A.N.: HOLA AMIGOS! How are you all? I am deeply sorry for this layout, I truly am, but Geocities won't allow me much data-transfer because of all the graphics I have on the part pages. But HEY! At least the My Lady Queen main page is beautiful! *grins* So...here it is. A brand new Sailor Moon Silver Millennium fanfic for which I have grand things planned. Hear me out, for you must know this if you are willing to understand the story better. My Lady Queen has a Medieval setting...and the usual SM magic is not very involved. You must understand that it merely uses the characters of Sailor Moon and most of their relationships as well. It is a romance story (of course :P) which I am sure you will enjoy... IMPORTANT: * A.S.M. - Ante Silver Millennium (Or Before Silver Millennium.) * The Queen's women, or the Princess's, are their Ladies in Waiting. * Squires are guards of the castle. * READ the bottom Notes to actually understand what the hell is going on ^_^ * * * * * My Lady Queen Introduction and Chapter One: The New High King Author: Moon Sparkle E-mail: sparklecutey@bolt.com Rated: PG-13. * * * * * Introduction Selene's prophecy had been correct. A great Shadow covered the fertile lands of ten mighty planets in the year of 40 A.S.M. This Shadow was the thirst for supremacy and power and each and every one of the ten powerful Kingdoms possessed it. They quarreled and warred against each other to prove which one of the Kingdoms was strong and wise enough to rule them all, for each bestowed that title upon themselves. There was one kingdom however, ruled by an intelligent and powerful king named Gladius Torregon. He was the most excellent of them all and his skill with the sword was renowned through all the worlds. He loved his wife, Lyonette, but she died in the year 21 A.S.M, giving birth to the one and only son of Gladius: Endymion Torregon of the Terran Kingdom. In 6 A.S.M., Gladius Torregon won the High Throne and thus, he became the High King. But not all kingdoms were pleased with this, and therefore the Ten split into two sides: Led by Celgrin of Uranus, The Glauders, as they were called, refused to accept Gladius’s power and excellent leadership, and therefore they continued to wage war against the Ferrals, the High King’s own kingdom and his loyal followers. And so, our story begins... Chapter One -The New High King- Year: 1 A.S.M. Location: Lunar Kingdom Silver goblets were raised and loud, thrilled cheers echoed in the great dining hall of the Lunar palace. Noblemen and women stood from their chairs on the sides of the extensive, wooden table, wide grins on their flushed faces and beverages in their sturdy hands. King Guston rose at one end of the table, Queen Selenity on the other, and their eyes met. They grinned at each other and they glanced toward the herald eloquently. The young man stood, his dark silver tunic glimmering in the light of the sparkling chandeliers. “My lords and ladies! His lordship, King Guston, speaks!” he trumpeted over the laughter and ovation. People quieted and their heads all turned toward the tall, old King whose fair hair slightly fell over his eyes. He blew it out of the way impatiently before his hands traveled up to secure the jeweled crown upon his head. He grinned at the crowd and a soft glance from his wife made him chuckle boyishly. “Thank you, Dalius!” The king’s baritone voice exclaimed. The young man flushed scarlet. “As you all know,” he began. “King Gladius Torregon breathed his last a week past at Tur Gaer in the Terran Kingdom. May the gods allow his soul in Edengale.” Silence. “Tonight, we are celebrating his death, his life and also, the crowning of the new High King, Endymion Torregon!” The room exploded with a new wave of deafening cheers and King Guston laughed. A raise of his hand caused the clamor to die. “King Endymion has already proven to be a wiser, sturdier, more loved leader than even his late father. I don’t believe any of you thought that possible! But it is true. Prince Kunzite, my son, has been in the company of the new King for the past six years as a Knight of Crystal Terra and as one of Endymion’s loyal Companions, and as you all well know, they are very close. The prince shall visit us three weeks from tonight, and we shall hold a feast in his honor. So, my noble lords and ladies, let us rejoice and honor the new and young High King!” His speech having ended, the Lunar king sat back down in his great chair. Approximately thirty-five feet away, a young lady situated herself on a great, cushioned chair at a separate regal table. Silky golden-white hair hung on her slim shoulders richly and a small, pearly tiara rested upon her head obediently. Silver- gold eyebrows puckered slightly over her large, gorgeous