Hello and welcome to Entanglements – a story of betrayal, war, passion, faith, and (most importantly) sex! First off you should know that this story will mainly focus on Endymion/Serenity. Secondly, my brain is a breeding ground for all things smut. Basically – I don't do that whole 'wait 5 chapters before they finally end up in bed together' thing. Third, and perhaps most importantly, I don't really believe in ooey gooey pure love. Love (and sex) are all over the place – tears, anger, regret, joy, excitement, and unadulterated passion are all shades of the same spectrum so be prepared for some gut-wrenching knives to the gut.

Standard disclaimers apply. In addition this is a rated M fic, expect rated M material. Also expect almost anything that is found generally disturbing: Murder, allusions to rape, theft, sadistic personalities, blind love, etc. etc. At the moment I have no intentions of including clowns or horse porn but you never know with these things.

Hope you enjoy – I pretty much have the entire plotline settled but reviews and/or corrections are appreciated.

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The corridor was clamoring with noise from the great ball room. Everyone was up and bustling about in preparation for the impending masquerade ball – servants ran back and forth, ladies issued orders and tried their best to find suitable attire, and the palace decorators sprinted around moving and adding various fabrics and antiques to create a glamorous atmosphere for what was to be the event of the century.

The princess watched all of this from the privacy of a balcony overlooking the room. She could not deny the beauty of the scene in front of her but the bitterness within her heart deflected any joy she might have taken from the event.

Now twenty, Serenity was ripened for the duty she had been groomed for her entire life: marriage. Many suitors had catered to her whims, provided gifts and homage to the future Queen; but her heart did not quicken its pulse for a single one of them.

Trapped in a situation she could neither run from nor willingly submit to, it had come to pass that her mother, Queen Selene, exhausted with the endless excuses provided by her beloved daughter as to why none of the men were suitable, made the decision to arrange the marriage herself. Her choice had rested upon one of the leading noblemen of the Moon Kingdom: Lord Diamond. A prince in his own right, he had supported the Moon and her people, provided political backing for Selene, and above all carried the blood line of the Lunarian race.

It was not that Selene detested the other races, but it was one thing to have an alliance with the kingdoms of their universe, and quite another for her daughter, and by extension their kingdom, to become tied to them body and soul. For while the men from Mercury were intelligent communicators they were cold and emotionless; the men from Venus able to keep a cool head in battle but known also for their proclivity to be unfaithful; the men from Mars brave but with short tempers and a propensity for violence; the men from Jupiter wealthy but rash and often unwilling to compromise; the men of the Outer planets, well.. a marriage to them was unthinkable – it had been centuries since they had married outside of their own clans. And the men of Earth could not even unify themselves, much less the entirety of the Universe.

The argument that had ensued from Selene's choice was one that had reverberated throughout the halls and caused much gossip to ensue. Serenity's disobedience in the face of her mother and other courtiers had cost them both a good deal of dignity and a great many more tears… shed in the privacy of their chambers. Always known for her ability to remain calm and serene in even the most trying of circumstances, Serenity had pushed aside all propriety and displayed a fit of rage which only provoked Selene to confirm her suspicions that this was not a task Serenity could manage on her own.

"You were born into royalty, Serenity," she said in a tone that tried hard to exhibit the love she felt for her daughter but had begun to strain with her exhaustion of the topic, "that means we cannot always take the path we feel in our best interest: You must keep the Kingdom in mind and above everything complete the duty you swore to uphold when you took your oath to the Goddess."

"The Goddess would never condemn me to such an arrangement!"

"Oh, Serenity, don't be so dramatic. Our people have been arranging marriages for centuries. You act like it is some abhorrent practice but the reality is that without it many kingdoms would have fallen – many lives lost due to wars that need not have been waged. I know it's hard for you to believe now but love will blossom – and Lord Diamond is a good man. He sincerely cares for you."

"Her cares for nothing beyond my position and my beauty."

