A.N.: A year has passed since I've updated any stories - and for that, I apologize. I've been extremely busy with school, etc, and I've barely had time to do anything other than what was necessary... But! Things have changed, indeed they have, and now I'm back.. and better, because one learns many things as time passes. My Lady Queen will be continued and hopefully finished in the next year. It will be long, as the rest of my fanfics, and I repeat, it will -not- follow the typical Silver Millennium story line. In fact, it won't follow it at all - except for the romance involved. It will be kept Arthurian. :) Now, my lords and ladies, without further ado, chapter two of My Lady Queen. Notes: * A.S.M. - Ante Silver Millennium (Or Before Silver Millennium.) * The Queen's women, or the Princess's, are their Ladies in Waiting. * Sentries are guards of the castle. * * * * * My Lady Queen Chapter Two: The Secret Author: Moon Sparkle E-mail: lovablegwen@hotmail.com Rated: PG-13. * * * * * Chapter Two ~ The Secret ~ Year: 1 A.S.M. Location: Lunar Kingdom The sun awoke and stretched its bright light into the world of the Lunar kingdom early. The air was humid and smelled of sweet late spring and the trees danced with the wind happily, their budding flowers turning their young heads toward the sunrays. Birds sang delightfully, their colorful feathers ruffling in the soft breeze and their small beady eyes scanning the brightening sky. A gentle streak of wind made its way through the large window of Serenity’s bedchamber and the small, yellow bird in the cage hanging on the tall bedpost hook chirped loudly and joyfully, causing the young princess to awake slowly. Her cerulean eyes opened and she smiled as she rose from her bed, stretching like a cat from sleep. The palace inhabitants, save the sentries and probably the cooks, were most likely still asleep, and Serenity grinned. She felt content and happy, and most of all, nervous. Her brother, Kunzite, Sir Kunzite to be more precise, was on his way to visit home after six years of being in Crystal Terra. And he would be arriving today. Three weeks had passed since the night of the feast and news and rumors about the High King flew through the kingdoms at the speed of light. Serenity’s disgruntlement toward Endymion had somewhat faded, but she was not "dazzled by the sun", as her nurse put it, like the ladies of the palace. Instead, the respect that soldiers held for Endymion had become present in her heart. She had been wrong to disprove of his ability to rule, for he had pushed the Glauders back behind their borders and the Ferral kingdoms had been at peace for almost a month. Endymion led his troops to victory after victory, with great losses on the Glauders’ side, and few on his own. Young as he was, older men granted him their respect, and hardened warriors deferred to his opinions, for there was no talisman luckier than victory, and he did not seem able to lose. Everywhere they were attacked, Ferrals fought bravely, from king to foot soldier, knowing the High King would come to their aid with his invincible sword, and his companion force of trained warriors. Praises for the King’s Companions, Kunzite included, were bountiful and stories of their amazing war-stallions, courage, sword talent, dexterity, honor, loyalty to the High King, and leadership, were told to youngsters and elders alike very often. As soon as the young High King had taken the throne, he took every matter under his wing. His justice and nobility were so well known, that ‘Endymion’s justice’ had become a by-word through the Ferral kingdoms. Glauders feared him, Ferrals loved him; he was the perfect King. And therefore, every eligible woman wanted to be his wife. The news of the important ‘wife pursuit’ spread like wildfire throughout the kingdoms, and every king carried instructions from his lady to propose his daughter, or his granddaughter, or his niece or whomever among his kin was the most eligible. Bards were hired to sing poems praising the beauties of this maid and that. Family lineages were hunted up and extended back to great ancestors. Bargains were made among families for backing; friendships of long standing were broken in the heat of competition. The only two people in the Kingdom who stood aloof from this frenzy were, oddly, Endymion and Serenity herself. With a frown, Serenity remembered her father’s anger when he had found out that his own daughter was not going to be among the contestants. Like her mother had predicted, Guston almost forced Serenity into the terrible agitation, but after hours of talk