light sapphire eyes and her full pinkish-red lips formed an ‘O’ as if to speak in protest, but she said nothing. Attired in a lustrous white dress together with equally elegant white gloves, Princess Serenity of the Lunar Kingdom glared at her friend, who from across the table, was drinking King Guston’s words thirstily, her eyes widened in admiration. “Rei, you are worse than Minako.” Serenity stated quietly. She reached for her watered wine and sipped a small measure of it gracefully before turning her gaze back to her four most loyal and closest friends. All young, all beautiful, and all amazingly powerful and trustworthy, they looked at her steadily; More correctly, the raven-haired Rei of Martia glared at the Princess. “Worse than Minako? Ren, what is this grudge you hold against King Endymion? He is the most excellent High King. Even the Glauders have begun to retreat since he came into full power!” Serenity gazed at her friend quietly. The lady of Martia, fierce with dark long raven hair and violet suspicious eyes, was infatuated with a man she had never met! Never seen! Serenity wondered, why was there no disapproval in Rei’s blood for the King…she *was* of Glauder blood after all... “Well,” Serenity began quietly. “I believe that Celgrin is raising a new army, gathering troops to make a last, immense attack on the new King. I have a feeling that he is trying to deceive Endymion by showing cowardice and retreating.” Nobody but Ami, a lady of Mercurian with a mind of a diplomat, was listening. Makoto and Minako silently watched King Guston and his guests celebrate the crowning of the new King. Ami nodded, although a delicate finger traveled to her mouth, motioning for the princess to lower her voice. “I suppose you are right, Serenity. But don’t speak so stridently; you know very well that women, especially us maidens, are not supposed to worry of such matters!” Ami scolded softly, her dark cobalt hair glimmering gently in the crystalline light. Serenity scoffed vaguely, although a charming grin lightened her face. Makoto and Minako suddenly turned around, their faces alight with the excitement in the atmosphere. “Oh, Ren, what do you suppose he looks like? I wonder, is he dark? Is he fair?” Makoto questioned, a giggle in her smooth voice. Minako, Rei and Ami chuckled softly and Serenity shrugged, somewhat inelegantly, although her gaze traveled to the ceiling and she was quiet for a moment. “Well…” she commenced gently. “I have heard rumors that he is very tall and very well built. Hmm…but since he is a Torregon, I assume he has to have dark hair and dark eyes. Perhaps…the color of the Terran oceans? Oh girls, don’t ask me these things! I am not at all interested in this. I accept the fact that he is our new King, but that is all.” Serenity said quietly. Rei grinned as she leaned forward to the center of the round table, her eyes beckoning the girls to come closer with the intention that they would not be overheard. “Maybe so, Ren. But do you know what I overheard your mother, Queen Selenity, say to her women yesterday?” Sighing, Serenity shook her head. “King Endymion’s council, the Ten Companions, have decided that he needs a Queen very soon. He must have an heir. We all very well know that Endymion is said to be the most handsome man in the Terran Kingdom! We also know that he has been with…many women. Therefore, the problem here is that he does not want to marry. I believe that he does not think himself ready for a commitment. However, the Council is forcing him to do it, so a search through the Ferral Kingdoms is starting tomorrow. A woman asked your mother if she was going to present you to the King…but your mother knows you well, Ren. She said that she is not certain, that she must speak to you first. I suppose she will do so tonight. But, oh! How I would *love* to be Endymion’s wife! Imagine, being High Queen! I heard he is also capable of pleasing women…very well.” A mischievous grin crept up to Rei’s lips and the girls laughed, although Serenity frowned slightly after turning a slight shade of pink. “Yes, I have heard the rumors of the “bride pursuit” myself. But Rei, you would only be a…a broodmare to him.” Serenity pointed out gently. The brunette gasped. “That would be your foremost duty: Bear his children as fast as you could and see that they are all handsome little sons! Forget having a companion, for he would never be there. Even my mother only sees my father six months of the year, and he is a homebody compared to the High King! Endymion must always travel about the Kingdoms, or fight. You would never really know him, because there would never be time. You, my dear Rei, would be miserable. How could you wish such a thing? Oh, it would be terrible. You