Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon.

A/N: You've heard it all before. Life, the Universe, and Everything got in the way. But here is the latest chapter for you. Hope you enjoy.

(So sorry it was so long coming. v_v)

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Forever Betrothed

Chapter 11 - Prince Diamond

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Endymion stormed down the corridor, pausing at the entrance to the great hall. He took a quick moment to collect himself. What is Diamond playing at? The Black Moon family has nothing to lose since the war and everything to gain, I've got to be careful… not give him anything.

He gestured to the the two guards on duty to keep an ear out, and they nodded their understanding. Steeling himself, Endymion wondered how the Queen would handle the situation. Why isn't she back yet?

Opening both doors Endymion walked in with as much authority as he could muster. He spotted Prince Diamond immediately, lounging in the Queen's throne as if it were his own personal chaise lounge. A striking set of ruby eyes were peering out from behind the throne, connected to the voluptuous body of Lady Beryl. Endymion looked away and focused his attention on Diamond.

"Prince Diamond. To what do I owe this intrusion?" Endymion smiled and mentally smirked at his remark.

Diamond sat up in the throne, swinging his leg down from one of the arm rests. He tucked a lock of silvery hair behind one ear, revealing a long, dangling earring, and looked down on the soon to be King.

"Intrusion you say? And here I was hoping my invitation was lost to the Portal. But now I see that you do not want me in attendance on your big day? A shame." His voice was calm and had a singsong quality to it. It made Endymion's skin crawl. "And so close to the anniversary of the end of the War." Diamond stood and gestured behind him.

"I hear tell that you have met my guest, Lady Beryl. She tells me of your welcoming nature and charm. To think that we've come all this way to be denied entry to the occasion."

Beryl stepped forward, further revealing her pale skin jutting out from her blood red dress. She was the perfect opposite of Prince Diamond. Beryl swathed in a deep, rich color, while Diamond was draped in all white save for a tribal design of purple cutting into the breast of his suit. Why Beryl sunk so low as to associate with the Black Moon family was beyond him.

"I will not deny you entry to the coronation, however we are not able to accommodate you at the castle. You'll have to find lodging elsewhere." Endymion was staring straight into Diamond's violet eyes, daring Diamond to defy him. Prince Diamond returned the glare, before allow a half smile to come across his lips.

"Oh I'd be happy to stay in a smaller room. One bedroom is all we require." Beryl let out a low chuckle and opened her mouth to speak, when Diamond placed his hand on her hip, silencing her.

Damn shit, shit shit shit! He knew quite well how much room they required and didn't like the idea of the two of them staying under the same roof as him. But at least if he's here. I can have someone keep an eye on him…. find out more about why he felt the need to come to the coronation. And how in the hell he got past the Portal!

"Very well. I will personally see to it we find you a room, no matter what size. Please wait here for one of my men to escort you." He turned and flared his cape around him letting it be the last word as he walked out the doors.

Sometimes diplomacy can go fuck itself.

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"I don't understand. Where is Prince Endymion again?" Mina had been sitting at the perfectly lovely lunch table, set underneath a beautiful tree, for over 20 minutes. The silver haired general, Kunzite, was standing at attention looking anywhere but at the Venetian princess.

"As it was explained to me, he had pressing matters to attend to and was called away. I'm to entertain you until he gets back."

Mina sighed and brush her bangs out of her eyes and had another sip of wine. Entertain me? I'm sooooooooooooo bored! And hungry... And she was starting to feel the glass and a half of wine she had partook while waiting.

Courtesy dictated that she not start eating until the host had, but she couldn't wait any longer.

"Kunzite?" He looked over to her. The sunlight was hitting her golden hair just right that it almost took his breath away. He looked away sharply.

"Yes your highness?"

"Will you please sit down?" He looked over at her once more. "Please?" He looked back again, wrestling with himself in his mind. "Suit yourself!" She said with a satisfying grin and started digging into the appetizers in front of her.

