A/N: Oh, how I've missed this story... I hope this chapter finds you well! I apologize for the unexpected hiatus, but I'm back now and ready to see this story to it's end. :)
Feedback is always appreciated!
"Love is a lot like dancing—you just surrender to the music."
—Unknown
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.:Serenity:.
I never imagined I'd ever actually look forward to a ball, yet it was impossible not to tonight, not just because Endymion promised to be in attendance but because of what was rumored to be hidden within the Nemethian palace where the ball was to take place. Anticipation and nerves tickled my stomach, and for the first time after months of fruitless effort, I finally felt hope that the relic Endymion and I had been searching for was within reach rather than remaining a faraway dream.
Men and women wearing garments of all colors dotted the dance floor in a synchronized waltz. I watched on from along the wall of the ballroom, the movements of the dancers were almost hypnotic as all of the colors swirled together. Candlelight reflected off of the various pieces of jewelry donned by the guests, causing the room to sparkle. Soft music floated in the air and the warmth of the energy in the room danced across my exposed skin.
I occupied myself by searching the regal guests for one in particular. I wasn't looking for long, however, before I sensed him approach from behind. I'd grown so used to Endymion's absence and the constant unquenched yearning to be with him, that I immediately sensed when that need was fulfilled. His familiar warmth mingled with the intoxicating scent of his cologne enfolded me as he leaned down to my ear.
"I didn't expect to encounter a goddess tonight. You look radiant, Serenity."
I took a moment to compose my expression before swiveling around to face him, but whatever quip I'd prepared vanished the moment my gaze locked with his. Seeing Endymion again, after all this time, melted away the pain of our separation, leaving only this moment together. His teasing smile vanished and, for a beautiful moment, we simply gazed at each other.
"Endymion..."
He seemed to come to himself first and hastily yanked his eyes away. "We must be careful, Sere."
Those were not the first words I wanted to hear him say after all this time—I'd lost track of the exact length of our separation but was certain Endymion could inform me of the precise number of days.
"Must we continue to play this game?" I asked wearily. "It's becoming too difficult, especially with how much I've missed you."
His expression softened. "As I've missed you. As such, I don't want to play either."
He inched closer, shifting his body so that the folds of his rich, black traveling cloak shielded our hands from view, allowing our fingers to lace together. As always his touch affected me, and though we'd now collected several of these moments in the scattered meetings we'd managed since the beginning of our secret relationship, they were so infrequent that each felt as if we were experiencing them for the first time.
My hand tightened around his. "I wondered why you still wore your cloak. You're rather clever, Your Highness."
He chuckled. "Does this mean another point for me?"
"I thought we weren't playing our game at the moment?" I gave him a challenging look and he visibly deflated.
"No credit for my genius idea? Most unfair."
"I wouldn't go so far as to claim that, not when we're both enjoying the reward from your cleverness."
For several minutes we allowed ourselves to enjoy this stolen moment, or bodies half turned from one another so it appeared as if we were ignoring one another while our hands remained entwined, connecting us. Even without words his presence was soothing—words connected us when we were apart, so in this moment I allowed myself to simply savor him.
Endymion shifted subtly to angle himself more towards me, but not enough to alert anyone who might glance over that we were conversing. He motioned with his chin towards the dancers currently engaged in a minuet. "I noticed you watching the twirling couples and do believe you're envious, Princess."
I snorted, a rather unladylike sound that caused him to grin widely. He knew how much I hated dancing. "Not as envious as you, I'm sure."
"Come now, there's no need to pretend; I know dancing is one of your favorite hobbies. You're secretly hoping someone will ask you to dance." He waggled his eyebrows.
My own brows lifted. "Are you volunteering?"
To my surprise, the suggestion made him blush. "No! I...that is...not that I would object to dancing with you, but...I'm rather terrible at it."
Though his refusal was unsurprising given his own aversion to dancing, I still found myself disappointed. Despite my own lack of fondness for the activity, I had a feeling a dance with Endymion would be a far different experience than dancing had ever been with anyone else.
I forced myself to push away my disappointment; it had no place when each moment with Endymion was so rare. I risked a glance over my shoulder at him. "When should we sneak away?"
The feel of the conversation immediately shifted. "Not until later. I believe our absence is less likely to be noticed if it's not so soon after we arrive."
