Moonlight Tryst
We do not own Sailor Moon

The sound of hoof beats echoed on the ground of the courtyard as the stallion galloped ad a fierce speed. The animal was a prime specimen with a body that was lithe and muscular, a coat that shone in the afternoon sun, and a mane that blew wildly in the wind. Adorning the animal's back was a young man of eighteen. He matched the stallion wonderfully, their forms fitting perfectly as if man and beast had been created from the same fine marble. Like the stallion, the man's mane was spun from the finest of black silk so that it shown in the sun much like the coat beneath him. His skin was slightly tanned and complimented his stormy midnight eyes. An evaluation would reveal that the man was quite tall and his body clearly muscular but not overburdened.

Behind the man and his prized companion rode four guards all considerable in appearance. They looked to be enjoying the ride and followed their leader closely.

The group was a sight to behold as they approached the castle. A sight that the queen did not fail to notice. She sighed as the man pulled his steed to a grand stop and swung his leg over in order to touch firmly to the ground.

"Endymion. Must you ride that horse in such fashion? I would think you fleeing from bandits." Gaia frowned and placed her hand on her son's shoulder before leaning in to briefly touch his cheek with her lips. "I worry when you ride in such a way."

"There is no need to worry mother." Endymion deflected his mother's comment easily and returned his attention to the reason he had returned. "I heard wind that you wished to address me. Now that you have my audience, may I know the matter of it?" His tone was not fully one a son should respectfully address his mother with however it was overlooked as he sat in a garden chair next to hers.

"Your sisters shall be returning today. Your father and I feel that it is appropriate to host a ball in honor of their successful return." The queen paused as the prince leaned back in the chair with a displeased expression. "Does this displease you?"

Endymion closed his eyes for a brief moment then reopened them and regarded his mother. "An ideal opportunity to meet fine ladies correct?"

"I have said nothing of the sort." The queen defended quickly.

"You need not state anything of the sort Mother, I understand the reason for such frivolous announcements. I only desire that my wishes would be more carefully considered." His midnight eyes focused on his mother briefly before he stood. His body was that of a man clearly perplexed by recent conversation.

The queen frowned as she watched him retreat from her. He would surely dislike the true reason of her mentioning the ball.

Gazing in the large mirror, a young woman of seventeen regarded the reflection therein. The way the woman spoke animatedly clearly expressed her excitement of the upcoming activities. Such excitement was also reflected in her deep green eyes. She spun around, her red hair flaring out then resting wildly about her shoulders making her smile pleasantly. "I find myself quite eager to attend the ball this evening!" She reached for the brush that was dipped in her lip stain. As she began to bring the brush to her lips, her attendant rushed forth and took the item from her tenderly.

"Allow me milady." The petite blonde raised her eyes to the taller women's lips. The brush was carefully drawn along the lines of her lips. Staining them a deep red to match her wavy hair. "We must complete your hair before finishing your face painting."

"Very well, it is of the utmost importance that I look perfect for this evening." The woman insisted then returned her eyes to the mirror. "Tonight shall be perfect." She repeated and watched her attendant meticulously pin her hair up. While Serenity worked Ann turned her attention to the gown she currently adorned. "This dress is more revealing than the last. Do you agree?" She asked and watched as Serenity nodded silently. "He shall fall in love with me this evening. I simply know."

"Of course Milday." Serenity smiled falsely with a nod. "Your hair is complete, let us finish your face paint." Serenity quickly worked to finish her mistress's look.

"Ann! We must be on our way if we intend to arrive on time!" A shout came from the stairway.

"Coming Father!" Ann called in response and quickly turned. Disregarding her attendant, Ann rushed to the stairs and down to her parents. "Serenity! Try and follow closely!" She demanded as Serenity descended the stairs after recovering from being pushed to the floor. "I request that you improve greatly so that I do not look unattended at the palace these upcoming months. Understand?" Her firm words were received with appreciation from her parents.

"Of course Milady." Serenity nodded again. She understood the burden she carried to Ann. Ann was to remain at the castle through the summer so that she and the prince could become better acquainted to one another in hopes of the pair falling in love.

Serenity followed her mistress into the carriage and sighed. Ann was simply the wrong choice for the prince. As she sat next to Ann she prayed to the heavens that the prince would not fall for the woman. Such a union would only benefit Ann, she could only be a liability to the prince. That was certain.

"Ann, you must remember to avoid being too forward. You cannot allow the prince to know how desperate we are. Understand me?" Ann's father asked sternly.

"Of course father." Ann nodded. "I promise you father, I shall not fail. The prince will fall in love with me."

"I care not if he falls in love with you Ann. I want him to marry you. However you accomplish this is none of my concern." The man stated coldly which drew Serenity's eyes. What sort of man cared not for his daughter's happiness?

In the three years she had been with Lady Powell she had never know the Duke to speak to his daughter in such a fashion. Truly the man must be desperate to want to force such a union. She was not sure what would happen this summer. The prince very well could be forced to marry Ann. Ann was a determined woman who would spread scandalous words of those she disliked. She could also tell great falsehoods that did not phase her in the least. The prince knew not what he was faced with as Ann was not a kind woman.

