Stars of Destiny

Chapter 9

It was quite possibly one of the happiest days of her life. Serenity's eyes were filled with wonder from her first step on Earth's soil. It was a long held dream come true. The warmth of the sun wrapped her in its golden embrace. The cool breeze caressed her cheek and stirred her hair. The bright welcoming faces of Earth's people made her heart swell with joy. The only thing that could make this day even better was seeing Endymion.

Serenity, her mother, and the Sailor Guardians were led to the palace on a carpet of roses. Her eyes searched for Endymion. She resisted the urge to break into a run. This was also a foreign relations visit, not just a social one. She wasn't alone in her excitement. The other guardians were overflowing with enthusiasm. At last, they were welcomed into the great hall of the palace. Serenity's heart leapt with joy when she spotted Endymion at his father's side.

The princess wasn't the only one having trouble maintaining decorum. Endymion had to restrain himself from pulling Serenity into his arms. Throughout his father's welcome speech and the queen's gracious thanks, Endymion's eyes were focused solely on Serenity.

So focused, Endymion missed the snickers and knowing looks exchanged by his generals. Jadeite couldn't hide his amusement at Endymion. It was very clear he was completely besotted with the Moon Princess. Not that Jadeite could blame him. She was very beautiful. There was a gentleness that radiated from her. She seemed equally enthralled by their prince.

Jadeite let his eyes scan the rest of the Moon Kingdom's subjects. The Sailor Guardians were just as attractive as the queen and the princess. Despite their loveliness, he could see by their watchful expressions, that they were not strangers to war. There was iron underneath that velvet glove.

A chill went down his spine. He could feel cold eyes watching him. Looking away from the Sailor Guardians, Jadeite cast his eyes over the crowd of courtiers and visiting nobles. His eyes locked with Princess Beryl. She did not look pleased. She shifted her intense gaze to Endymion. He could see her yearning that bordered on obsession. What had once been a mere annoyance seemed to be turning into a real problem. He observed Beryl's attention land on Princess Serenity. The pure, unadulterated rage in her expression shocked him. It was there and gone in a flash. If looks could kill...

It seemed to was time to have a serious discussion with Beryl. Besides being their prince, Endymion was their friend. He was not about to allow anyone to ruin his happiness. Nudging Nephrite, Jadeite murmured softly. "We need to handle Beryl." He inclined his head to the crowd. Nephrite followed his gaze and spotted Beryl. He sighed and nodded. Something had to be done.

***

"They're a lovely couple, aren't they? Sailor Neptune observed during the evening's banquet. It was as if Endymion and Serenity were in their own world. They only had eyes for each other.

Sailor Uranus glanced over and smiled softly. "They are." Her eyes slid over the other guests, ever vigilant. "Can you sense it anymore?"

Neptune shook her head, the smile fading from her face. "Not since we arrived. I've never felt such a malevolent force."

The prince's generals hadn't been the only ones to feel the weight of Beryl's malice. The queen had asked them to keep their eyes open specifically for this reason. Uranus clenched her jaw in frustration. Give her something to annihilate and she would be a happy woman. Chasing elusive threats was irritating. "Seems like the queen was right to be concerned."

"I still don't think our coming here was wise." Neptune replied.

"I agree." Uranus answered coolly. Her eyes strayed back to the princess' laughter and the adoration in Endymion's eyes. Her heart softened. That was the reason Queen Serenity accepted the invitation. Uranus recognized that look. It was how she felt gazing into Neptune's eyes. "But look at them...it's like they're meant for each other." She felt Neptune's arm link with hers, a comforting hand stroking her arm.

"I know." Neptune replied softly. "I'm just worried that whatever this is...we might not be enough to stop it."

Uranus covered Neptune's hand with her own. "We can't think like that. Let's just focus on what we can handle right now."

Neptune nodded...a sly smile curving her lips. "Can you handle me across the dance floor?"

Uranus chuckled. "Of course." They slipped in between the other dancing couples, enjoying the brief elation in each other's arms. Behind the radiant smile and glittering eyes, there was always the mission - the duty to protect their princess.