I feared it'd be noticed regardless of when we attempted to sneak away. "Do you understand the risk you're undergoing should someone notice that the Crown Prince of Elysion and Crown Princess of Clariness are both missing?" Specifically if that someone was my parents or either of our siblings.
"They'll undoubtedly assume I used strawberry tarts as bait to lure you into a secluded corner in order to assassinate you." The idea made him smile, but it faded when he noticed my lingering anxiety. "You're not teasing this time, are you?"
"I'm genuinely worried, Endymion."
Concern furrowed his brow. "It will be alright, Sere. We won't get caught."
I knew he was trying to soothe me, but his words felt so empty considering the risk we were about to undertake. Everything was always a risk. I was tired of the ever-present uncertainties and our constant need to conduct our relationship in the shadows. If we could but find that relic...
"Do you think it's really here?" Desperation filled my voice, my hope that this all would end soon; perhaps as early as tonight if everything went well.
"My research has concluded that the Relic of Peace originated here," Endymion said. "Whether or not it's still here..."
Yes, that's the true question. "And you're certain there's no risk in acquiring it?"
"The Relic of Peace has no curse placed upon it that must be broken, else I would search for it alone; nothing would compel me to put you in danger." His fingers brushed against my palm, his touch soothing.
We made the remainder of our plans in low murmurs, a hush conversation that was soon interrupted by Prince Frisian's approach. Endymion immediately released me and stepped smoothly away, his movement subtle enough not to draw too much attention.
"Your timing is impeccable, Frisian. Princess Serenity has been anxious to dance but, unfortunately, has no partner."
I glared at him, and if he'd been any closer I'd have trodden the heel of my white shoe into the toe of his pristine leather boots.
Prince Frisian started to offer his hand, only to pause to peer suspiciously at Endymion. "I'm surprised her lack of partner concerns you."
"Indeed, for if you hadn't arrived in such a timely manner then I might have been forced to stand up with her instead."
Prince Frisian cast me an uncertain glance to see how Endymion's insult had been received, but I was too busy glaring at Endymion to reassure him. Unfortunately, the scoundrel seemed entirely unfazed and only gave me a wide-eyed innocent look in return. This was a step too far in this game of ours, especially after I'd explicitly expressed my wish not to play.
Prince Frisian offered his hand, too much a gentleman to refuse what he believed to be my sincere wishes, and I reluctantly accepted it, being sure to continue glaring at Endymion as Prince Frisian led me away with a look that promised he'd pay for his mischief. But Endymion only grinned cheekily back, even going so far as to wink, looking far too entertained by what promised to be a grand spectacle for his amusement to take my threat seriously.
When I didn't return his smile his smug look vanished and he appeared regretful, as if finally realizing he'd gone too far. But it was too late for him to rescue me, for Prince Frisian was already leading me to take our place in the lines of couples.
"The rogue," I muttered beneath my breath.
Prince Frisian sighed. "I feel compelled to apologize on his behalf. Whatever the relationship between your kingdoms is, it's no excuse for him to be so impolite."
Despite his mischief, I still found myself wanting to defend Endymion. "He's not entirely at fault, not when his actions are only a response to the behavior he's continuously received from my kingdom."
Prince Frisian didn't seem convinced, but I had no opportunity to offer a stronger defense before the dance began and the steps temporarily separated us. Within seconds I'd fumbled the steps, something that, judging by the prince's attempt to mask his wince, didn't go unnoticed. I could feel Endymion's amusement oozing off him from across the ballroom. He would pay for this moment of fun, I'd make sure of that.
It took several more steps before Prince Frisian and I once more came back together. "Regardless of the reason for his behavior towards you, I wish I could somehow make up for it." A pensive frown tugged on his mouth as he considered. "If only I were further in my studies and could use my magic to turn back time so that I could ask you to dance before Endymion's insult. Unfortunately, time travel is rather tricky, so perhaps a mind modification spell would be a better choice, one that would allow you to forget his words."
Intriguing. I'd heard whispers about the enchanter prince who'd inherited Queen Astrid of Nemeth's magic. "You would go to the trouble of using your magic in such a way?"
"What good is having magic if I can't use it?"
I understood that sentiment all too well. The magic contained within the Relic of Peace had lain dormant for centuries, unused while so many lives continued to be affected by the prejudices and hatred that surrounded us.