and arguments, the queen convinced Guston that there would be others. He had sworn, angrily, that the next decent nobleman, prince, or king who would ask for Serenity’s hand would be granted his wish. Serenity decided to push the unpleasant thoughts aside and concentrate on the beauty of the day. It was a splendid morning! "Laista!" She called softly. A moment later, the middle-aged nurse arrived, grumbling moodily about the time. She was a sweet, lazy soul whom Serenity grew to love deeply and she grinned at the woman mischievously. "My lady, it is extremely early! Why, the sun has just begun to shine!" She complained softly and Serenity sat on the long stool positioned next to her bed, allowing Laista to brush her long, silvery-gold hair easily. "The sun shines constantly Laista, it never stops." Serenity teased. "What a glorious day! I want my riding clothes, and a cloak." The nurse gasped. "But, my lady! Sir Kunzite is coming home today. You must be present when he arrives!" Laista cried quietly, her eyes wide and her grip on the princess’ hair tight. "Laista! You are hurting me." Serenity grinned. "Do not worry. I shall return before he arrives. Oh! I cannot wait to see him! Six years have passed..." her sentence trailed off and Laista scoffed under her breath. "If he had not left, Serenity, you would surely never have learned manners and protocol. You were worse than any boy when you rode with your brother. Such a wild girl I had never seen! And the sad part is that you still possess most of those qualities." Serenity giggled at her nurse’s words and she squirmed impatiently on the stool, eager to leave. "Don’t be so slow, Laista! Hurry, Eala is waiting!" * * * The morning was chilly, but pleasant. It was slightly past dawn, and the dew had begun to rise from the rich grass. Ignoring Lastia’s constant scolding and worried glances, Serenity, dressed in leather leggings and a tunic, and covered by a comfortable cloak, was making her way to the stables. As she passed the Rear Gates, she saw Gerron drilling the new group of young soldiers and she quickened her step, not wanting to be seen. The stables were large, half of which were newly built. Having become one of the King Endymion’s most dear and loyal companions, Kunzite had sent his father thirty-five new horses, all of the finest breed. Their speed was neck-breaking and their agility incredible. But Kunzite did not forget about his sister whose greatest passion was to ride and hawk. Two years before, he had sent her a beautiful snow-white mare, which Serenity named Eala. The Main Stable stood before her, tall and proud. The smell of hay and clean horse floated to the princess’ nostrils and she accelerated her step, soon finding herself inside the secure room. Her eyes scanned her surroundings quickly and Serenity frowned when she did not see Degos, the stable boy and childhood friend, whose patience and skill with horses almost equaled her own. She dismissed the idea almost immediately and instinctively strode her way past the occupied stalls and small mounts of hay, to the eager snowy mare that had felt her presence since she had first stepped inside. "Good morning, my beauty." She said softly, picking up the soft bristled brush from the bucket positioned at the foot of the stall. The mare nickered a soft welcome as Serenity patted her gray muzzle lovingly, moving inside the stall slowly until she was by the horse’s side, brushing her glistening hide skillfully. Movement and low voices caught her notice suddenly and Serenity almost stood to make her presence known, but froze as she heard her name being mentioned. She lowered herself and sat on the dirt floor by Eala’s legs, her ears attentive and her muscles tense. "You know, my lad, the princess has refused to be presented to the High King." It was the voice of a soldier, Serenity did not know whose, but the roughness and carelessness that flowed with it was good enough for proof. "Aye, she has told me so herself." The reply came from none other than Degos himself. He was a dear and cherished friend of Serenity’s and she recognized his young voice immediately. The soldier laughed and the princess frowned. "Perhaps she is saving her pretty hand for you, Degos? King Guston would never approve, my lad. The witch’s prophecy promised more for her than a stable boy. I, myself, would not mind her company. But I dare not ask. Bring the old horse in here..." Their voices became muffled as they went together into the horse’s stall. Serenity blushed furiously and decided to straighten up and slip out, but she caught the High King’s