Lost Love in the Moon Palace

The Birthday Ball

"You look very beautiful, my dear," Serenity said to her daughter as she lovingly adjusted her hair. Everything had to be perfect. "Will Daddy be coming too?" the daughter asked curiously. A moment of sadness crossed the Queen's face. "I don't know. But I hope so."

The door opened. "Serenity, are you coming? Most of your guests are already here. You're always late, even when the event is in your own home," scolded Mars, her friend.

"Yes, we're ready," Serenity said with a smile on her lips, knowing that punctuality would never be one of her strengths.

Serenity and Small Lady followed Mars into the throne room, which was splendidly arranged. Luxuriant bouquets of delicate pink flowers adorned every corner and emitted a captivating fragrance. Shimmering silver ribbons hung from the ceiling, swaying gently in the breeze, sparkling like stars in the night sky. The walls were draped with snow-white and silver fabrics that fluttered in the wind with every movement of the guests. Crystal chandeliers cast a magical light over the room, illuminating the entire setting in a fairytale-like glow.

Then Serenity froze for a moment as she spotted him. Endymion stood in front of the throne, smiling at his daughter, who gracefully approached him. "Daddy, so you did come," the princess exclaimed, embracing her father.

"Of course, did you think I'd miss your birthday? Happy birthday, my darling," he replied warmly.

Serenity approached hesitantly, her heartbeat more than doubled. A whole year had passed since they had last seen each other. His appearance had hardly changed, and yet it felt like an eternity.

In that moment, their gazes met – a meeting that held so many words, so many feelings. In that second, time seemed to stand still, as if they had entered their own world, and old, long-forgotten emotions surfaced. Blushing slightly, Serenity lowered her gaze as she felt her cheeks turn slightly red.

Between them had never stood a word of argument, no disagreement – and yet an invisible distance seemed to prevail.

"Serenity, it's good to see you. You look stunning," Endymion spoke with the courtesy he had always possessed. Serenity's throat seemed constricted by his presence. A silent nod was all she could muster.

"We could start with the introduction of the royal houses from distant solar systems now," a familiar voice whispered behind her. Mercury, known for her organizational talents, had joined them. "And then the opening dance – the two of you with Small Lady and Ares."

Everyone knew that Ares, the eldest son of Mars and Jedite, clearly had a crush on the young princess, and Small Lady enjoyed his company. Officially, she had chosen him as her dance partner because he was undoubtedly the best dancer of her age. Yet, behind the elegant movements, there were the subtle vibrations of a delicate bond developing between them.

Endymion, on the other hand, remained professional and offered Serenity his arm to escort her to her throne, while the solemn presentation of the royal guests began. Serenity was in her element, warmly welcoming her guests, her radiance filling the entire room. The introduction of the royal guests concluded with the arrival of the royal couple from Kinmoku. The red-haired queen was a familiar childhood friend of Serenity's, but their paths had not crossed for over two decades.

Serenity jumped up from her throne and rushed towards her old friend. "Kakyuu, it's wonderful to see you here. It's been far too long," she confessed with a heartfelt smile.

"Yes, it's true," the redhead laughed.

Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice cleared his throat, and Serenity turned her gaze to the side. A man with long black hair stood there, attentively studying her.