"Come now, he has always paid special attention to you, has he not? Brought you gifts from his travels, sent you letters from the battle field. It is not as if he is some monstrous fiend, and as far as his countenance and physique, you could do much worse."

"I hate him, and right now I am not very fond of you either. If you think I will sit idly back while you barter me away like some common whore to a man who cares more for his horses than he does for our people you are very much mistaken."

In the end it was Serenity's lead guardian and heir to Venus that had escorted the princess out of the great hall and back to her chambers. As she watched her daughter walk away Selene turned and gave her own guardian a look of uncertainty.

"By the Goddess herself, Luna, I hope I am doing the right thing."

A week had passed since the confrontation between mother and daughter and now her she stood on the balcony – a perfect view of the chaos that surrounded the event she could find no escape from.

Look at them all, she thought, excited at the chance to be a part of something so magnificent. A wonderful addition to our history as rulers of the Moon Kingdom.. do they know, even care, at what sacrifice such an event is being held?

She turned towards the window and stared out at the night sky. Earth's voluminous shape overpowered the heavens, lighting the bleak portrait with a brilliant shades of sapphire and emerald. Serenity thought of the wars that ravaged the beautiful planet – and of the King that was both hated and feared more than any other in the universe. His appeals for aid had been met with refusal and apathy from the Universal Courts – claims of an ancient evil resurfacing mocked.

"At least he doesn't have to worry about having a wife forced upon him," she stated bitterly, and walked out the door into the darkness of the hallway.

~=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=~

Endymion received the invitation to the wedding while he was eating his breakfast.

"Oh this is grand," he said, "a match made in heaven. I'm surprised such an arrangement isn't considered incest."

He threw the invitation on the table, the force of it nearly knocking over a glass of wine.

"I suppose you shall want to attend, my lord," said Malachite, who had the unfortunate duty of delivering the invitation to Endymion.

"Yes, I suppose I should. At any rate I'm sure such an event will put the women attending in an easily persuasive mood. Perhaps one of them will actually be able to fuck with some proficiency, though that is doubtful considering the planet in question."

"How many men would you like to accompany you, sir?"

"Being that I'm not exactly the most popular man in the universe at the moment I'd say just you and the other Guardians would be wise. Besides, you lot need an opportunity to get out. I do believe Nephrite will murder Jadeite before it's all said and done if he doesn't fine some release for his excess energy."

Malachite nodded, a sense of relief flooding through him and causing the tension to ease from his shoulders.

"It does seem a bit rushed though doesn't it? While I do not make it my business to keep up with the idle gossip of court ladies this is the first I've heard of the princess' engagement."

"I believe it is an arranged marriage, my lord."

Endymion burst into laughter, "Well that explains the mystery of how Prince Diamond was able to secure himself a wife. I was concerned she might have had to deal with the unfortunate experience of being courted by such an abhorrent man."

"Concerned? Endymion, I have known you for a long time, and the extent of your concern for women begins at their breast size and ends the morning after."

Endymion smirked at Malachite's acute observation. While he was Endymion's head guardian, they had practically grown up together and Endymion often times missed the easy relationship that had existed between them before he was crowned Earth's King.

"An astute point, well noted. Though you may find my methods debased, I assure you that you would find your job much more difficult if you had to assist me in juggling multiple women for extended periods of time."

With these words a scantily clad brunette entered the room.

"Endymion, darling, there you are. I woke up this morning and you were already gone, I was worried you'd moved on to someone else."

"Well the day is still young, my pet," he replied and motioned for her to sit, "but your performance last night earned you at least one more opportunity to exhibit your…skills."

She giggled and sat down next to him on the chaise, her auburn curls spilling forth while the sheer material of her gown rose up her leg in an insinuating manner."

"Malachite, leave us. Our friend and I have something we need to discuss in private. And as for our prior discussion, you may want to amend your statement to include my continued concern through the afternoon, at least."

The moans began before Malachite had time to close the door behind him. He smiled and shook his head before walking off to advise his men of the news.