Serenity frowned further as she thought of the prince. She knew not what the prince's disposition was. She had heard through Ann's line of scandalous chattering that the prince was a lecher. It was possible that he could find a union with Ann agreeable.

Hearing her name Serenity brought herself from her daydream and looked at the Duke as he spoke to her. "Remember Serenity, your wages depends on our wellbeing. If you help Ann to ensnare the prince then your wages will surely double." He gazed at her with interest.

"I understand." She nodded gravely. So, the responsibility would be lain on her shoulders. If Ann failed then the burden of fault would rest on herself, not her mistress. Serenity relied greatly on her wages. She agreed to be Ann's lady in waiting only to earn a living for her family. She had yet to use any of her own earnings for herself, only for her family.

"I am pleased that you understand this Serenity." He smiled cruelly and looked out the window as the palace loomed before them. Serenity glanced over Ann and gasp as she saw the castle. What a grand place it was. It appeared as an apparition from a fairy tale. There were tall towers and graceful flying buttresses. It was truly magnificent.

A short while later the carriage passed under the grand gates and soon to the doorways. The door was soon opened by the palace guard and the occupants of the carriage were helped out. Serenity stood behind the family she was obligated to and lowered her face to show respect as well as her inferior social standing. She was to remain a ghost amongst the nobles and so she remained as such.

Endymion stood beside his parents with a stoic face. He wanted to show his displeasure at this development, he would not however; to do so would tarnish his father's name. His mother had only just informed him of the agreement to allow Ann to remain at the castle for the hot summer months. He understood this to be a plot to unite he and Ann together. Such a plan could only be meant for such a reason.

"Your majesties." The duke bowed evoking the same reaction from his family and Serenity. "We thank you for the invitation to remain here in the castle. I am sorry my wife and I could not oblige. Ann will remain however." He smiled and finally lifted his head.

"As to be expected." The king nodded allowing the guests to raise. "I am simply happy to hear that Ann will be able to remain. As you well know, this is my son Endymion." The king motioned to his son who stepped forward to welcome Ann.

Holding her hand in his Endymion touched his lips to the back of Ann's hand. "It is a pleasure to receive you Lady Powell." He stood to look at her face and found his eyes catching on a flash of golden hair. He forced himself to fix on Ann who was grinning from ear to ear much like a Cheshire cat.

"The pleasure is mine I am sure Prince Endymion." She curtsied graciously. "I thank you for receiving me so graciously."

Serenity fought to contain the laughter she felt within her. Ann was truly attempting to win the prince's favor. Unable to hold in all of her indifference Serenity lifted her eyes a little bit only to see the prince steel a glance at her.

Lowering her eyes immediately she felt her heart beat a little faster in her chest. He was handsome indeed. There was no mystery as to why Ann would attempt this plight to the fullest of her abilities.

"Ann has been anxious to attend the ball this evening." The duke added and waited for Ann to nod her confirmation. She quickly gave it with a shy smile Endymion recognized to be false. He knew the true nature of her stay. She wished to enrapture him.

"Perhaps I may be of ease to you then. An anxious Lady does not fare well at a ball. Will you and your lady in waiting join me for a walk through the gardens?" Endymion offered his bent arm to Ann who eagerly took it. The action allowed Endymion to fully gain a look at the blonde beauty that overtook Ann in every way. Despite the clear effort to understate the blonde's beauty she far outshined Ann.

"Of course your majesty." Ann giggled lightly and allowed Endymion to escort her outside. Serenity followed behind quietly and kept her head down. It had not been her imagination that the prince had gazed at her in a way that seemed most longingly.

The two walked in the gardens a little while before Endymion came to a stop and separated himself from Ann. He then turned to her and sighed. "I do not welcome formalities among friends. If you wish to be my friend please, simply call me Endymion." He smiled. "Shall I call you Ann when prying eyes do not stare?"

"Yes, you may indeed." Ann nodded happily.

"I wish to know the name of your lady in waiting as well. If you are to be near me and have you consider me a friend I require that your lady in waiting be considered an equal to us." Endymion knew his request was a grand one however he had to ask it.

"Wh… but… Endymion. Serenity is not but a peasant. She is not our equal." Ann glared at Serenity hatefully. Despite her best efforts it was clear the prince had noticed Serenity's beauty. "She is a mute besides, she does not speak." Ann gazed at Serenity with meaning. Serenity understood the demand. She was required to remain silent in the presence of the prince.

Serenity frowned. If the prince were to marry Ann, Serenity would be required to remain silent throughout her life. A cruel fate indeed. "I see." The prince nodded and gazed at Serenity with pity. "Is it a confliction of the mind or the body?" He asked gently.

"The body Endymion. She was born a mute. Her parents thought her dead at first but her movements proved otherwise." Ann quickly wove her words of deception thereby locking Serenity away.