Stars of Destiny

Chapter 6

Prince Endymion's return to Earth was celebrated with much fan fare. A crowd had gathered outside the palace gates to welcome him home. There was even a lavish ball planned that very evening in honor of his return from the Moon Kingdom. Despite the joy of his people upon his arrival, Endymion could barely manage a stiff smile. What was there to be joyful about when he'd left his heart on the moon?

"Welcome back, son!" His father's hearty greeting did nothing to raise his spirits. Although, he managed to answer all his father's questions regarding his stay in Silver Millennium, his mind remained on Serenity and the quiet strength in her sad smile as he left.

"Seems like it was a productive trip. What did you think of the royal family? Queen and Princess Serenity?" His father prompted as they made themselves comfortable in his study.

Endymion froze. Everything that transpired over his brief visit filled his mind. He opened his mouth, but couldn't find the words to describe how he felt. What did he think? Irrelevant. What did he feel? That was the question. "They were both very kind and gracious. The princess is an extremely caring and thoughtful person." Before he knew it, the conversation had become a monologue about Serenity's excellent qualities.

His father smiled knowingly. "I see she made quite an impression on you."

Endymion flushed. He'd only just realized he'd been talking only of her for the past five minutes.

"Perhaps we should extend an invitation to visit us?" The king suggested.

"Really?" Endymion's heart soared. "But what about--"

His father waved off his misgivings. "Nothing more has happened since you left. Let me and your generals worry about the situation for once."

The king's reassurance only mildly eased his anxiety. He didn't want to endanger Serenity's life, but if he could bring her here and introduce her to his father, maybe...That maybe sent his heart racing. The future that had seemed so dark and bleak without her now possessed a single ray of hope. He left his father, praying that the royal invitation would reach Serenity soon.

"Looks like you had a good time at the Moon Kingdom." Jadeite's voice interrupted his thoughts. He leaned casually against a pillar awaiting the conclusion of Endymion's meeting with the king. Jadeite was one of Endymion's four generals and a trusted friend.

Endymion grinned. "I did."

Jadeite laughed and elbowed Endymion. "Who was she?"

The prince glanced down the empty corridor. The last thing he wanted was to give the palace gossips any more fodder. "Princess Serenity." Her name was like a song on his lips.

Jadeite raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Wow, you don't waste any time."

"It's not like that!" He protested. "She's an incredible person. She's..."

"She's got you completely wrapped around her finger." Jadeite threw an arm around his shoulder. "So when's the wedding?"

Endymion chuckled. "Nothing's set in stone. A formal invitation will go out to the Moon Kingdom soon."

"Well, I'll look forward to meeting this goddess."

The prince narrowed his eyes. "Hands off. You're not using any of your tricks on her."

His general regarded him with amusement. "It's April now. Shall I clear my calendar for June?"

Endymion laughed, trying to contain his eagerness. He would be married tomorrow if he could.

***

The celebratory ball was like every other he'd attended. Women cast flirty glances his way, desperate to attract his attention. He avoided eye contact and expertly maneuvered away from them. He'd leave the disappointed damsels to Jadeite and the other young nobles. No doubt they took full advantage of his inattention to all the eligible women.

The moon caught his eyes as he passed a window. His mind immediately returned to thoughts of Serenity and their time together. The way she felt in his arms. The warmth of her smile. The sweetness of her kiss. He wondered what she was doing right now. Was she thinking of him?

"Hello Prince Endymion."

Endymion froze, his body tense. All thoughts of Serenity evaporated. He didn't need to turn around to know who spoke. Princess Beryl. She observed him the way a spider eyes a juicy fly. Her waves of dark red hair were piled artfully on her head. Her dress of deep purple hugged her body, drawing the attention of more than one man in the room. Just not him.

She was the most persistent of all the women at court. She pursued him relentlessly no matter how clear he made his feelings. Lately, there was a coldness to her that set his nerves on edge. He could see ruthless ambition shining in her eyes. While her manners were always proper and ladylike, there was something dark about her that worried him.

"Hello, Princess Beryl." He inclined his head, his voice cool.

"I'm glad to see you've made a safe return from the Moon Kingdom."

He frowned. There was something odd about the way she referred to the Moon Kingdom. It was as if the words disgusted her. "Thank you. It was a pleasant trip."

Beryl scoffed. "Pleasant? I can think of far pleasanter places to be and far pleasanter people to be with." She purred, stroking his arm with a pale hand. Endymion grit his teeth and shifted away. He took a deep breath to prevent himself from snapping at her. There was no one he'd rather be with than Serenity. Looking over Beryl's elaborate hairstyle, he spotted Nephrite heading his way. Relief filled him. Nephrite was another loyal general and friend. He had helped him out of many a scrape when they were children. He was like an older brother to Endymion.

Lately, Nephrite and the other generals had been running interference between himself and Beryl. "Shall we dance, Princess Beryl? It's been an age since I've had the pleasure." He extended his hand.

Beryl arched a brow and took his hand. "Of course. Good evening, Prince Endymion." She crooned as she followed Nephrite to the dance floor.