Dear readers, I really hope you will like this new chapter! This will give a bit of insight of Endymion's thinking and plan. Let me know if you liked it!

PinkOdangos: I really like how you see the royals, it gives me a lot of ideas! But as said, the plot is already drafted I will keep it, but hmmm all the ideas I am having now! Maybe they will be used for a next story!

the online dreamer: Actually I never meant for the royal couple to be so "grey" in the way it keeps you all guessing if they are good or bad but now that they turned out to be like that I really like it! Just like with PinkOdangos, I really like reading your ideas and they make me think about my plot! I hope you will enjoy this chapter as well!

Chapter 15 - The Price of Loyalty

Endymion closed the door to the conference room, ensuring complete privacy before initiating the secure communication link to Earth. His face was etched with worry as the screen flickered to life, revealing Kunzite, his closest confidant and the head of his personal security.

Kunzite's silver eyes sharpened with immediate focus. "Endymion," he greeted, his voice carrying a blend of surprise and concern. "This is unexpected. Is everything all right?"

Endymion managed a tight smile, "It's good to see you, Kunzite. Are we secure?"

"Completely," Kunzite confirmed, leaning closer to the screen. His features hardened. "What's happened? You seem troubled."

Endymion hesitated briefly, collecting his thoughts under Kunzite's attentive gaze. "There's something you need to know," he began cautiously. "Serenity is here with me on Eryndor."

Kunzite's brows lifted slightly, his posture straightening. "Serenity? What brings her to Eryndor?" His tone remained neutral, but his keen eyes didn't miss a thing. "Or rather—what compelled you to follow her here?"

Endymion exhaled slowly, knowing Kunzite wasn't one to let emotions cloud judgment. "It's not what you think. Serenity came on her own, I didn't know it either. But she can't return to the Moon right now," he explained, the weight of the situation pressing against his chest. "We suspect there's a spy within the Moon Palace—someone who has compromised her safety."

Kunzite leaned forward, his expression turning grave. "A spy?" He didn't bother hiding his concern. "That's serious. Do we have any leads?"

"That's the troubling part," Endymion admitted, his voice darkening. "There are indications that the spy might be linked to Earth."

Silence stretched between them for a beat. The words hung in the air like a blade, waiting to strike.

Kunzite's brows furrowed deeply as he processed the revelation. "A spy from Earth?" His voice carried the weight of disbelief. "That's... unsettling. We've heard nothing that would indicate such a direct threat to the Moon. It goes against every diplomatic effort we've made."

Endymion nodded gravely. "I know, and that's what worries me the most. Have you heard anything on your end? Anything from my parents' discussions with Helios regarding the unrest?"

Kunzite shook his head, his expression tight. "Your parents met with Helios to discuss minor disturbances, but nothing that hinted at espionage or a direct threat to the Moon. They're focused on maintaining stability, not preparing for war. As far as they're concerned, there is no reason to suspect Earth."

The idea that an Earth spy might be behind this betrayal made Endymion's stomach turn. His people had fought to earn the Moon's trust, to prove they were more than the warring kingdom they had once been. If it was true—if Earth harbored a traitor who threatened Serenity—how could he justify their alliance?

He raked a hand through his hair, frustration tightening his chest. "If this spy is truly from Earth, it changes everything."

Kunzite studied him carefully, his voice measured. "You're in a precarious position, Endymion. Your loyalty to Earth is beyond question, but your feelings for Serenity place you in the heart of this conflict. If you're not careful, your emotions could cloud your judgment."

Endymion's fingers curled into a fist at his side. Was he being reckless? Would his father, or even Kunzite, think he was allowing his heart to dictate his decisions?

No.

He refused to believe that love and duty had to be opposing forces.

"I know the risks," Endymion said, his voice steady despite the weight pressing down on him. "But I won't abandon her, Kunzite. Not now, not ever. At the same time, I won't act against my people without proof. My priority is finding the truth."

Kunzite nodded, though his gaze remained sharp. "Then we need to move carefully. If this escalates, it could jeopardize the fragile peace between the Moon and Earth. We need to be sure before we act."