name again. Quickly, she crouched in the corner of the box and kept as still as she could. The soldier came out and lounged nearby in the aisle, speaking with the voice of one who delights in bearing bad news. "There is no sense for this wild search, you know. The King already has a son, begotten five years ago at Tur Gaer, Tragoth’s fortress." It was the soldier’s voice and Serenity shook her head lightly. That was no secret; Endymion could have had ten sons, and nobody would have dared question him about them, nor care. Degos seemed to have been on the same train of thought. "Luptes, he is a King and he can afford to have four hundred sons. All the kingdoms know of his eagerness with the ladies. He needs a legitimate son, not a bastard, and of a woman with rank." This comment, having been spoken by Degos, was nothing but mere truth, Serenity thought. The soldier chuckled. "Ah, my lad, you do not know about the night of Gladius’s and his son’s victory at Tur Gaer. Then I shall tell you, but it does not leave these walls." Degos muttered an agreement and Serenity inhaled deeply, foreboding beginning to knock at her door. "You’ve never heard the rumors, for you do not live in the barracks. But, there was talk after the battle about them. Beryl and Endymion, I mean. Before she was married to King Tragoth, she took the young prince to her bed, they say, his first woman, the night of his victory. And that she carried his child within her when she wed Tragoth soon after." "Does the High King know then?" Degos asked, coming out of the box. "Indeed, he does. He has ordered Beryl to keep the boy in her protection as long as she lives. But you know, when Tragoth returned home, he was furious. He found his wife slender and then told a thin tale of an early birthing. Soon after, someone’s troops invaded the city and slayed every newborn male child. Every house was searched. Babies dragged from their mother’s breasts, lifted sleeping from their cradles, and thrown in an open boat. They say you could have heard the cries of those babies for hours after the boat was out of sight, and of course the wailings of the mothers for days on end. None survived. The bodies all came in on the tide three days after." Serenity gasped quietly and, her heart beating painfully in her chest, she recalled an old Lunar adage: ‘Every sun has its shadow’. "Are you suggesting," Degos’ voice was shaking. "Are you suggesting they were -royal- troops?" "Who knows? They wore no badge. And it stands to reason the High King, then a prince, would want to kill the child. What a hostage to his future that would be, a bastard son raised by the Witch of Tur Gaer!" "No, not this King," Degos whispered. "He was but a youth. There was and still is no evil in him. But, now I remember about her. She is a witch. I blame Beryl herself for the slaughter!" Degos’ voice was small and he waited for the reply eagerly. "Aye. And powerful one at that, my lad. But she is a woman, she would not kill children." "But she might, Luptes, to safeguard the boy. Bastards have come to power before now. If she’d hidden the baby well, as you said, she could slay the city’s children and keep her dangerous son safe. That would cool her lord’s anger and still the wagging tongues." "Hmmm. Perhaps, if you think a woman capable of murdering children. I don’t know. But, it was a terrible, black deed, and the blame for it must settle somewhere." "I pray the Goddess it does not settle on the young King." "Yes, but even if it doesn’t, he will suffer for it. How would you like a crafty wolf like Tragoth murdering a host of innocents just to kill yours? Leave you with a bad taste in your mouth, wouldn’t it? Leave you feeling a little unclean?" Serenity screamed in horror, but her hands were over her mouth, and the two were walking away together, so they did not hear her. She stood, trembling, her arms coiling about Eala’s neck tightly, and she buried her face in the horse’s mane to hide her tears. She knew, as the soldier had told the story, that there was more to it than he was telling, or perhaps than he knew, and when he had said the word "unclean", Serenity suddenly knew what it was. Shuddering, she remembered. Beryl was Gladius Torregon’s daughter by his first wife, Metallia. When his wife had been caught dishonoring Gladius, he had banned her from the kingdom and had sent her, along with their four-year-old daughter Beryl, to a small kingdom within the Terran Realm. Metallia died soon after teaching Beryl the dark arts. * She was Gladius’ daughter. Endymion’s sister. * Serenity found herself shakily horribly. There