It took me several fumbled steps—each of which I wax certain made Prince Frisian regret asking me to dance—before I had the opportunity to ask him by burning question. "Have your magic studies dealt with the enchanted relics scattered throughout the kingdoms?"
Technically, receiving outside assistance in my quest for a relic was considered cheating, but not only had I already broken that rule by seeking help from Prince Frisian's mother, Queen Astrid, but I was too desperate to end the charade Endymion and I were continuously forced to play to care.
Prince Frisian couldn't quite mask his wince as I trod on his foot for the fourth time. "Not as much as I would like. While most of my studies focused on my abilities, I was able to give some attention to magical history and enchanted objects. Unfortunately, most of my studies focused on where each relic originated, how they were created, and how they've been used throughout history rather than their current whereabouts or the enchantments guarding them, which I assume is what you're most concerned about."
My shoulders slumped at his disappointing answer and he seemed to regret not having been able to offer me much help.
"I do know that most of the relics are no longer where they originated," he offered. "That should at least make a start in narrowing down each relic's potential location."
That didn't bode well for our search for the Relic of Peace tonight, which was said to have been created in Nemeth several centuries before. My tentative hope I'd felt in anticipation of the hunt began to fade, replaced by dread.
The dance was finally nearing its conclusion. I risked a stolen glance towards Endymion, only to find him no longer appearing triumphant but looking rather miserable, his jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed at every moment between Prince Frisian and me, particularly when the steps forced us closer or required us to touch.
My lips twitched. He was jealous. As much as I hated the thought of his distress, I couldn't help but feel some satisfaction, considering he'd not only been the one to hose this dance on me in the first place but had refused to dance with me himself.
The dance finally ended and Prince Frisian escorted me to the section of the ballroom near where Endymion waited. The moment the prince's back was turned I gave Endymion a challenging look, inviting him over, if he dared to face my wrath. His hardened countenance softened slightly at my glower and he made an exaggerated show of fear as he inched his way closer.
"Serenity," he murmured in an exaggerated soothing voice, wasting no time in his quest to appease me.
"You are in disgrace," I hissed.
He had the sense to look guilty as his fingers curled around mine. "I'm sorry, Sere, that was too far. I shall give you ten points in penance." His thumb caressed the back of my hand, each touch a please for me to forgive him.
"Don't try and appease me," I said, never mind his touch had the annoying tendency of doing just that, an impulse I needed to curb else Endymion would constantly have the upper hand throughout our life together. "You know I hate dancing and didn't want to play the game today."
"I know, and I'm sorry. He just came over so suddenly and I panicked, reverting back to the charade since it was easy." His fingers moved to graze my wrist, another tentative plea to forgive him. "If it's any consolation: I feel like I was beaten at my own game considering I believe I hated that dance more than you did."
"That's what you get for your mischief." But my tone was already softening; he had quite the talent for placating me.
"It truly was a terrible idea. Perhaps I'm not so clever as I initially believed. I'm hoping for a chance to redeem myself."
I lifted my brows skeptically. "Hmm, I might be persuaded to give you such a chance, if the offer is tempting enough. What did you have in mind?"
I anticipated a romantic gesture, but his eyes only glistened as he leaned close. "It's time to go relic hunting."
I frowned. "That's admittedly not what I had in mind."
He chuckled. "I know, but considering we'll be alone on our hunt..." His flirtatious grin caused the smile I fought to resist to finally escape.
"So you are plotting to assassinate me?"
"Hmm, something like that." His eyes blazed and suddenly I was quite eager to discover the latest tweaks to his assassination plans, not to mention the possibility of finally acquiring the relic that would allow us to end our secrecy forever.
We made arrangements in low whispers to meet in a quarter of an hour after exiting the ballroom from separate doors. We'd meet in the corridor just outside the throne room, which was where Endymion had narrowed his search to where the relic had last been seen. The thought of entering the heavily guarded throne room made me wary; being caught trying to sneak inside wouldn't be good for either of diplomatic relations.
Endymion sensed my skepticism but only grinned. "Not to worry, I have a plan for getting inside." And before I could inquire further he slipped away, leaving me alone on the outskirts of the crowd, where I made an effort to blend in so no one else would feel obligated to invite me to dance.