Kunzite continued to stand by, but gestured to the nearest servant to bring the main course over. Princess Minako ate with passion, giggling and moaning with pleasure as she tasted all of the food. It was more than Kunzite could take. He balled his hands into fists and tried to concentrate on the gardens. The breeze. The smell of her perfume.. The... shit! How can I let her affect me so? Am I no better than Jadeite? She's obviously here to vie for Prince Endymion's attention, not mine.

Everything tasted heavenly; Food was much more seasoned on the Earth than it was on Venus and Mina took it all in. More wine appeared and the Princess indulged further until her lips were starting to tingle from the alcohol. Venus and Earth may be sister planets, but the atmosphere is much different, and the alcohol was affecting Mina much faster.

Slowing down, Mina leaned back from the table and sighed. Endymion is just testing me to see if I'm a weakling or not. Making me wait! Downing one more glass of wine for courage, she pushed back her seat and stood up on wobbly legs. Kunzite sensed her moments and rushed over to her, grabbing her around the waist before she toppled over.

Mina gestured a bit too wildly while being propped up. "Sir Kunzite, please escort me to the Prince. He is much too late and I won't stand for it!"

"I beg your pardon, but you aren't in any condition to stand at all Your Highness." Kunzite was still holding her up, unimpressed with her alcohol tolerance. If he had known, he would have stopped the flow of wine to the table early.

She stumbled a bit and ended up facing Kunzite. Leaning into him, Mina took in a long and deep breath of his scent. It was the scent of leather and hard work, mixed with a musky haze. Mina's eyes went wide as she looked up at him.

"You smell amazing." She sighed, before her eyes rolled back into her head and she passed out in Kunzite's arms. Kunzite quickly scooped her up, and stood there taking stock of the situation. He was there, at the base of the tree, in the castle gardens, holding the most beautiful woman he had ever seen... And she was passed out from drinking too much wine.

Kunzite cleared his throat and started to walk out from under the shade of the tree. The nearby wait staff stood and stared at the sight, but said nothing.

"If Endymion returns before me, inform him that the Princess has retired to her room." And with that, Kunzite took the long route back to the Princess' suite as he couldn't help but enjoy holding the angel in his arms.

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Oh Minako, the things I do for you!

Rounding a corner, Serena walked as quickly as she could down the corridor towards where she hoped Artemis would be. Her Lady in waiting scarf was only loosely tied around her head and it flowed in the breeze made by her quick pace.

The other Princesses agreed that Artemis should be informed of what Serena knew of the Prince, and since Serena knew Artemis the best, it was up to her to inform him. Princess Rei went up to her room to take council with her fireplace… or something of that nature, while Princess Amy went to the records room to see if she could find evidence of the Prince possibly having a twin brother.

So many thoughts were running through Serena's head she almost seemed to drown in them. Everything had changed for her so quickly, and she didn't think life would ever go back to any sense of normal.

The soft clicking of her shoes were little comfort in the marble hallway she hadn't been down since the first day of her maid-ship.

It wasn't at all long ago that I was clutching my letter from Sapphire hoping to finally be free of House Emerald…

Artemis' office was at the end of the hallway, his door closed. Serena knock a couple times, then tried the handle out of frustration. He wasn't there. Serena sighed and turned on her heels abruptly. He must be here somewhere!

She set off more determined than ever, practically running. I'll check every floor if I have to!

But she didn't have to look long. Rounding a further corner, Serena spotted Artemis speaking in hushed tones down a columned hallway. The figure behind him was concealed, but Serena recognized the melodious sound of Darien's voice right away.

Her heart started pounding loudly in her chest; she was both scared and excited, afraid the two men would hear it and discover her. She crept closer, careful that she wasn't seen as she scurried around a nearby column.

"No. I'm not sure what he's up to but we must endure his presence."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Artemis was stiffer than usual.

"Make sure that only men service his room, I don't want any of our female staff getting seduce or anything."

"Your Highness, with all due respect, I have personally ensured that none of the staff are the sort to become seduce." Artemis' voice was steely.

"Have you now." Serena could hear the smile in Darien's voice. He was thinking about her! She put a hand up to her mouth. Was I… seduced? And who are they talking about anyway?