would be imprisoned in Crystal Terra for all the years of your life. I would hate to be High Queen. The woman who shall marry King Endymion has my deepest most sincere sympathy.” Ami nodded, but Rei scoffed before leaning back in her chair quietly, her mauve eyes scanning the surroundings. Serenity did the same and she glanced toward her mother briefly before taking another sip of her drink. The ambiance of the situation was becoming extremely exhausting and the young princess felt her eyelids begin to drop lazily. She sighed and her small hand journeyed to her mouth before she yawned inaudibly. She felt utterly uncomfortable and although her eyes threatened to give in to sleep, her strongest will at the moment was to ride Eala. She smiled and she did indeed close her eyes as her thoughts traveled to the green Lunar forests, thick with game and sanctified sparkling springs, and she could almost feel and hear her snow mare’s animated breath and the warm wind against her sweet skin…it was paradise. “My lady Serenity,” The deep male voice dragged Serenity out of her dream and she almost frowned in annoyance as she turned around. But, she smiled at the dark-silver uniformed sentry whose soft chocolate eyes sparkled as he gazed at her. “Yes, Roson?” The young man bowed before leaning closer to her ear, allowing the princess to hear his words more clearly. “My lady, the queen wishes to see you in her chambers as soon as,” he grinned. “As soon as you sing for the guests.” Roson straightened, a smile still touching his young lips and affection was visible in his soft eyes as he looked at Serenity. She blushed slightly pink before standing and nodding to him. “Lords and ladies!” Roson announced. The commotion died. “The Nightingale of the Moon shall now entertain us with a song for the new High King!” Queen Selenity smiled beautifully at her blushing daughter, her own cheeks slightly flushed from the heat of press of bodies and watered wine. King Guston beamed proudly as he gazed at Serenity lovingly, ready to snap at anybody or anything that would make the slightest noise to disturb the forthcoming melody. Serenity blinked and gracefully curtsied low before stepping lightly forward. The fact that she was well known for her serene and cherubic voice scuffed at her nerves annoyingly, but she valiantly decided to ignore her shyness. Taking a deep, shaky breath in, the young princess began. Stunned and amazed as their ears perceived the exquisite and tranquil purr of Serenity’s voice, the guests hardly took notice of the words praising King Endymion. The atmosphere alleviated to a level of gentle mystical mood. Her voice, high and angelic, resembled the soft sprinkle of cold, refreshing spring water journeying upon pebbles and rocks in the forests on a peaceful day full of birdsong and sunshine. The crystalline sound of chandelier-crystals colliding softly and the rhythmical tapping of gentle rain on the palace towers and walls seemed to join the song and served as a suitable and pleasant accompaniment. The song ended quite too soon and Serenity curtsied nervously once more and slid back into her chair, relieved. The guests applauded politely, although their thoughts were still dancing to the song. Minako stared at Serenity in awe, her light blue eyes almost filled with tears and her golden hair flowing about her magically. “Oh, Serenity! That was wonderful! When in Selene’s name did you find time to write it?” The lady of Venus, attired in a flowing dress of gold, questioned animatedly. Serenity blushed again, but giggled quietly. “Oh, I took Eala to Dreamer’s Meadow yesterday and thought about it there. Mother’s will for me to do this was very strong and although I had no desire of my own to do so, I wrote it. It’s rather simple, I daresay, for such a great King.” A hint of sarcasm flowed smoothly in her voice as she answered, and Roson, who was standing beside the princess, ready to escort her to the queen’s chambers, made a startled noise. “Oh, no, my lady! The song was incredibly beautiful, but I pray, do not speak of the High King in such a tone of voice! Should King Guston hear you, he shall be dreadfully distressed. He is very fond of King Endymion.” Serenity raised an eyebrow as she rose from her seat once more, straightening her shoulders unconsciously. “Is he, indeed? It seems as though everybody is absolutely bewitched by our new King, Roson. Do you feel the same way?” Having given a look of goodbye to her friends, the princess and her escort were now traveling through the majestic hallways of the Lunar palace. The sentries that lined the walls stood unmoving, their gazes fixed on nothing in particular, their fatal swords sheathed, and their spears resting tightly in their