did not seem to be a smooth way out of the dilemma. Even if Endymion had sinned in innocence, he was guilty of incest, or perhaps of murder, and perhaps of both. The new King, the stainless, shining hope, would forever bear the taint of evil. The princess knew but too well, due to her strict religious seminars, that incest was one of the most dreadful and unpardonable sins of them all in both, Selenesism and Christianity. The Terrans, Mercurians, and Jupiterians respected Christianity, and were therefore faithful to God, the almighty creator, Giver of life and death. Lunarians, Venusians, and others, followed Selenesism. They were faithful to the Goddess Selene, Giver of life and prosperity, nature and love. The son of incest would be a blight upon Endymion’s honor, a smear across his good name, as well as a threat to his power, for Beryl was of high rank. Serenity straightened, and she wiped the tears off her soft cheeks shakily. Could this be the end of Endymion? The boy was now five, if the soldier’s information had been correct, and if persuaded by the witch Beryl, he could easily cause the High King to yield his power, for the sin would never be pardoned by the Christian Church. The princess decided, resolutely, that the horrible things that she had just overheard would never escape her lips. She was not going to help drown the King in this dark and ghastly flood of transgression. She felt the need to ride. Desperately. It was the only way that her mind would clear of the appalling thoughts. "My lady?" The princess jumped as she heard the deep voice and she turned around, coming face to face with Degos. "Oh, good morning Degos." She replied, finding her voice at last. She gazed at the young man steadily. He was tall, but not extremely, and somewhat slender. His complexion was light, contrasting with his dark chocolate eyes and jet black hair, and he was attired in doeskin leggings and a dark blue tunic on which Serenity had sown his name in silver thread. His usually incredibly cheerful face was damp with fresh water, as was his midnight hair, and Serenity supposed that he had just washed. Although slightly startled by the uneasy look in Serenity’s sapphire eyes, his features were warm and comforting, and it made the princess wonder if he actually knew who Beryl *was*. But she strove to hide her concern and confusion, her pink lips forming a soft smile. But Degos knew her well, and he reluctantly took a gentle step forward. "My lady, what is amiss...?" His voice soft, and his chocolate young eyes glowing in the mild light of dawn, he looked at her with concern. Serenity smiled again, and shook her head quietly. "Why, Degos, naught is amiss. Perhaps you find it strange to see me here at first light?" She grinned at his blank expression, her light blue eyes twinkling, and her delicate hand ruffled his wet hair playfully. "I thought not. Now, I plan on riding until noon. Please, help me prepare Eala." He was hesitant at first; still curious about her former uneasy countenance, but he had no choice. He had to obey; she was the king’s daughter. Silence reigned the atmosphere as the two brushed the healthy mare: a beautiful princess and a young, handsome stable boy, enjoying each other’s friendly company in comfortable peace. It did not last long, for when Eala was prepared, Degos opened his mouth to speak, but was clearly having difficulty to tell the princess what he meant to. She glanced at him silently, her eyes full of life, a wild spirit in the cool morning, and smiled encouragingly as he shifted uncomfortably. "Serenity," The princess’s heart dropped to her feet in concern as the young man spoke, because Degos used her name instead of the formal "my lady" either when the two were in a very comfortable mood, or something very serious had happened. She waited patiently, her pretty chin lifted valiantly, her hand absent-mindedly lifting to gently stroke the mare’s muzzle. "When my lord Sir Kunzite shall return to Crystal Terra in a week, I shall be going with him. For good." Although the words were spoken slowly and lucidly, it took a few seconds for Serenity’s usually quick mind to register them. Degos? Leave? No, she would forbid it! He was her best friend. Her balmy lips parted to protest, and argue, but Serenity immediately stopped them, and her mouth closed again, clear blue eyes watching the stable boy quietly. She could never, not even if she had been offered the Goddess’ throne, even attempt to ruin this absolutely wonderful opportunity that had been laid before Degos. Living in Crystal Terra, to train and love