Once the shock of his return had run its path, Serena found herself drowning in her curiosity much like many others.

Many were curious about what the Nemesians could be up to to keep such a secret for so long.

Their Civil War had ended a year ago and since then the planet had been in a state of reform and restoration. Quite a few treaties and trades had come out of the war. The Royal family had dispelled who they needed to to ensure their power and the people's safety.

Where had Dimande been all this time? What had he been doing? These questions were driving her mad.

He had promised and yet here she was engaged to another man.

This reappearance somehow felt worst than his 'death.'

How could he have abandoned her?

She tore into the library angrily yanking volumes and scrolls to bring into her personal study.

"Princess?" Ami called out.

Serena stopped her jerky motions and tried to rein in her emotions.

She needed to compose herself.

Her inner turmoil had caused many to notice the change in her disposition. Especially her friends. While the thought was touching, it was more annoying than anything. She didn't feel as if she could trust anyone with her true thoughts except Hotaru.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes," she managed a smile as she turned to face her friend . "Did I scare you?"

"No… you just seem not like yourself."

"I thought you'd be ecstatic to see me taking an interest in history and politics." Serena tilted her head thoughtfully.

Ami laughed at the quip, "I am. Can I assist you with anything?"

"Has Jupiter completed vetting submissions for the Solarium Munera?" She asked. It was one of the reasons she was grabbing books and scrolls as she was expected to give opening remarks about the event.

"Not quite yet." A tactical pause. "Nemesis will be joining this year, with their Prince as tribute."

The mention of the White Prince gave the Princess pause. "Is that so…"

Ami hummed confirming the fact. She waited before asking again if she was okay.

"I'm alright," Serena deflated. "Honest. I'm sorry if I've made you worry."

"Ever since your engagement ball you've been different. Erratic… like that time before."

"An engagement is a big deal." Serena laughed humorlessly as she came to sit on the edge of her desk. "I'll be a wife in a year and a half with a home my own far away from here. It's a lot to contend with, wouldn't you agree?"

"You seemed well enough until the Prince of Nemesis was announced." Ami remarked.

Stubbornly, her friend refused to be diverted in her inquiries. No one thought to consider that Serena was still a young woman, uncertain underneath her crown and responsibilities.

"That too." Serena relented with a sigh, " It's a miracle and yet I dont feel relieved." She was silent. "I'm glad he's alive… I just can't fathom how."

"Is that all?" It was the skepticism and judgment in her tone that made Serena narrow her eyes and harden her tone.

"I've known him since I was a child…"

"Yes, but…" Ami trailed catching her own train of thought. The 'he's not one of us' went unspoken.

"But what?" Blue eyes had turned to frost. "But what?" Serena repeated loudly.

Ami stared as her heart pounded loudly in her ears. The tension in the room almost smothering.

"He was practically my shadow and yet you continue to question why his return, on the night of my engagement announcement no less, would affect me?"

Ami swallowed as she dropped gaze. Of course the savioress of truth and light would feel something for even the most cruel of the galaxy. "I misspoke, Princess. Forgive me."

Serena made a sound of disgust as her thoughts flashed to all of the unsolicited comments.

When would the disapproval end? With a deep breath, she once again composed herself. "Was that all, Sailor Mercury?"

Ami flinched at the title. "Yes…"

"Then you are dismissed."

There was no way to misinterpret this new treatment. With a heavy heart, Ami nodded and did as she was told.

"Wait," Serena called out as she crossed the threshold. Ami waited with bated breath.

"Shut the door behind you."

The comments and conversations didn't stop there.

Whether she was being accused of not taking her wedding preparations seriously, or being overly curious about a man who was not her betrothed, the judgements and disapproval were starting to grate on her nerves.

The Princess felt as if she couldn't breathe with her staff and Senshi constantly fussing over her.

She shivered as she heard his voice in her thoughts.

"You never knew how to stand up for yourself… Should I stand up for you once again?"