Dear readers, here comes the next chapter! I hope you are going to like it.

PinkOdangos: Again, thank you a lot for reading and leaving comment! Soon I promise there will be a peek of the tension!

the online dreamer: Well I can not really tell right now if you are going to like them but soon I think we will take sides :-)

SailorGuardian314: I see you are also usure how to take the Royals – they are indeed persistent but don't forget they are seasoned diplomats; they know they have a responsibility to their planets and gain the most from all the situations. We will soon see on whose side they are.

Chapter 11 - Shadows and Secrets

In the solitude of the conference room, Serenity faced the flickering screen with a taut anticipation. Mina's face appeared, the usual lightness of her demeanor absent, replaced by a palpable tension that tightened the space between them.

"Mina, what's happened?" Serenity's voice was tight, the formality of their earlier discourse stripped away, revealing the raw edge of her worry.

"Serenity, it's critical you remain on Eryndor," Mina stated gravely, her words heavy with implications. "The Moon isn't safe. We've uncovered a threat within the Palace—a spy."

The words struck Serenity with chilling force. Her fingers curled against the table, gripping the smooth surface as if to anchor herself. "A spy? But how? Who?"

Mina exhaled sharply, rubbing her temple with a gloved hand. "We're still investigating," she admitted, frustration evident in the subtle tension of her brow. "But we believe it's connected to a larger scheme, potentially a rebellion—and Serenity, there are indications it might involve Earth."

The additional mention of Earth sent a wave of dread through Serenity. The ramifications were enormous, not just politically, but personally. Her relationship with Endymion, already fragile under the weight of secrecy, suddenly felt even more precarious.

"Earth?" she whispered, the word a blade to her heart.

"Yes," Mina confirmed, her gaze steady but sympathetic. "I know this is hard, especially with... certain complications. But you need to stay where you are. Eryndor's neutrality makes it the safest place for you right now."

Serenity swallowed, her throat dry. "But how do I justify an extended stay without raising suspicions?" Her mind raced, seeking a path through the diplomatic minefield she walked.

Mina gave her a small, reassuring smile. "You're excellent at diplomacy, Serenity. I'm sure you can come up with something. Maybe you could say you're continuing discussions about strengthening ties with Eryndor? It's not far from the truth, and it would give you a reason to stay."

Serenity nodded slowly, considering the suggestion. It was true that she could spin a plausible excuse, but the idea of deception—even for a necessary cause—unsettled her. "And the spy? Any leads on who it might be?"

Mina hesitated before answering, her fingers drumming lightly against the desk beside her. "We're working on it, but for now, keep your guard up," she advised. "Stay safe, stay alert, and Serenity, trust that we're doing everything we can."

Serenity's voice softened slightly, a mix of concern and need for reassurance coloring her tone. "Mina, are you alone right now?"

Mina glanced around her immediate surroundings, her face reflecting the seriousness of their conversation. "Yes, I'm alone in the communications room. Why do you ask?"

Serenity hesitated for a moment, her next words carrying the weight of the secrets she held. "Endymion is here, on Eryndor. We were both at the same event."

A brief flicker of surprise crossed Mina's face, but it quickly gave way to a knowing smile. "Really now? That's quite the coincidence, isn't it?"

Serenity couldn't help but let out a small, nervous laugh, momentarily pushing aside the gravity of their situation. "Seeing him was the last thing I expected. We managed to speak a little, under the guise of diplomatic discussion."

Mina's expression softened, her tone teasing yet gentle. "Sounds romantic. But I'm guessing you handled it with your usual grace, right? You two have a knack for making the impossible look effortless."

Serenity blushed slightly at the compliment. "I don't know about effortless, but we did our best." Her voice trailed off, the reality of their predicament creeping back into her thoughts.

Mina's teasing softened into something more understanding. "Do you think Endymion will be able to handle what I just told you? About Earth's possible involvement?"

Serenity hesitated, her fingers grazing the edge of the table. "I don't know," she admitted quietly. "It's not just about politics, Mina. This will test him in ways I don't think he's prepared for."

Mina's gaze softened. "Then we'll be prepared for him, too."

Serenity let out a breath, her lips curving into a grateful smile. "You always know what to say."

Mina grinned, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Naturally. But before you go back to being all serious and responsible—tell me one thing."

Serenity raised a brow. "What?"

Mina smirked. "Did he look at you the way he used to? You know—the 'I'm trying to pretend I'm not completely in love with you' way?"

