Dear Readers! Here comes yet another chapter! I really hope you are going to enjoy it! Let me know what you think!
SailorGuardian314: Thank you so much again for reading and commenting! There is very little Serenity can actually keep from Endymion we will see that in the next chapter, now it is going to be a bit again about the royal couple – I do think after this chapter our lovers will have little chance to keep their secrets ;-)
the online dreamer: As I already know where this story will go, I am always curious about your reviews :-) The royals, are they good are they bad, are they going to find out everything? How they are going to use that info? :-)
Chapter 12 - A Delicate Facade
As the trio sat around the ornate conference table, the atmosphere thickened with a subtle but undeniable tension. Endymion, typically the epitome of calm and strategic acumen, found himself battling distraction. His responses, though measured, lacked their usual sharpness. His thoughts were divided, torn between the diplomatic discussion at hand and the lingering concern clawing at him from Serenity's absence.
King Roderic and Queen Liora, keen observers of human nature, noticed the prince's slight lapse. A flicker of hesitation where none should have been. A slight shift in his breathing. A glance toward the door, fleeting but revealing. They shared a brief, knowing glance but chose to maintain the facade of a routine discussion.
"Prince Endymion, I believe we were discussing the potential benefits of a direct trade route between Earth and Eryndor," King Roderic said, steering the conversation back to practical matters. "Your suggestion to utilize the eastern star corridor is particularly intriguing. It promises to significantly reduce travel time."
Endymion nodded, his response automatic. "Yes, the eastern star corridor offers a stable route. We've conducted simulations that show it would streamline the transport of high-value goods considerably. However, it would necessitate some infrastructural modifications on both planets to fully optimize the route."
Queen Liora, ever perceptive to the nuances of dialogue noted Endymion's slight hesitation before he spoke. She smoothly added, "We are prepared to start making the necessary preparations on our end. Eryndor values its alliances deeply, and this new trade route could serve as the cornerstone of a durable partnership between our worlds."
Endymion forced himself to focus, his tone more controlled this time. "Indeed, fostering a strong partnership would yield substantial benefits for both Earth and Eryndor. Earth has a wealth of technology and resources that could greatly complement Eryndor's strategic advantages."
The discussion continued, but Queen Liora saw it clearly now—the prince was preoccupied. His mind was elsewhere. And she had a very strong suspicion of exactly where.
"Your Highness," she said smoothly, her voice light yet pointed, "you seem somewhat... distracted today. I hope there are no pressing concerns back on Earth that weigh too heavily on you?"
Endymion froze for half a second. It was only a heartbeat, a blink of time, but it was enough. He regained his composure quickly, offering a courteous nod. "My apologies, Your Majesties. There is indeed much on my mind, but I assure you, I am fully committed to our discussions here."
"Understandable," King Roderic said, watching him with an unreadable expression. "Even the most disciplined among us have moments when duty competes with personal matters."
Endymion forced a polite smile. "Thank you, King Roderic. It is indeed my duty to ensure that our alliance remains robust and mutually advantageous."
The King and Queen exchanged another glance, this one laden with unspoken understanding. They chose not to press maintained their diplomatic poise, knowing all too well that the dynamics of the conversation were likely to shift with Serenity's return
As if on cue, the door opened, and Serenity reentered the room.
The shift was immediate.
Endymion, who had barely managed to keep his worry at bay, felt an uncharacteristic spike of tension as he took in her appearance. Serenity's face was pale, her smile carefully measured. She held herself with her usual grace, but there was something in her posture, a faint stiffness, that only he would notice.
Her gaze flickered toward him for the briefest of moments before she addressed the room. "I apologize for the interruption," she said smoothly. "It was just a minor matter regarding the ongoing negotiations."
The King and Queen acknowledged her words with polite nods, but the atmosphere remained charged. Endymion, keenly attuned to Serenity, could see the shadow behind her eyes—the weight of something she wasn't saying.
The urge to protect her surged in his chest. Whatever had happened, whatever she had just learned, it had shaken her.
Endymion spoke first, his voice measured but carrying an urgency only she would detect. "Your Majesties, given the progress we've made this evening, perhaps it would be prudent to conclude our discussions for now."
King Roderic responded with an understanding nod, his keen senses picking up on Endymion's slight impatience. "Indeed, it has been a fruitful discussion, and the night grows late. It might be wise to consider our next steps."
Before anyone could respond, Serenity spoke up, her voice measured but with an underlying tension that only Endymion seemed to catch. "There's really no need to rush. In fact, I was thinking... if it's not too much trouble, I might stay overnight here on Eryndor. If, of course, I am welcome."
Silence. The King and Queen exchanged a glance, momentarily caught off guard.
But Endymion? His mask slipped completely.
His grip on the table tightened, his breath faltering as the sheer recklessness of her words settled over him. Serenity. Alone. Unprotected. Vulnerable.
He leaned forward, his usually measured tone now edged with something more intense—an undercurrent of protectiveness that was nearly impossible to miss. "You intend to stay overnight, Serenity? Without your usual protection? That's... quite unexpected, and frankly, I'm not sure it's wise."
His use of her name—without her title—was a slip. One that did not go unnoticed. His gaze bore into hers, searching for an explanation, for reassurance, but also questioning her decision with a mixture of surprise and frustration.
Serenity, sensing the depth of his concern, met his gaze steadily, though she could feel the tension tightening around them. "Prince Endymion," she began softly, carefully choosing her words, "I appreciate your concern, truly. But I assure you, I'm perfectly capable of handling myself. It's just one night, and I believe it's important to maintain my presence here. I've made my decision with full consideration of the circumstances."