"I've got to go, I'm extremely late for lunch, and I have an important guest I'm keeping. See that it is done Artemis."

"Immediately, Your Majesty."

Serena could hear footsteps walking away, and Artemis turned in the opposite direction, passing her hiding place.

She stood frozen, not wanting to reveal herself too soon. Artemis rounded the corner Serena had previously come from, and she let out the breath she was holding. Darien's heading to lunch but I'm to warn Artemis! What do I do?

Trusting her heart, and not her head, Serena gathered up her skirt and ran in the direction of the Prince. Someone has got to keep an eye on her, and if I go speak to Artemis now it may be too late!

She made it halfway down the hallway when her paced slowed as her thoughts wavered.

But what am I going to do? Confront him? Demand the truth? I can't. I need help on this. I have to go back and get Artemis. She turned but looked back over her shoulder, willing nothing to go wrong, and ran back towards Artemis.

Serena did not get very far, when the heel of her shoe found a small crack in the floor and she tumbled forward. Her hands and knees hit the floor hard, and she came down with a small cry.

"Are you alright?" Strong, cold arms lifted her up as Serena fought back tears. She was holding her wrists, trying to will the pain to go away. She could still move them, thank the Goddess, so she didn't break anything. The man who had helped her was bent down grabbing her shoe from the marble where it was wedged. It came out with a crack.

"Looks like this is a loss. Shame, it's a pretty shoe." His voice was low and velvety. Every syllable was pronounced precisely, as if he was calculating exactly what to say. He turned to Serena and presented the shoe to her. Violet eyes locked onto blue, and Serena was scared. This man, dressed in white and purple, stared at her like an animal, waiting to devour it's prey. She started to back up, but the man moved closer.

"You've had a nasty fall Princess Minako. Please, let me help."

"I've… I'm…." She was about to say, 'I'm not Minako,' but she realized that her headscarf had fallen away. She didn't want to clue this man into the idea of her being a body double, and clearly he knew enough of the Princess to know what she looked like. But she didn't know his name!

"I'm fine, really. Thank you." She held out her hand for the broken shoe, but the man grabbed it suddenly and brought it up to his lips.

He took in a deep breath, smelling her hand. Serena was uneasy.

"The pleasure is all mine," he breathed as he let his lips linger on her hand after he had kissed it.

"Ah-hem." A loud and obviously fake cough interrupted the man, though he did not let go of Serena's hand. "Princess Minako, there you are, please follow me, you are wanted in the library. Excuse us Prince Diamond."

It was Artemis! It was all Serena could do to not yank her hand as fast as she could out of the man's. Instead, she slowly disengaged, politely took the shoe, curtsied, and then turned toward Artemis.

She mouthed 'thank you' to him as he presented his arm for him to escort her away. She took off the other shoe, and Artemis held on to both as they walked back down the hallway.

Serena could feel those violet eyes staring at her the entire way.

It caused her to shiver.

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The Moon Kingdom.

Queen Selenity stirred softly. She was once again in her bed chambers lying alone in her large, soft bed. Her hand came up to her forehead with more grace than anyone should have in her situation. Her head pounded lightly, but she could feel her strength returning. The older she got, the longer it took for her to recover.

Looking toward the window, Selenity could see that it was not yet dawn. The breeze wafting through the sheer curtains was cool and crisp, it ruffled the covers slightly. Tan arms tucked the bedspread around her tighter.

"You've been recovering for days Selenity." Gaia's brow was furrowed. She had hoped to be back on Earth again by now. Endymion's coronation was the next day and there was still much to do. She hadn't planned on being gone this long, but she couldn't leave without discussing the betrothal.

The Moon Queen's hand shot out suddenly from beneath the covers, frantically searching for something nearby. Her hand met metal and she clutched the round object fiercely.

"That appeared beside you as soon as you were placed in bed. I'm assuming it holds the crystal."

Selenity closed her eyes while still clutching the broach. "I must never be parted from it."

"Selenity," Gaia was done waiting. She needed answers. "What happened down in the chambers?"