I eyed the clock impatient, both anxious and excited about the upcoming venture. If the relic truly is in the throne room... Yet, after my discussion with Prince Frisian, I feared our quest wouldn't be quite as easy as walking in to find it awaiting us. But regardless of how the hunt went, I welcomed an opportunity to slip away with Endymion, a task made much easier considering Mina was still visiting her ill mother and Bromley was far less attentive to me.
At the appointed time I took the southern exit and made my way through the opulent hallways, passing several servants and even more guests. The throne room was just off the grand entrance hall, flanked by two guards. Endymion waited in front of the doors and smiled when he spotted me.
"So, what's your plan?" I asked, keeping my voice low so as not to overheard by the guards watching us suspiciously from only a few yards away. "Did you steal a key? Find a secret passage? Are you planning on knocking out the guards and stealing their uniforms?"
Endymion smirked. "I would love to see you make such an attempt, but nowhere near as much as I desire to see you in a guard's uniform. No, my plan is much less adventurous: I asked Frisian for his permission to search the throne room. He just left after informing the guards I'm allowed to enter."
"How did you secure such a thing?"
He wriggled his eyebrows. "The most effective assassin has many accomplices, one of whom is Frisian."
It took a moment for his meaning to sink in, and when it did I startled. Endymion and Prince Frisian are friends?
Endymion sensed my shock and hastily explained. "We've kept our comradery a secret out of Nemeth's best interest; it would be bad for their foreign relations if it was discovered their prince is closely associated with Elysion's future king, considering I stand to inherit a throne surrounded in dark rumors." His tone was bitter, his disgust at being connected to such a crown.
"So, effectively, you're saying that rather than come up with your own scheme to breaking into another kingdom's throne room, you resorted to cheating."
As I hoped, his smile returned. "Cheating can prove most effective."
I sighed. "True, but this way is so boring."
"Then I shall do my best to make our adventure more exciting." He winked, and after a quick glance around to ensure none of the other guests were in the vicinity, he took my hand and together we ducked into the throne room.
We were greeted with the glistening sigh of marble and accented in gold, a room much larger and grander than the throne room in my own humble palace. Although we'd been given permission to search, I felt a sense of unease as we began looking around. I kept eyeing the door, expecting someone to enter and discover us together.
I fought to suppress my fears in order to better focus on our search. The room was open with very little by way of furniture and decorations, leaving very few places a relic could be hidden.
"Do you really think there's any chance it's still here?" I asked after an unsuccessful quarter of an hour had gone without any trace of a relic even remotely resembling a silver-carved olive leaf.
He sighed. "I don't know. All I know is that it was created in Nemeth soon after the kingdom was founded, and I haven't uncovered any information to indicate that anyone has acquired it since then."
"At this rate it might be quicker for you to marry Princess Beryl and, either, have her give it to you herself or have her create a spell of peace instead." The thought of Endymion marrying Prince Frisian's magical sister twisted my stomach. But although Endymion pulled a face, something in his expression gave me pause. "Endy?"
He didn't answer and seemed to be determinedly avoiding my eyes. "Let's try looking—"
He paused when my fingers grazed his wrist. "Endymion?"
He took a wavering breath as he met my gaze, his own clouded with worry. "I know you were teasing, but...we really need to find this relic soon. My father is serious about an alliance with Nemeth and seems too impatient to wait for me to first acquire a relic. I'm attempting to hold him off with made-up rumors concerning how power hungry Beryl is and how she likely wouldn't be averse to staging a coup should we marry. So far, it's worked but I'm not sure for how much longer."
My mouth had gone dry at his words and it took me a long time to find my voice. "I hadn't realized it was actually a genuine possibility..."
"It's not," he said hastily, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze that did little to quell my wildly pounding heart. "Even if he disregards those rumors and tried to force me, I'll refuse to marry her. I know who I want."
My urgency to find the Relic of Peace only increased. While I knew Endymion's determination was sincere, King Eldas was formidable and would not take any interference to his ambitious plans lightly. How long would Endymion be able to stave off his father's desires, ones I was certain the king would go to extreme measures to fulfill?
I tried to push aside my worries in order to focus on the task at hand. After further investigation, I eventually spotted a faint outline carved in the marble behind one of the thrones, one so seamless I almost didn't notice it. My excitement rose when I knocked on the marble and was greeted by a hollow sound.