hands. “Yes, my lady. I have heard excellent things about King Endymion.” Replied the sentry calmly. “But he has just taken the Throne!” Serenity’s slightly annoyed exclamation echoed through the halls and she soon flushed with embarrassment. “I beg your pardon, Roson, I did not mean to shout.” She mumbled. Roson grinned. “Ahhh, but he has performed wise deeds even before he became High King, my lady. Although Sir Jadeite is Endymion’s Master of the Horse, the King himself was the man who ordered the breeding of his Companions’ war-stallions, and everybody knows that they are the finest in all the kingdoms: intelligent and deadly when ridden by a Companion. And in a week, just a week, mind you, he has also succeeded in compelling the Glauders to retreat, at least for the present time. He is a man of grandeur, my lady.” Respect glistened in the young man’s eyes as Serenity gazed at him evenly, and she wondered what was so great about a man who had only reigned for a week. How could somebody that did not even personally know Endymion have such admiration and love for him? Gladius Torregon, she had admired, *he* had been a man of grandeur. He had fought wisely and courageously to keep the Glauders from crossing the Red River and had therefore kept Luna safe. He had loved and cherished the kingdoms that he had ruled and had had great respect for kings of lower rank than his, such as her father. When the messenger from Crystal Terra had ridden in on his exhausted black war-stallion with the message of the High King’s death, Serenity and her mother had been in the Council Room with King Guston, discussing the probability of a betrothal with King Diamond of Black Luna, the third of the five kingdoms on the Moon. She had had a foreboding that morning before her mother told her of Guston’s marriage plans for her, and Serenity had concluded that it was on account of that that her heart had been upset. However, it had not been so. The High King Gladius Torregon had been proclaimed dead. A week had passed, and now Serenity found herself aggravated with the people’s carelessness of Gladius’s death and perpetual praising of Endymion. What had he done to deserve such love and respect, *more* reverence than even his father had received, other than merely frighten the Glauders for a short period of time? “My lady?” Roson’s voice yanked Serenity out of her angered thoughts and into the cool hallways of the palace once again and she blinked once, realizing that they had arrived at the large silver-gilded doors that led to the queen’s chambers. “Yes, Roson. Thank you.” The sentry bowed and Serenity opened the heavy doors slowly. A wave of sweet smelling perfume overcame her as she stepped in the room and comfort rained upon her. She had always loved her mother’s chambers. The sugary aroma had been the same since she could recall, and the large four-poster bed that was positioned in the south area of the room had always looked inviting, always making her feel slightly drowsy. The walls were of a soft baby blue color, adorned with wonderful portraits of the beautiful Selenity in her young and present years and the cream wooden furniture was forever clean and dust-free. King Guston’s bedchamber was connected with the queen’s by a large, wooden door and narrow stairs led to Selenity’s women’s rooms. The queen was seated on the silk-covered bed, her back to the door, her gaze wondering outside through the clear glass of the balcony doors. Three women stood near her, one of them attending her long, silvery hair by brushing it gently. The youngest of the servants, a girl of fourteen named Anna, caught sight of Serenity and dropped into a low curtsey. “My lady Serenity!” She greeted. Serenity smiled and nodded and the queen turned around, her face alight with content, her long hair streaming around her face like a waterfall. She quickly waved the women away, and as soon as the two were left alone, Selenity spoke. “My, Serenity!” The queen exclaimed as she stood. She had already changed into the white nightgown that Guston had given to her on the day of the Festival of Selene. Her slender form treaded quickly to her daughter. “How lovely you look this eve! The song, my dearest, was extraordinarily beautiful. I thank you from the heart for writing it. Your father was pleased as punch!” “Thank you, mother.” The princess replied. “But I am certain it was the imported wine that pleased him so!” She giggled quietly as she sat on her mother’s yielding bed and Selenity smiled, slightly tilting her head to the side, studying the young lady closely. She approached Serenity and sat next to her, gently taking her daughter’s small hands in her own. Serenity turned her face to meet her mother’s gaze, and gasped when she realized