Endymion's expression tightened slightly, his brow furrowing as he absorbed her words. "Circumstances? What circumstances, exactly? Are you implying there's more going on here than we've been told? If that's the case, it would be far safer to return home, where you can be properly protected."
Serenity could see the emotions flickering in his eyes—worry, frustration, and something deeper that he couldn't quite voice. She responded with a calm, reassuring tone, though the effort it took to maintain that composure was immense. "Prince Endymion, I'm not implying anything more than what I've said. The situation is under control, and there's no need to worry. Besides, staying here might be beneficial for our ongoing discussions. It would allow us to continue working on strengthening the alliance."
He inhaled sharply, clearly struggling to keep his emotions in check. "Beneficial? This isn't just about politics or diplomacy. Your safety is—" He paused, realizing he was treading dangerously close to revealing more than he should. "—a priority. I'm sure you understand that this decision seems... unnecessary, given the circumstances."
The Queen, who had been quietly observing the exchange with increasing concern, finally intervened, her voice gentle but firm. "Princess Serenity, we are honored by your trust and willingness to deepen our ties. However, as Prince Endymion has highlighted, your safety remains paramount. Eryndor is peaceful, but the presence of such a distinguished visitor might attract undue attention. If you're facing any challenges or difficulties, we're here to support you fully. But we need to know the truth."
King Roderic nodded in agreement, his tone measured but edged with authority. "We've come to respect and admire you in the short time we've known you, Princess. If there's something troubling you, or if you're in any danger, we want to help. But to do so effectively, we need to understand the full situation. Secrecy can shield danger as much as it can protect."
Serenity hesitated, her mind racing. What could she say that wouldn't betray everything? The King and Queen had been gracious hosts, and their concern was genuine. But the truth would only deepen their involvement, and the risk of involving them—and Endymion—was too high.
Her gaze flicked to Endymion. His hands rested on the table, deceptively calm, but she could see the tension in his knuckles. His jaw was tight, his shoulders stiff beneath the weight of the conversation. His eyes, however, burned with something else: a quiet fury and an unyielding need to shield her.
Her chest tightened. She couldn't let him do this alone.
Finally, she spoke, her voice calm, steady—a mask of serenity honed through years of diplomacy. "There is... a situation on the Moon," she said, each word chosen with care. "I cannot go home just yet, but I assure you, it is nothing that needs to concern anyone here. It's a temporary matter, and I believe it will be resolved soon."
The room fell into silence.
Endymion's gaze sharpened. He knew her well enough to recognize the half-truth, the deflection, even if no one else did. He studied her carefully, trying to see past the walls she had so meticulously constructed.
King Roderic leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. "A situation on the Moon? And you cannot return? This is... unexpected," he said, his voice tinged with both concern and quiet suspicion.
Queen Liora's expression softened, though her words carried a pointed edge. "Princess, secrecy often hides vulnerability. If there's a threat to the Moon, it could affect more than just your kingdom. It could ripple across the alliances we've worked so hard to build."
Endymion couldn't stay silent any longer. His voice was calm, but there was an undercurrent of urgency that he couldn't mask. "Your Majesties, may I have a moment alone with the Princess? There are... matters we need to discuss privately."
His tone left no room for argument, though he knew how it would sound.
King Roderic's eyebrows rose slightly, and he exchanged a pointed glance with his wife. "Prince Endymion, I must admit, that's a rather unusual request. It leads us to believe there's more to your relationship with the Princess than what has been presented tonight. Wouldn't it be easier to acknowledge that you two are already acquainted?"
Serenity froze. The air in the room grew heavier, the unspoken truths pressing against the carefully constructed veneer of formality. She glanced at Endymion, her heart pounding as their eyes met.
Queen Liora's voice was kind but firm. "We've watched you both closely tonight. Perhaps others have been fooled, but we've noticed the small signs—the familiarity in your movements, the way you speak to one another. You've performed your roles admirably, but after what has just transpired, it's clear there's more between you than you've let on."
Endymion exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly as he realized there was no point in denying it any longer. "You're right," he admitted, his voice steady but guarded. "This isn't the first time we've met."
King Roderic leaned forward slightly, curiosity evident in his gaze. "And how many times have you met before, if I may ask? What is the nature of your relationship?"
Endymion's expression remained calm, though his jaw tightened as he chose his words carefully. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, the details of our relationship are private. I understand your concern, but I must insist that it's not a matter for public discussion."
Queen Liora's eyes narrowed slightly, though not in hostility. She was testing the waters. "Is it purely diplomatic, or does it extend beyond that?"
Endymion met her gaze directly, his tone polite but firm. "The nature of our relationship is not something I'm willing to discuss here. It's personal, and I would appreciate your understanding."
The room was thick with tension.
King Roderic exchanged a glance with his wife before speaking again. "Prince Endymion, while we respect your privacy, the events tonight suggest this matter is more than just a casual acquaintance. We hope you understand the position we're in, especially with the Princess making such an unexpected request."
Endymion nodded, fully aware of the tension in the room. "I understand, Your Majesties, and I ask again for a brief private discussion with Serenity. We need to speak freely, without the constraints of diplomacy."
Serenity nodded in agreement, her voice soft but resolute. "Please, Your Majesties. Just a few moments alone."
The King and Queen considered this for a moment, their expressions thoughtful. Finally, King Roderic nodded slowly, though there was a hint of reluctance in his voice. "Very well, you may have a few moments. But I expect we will continue this conversation afterward."
Queen Liora added, her tone gentle but firm, "We'll allow this, but know that we do so out of respect and concern for you both. Whatever is happening, we are here to support you. But secrecy cannot protect you forever."
As they stepped back, the room seemed to hold its breath. Serenity and Endymion finally had the space they needed, though the weight of everything unsaid hung heavily between them.