"I understand the stakes," Endymion asserted. "And I need you on this, Kunzite. Keep your ears open—any movements, any shifts in loyalty within the council, any whisper of unrest. If there's even a shadow of truth to this, we need to find it before it's too late."

"I will," Kunzite promised. He hesitated for a moment, then added, "And Endymion… you might have to make some hard choices ahead. Just be ready to decide where your heart truly lies when the time comes."

Endymion's gaze hardened, his resolve unshaken. "My choice is to protect Serenity and our world. I won't be forced to choose between them."

Kunzite inclined his head slightly, acknowledging his words. "Then let's make sure it never comes to that. I'll begin my search immediately."

"Thank you, Kunzite," Endymion said, a trace of exhaustion slipping into his voice. "Having your support means everything right now."

Kunzite's gaze remained steady, but there was a sharpness behind his composed expression. "So, what's your plan now?"

Endymion exhaled, rolling the tension from his shoulders. "I'll stay the night."

Kunzite's brows furrowed instantly, his disapproval evident. "Stay the night?" he echoed, his voice edged with incredulity. "Endymion, that's not a wise move. You're already in a precarious position, and lingering on a neutral planet only invites further speculation."

Endymion ran a hand through his hair. "It's already late, Kunzite. One night won't make a difference."

"Perhaps not in the grand scheme of things," Kunzite admitted, though his expression remained rigid. "But optics matter. The longer you stay, the harder it will be to justify. If word gets out that both the Prince of Earth and the Princess of the Moon spent the night in Eryndor, it won't take long before people start whispering." His voice lowered slightly. "You need to leave at first light."

Endymion sighed, rubbing his temple. "That's exactly what King Roderic and Queen Liora said."

Kunzite's eyes narrowed slightly. "And you agreed?"

"Agreed is a strong word," Endymion muttered, crossing his arms. "They made a fair argument. If I stay too long, it creates unnecessary problems. They were clear that Eryndor must maintain its neutrality."

Kunzite leaned back slightly, studying Endymion with quiet scrutiny. "You trust them?"

Endymion's gaze drifted slightly as he considered his answer. "They're observant—extremely so. They figured out the truth about Serenity and me."

Kunzite's expression flickered with surprise, a rare show of emotion. "They what?"

Endymion gave a small, wry smile. "They noticed things we thought we'd hidden well. The way we speak, the way I reacted when she decided to stay—little details that we overlooked." His smile faded as he shook his head. "I won't underestimate them again."

Kunzite exhaled slowly, considering this revelation. "And yet they didn't expose you?"

"No," Endymion admitted. "They seem to want to help. They're cautious, but I think they're balancing that with genuine concern for Serenity—and even for me. They didn't have to offer discretion, but they did."

Kunzite tapped a finger against his chin in thought. "Then they are sensible rulers," he mused. "To acknowledge the political weight of your presence while also accounting for personal matters… that takes both logic and understanding. A rare combination." He met Endymion's gaze again. "Still, trust them—but carefully. Their priority will always be their own kingdom."

"I know," Endymion said. "That's why I need to leave as soon as possible. The longer I stay, the more complicated things get—for everyone."

Kunzite nodded approvingly. "Then we have our course. I'll inform the other generals and keep them on high alert. We'll start investigating immediately, discreetly. The more information we gather before your return, the better."

"Good," Endymion said, his voice firm. "And I'll be careful. But I won't waste time."

"You'd better not," Kunzite said dryly, but his gaze softened slightly. "The sooner you're back, the sooner we can get to the bottom of this."

Endymion gave a single, determined nod. "I'll see you soon, Kunzite."

"Safe travels, Endymion," Kunzite replied, his voice laced with something close to fondness beneath its usual strict edge.

The screen flickered off, leaving Endymion standing alone in the dimly lit chamber. He exhaled, letting the weight of the conversation settle over him.

Tomorrow, at dawn, he would leave. But when he returned to Earth, it wouldn't just be to find the truth. He would hunt it down—before it could destroy everything.