that fresh tears lingered in the queen’s soft, mauve-blue eyes. “Mother! Is something amiss?” The queen smiled kindly, almost sadly, and shook her head slowly. “No, darling. It-it is just…oh how you have grown! You are a flower among weeds, my sweet! Such beauty, I have never seen. The witch’s prophecy is beginning to prove itself truthful.” Serenity suddenly felt the urge to scream and run. That wretched witch! Unwillingly, she recalled the occasion when she had first heard about the prophecy. Her mother had told her gently: On the night of the princess’ birth, which coincidentally happened to be that of the Festival of Selene, the ugliest woman in all of Luna entered the palace surreptitiously and was suddenly in the hall filled with noble guests. She stood before Guston’s throne and hissed once. Every word died, and every man’s and woman’s attention was upon the old witch. “King! Hear me speak!” she had cried, her hideous face contorted by strenuous effort to remain in control of herself. “Witch! State your purpose and be gone. You come at a time of celebration, and we would not be interrupted! Know you not my young queen gives birth tonight?” Guston roared, his face flushed with the influence of wine and his eyes, always laughing, were cold. The witch laughed a revolting laugh and her eyes were ablaze. “Oh, King Guston, I know indeed. For ‘tis the reason of my coming! Tonight, Queen Selenity shall give birth to a daughter. The girl will be the fairest beauty the world has known and the highest lady in all the kingdoms. Her name, my lord, shall live on in the minds of men for ages to come. Through her, you will reach glory. But she will bring pain, King. She shall betray a king and be herself betrayed. Hers will be a fate no one will envy.” The words had been icy and dangerous. The witch, Fadelna, curtsied grossly and began making her way to the doors. Murmurs had begun to swim through the hall and angry protests were shouted to the woman as she exited the great hall. Each man asked his neighbor what she had meant. Each man thought he knew what the prophecy foretold. All of them took it as wonderful news for Serenity’s father, except Guston himself. He had sat frowning in his great chair. All villages, towns and cities in Luna knew of the prophecy, and Serenity hated it. “Thank you, mother.” Serenity whispered. The queen smiled and stood at last, her face clear once more and she clasped her hands together excitedly. “Now!” she exclaimed and Serenity looked at her quietly, her soft lips touched by a sweet smile. She squirmed almost nervously on the bed, for she knew what was coming. “Serenity, my darling, a great search for a bride for the High King shall begin tomorrow and I am certain that if I present you to him, you will be the one chosen.” The queen chose her words carefully. Serenity rose. “But mother! He-- he is old!” She exclaimed, furiously trying to think of a good justification to save her. She had already refused countless suitors, even King Diamond, and her father had not been pleased. Her mother, however, had understood. Would she do so again? The queen laughed. “He is but twenty, my dear, and not to mention, breathtakingly handsome. I have had the pleasure of meeting him when he was a lad of fourteen. He was gorgeous *then*...Serenity, darling, you are sixteen. And besides, it is your fate.” Selenity’s voice was clear and smooth and laughter played in her beautiful eyes as she gazed at her daughter. Feeling shame, Serenity believed that her mother thought she was as bewitched by the new King as everybody else. She was most likely absolutely convinced that Serenity would not refuse such an opportunity. “When did you meet him? You did not tell me.” Serenity asked softly, her eyes downcast. “Oh, darling, it was when you had the summer chills. I believe you had just turned ten. Your father and I went to present Kunzite to the Crystal Terra court. Six years ago, it was. Even then, Endymion looked like a king. He had been young, but already he had led troops into battle by his father’s side! He is meant for his role as High King, my dearest Ren. You could see it in his eyes, his bearing, and his sureness. He is-he is” she paused, searching for the words to describe the fourteen year old Endymion she saw in her mind’s eye. “He is tall, with dark blue eyes and coal black hair. His complexion is much darker than ours and he has a look of Gladius about him, but not his temper, Selene be praised.” She stopped and Serenity listened intently as she gazed at her mother. Even Selenity was bewitched by him! “No. Mother, I do not want to marry! Not now, at least. I would be miserable.” The princess's tone was warm and pleading and Queen Selenity frowned pitifully. She sat quietly