A warmth spread through Serenity's chest, betraying her calm exterior. She tried for nonchalance. "Mina—"

"Ah-ha! He did, didn't he?" Mina crowed triumphantly. "I knew it."

Serenity sighed but couldn't suppress the smile tugging at her lips. "You're incorrigible."

"And you're avoiding the question."

Serenity bit her lip. "...It felt like the world disappeared when we danced."

Mina's teasing smile softened. "Then no matter how complicated things get, I think you'll be okay."

Serenity smiled warmly. "And you? Did you get to see Kunzite?"

Mina's teasing expression softened. "I did." A dreamy look flickered in her eyes before she shook her head, as if scolding herself for letting the memory take over. "Just for a short while, but you know how he is—says little, but it's always just enough."

Serenity tilted her head. "And?"

Mina sighed, then grinned. "And I think he misses me more than he lets on. He held my hand a little longer than necessary when we parted. And, well… let's just say it wasn't exactly just a goodbye."

Serenity's lips curled into a smile. "That's sweet."

Mina huffed. "Sweet? I had to drag a confession of missing me out of him, and even then, it was just, 'It will be quieter without you.'"

Serenity laughed. "That's practically poetry coming from Kunzite."

Mina pointed at her. "Exactly! I knew you'd understand."

Serenity's laughter quieted into a fond smile. "At least you know he means it."

Mina nodded, her expression turning wistful. "Yeah… I do."

Suddenly Mina's demeanor shifted back to one of seriousness. "But Serenity, back to the original topic, remember, it is crucial you stay safe. Whatever is going on, it's bigger than us, and we can't afford any risks."

Serenity nodded, the earlier lightness fading as the weight of responsibility settled back on her shoulders. "You're right. We need to be cautious. I'll stay on Eryndor until you give me the all-clear. Is there anything specific I should be aware of? Any particular precautions I should take?"

"We're still gathering details, but for now, keep a low profile," Mina advised. "Avoid unnecessary interactions, and maybe reinforce your current diplomatic cover. The longer you can maintain the facade of routine negotiations, the better."

"Got it," Serenity affirmed, her tone resolute. "And Mina, please, keep me updated. Anything you find out could be crucial."

"Of course," Mina responded, her face etched with the lines of determination. "And Serenity, just because you're there and I'm here, don't think you're alone in this. We're all working hard to ensure your safety—and to resolve this as quickly as possible."

Serenity's expression softened, touched by Mina's words. "Thank you, Mina. I know I can always count on you."

Mina gave a small, reassuring smile. "Always. And remember, if you need anything—anything at all—I'm just a call away. Stay safe, Serenity."

After the call ended, Serenity stood alone in the conference room, her thoughts swirling with everything she had just learned. The news of the spy, the potential link to Earth, and the uncertainty of what was happening back home weighed heavily on her. She could feel the gravity of the situation pressing down on her, making it difficult to breathe. Her mind raced, trying to process the implications of Mina's words while simultaneously formulating a plan to navigate the delicate situation she now found herself in.

Endymion's presence complicated things in ways she hadn't anticipated. Not only did she have to protect the secrecy of their relationship, but she also had to be mindful of how he might react to the news she had just received. If he suspected that Earth could be involved in a potential threat to the Moon Kingdom, it could put him in an impossible position—torn between his loyalty to his planet and his love for her. Serenity knew that any hint of tension between them could arouse suspicion from the King and Queen, who were already watchful and perceptive. She couldn't afford for them to pick up on anything unusual, especially now that they seemed to be growing more interested in the nature of her relationship with Endymion.

Her heart ached with the desire to confide in him, to seek comfort in his presence, but she knew she couldn't risk it. Not here, not now. The stakes were too high, and any misstep could have far-reaching consequences—not just for her and Endymion, but for their entire kingdoms. She needed to keep her emotions in check, to play her role as the diplomatic Princess of the Moon with the same poise and grace she had been trained to display since childhood.

Taking a deep breath, Serenity resolved to handle this with the calm and composure expected of her. She had to protect her people, maintain the fragile balance between their worlds, and—above all—ensure that her relationship with Endymion remained a secret. No matter how much her heart ached to be home, or how much she longed to seek solace in his arms, she knew that she had to put duty first. She would face the King and Queen with all the strength she could muster, determined to keep her composure and navigate the complexities of this situation without revealing more than was necessary.