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Serenity looked absolutely stunning. This much she could not deny. Her mother had hired the most renowned – and most expensive – dress maker in the inner galaxy.

The gown was made from the finest silk she had ever seen – so soft and smooth it felt like liquid underneath her touch. The bodice was strapless and fitted around her small frame. Bordered with silver-threaded lace, the stitches wove down the front and across the bottom in patterns depicting the lunar phases and the constellations of importance to their people.

The dress flared at her hips – it was here that layer upon layer of taffeta swept across each side – each accentuated by diamonds and moonstones that glittered like the stars themselves.

The pièce de résistance was the sigil carving of the moon goddess which had been skillfully placed in between the swell of her breasts. The carving had been passed down for six generations as a token of power to each ruling bride – the tale was that it had been carved from the crystalized tears of the moon goddess herself. Fable or truth, Serenity could feel the power that resided in it. She could almost swear she felt rhythmic vibrations emanating from it – as if it had a heartbeat of its own.

Princess Mina walked into the room and stopped short when she spied Serenity.

"Oh, princess. You look… I don't think there has ever been a more beautiful bride. I daresay half the men at the ceremony will be hard at the sight of you."

Serenity blushed at this remark but was unable to hide the laughter that emitted from her chest. Soon both the girls were in a fit of never ending giggles which caused the dressmaker to scold them both and demand Serenity be still lest she get pricked on accident.

Despite her sour disposition the outburst left her feeling much better. Mina walked over to her and brushed a strand of silver from Serenity's eyes. Her eyes commanded a quiet sympathy that resonated within Serenity's heart.

"I've come to invite you to tea in Rei's chambers later this afternoon. Amy and Lita will also be in attendance. Will you be finished in time?"

"I am not sure," Serenity responded, "I still have to choose a gown for the ball. And I've no idea what I should wear. Honestly, Mina, I cannot bring myself to care. It is all just the trappings and linings of an inconvenient prison."

"You mustn't think like that. I am not very fond of Lord Diamond, either, but he is bound to have some good qualities. And perhaps in time you can even take a lover," she said with a mischievous smile.

"He is away often enough, but you know as well as I that it is not just Diamond that fails to ignite my favor – no man has yet caught my interest. Or woman for that matter," she finished, reading instantly the meaning behind the raised eyebrows on her friend's face.

"Perhaps it is you, Serenity. Don't give me that look. All I am trying to say is that courting the Princess of the Moon, and by extension the future ruler of the entire universe is likely to make most men nervous. And you have a propensity for being a bit cold – perhaps if you loosened up a bit, wore a few risqué pieces, men would stop treating you like a statue and start treating you like a woman who has real needs."

"Mmm, as tempting as that entirely sound and not at all inappropriate advice is, it is too late. My fate has been chosen, courtesy of my mother. Though perhaps I should keep it in mind for the future – after all, my husband to be is very fond of war and as we both know war means he will be absent from the palace quite frequently."

Mina smiled politely but knew deep down Serenity would never risk taking a lover – the prominence of her station demanded nothing less than perfection, and the resulting scandal of such an event was not something she would mar her family's legacy with.

"Nevertheless, you must try to make it to tea. The gossip trading just isn't the same without your cynical commentary. And also the girls and I would like to give you your gift in private, before the events of this week wear us all out."

"I would like that very much – I will see what I can do to expedite this," she said with a smile.

The Princess of Venus nodded and proceeded to make her way out the room, each step emphasizing a roll of her hips.

Serenity stared at her form with a twinge of jealously – she was beautiful beyond a doubt but what Mina had was unadulterated sensuality. The advice Mina had given her echoed in her thoughts and turning back to the dress maker she approached the woman with something akin to a spark in her eye.

"I think I know what I desire to wear for the ball, if you would be so kind as to help me select the fabric we can start discussing finer points."