"Endymion, come look!"
He hurried over and, together, we pushed aside a false panel. I fully expected to find the relic awaiting us on a velvet cushion, only to find the hidden cubby empty. And although I hadn't truly expected our search to be so easy, the disappointment was still crushing.
Endymion's arm came around me. "We'll find it, Sere. I didn't really expect it to be here."
"Then, why did we even look?" I grumbled.
"Because I needed to lure the enemy away. I have it on good authority that magical relics are the perfect bait to draw her from the safety of the ballroom." He leaned over and pressed a sweet, reassuring kiss to my lips that effectively melted away much of my disappointment.
I smiled against his lips. "It's a good thing you're making this venture worth my while, else I would have been really grumpy."
He chuckled and kissed me again and I stopped talking, much more content to communicate with him in this way. But we didn't kiss for nearly as long as I wanted, for like all our past stolen moments, our time together was limited. We couldn't risk being gone too long or risk someone—whether a guest or our guards—noticing.
But I wasn't ready to depart. Even though our search had failed, I still relished the fact that we'd done it together. Once we parted, it might be a long time before we managed to come together again.
As if sensing our time together was drawing to a close, Endymion pulled away with clean reluctance and took my hand to lead me to the doors, only to tug me to a stop halfway. I glanced back to find him looking uncharacteristically shy. "What is it?" I asked.
He took a wavering breath. "I know you don't like dancing—and after my earlier scheme I have no right to ask—but, will you dance with me?"
I blinked at him in shock before my girlish smile escaped. "I thought you hated dancing."
He managed a rather sheepish grin in return. "So did I, until watching you dance with someone other than me made me realize that the thought of dancing with you seems different, special, and I want nothing more than to try it."
At my breathless nod, he pulled me into the position of a waltz, an intimate dance I was particularly hopeless at but which in this moment I didn't care considering I'd be hopeless with him.
My skin tingled with his nearness and I became awash in his piney warmth, one both alluring and comforting. My breath hooked as his heated touch curled around my waist.
"I should warn you that I'll likely maim you before the dance is over," I said. "I stepped on Prince Frisian's toes several times."
"I noticed, and I've never felt a greater desire to have my own repeatedly trod on." His hold tightened as, together, we swept into the graceful steps of the dance.
It was as much of a disaster as I feared it would be, yet somehow still the most romantic moment we'd ever shared. We both stumbled more than danced, yet nothing could compare to the feeling of dancing so close to the man I cared so deeply for. It didn't take too long for him to get the rhythm of the movements, making him a decent dancer.
I glared at him. "And here I thought we were both dismal. Must you win every game we play?"
He shrugged. "I'm admittedly rather surprised. It must be because I'm thoroughly enjoying my partner." His breath caught sharply as I accidentally stepped on his foot.
"Sorry!" I gasped. I flinched as I trod on him again, but although he winced he didn't seem to mind; in fact, he seemed to be fighting to keep back his mischievous grin.
"So, this is the enemy princess's plans to assassinate me: via waltz. You never cease to surprise me, but in this instance I find I like being surprised."
I managed a breathless laugh. "I actually seem to have become even more terrible than I was before. You're quite the distraction."
"A distraction, am I? Then I must do my best to live up to the role you've assigned me." He pressed several soft, tantalizing kisses along my jawline, making breathing—let alone waltzing—suddenly much more difficult.
I allowed myself to melt into this beautiful moment, a closeness we hadn't yet experienced in our makeshift courtship. Soon we weren't so much dancing as holding one another and swaying as we listened to the faint music drifting from the ballroom several corridors away.
I nestled against his chest with a contented sigh. "Although our quest was unsuccessful, I'm grateful we could at least have this moment together." Yet, as wonderful as it was, it was still tainted by the sting of disappointment from our failure. I sighed. "Nevertheless, we didn't find the Relic of Peace."
His touch was soothing against my back as he attempted to comfort me. "This is only the first place we've looked. If the quest were that easy then a relic hunt wouldn't be a requirement for an heir to prove themselves. But it's here, somewhere. So long as we know that, eventually we'll find it. I promise."
And, although the journey ahead still seemed arduous, in that moment I believed that no matter how long it took, we'd somehow find what we were looking for; allowing our kingdoms to finally coexist in peace so there'd be no more barriers separating us.
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à suivre...