in thought for several moments, her beautiful features touched by a thin veil of understanding and concern. Serenity dared not move. Finally, the queen sighed. “Very well,” she said gently. “I shall tell your father. He will not be pleased, I assure you.” The queen’s eyes found her daughter’s, and Serenity almost winced when she saw the concern that rested in their ocean-colored depths. She braced herself. “And Serenity, I am not going to promise that he will not compel you into presenting yourself to the King. His power is stronger than your will, my sweet. You are now a woman and most maidens of your age are already betrothed, if not married. Even your own ladies, yes Rei included, will be presented by their own families to Endymion. Oh, my darling! You cannot ride horses as freely as you do and wander through forests forever! I believe you know as well as I that women’s main purpose in the world of today is to… procreate. Men bear power, women bear children.” The words came as knives to Serenity’s heart and hot tears sprang to her eyes, but she fought them desperately from spilling. She inhaled shakily. “I understand, mother. Thank you.” Serenity curtsied low, avoiding her mother’s gaze, and exited the room quickly before the control over her tears vanished. Five minutes later found her in her own bedchamber. She had dismissed her nurse, Laista, immediately and she extinguished the lamps hastily. A blanket of darkness fell upon the large room and at long last, Serenity allowed the tears to fall. Angry thoughts flew through her troubled mind and she cursed the world for its underestimation of women and cruel forcefulness into marriages. One question leaped in her mind and she bit her lip unmercifully, tasting the metallic blood that it released. Why? Why could she not be free and independent? She knew that once her life would be bound to a man’s, she would be able to do nothing but sow and bear children. She also knew that her days of liberty were coming to an end. She sobbed brokenly, covering her face with delicate hands and she dropped upon the bed, shaking. If Edengale was Heaven, then the world itself was Hell, she thought miserably. But soft words came to life upon her lips, and although having not the slightest idea from where, she whispered them sadly. “Take what comes and live without complaint. Life is a woman’s gift; death is a God’s. What will be, will be.” * * * End Part 1. A.N. Ahh...well? What do you think? I do hope you like it. However, I know it's confusing, so here is an explanation for the kingdoms ^_^ Here we go... *Takes a deep breath in* We all know that if we include the Earth's Moon, there are ten Planets, and therefore ten Kingdoms. Well, in the story, years before the Silver Millennium, they all waged war against each other so they can prove which of all the Kingdoms is to rule them all. Terra (Earth) proved itself worthy with its skilled army of swordsmen and cavalry, led by Gladius Torregon. Five of the Ten kingdoms, including his own, acknowledged him as the High King. These five (The Ferral Kingdoms) were: Terra (Earth), Luna (Moon), Venusia (Venus), Jupitar (Jupiter), and Mercurian (Mercury). They swore peace, fidelity and allegiance to him. However, the other five (The Glaudar Kingdoms) were more stubborn and refused to let Gladius rule them. They were: Martia (Mars), Uranusion (Uranus), Neptunia (Neptune), Saturnia (Saturn) and, sadly, Plution (Pluto). Their High King was an Uranusian named Celgrin...an old, fierce man who was determined to bring the Ferral Kingdoms under his rule. So that is why, by Gladius' hand, the Ferral Kingdoms united, to defend themseleves from the Glaudars. Now comes the Kingdom business. You see, the Ferral Kingdoms will eventually make one large one called, you guessed it, the Silver Millennium. But that will be during King Endymion's reign. But until it emerges, keep this in mind: In each large Kingdom, there are sub-kingdoms. For example, in Luna, there are five Sub-Kingdoms, one of which is Serenity's home, Luna (going by the same name), and another is Dark Luna, under King Diamond's kingship. EACH PLANET/KINGDOM HAS SUB-KINGDOMS, BUT THEY ARE ALL RULED BY THEIR RESPECTIVE HIGH KING, WHO LIVES IN CRYSTAL TERRA (One of the Terran sub-kingdoms which contains the main castle/fortress of Terra, so therefore, the High SubKingdom of Terra and the rest of the Kingdoms). Endymion is High King now, since Gladius has just died. Hell, in conclusion, just try and understand as best as you can until the story develops. Well, I hope that makes it clear. I tried to make it as lucid as possible, although it is still very complicated. If you have questions, please send them to: sparklecutey@bolt.com. ^_^ F-E-E-D-B-A-C-K!!!!!!!!