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The tea party was well underway by the time Serenity made it to Princess Rei's chambers. The girls were laughing at a story Princess Lita was telling about one of the men who had been courting her – a particularly stalwart priest from Mercury who, despite vows made to his God, had proclaimed his declarations upon laying eyes on Jupiter's eldest princess.

"I am very sorry to paint the man with such a cruel brush, but he absolutely will not take no for an answer. His advances at the last Cycle Banquet required me to physically force him away from my person."

Mina instantly rolled her eyes.

"As if that's hard to do," said Serenity, completing Mina's thoughts with a smile as she plopped down on one of the vacant ottomans.

The normal pleasantries were exchanged as the girls tried in vain to get Serenity to reveal the details of her ball gown. Finally giving into their friend's coyness, the girls then switched topic to trying to figure out who of worth would be attending the ball.

"I hear King Endymion has accepted," stated Rei.

"Oh, I do hope he brings those handsome guards with him," said Mina before hastily adding, "I know it's beneath my station to lust after men of Earth but I swear they were made in the images of the Gods themselves!"

"I wish he would've refused – or not been invited at all. Women literally throw their panties at his feet and he is still the biggest whore of them all," said Lita heatedly.

"I think it is good that he attending," said Amy, "Relations between Earth and the rest of the council have been strenuous since his appeal for aid was refused."

"All the more reason for us to be on guard while he is here," said Rei.

"I am looking forward to seeing our dear Endymion," stated Serenity causing everyone in the room to turn abruptly to their charge.

"He is very handsome," said Mina, "and you have to admit Lita, with all the practice he's had he is probably the best lover in the kingdom. And I've never heard complaint about the size of his sword or his ability to wield it."

"He's still trouble," she responded.

"Come now. We all knew him when he was a boy – he was mischievous but never malicious. Despite his planet's numerous wars I think the fact he has remained in power speaks volumes for what his people think of him."

"Or volumes about his tenacity for violence and his capability to kill before being killed," said Rei.

"Endymion was never like that," Serenity defended.

"So you've got a thing for the naughty boys," teased Mina.

Serenity blushed and shot daggers at her friend.

"As you are well aware I have no 'thing' for any man in the kingdom. Which is why I am being forced into a marriage with a man I detest because my mother has tired of my inability to settle for someone."

"Perhaps now would be a good time to give Serenity her gift," said Amy.

"What an excellent idea," said Rei, "Mina would you be so kind as to pass me the blindfold?"

"Blindfold," questioned Serenity, unsure of her willingness to submit to such a request.

"Trust us," said Lita as she smiled.

Rei walked over to Serenity and gently tied the blindfold over her eyes. Serenity was plunged into darkness. She heard shuffling, laughter from the other room, cooing from…Rei?, and what sounded like a small bell.

The sounds made their way back into the room where she was waiting patiently. Suddenly something was placed gently in her lap. It was soft and warm and…moving?

Rei lifted the blindfold and Serenity looked down to see a cat covered in black fur, no bigger than the size of her hand.

"We bought her from a vendor who said she was picked up on a trip down to Earth. She had a brother who was white but he had already been purchased."

"She's beautiful," said Serenity.

"What will you name her," asked Amy.

"Hmm… how about…Callisto? After the attendant of our Goddess. She is so beautiful – I can't express my gratitude. I shall feel much less lonely at night. Thank you all."

"It was our pleasure," said Rei.

"I supposed I should escort you back to your chambers now. We can set up a space for Callisto and start getting you bathed and prepared for tonight's masquerade," stated Mina.

Serenity thanked the ladies once more, hugged them goodbye, and left with Mina.

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"You look absolutely stunning," said Mina as Serenity stepped out from her dressing room.

"You don't think it's too much?"

"If anything I think it's too little," laughed the Princess of Venus.

