Stars of Destiny

Chapter 3

Prince Endymion swept them across the dance floor in time with the music. Serenity felt so petite and delicate in his arms. Never before had he felt such warmth and peace from another person. Of course, he reminded himself, she wasn't just anyone.

"Have you been enjoying the ball?" Serenity asked, desperate for something to say. Neither had spoken a word since he took her hand for the dance.

"Yes, very much. Especially now, dancing with you." He replied boldly.

Serenity blushed for what felt like the millionth time that day and laughed nervously. "Thank you. I-" She broke off, uncertain how to ask all those burning questions she'd long possessed. She worried he would think she was prying.

"What is it?" He prompted.

"It's just..." She paused before continuing. "I don't want to seem nosy or make a nuisance of myself."

"Nuisance?" He frowned. Serenity could never be a nuisance in his eyes.

"I was just curious about...Earth." She answered hesitantly.

"Ah. I see."

"It's fine if you don't want to talk about it!" She added hastily, hoping she hadn't offended him. "I've just always wondered what life is like there." She nodded to the large open window as they passed. Earth shown like a blue jewel in the black velvet of space. "I've seen it from afar all my life, but I know almost nothing about it."

Feeling like a fool under his intense scrutiny, Serenity attempted to pull away from Endymion. Sensing her withdrawal, he tightened his grip on her hand and drew her closer. "It's fine, really. To be honest, I've been curious about your world as well. I'll try to answer your questions about my home, if you answer mine about yours."

Prince Endymion watched in fascination as delight bloomed on her face like one of the rare orchids on his planet. Dazzling. "Really!" Dragging him off the dance floor with a strength he did not know she possessed, Serenity led him to the relative seclusion of the balcony. She bombarded him with questions the whole way. He laughed with amusement at her enthusiasm as he tried to answer all her queries.

"Yes, snow is beautiful, but it's cold and snow storms can be hazardous." He watched her eyes widen with wonder at his words. Somehow the boring day-to-day life on Earth had taken on a mythical quality. Every description was extraordinary in Serenity's eyes. Her innocent desire to learn about his home touched his heart.

"It seems everything about life on Earth is both beautiful and dangerous." Her words seemed to startled them both. Serenity covered her mouth, eyes wide with horror at her sudden candor. "I'm sorry if that sounded rude! I didn't mean it like that!"

Endymion shook his head, smiling ruefully. He hadn't expected her to be so perceptive for someone so young. She was right. His home was beautiful and dangerous. Never more so than it was now. "It's alright. The weather isn't the only thing that can cause harm." His thoughts turned dark at the unrest he'd left behind.

"So it's true...about wars?" Serenity asked slowly. "People fight and die?"

Endymion looked down at her. The light of Earth made her blue eyes seem luminous. They reminded him of a clear, cloudless summer afternoon. Those devastating eyes were filled with concern over the pain of people she'd never met. It puzzled him why the Moon Princess should care so much about the plight of others when she lived in a paradise. She was so unlike any other princess he had ever known. Most princess' of Earth rarely concerned themselves with the welfare of others.

"Yes, we have had wars. They're terrible for both sides."

Serenity nodded solemnly. "I just don't understand why people would be so cruel to each other. There has to be a better way."

Endymion chuckled at her innocent words.

"What is it!" Serenity demanded, flustered. She worried she had said something foolish.

"Nothing. It's just that you're not at all what I expected."

Serenity cocked her head. "How so?"

He shrugged. "I didn't think someone from the Moon Kingdom would be so concerned with Earth. You're a very kind person."

Serenity smiled, giggling to herself. "I've always been too curious for my own good."

He laughed. "I can imagine. Tell me about your home. From what I can tell, this place is like heaven."

"Thank you. It is peaceful now." Serenity waved a hand out at the grounds of Silver Millennium. Her gazed passed over the elegantly manicured gardens filled with lush plants and fountains that seemed to have never witnessed the blight of armed conflict.

"Now?" He didn't miss the note of sorrow in her voice.

She nodded. "It hasn't always been peaceful. There have been many who have tried to destroy our way of life."

Endymion sighed. "It seems like there are always those who like to destroy beautiful things."

"But, we have the Sailor Guardians to protect us! They're amazing!" Her voice changed. Her face was full of awe and wonder.

He grinned. "They do seem formidable."

"I wish I was as impressive. I'm still not as good at fighting as the others." She replied wistfully.

Endymion frowned at the thought of Serenity in combat. Especially at the thought of someone hurting her. In a more serious tone, he responded. "Be glad you  have not had a reason to fight. War is hell." He stiffened at the sudden delicate touch of her hand on his arm. The tension inside him eased.

"Have you been through war?"

He exhaled wearily. "There might be one brewing now. I'm hoping we can stop it before it gets out of control."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I wish there was something we could do. We have--" Serenity began.

"Princess Serenity."

The couple turned at the sound of Sailor Uranus' voice. The Sailor Guardian gave a slight bow. "Her majesty has requested your presence."

Serenity nodded and gave a polite curtsy to Endymion. "Thank you for the dance and answering my questions. I hope I wasn't a bother."

He returned her curtsy with a bow. "Not at all. It was my pleasure, Princess Serenity." He grinned, taking her hand. He placed a chaste kiss on the back of her knuckles. Serenity flushed and departed hastily to see her mother, leaving Endymion and Sailor Uranus alone.

Uranus appraised Prince Endymion silently before speaking. "How are you enjoying your stay?"

"Very much. This is an incredible place. Peaceful."

"We work hard to keep it that way." She replied. Besides delivering the Queen's message, Uranus had come to evaluate the prince herself. It was part of their duty to ensure the safety and well-being of their princess. "Our mission includes protecting the royal family of the Moon Kingdom, especially the princess."

Endymion nodded, realizing what Uranus meant. "You don't trust me, do you?"

Uranus smiled tightly. "I prefer being cautious. Our princess..." Uranus' cool expression softened. "Is kind and innocent. I don't want to see anyone try to take advantage of her."

Endymion met Uranus' gaze. This was a warrior's eyes. Cool and steely. He could well believe this woman had faced down foes fearlessly. He could see why Serenity idolized them. "Nor do I."

Uranus smiled wryly. "I'm glad you understand." She turned to leave.

"She greatly admires you...all of you." He observed before Uranus could rejoin the celebration.

Uranus looked over her should and gave a small laugh. "It's funny, but it's we who admire her."