horses that would become weapons when ridden by the King’s Companions against deadly Glauders, to join in victory feasts and look back on what he had done to help win the most gruesome of battles; all this was power, joy, and an accomplishment. How she longed to make a difference, like Degos would! Instead, she would have to sit in the women’s quarters, bear sons and stitch to eternity. The old resentment against the stereotypical behavior expected of a woman began to build up inside of her again and burn her eyes with fresh hot tears. She swallowed and bit her lip lightly, lowering her eyes. "This is wonderful news indeed, Degos." She said quietly, making a great effort to keep her voice steady, and surprised at her own success. "Your skill will help win battles and win you respect. You have my blessings." The chocolate in Degos’ eyes lit with joy and pride, and he kneeled before Serenity as he bowed his head, taking her hand and placing a soft kiss on her fingers, too tender to be judged as etiquette. The princess started to raise him impatiently, but he remained unmoved, bringing her hand to his cheek softly. "Your blessings are all I need, my lady." He breathed as Serenity watched him intently, sadly, proudly, and astounded at his temerity and affection toward her. She looked around her swiftly, blue eyes scanning for any person with speech and hearing that would later begin to delightfully exaggerate truth about the stable boy and the Princess Serenity and please the gossiping ladies at court. She found that beside the horses, she and the young man were the only ones there. Her gaze returned to look down at Degos, whose speech had left him for the moment. "Degos, please rise." She said quietly, shivering slightly as a cool morning breeze breathed up her spine. But Degos did not. Instead, he kissed her fingers again and lifted his eyes to her quietly. "I am well aware of my position in society, Serenity." He said gravely. "But I cannot help but love something I shall never have. From the bottom of my heart I envy the man whose wife you will become, whose bed you will share and whose heart you will make forever happy. I shall marry, and my wife will bear my children, and they will have my love, as will she. But you, my dearest lady, will be forever in my heart, and on my mind. You will always have a friend in me." Serenity felt heat rise to her cheeks, and knew that the morning sun brightened her blush even more. She took in a deep breath. "You have my thanks and my friendship. Your absence will be felt greatly by the c ourt and the horses alike. Rise." Degos smiled, rose and straightened his shoulders. "Unless it is the King or the Queen who asks of my whereabouts, tell no one. The recent preparations and agitation with my brother’s homecoming have exhausted me, and I wish to be alone." Serenity caught the young man’s worried glance and she shook her head, swiftly and with grace mounting the unsaddled mare. "Worry not, dear Degos, I shall return safely and in time." * * * Sapphire blue eyes scanned the green surroundings slowly, carefully and the only sound that could be heard was the gleeful chirping of the blue jays and the rustling of young plants as the breeze danced. Serenity smiled, leaning her head back, allowing the sunrays to caress her face as Eala pawed the ground underneath her, nickering gently, eager for her promised gallop in the valley. The early spring day was young and the sky was completely clear, an infinite sea of various shades of blue, tall, ancient trees of the forest marking a floating horizon. It looked like a painting, so perfect it was, and Serenity found herself singing with the birds sweetly, happy to be away from court and its smothering activities. "Don’t you wish we could stay out here forever, Eala?" Serenity asked quietly, more to herself than to the mare, hearing soft nickering in reply. She felt the horse tremble with excitement under her and pawing the ground again. "Very well." She said gently, and with ease, gave Eala her freedom. Feeling the mare take off immediately, Serenity’s fingers dug into her mane and her body lowered down to the animal’s muscular powerful neck, feeling the wind sting her eyes and her hair dancing behind her as the horse flew through the valley, easily, as if on wings. When they reached the shores of the Tristis River, they slowed to a comfortable trot on the cold sand, Serenity beginning to feel the chilly wind, despite the sun’s brightness. She breathed in deeply, allowing the sweet air to enter her lungs and cleanse them, her fingers wrapped around Eala’s reins