"She's arriving today," Kunzite commented, keeping a neutral tone. The four generals were gathered to devise a plan of action to recommend to Endymion.

Jadeite rolled his eyes and said, "As if women are ever on time."

Zoisite chuckled. "Normally, I would agree, but this is Lord Artemis we're talking about. He would be on time even if war broke out."

Kunzite agreed and said, "That's because he brings a small army everywhere. He would be able to fight through the line and turn the tides of the battle." He paused and picked a bit of lint off his pants. He added, "I bet he could even get a group of women to be on time."

Nephrite commented, "Well, I'd never bet against him either. I've made too much money betting on his men during tournaments, no matter how outmatched they may appear to be at times."

"Still, it's my job to stop this whole marriage thing," Kunzite said, sighing. "Any other ideas than just hoping she proves not to be a virgin?"

Zoisite nodded and handed him a sheet of paper. "He's a list of tutors and instructors. I think she should take lessons to prove she's accomplished enough to be Endymion's wife. I assume it will be seen as an insult to Lord Artemis and get him to cancel the engagement plans."

A slow smile spread over Kunzite's face. "That's brilliant. I'll have this set up right away. I'll tell the tutors that her training will begin tomorrow."

Serenity stepped out of the carriage at the palace, looking rested. Artemis had ensured they had stopped for the night close to the palace the previous day. That way, they could travel leisurely for the last two hours. It would not only ensure they arrived at the exact time he had messaged they would, but it would show Serenity to her best advantage.

She followed her uncle, aunt, and young cousin, making their way through the bustling courtyard to the waiting prince. Their audience with the king would be later and much more formal.

After bowing, Artemis indicated his niece with his out-swept hand. "Your Highness, Crown Prince Endymion, you know my family, but may I present my niece, Serena?"

Curtseying, Serenity said, "It's an honor to meet you, Your Highness."

Endymion stared at the delicate beauty standing before him. She had all the manners of a demure maiden, but the look of defiance in her eyes when she returned his gaze didn't match. "Serena, it's an honor to meet you. I hope you find your stay comfortable."

She gave him a tight smile but then forced a broader one. He wasn't being subtle about his lack of excitement over the engagement. She almost laughed over how much she didn't care about his feelings about the marriage. Serenity knew she could endure anything he attempted to try to get rid of her. After all, she had endured the loss of her mother and her whole kingdom. What was one obstinate, petulant man after that?

"Your Highness," she managed to get out, sounding sweet and innocent. "I am sure I will find everything to be quite comfortable."

Nodding curtly, he held back an evil smile and said, "Do make sure you rest well today after your travels here. Tomorrow, you will start your tutoring and training in the morning. I need to ensure my future wife is fully educated."

Her eyes nearly bugged out of her head. Serenity couldn't believe her luck. He was testing her to try to get rid of her. Little did he know she loved proving herself to people —especially if it made them look foolish. She replied, "Thank you for your thoughtfulness. I will make sure to be ready for my lessons tomorrow." He also didn't know that she was brilliant and well-trained.

Endymion stepped to the side and indicated the front door. "The servants will take you to your room."

Serenity was giggling while Minako dressed her for her introduction to the king. Laughing, she said, "The idiot prince thinks he can prove I'm not educated enough!"

Minako shook her head, and she finished the final button. "He's grasping at straws. And that fool doesn't know how lucky he is to get you as a wife. Of course, in this country, they're probably dumb enough not to value your brains. It's not like they appear to have any of their own."

Swishing in her poofy dress, Serenity shrugged. "I've already gotten what I need. He's proving petty and childish by trying to go against his father." She paused and then frowned. "I wish there was another way. It's not like I want to marry him, either. It's hard to be too mad at him when we want the same thing."

"I could marry him in your place, and you could run off and find a man to marry for love," Minako offered. "I pretended to be you for over a year."

"No. This was my plan, and I will stick to it. I'm being juvenile right now. I'll get over it."

"You are not. I wish you would try to think of yourself and your happiness —just once. If it weren't for your mother's command, you wouldn't have gone to live with Artemis for your safety either."

Serenity's face pinched in thought. "It wasn't fair. She never commanded me before."

"But she was your queen just like she was for the rest of us, and you couldn't disobey. I was glad she did that."

"I hate running away from a fight. It doesn't feel right. I was raised to stand up for what I want and for the good of others." Serenity wanted to scream in frustration after being sent away and protected like a child.

"And the heir is still alive."

"Not that it matters. I'm marrying a prince and hiding my identity. All because my country is lost to that monster and his band of idiots."

"You never know what can happen. Survival is the first step," Minako pressed. "I have to ask. How do you think Artemis took the fact that Endymion will have you tested as if you're not good enough?"

A wide, pleased smile spread over Serenity's face. "He was smiling when he parted with me. I almost feel sorry for the King. This won't go pleasantly for him. Endymion miscalculated how this will go."

King Ellis glared at Endymion. "If you had any brains, you would realize how incredibly disappointed I am in you right now." He glared down at his son from his throne. "I want to know if you even considered how offended Lord Artemis is over this stunt you're pulling. I have half a mind to marry again so I may have another child and make him heir!"

"What have I done to insult Artemis?" Endymion blustered.

"Do you think that you're being subtle? You're obviously trying to get rid of Serena by testing her."

"No. I'm trying to prove she's intelligent enough to be my wife."

Ellis rolled his eyes, "Subtlety isn't your strong suit." He then switched his eyes to the guards. "Show them in."

The doors swung open, and Artemis, Luna, Diana, and Serenity stood ready to be ushered in for their formal Royal welcome. Once they were announced, they proceeded in and bowed or curtseyed before the king.

"Your Highness," Artemis said in a clipped tone. "You've met my wife and daughter. Please let me introduce you to my niece, Serena." She curtseyed again, and Artemis continued, "I am pleased to have her present before the king. With your permission, we will depart for my home tomorrow morning."

Serenity suspected something confrontational was coming, and she was prepared. She had dug her nails into her palms as a distraction, which kept her from laughing out loud at his pronouncement. As it was, she curtseyed again, not out of respect, but so she could bow her head and hide the mirth in her eyes.

Ellis tried to react calmly. "That's an odd thing to do when she is to marry my son."

Artemis looked up at him with a false look of placidness. "Oh, and here I understood that the marriage had been canceled."

"What gave you that idea?!"

"The lessons and training she is set to receive tomorrow, aren't they to test her? That implies that their union isn't a settled thing. We came here in good faith, believing the marriage was agreed upon. And then I arrive, and her worthiness is being challenged."

Ellis wanted to throttle his son. The fool hadn't even heeded his correction minutes ago, and the issues he had laid out had proven correct. If his son wanted to cause problems, he, as King, could stop them abruptly. "We sign the marriage contract now," he announced abruptly. He then ordered, "And the training and lessons are canceled."

Serenity smiled. She was so pleased with the newest developments. But still, there was something she wanted. "Once the marriage contract is signed to my uncle's liking, please let me continue with the testing the prince had set up for me." She looked Endymion in the eyes and said, "I want the prince, my betrothed, to know I can pass all his little tests. I'm not afraid of anything he has prepared for me."

Ellis looked at Artemis to see his reaction, and the man smiled. The King announced, "Very well. It will be as you wish, Serena. And Artemis, we will go to the council chambers to finalize and sign the marriage agreement."

Artemis nodded with an expressionless face. "Before I agree to the marriage, I find I have some additional requests, of course."

"Of course," Ellis said, furious that Endymion had put him in this position. Even a king could not risk angering the man with the largest army in the country.