Stars of Destiny

Chapter 5

The days passed much too quickly for Endymion and Serenity. All too soon it was the night before the envoy's return to Earth. They sat together in the rose garden, gazing up at the stars. Serenity leaned against Endymion's shoulder, his arm wrapping around her, tucking her in closer to his body. Their companionable silence didn't last long.

"I wish you didn't have to leave." She sighed.

"Me too." He replied looking down at the woman who had swiftly become the most important person in his life.

"Maybe," she began, her fingers toying with the sleeve of his jacket. "I could visit you on Earth?"

Endymion stiffened. While nothing would give him greater joy, he did not want her to come to Earth. If anything his father's retainers said could be trusted, tensions were rising in the kingdom. He did not want her to risk her safety...nor his own. He doubted the Sailor Guardians would be too happy with him absconding with their princess.

"I don't know about that. I think your guardians might object." He nodded to the edge of the garden at Sailor Venus and Jupiter keeping a hawk's eye on their every move, but pretending not to notice.

Serenity followed his gaze and laughed. "Probably not." She stared down at her feet. She knew he was right, but still wanted to hope for the impossible. "Maybe if you get a chance, you could come back. You're always welcome here." She gazed up at him, her heart aching at the thought of never seeing him again.

Endymion stroked her cheek. "I'll try, but I can't make any promises."

She nodded, crestfallen. She looked away as the tears welled up in her eyes, hoping he wouldn't see.

He did.

Moving on impulse, Endymion tilted her chin to face him and leaned down to kiss her. Serenity gasped in surprise, her lips parting slightly. His mouth was soft on hers, taking his time. When he sucked on her lower lip, she whimpered and arched her body into his. Encouraged by her response, he unleashed his pent up passion. He wanted her to know the extent of his feelings for her. His love. The realization crashed over him as he held her tight. In the short time they'd known each other, he'd fallen hard for this kind and gentle woman.

Endymion pulled away and stared down at her eyes shimmering with emotion. He knew without a doubt that he would protect this woman no matter what occurred. He would die for her if he had to...all to keep her safe.

***

"We should probably break that up." Jupiter observed quietly from their station at the edge of the garden.

"Let them have their moment...they might not have another chance to be alone before he leaves." Venus replied. She watched the couple wistfully. It was doubtful Prince Endymion would have another opportunity to return to Silver Millennium. If the rumors were true, Earth was about to be engulfed in war. Call her a romantic, but Venus wanted Serenity to have this special moment with him.

After a few minutes, Serenity an Endymion rose and slowly made their way back into the palace. Giving them enough space for a semblance of privacy, Jupiter and Venus followed. With a final embrace, Endymion left Serenity at her chamber door. Only then, did the guardians join their princess.

"Looks like love is in the air." Venus teased as they walked up.

Serenity jumped in surprise and grinned. Her smile was short-lived, fading from her lips. How was it possible for her to find love only to lose it just as quickly? "What if he never comes back?" She whispered.

Jupiter wrapped an arm around Serenity's shoulder and led her into her room. "You never know what the future will bring. You might have a chance to see him again."

"You think so?" Serenity asked, hopefully.

"Sure. You should never lose hope." Venus agreed with an encouraging smile. "Besides, I don't think he could stay away from you. We've all seen how he acts around you."

Serenity nodded. It was true. While she was inexperienced in love, she couldn't fail to notice how considerate and gentle he was...and his kiss. Her fingers strayed to her lips at the memory of his touch. Her heart had beat wildly in her chest. She could feel his passion in his embrace. Serenity recognized the same feeling deep in her soul. She didn't question how Endymion felt about her. The problem was the potential war on Earth.

"But what if there's a war? What if he has to fight? What if--" She cut herself off before she could finish the sentence. Before those awful words could be spoken in the Universe. Her wide blue eyes filling with tears stared imploringly at Jupiter and Venus to understand without her having to say it.

Venus pulled her into a hug. "I don't know what's going to happen, but all I know is that you can't fear what hasn't happened yet. Stay in the moment. You had your first kiss in the garden with a handsome prince."

Serenity gave a watery laugh. "He is really handsome."

"And a good kisser?" Jupiter inquired playfully.

Serenity blushed and pulled away from Venus. "Well..."

"He is, isn't he!" Venus exclaimed in excitement.

"Who is what?" Mars and Mercury asked as they slipped into Serenity's room.

Before Serenity could speak, Venus answered for her. "He kissed her!"

The rest of the evening was dominated by animated discussions of kissing technique and how Prince Endymion rated. Laughter rang out into the wee hours of the night. Serenity laughed until tears sprang from her eyes and her sides hurt. She knew they'd all made an effort to distract her from thinking about tomorrow. It had helped for a short time. It had been fun thinking about a future with Endymion, giggling over weddings, and wedding nights. However, when it came time for them to leave, reality slowly crept back into her mind. The cold reality that he was leaving tomorrow and may never come back.