loosely as her thoughts traveled to her brother Kunzite. What a childhood they had shared! Inseparable they had been, always on horseback, and constantly disobeying their parents’ wishes. They returned home at late hours daily, covered in mud and their once clean clothes stained by grass, Serenity’s hair disheveled and both of their eyes shining with the strength of youth. The princess had been very young then, and had wept bitterly when her brother was taken to Crystal Terra to be trained and become one of the High King’s Companions. Soon after his departure, Serenity found herself trapped within the fortress walls, sitting with her mother’s ladies and stitching until she was half dead with boredom. But today, he would be coming home, and this was comfort if she did not think about his having to return to Endymion in a fortnight. Eala’s sudden panicked shriek jerked Serenity out of her distant thoughts and her fingers immediately tightened their grip on the reins as the horse reared. The princess remained mounted, but tense, and the pounding of her heart in her ears almost deafened her to everything else. With great effort, she managed to calm herself, concealing her own surprise from the mare so that the animal would not feel it and become even more distressed. Eala lowered her front legs back to the ground as Serenity spoke to her gently, in a singsong voice, and the princess felt the sweat of fear on the horse’s hide. Narrowing her eyes, she looked around her carefully, and not seeing anything, deducted that whatever had frightened Eala, had done so by its scent. She dismounted swiftly, reaching in her pouch and slipping out a soft, silky scarf, which she carefully placed over the mare’s flaring nostrils, her lips uttering soft words to her. The animal relaxed and nickered quietly, easing Serenity’s concern. "Good girl," the princess murmured, her feet beginning to take slow, careful steps in the direction of the wood that edged the shore, her eyes warily examining her surroundings. What had scared Eala so? She had been trained not to fear vermin, and she had become comfortable with humans due to her gentle and good treatment. A wolf, perhaps? A bear? Quiet rustling and a low distressing groan caught her attention from behind the green shrubs that served as entrance gates to the forest. Eala moved back nervously, but Serenity stepped forward slowly and cautiously. An animal, she thought, near death, shot down by the king’s hunting party, most likely, that had not been found and left in agony until death’s sweet arrival. Her sapphire blue eyes narrowed slightly and Serenity leaned her head forward, delicate hands reaching out to push aside the growth of rich spring green that concealed the source of movement. Stench of blood filled her nostrils and Serenity nearly gagged if she had not swallowed in time, large blue eyes widening slightly at the sight before her. "Good Goddess!" She exclaimed as she kneeled next to a man who had long ago slipped into an unconscious state, his neck and arm bathed in blood, and his bottom lip cut and wetly red. He was tall, Serenity could tell, and his hair was almost as light in color as her own, but his skin was tanned by the sun, so much unlike her snow-white complexion. Her heart pounding, Serenity pressed her ear to his chest, listening for a sign of life, and sighed in relief when she heard it. He was a warrior; she realized this by his clothes, although he carried no weapon. His tunic was of fine cloth, but drenched in blood, concealing his badge. With trembling fingers, the princess gently wiped the blood off it, and as she drew back her hand, she touched his own. He had no warmth in him; his hands were as though they were made of ice. And by the badge, Serenity could tell that he was a King’s man. Swiftly, she pulled the thick, warm cloak off her back and wrapped it around him, tucking it gently underneath his broad heavy shoulders and over his hands. This done, she began to stand, but froze when she lifted her eyes to meet his own, an endless sea of mesmerizing gray. "Dear God," his bloody lips moved to whisper, but his strength left him, as did his conscience once more, plunging him back into sleep. Serenity hesitated, shivering as she felt the chilly breeze bite her skin, but only for a moment, before standing up and mounting Eala shakily. She looked down at the wounded man, her heart pounding, put leg to her horse, and thundered back into a gallop to the castle. End Part 2. A.N. Ah, well, what did you think? E-mail me questions, criticism, compliments at lovablegwen@hotmail.com. ;)