. They caught the light and added a sense of opulence. But no matter where he looked, a moon seemed to be present.
Always bringing his thoughts back to her.
"What updates does Helios have?" Kunzite asked.
Endymion wrenched his eyes from the delicate woven moon and cleared his throat. "Not good news, unfortunately. Helios has enacted protective measures around Elysian. The Dark Kingdom is now tainting too many sacred locations."
"Have you felt any effects?" Zoisite asked.
Endymion nodded. "Yes, fatigue, chills, unexplained aches and pains. The Golden Crystal is being affected as well."
Nephrite slammed a fist on the table. "It's always bad news!"
Jadeite frowned and adjusted his uniform. "Yes, and it's only going to get worse."
"We're only in the beginnings of this rebellion," Kunzite said. "With the Dark Kingdom gaining power so quickly, we have no real hope of stopping it."
Endymion glanced out the window again, finding the pale moon hanging low in the sky. He didn't want the princess to be in trouble, but that's exactly what he feared was going to happen. This rebellion would spiral out of control and it would eventually reach upwards. Then what would happen?
She'd be in danger.
"We could just demand the white moon surrender," Nephrite said. "If they hand over the Silver Crystal and relinquish any power, the Dark Kingdom will be satisfied."
Endymion smashed his fist down. The crack echoed through the room and rippled against the walls. "That is not an option. That will never be an option. For reasons that you know well. The Silver Crystal and Golden Crystal are companions. One would never accept the surrender of the other. You're also forgetting that the white moon is the earth's protector. We need them."
Nephrite shrugged. "It's still something that needs to be discussed."
"No," Endymion said. "It's not something to discuss."
"What does Helios have to say?" Zoisite asked.
"He's concerned. Things are escalating quickly, and he's unsure how they'll progress. But he's preparing for all contingencies. Right now, he's sealing as much power as he can for future use, but that's a draining process. The Maenads are helping where they can. How are things going with the guardians?"
Zoisite leaned forward, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "The guardians are quite the challenge," he said, his tone laced with amusement. "But I find their rigidity to be their biggest flaw. They stick to their strategies, leaving little room for improvisation. It's almost too easy to predict their next moves. Almost."
"Which I'm not sure I believe," Kunzite said. "You complained about that Go match with Mercury for several days after. Somehow, the game ended in a draw."
Zoisite waved him off. "That was a fluke, one that won't happen again."
Nephrite snorted. "Or you're not the impressive creature you think you are."
"Nephrite," Endymion interrupted before the fight could continue. "How are things going with Jupiter?"
A smile spread across Nephrite's face. "She's helping train the Golden Kingdom troops and, for a girl, is impressive. No matter how strenuous the activity, she doesn't waver."
"Sounds like you have a little crush," Jadeite said.
Nephrite smashed a fist down on his hand. Jadeite yelped and cradled his hand to his chest. "That was uncalled for!"
Nephrite looked unconcerned. "That was for implying that I'd ever entangle myself with a princess from the moon."
Now Endymion rolled his eyes. "Kunzite?"
"Venus and I are progressing well. We've been formulating battle plans for the upcoming physical conflicts. She's got an impressive head for strategy and a rather devious streak for a leader."
"So a perfect match for you," Jadeite said, still rubbing his hand.
"You wouldn't know a leader if they smacked you, Jadeite," Kunzite said coldly.
"Jadeite, how are things going with Mars?" Endymion asked.
"She's fire if I ever saw it. She's got the spiritual talent and temper to match, but she's able to commune with the fire better than anyone I've ever seen."
The four kings all exchanged glances between each other. Kunzite cleared his throat and adjusted his uniform, eyes shifting uncomfortably. Zoisite's playful smirk faltered, and he tapped his fingers nervously on the table. Nephrite folded his arms and glanced sideways, a frown deepening on his face. Jadeite, usually so quick with a witty remark, avoided eye contact and stared intently at a spot on the floor.
Endymion knew something was coming. His four kings never acted like this unless they were nervous about his reaction.
"What?"
Still, no one said anything.
"I'm losing my patience."
Finally, Kunzite sucked in a breath. "We're all worried."
"Downright nervous."
"Very concerned."
"Petrified."
"About?" Endymion asked, suspecting where this was headed but unsure.
The silence spread across the room. But just before he said something, Kunzite spoke.
"We're worried about your relationship with the Moon Princess."
Endymion stared at him. His relationship? What relationship? He'd seen the moon princess once, granted he'd sensed her presence many times before. But she'd never shown herself. That didn't count as a relationship. "What are you talking about?"