"I found her Gaia. I found my daughter. Serenity." I had been searching, the signal weak and hard to trace, but I knew she was alive." Selenity started to sit up and Gaia placed a couple pillows behind her for support.

"Ah! You're awake." Luna had come in with some pinkish liquid in a glass goblet on a silver tray. She set it down on the nightstand and the silver-haired Queen drank it immediately.

The liquid seemed to warm the Queen's cheeks, giving her a healthy looking glow.

"It's a special vitamin mixture. She takes it after every…episode. It really helps her." Luna explained to Gaia. "Now I want you to rest Your Highness," She was pointing a finger at the Queen who pouted slightly, "I'm coming back in 10 minutes to kick your guest out. No excuses!" Luna gathered up the goblet and tray and headed out of the room, shutting the heavy door behind her.

Queen Selenity slouched slightly and closed her eyes, smiling. "She always takes such good care of me."

"Your Highness, we don't have much time. I need to get back to Earth immediately if I'm to be of any help for Endymion's coronation ball. We have much to discuss." She sat at the foot of the bed hoping this wasn't entirely the wrong time. She hoped not to overwhelm the fragile Queen.

"Yes. The important matter is that I found my daughter. On your planet no less. That seals it. Our children were truly destined to be together." She closed her eyes again, smiling.

"That is what I wished to discuss."

Gaia felt it only right to confess to the Moon Queen. "You see, my soul purpose of this visit was to convince your council to revoke the betrothal."

Queen Gaia paused here, expecting Selenity to react. But she only opened her eyes and looked at her friend kindly.

"Of course you did." It was dismissive, and Gaia was surprised. "You only did what you thought was best for your son. I'm sure I would have done the same. Don't think it escaped me that you had timed your visit to the anniversary of the end of the Dark War."she said coyly.

"You knew."

"Of course I did. That is why I redoubled my efforts in finding Serenity. I knew that if you could only feel a glimpse of what I feel… well, then you would have to believe me.

"I do. I believe you. I felt her." Gaia shuddered slightly remembering the warmth and rush of emotion when the waves of light washed over her. She could feel Princess Serenity's emotional state. She was frightened, and yet, wanting to be a fierce protector. In the days waiting for Queen Selenity to awaken, she made up her mind to let the betrothal continue as planned. They'd find the Princess and make things right again.

"Good. And now that I know where she is, I'm going to accompany you back to Earth to search for her."

"Are you sure that is wise? You may still be a target."

"Nonsense. It has been 10 years Gaia. I must go. It will be easier to find her if I am there."

"You should speak with your council at least. Make sure everything is setup for your departure." Queen Gaia stood up and came over to Selenity's side. She fluffed her pillow and tucked her in once more.

"True, I will speak with them in a few hours, after I have gotten the prescribed amount of rest from Luna that is." Selenity let out a demur yawn and rolled to her side.

"Perhaps you should come after the coronation. There will be too many people at the palace wanting to speak with you. Plus, then I could lend you the full force of my guard to escort you as you need."

Queen Selenity almost whispered, "You may be right my friend," as she softly fell asleep. She seemed more at peace than ever before.

Queen Gaia brushed the hair out of the Moon Queen's face and escorted herself out. She thought about the last few days. The shock of feeling the Princess' heart, and the thoughts she had while she watched over the sleeping Goddess.

How am I ever going to tell Endymion?

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Can't breathe!

Help!

I'm choking! Help!

Sweat poured out of her. Her heart pounding.

Queen Selenity was gasping for breath trying to get out of the bed. The many covers were weighing her down.

She was frantic.

Dawn was rising.

Grabbing the broach she opened it quickly, but the crystal piece she kept in it was missing.

No!

The sun broke over the horizon, as the Moon Queen fell to her knees.

Serenity!

...

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A/N: Whew! I am going to do my very best to get another chapter out soon...

Till then, a special shout out to my latest reviewers:

SaphireShimmer, GraphicsChyk, Moonprincess998, CherrySerenity-sama, and BluePixieKimiko