Zoisite leaned forward. "We know you saw her the other day."
"We also know that you spent almost an hour locked in the hidden alcove with her," Nephrite said.
Jadeite adjusted his collar. "Then escorted her to the garden."
"Do we have to remind you it's strictly forbidden to have personal relationships with the moon kingdom?" Kunzite asked.
Endymion rarely lost his temper, but he could feel those turbulent emotions swirling. "I don't need you to remind me of the laws."
"Then what in the stars are you doing with the moon princess?" Jadeite asked. "I've already sensed a disturbance within your aura. If this continues…"
"I don't need you to lecture me about this," Endymion said.
"Really?" Nephrite said. "Because it seems that someone does."
"It's completely innocent. I saw someone sneaking about. I thought it was an enemy, so I followed them. Instead of encountering an assassin, it was the moon princess. What was I supposed to do?"
"Throw her out of the Golden Castle!" all the kings said at once.
"Instead, you let her listen to a secret meeting," Kunzite said.
"Locked in a small room," Jadeite added.
"You're inching towards dangerous territory, Endymion," Zoisite said.
"None of you may lecture me on this."
"So we should tell the king?" Kunzite said.
Endymion rubbed his face. "It's not serious! This isn't a full-blown affair. I made sure she didn't get into trouble. That was it."
"Right," Nephrite said.
"I assume the meeting has concluded. Excellent, continue." Endymion slid his chair back so forcefully it nearly toppled over and stalked from the room.
As Endymion moved through the golden castle with a purposeful stride, his footsteps echoed off the polished marble floors, the sound reverberating through the grand hallways. The intricately woven tapestries lining the walls depicted scenes of nature and prosperity, their vibrant colors and golden threads catching the soft light filtering through the tall, arched windows. The air carried a faint scent of fresh flowers from the royal gardens, mingling with the aroma of aged wood and ancient scrolls.
Each step echoed through the grand hallways lined with statues of past kings and guardians, their stone faces silently watching his passage. The scent of fresh flowers from the royal gardens mingled with the faint aroma of aged wood and ancient scrolls, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that did little to calm his racing thoughts.
How could this happen to him? He was always so cool and calm. Always so collected. Now he felt like his entire being was fraying. All because of a girl, no, a woman. All because of a princess from the moon.
Ascending a spiraling staircase, Endymion let his hand trail up the cool banister, wishing it was her he was touching. Inner turmoil wracked him, tearing him apart, leaving him shattered like the ornate mosaics around him.
As Endymion stepped onto the high spire, a gentle breeze caressed his face, carrying with it the earthy scents of the kingdom below. The expansive view stretched out before him, a tapestry of lush greens and vibrant colors. The golden spires of the castle glinted in the midday sun, their warm hues a testament to the life-giving power of the sun. Distant sounds of bustling life drifted up from the streets below, a gentle hum that spoke of the vitality and energy of his people.
Usually, he watched the land. How the trees moved with the wind or the flow of people on the streets. But now, his gaze went upward to the pale orb of the moon hanging in the sky.
Despite the bright daylight, the moon's presence was a constant reminder of the forbidden connection that now plagued his thoughts. He stood there, the wind gently rustling his hair and cloak, staring at the distant moon with a longing that was both exhilarating and agonizing. Just the sight of that silver slice in the sky made his heart pound harder, each beat a relentless reminder of the turmoil within him.
Standing on the high spire, he felt an inexplicable pull towards the moon, an ache that gnawed at his very soul. His thoughts raced with questions and confusion, unable to comprehend why a single encounter with the moon princess had left such a profound impact on him. It was as if their eyes had locked and an invisible thread had bound them together, a bond that defied logic and reason.
But that wasn't possible. They were two different creatures. One of the moon. One of the earth. Bonds like that didn't form between mortals and gods.
He clenched his fists, frustration and longing warring within him. The memory of her ethereal beauty, the cool touch of her hand, and the melodic lilt of her voice haunted him. It was a delicious torment, a sweet agony that made his heart flutter and his thoughts spiral.
None of this made sense! Why did he feel this way? Why was he so irresistibly drawn to her?
The desire to see her again, to be near her, consumed him, leaving him restless and distracted. His duties and responsibilities seemed distant, overshadowed by the overwhelming need to bridge the chasm between them. It was a feeling unlike any he had ever experienced, a magnetic pull that transcended the boundaries of their worlds, leaving him yearning for something he couldn't quite grasp.
This was a danger far greater than the Dark Kingdom could ever present.