Serenity turned to face her mirror. She had asked the dressmaker to design a replica of the Goddess' own gown. The Goddess hadn't worn much though. She reviewed her reflection with astonishment. The fabric was not sheer, but it hugged and clung to her like a second skin of silver and grey. Folds of material draped off her shoulder and plunged down the length of her torso, barely concealing the comely breasts that lie beneath. The dress continued down her length with plenty of fabric but on each side a slit was cut to the top of her thigh, revealing heels that added at least four inches to her height.

Mina came up behind her and placed a teardrop diamond attached to a chain of beaded mercury around her neck.

"The finishing touch, simple but elegant," she said.

"You really think I look okay," Serenity turned and asked her.

"You look like the Goddess herself. I've never seen anyone more beautiful in something so simple."

She walked over to the vanity and took the silver plated brush from a drawer.

"Now to do something with all this hair."

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After Mina had finished helping Serenity get ready she had deposited her in the drawing room and returned to her own chambers to bathe and dress.

She was pondering her future life with the man she didn't want to marry when he had the bad fashion of walking in. He stopped and took in her form, lingering heavily on her breasts before finally addressing her.

"Princess Serenity."

"Lord Diamond."

"I take it you are in good health," he inquired.

"Yes, my lord. I am told your health is also well, though your finances are questionable, but I suppose you've little need to worry about that anymore."

He glared at her but decided to ignore her attempts at goading him.

"I am no fool Serenity. I know you do not wish to marry me, though I wish it was not so. We have known each other for a long time but we have talked very little. It is my fondest wish that you should come to love me eventually, but I understand the animosity you feel because of the situation."

This silenced her. It was true she was not fond of him before the news had been told to her, but she did not detest him so forcefully until she had found out.

I suppose I should have hated whomever my mother had chosen, it is the position he holds which I cannot stand.

He seated himself in the chair across from her and began to talk of his most recent conquest. Serenity tried very hard to be polite and make an attempt to respond but she found much of what he said to be boring and self-serving.

"Serenity," he said with an edge of exasperation.

"Yes?"

"I asked when you will be leaving to change? The ball should be commencing shortly," he stated nonchalantly.

"Changing," she inquired innocently.

"Well yes, Princess Serenity. Surely you don't intend to wear this," he motioned to her current attire, "You look quite ravishing to be sure but it may be unsuitable for an event that requires such maneuvering."

"I see nothing wrong with it and as it was made especially for this occasion I will not be changing."

"You look like a whore," he spat.

Anger flared up in her.

"I assure you, dearest betrothed, I fully intend to wear this dress tonight in honor of our Goddess and the sacrifice she, and I, have both made. Please do not make the mistake of assuming that just because I was raised to be a lady that I will not revel in dressing like a whore – it is after all what my mother has essentially made me."

His eyes cooled into a deep silver but he made no move to stop her as she walked to the window and stared up at the brilliant sapphire planet.

"As you wish, princess. But please do not make the mistake of assuming that just because I was raised a gentlemen that I will not play the part of master once we are wed – it is after all what your mother is essentially making me."

Earth blurred before her eyes as silent tears starting pouring down her face. She did not turn to meet his mocking gaze and after a moment she heard the echo of his footsteps as he left the drawing room.

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The ballroom was magnificently decorated. Even having seen the majority of the renovations as they occurred had not prepared her for this. The whole room sparkled with the light of thousands of candles. All around the tables and laced through chandeliers and balustrades gardenias and white roses gave the space the appearance of a wild and majestic garden.

Selene walked up behind her daughter and placed her arms tightly around her.

"You look beautiful, my dearest love."

Serenity turned and hugged her mother, more tears threatening to spill from her eyes. The Queen embraced her child before pulling back and looking her in the eyes.

"You are the future of the Moon, and of the entire Universe. You will wield more power than anyone else, you will help millions of people and command others to die when necessary. But above all you will serve the Goddess better than any other ruler who came before you because you have been blessed with her powers. Have faith that the despair of these circumstances will pass and that she will guide you."

As she pulled away Serenity felt her place something in her hand. Looking down she saw the moon crystal that had been placed in her palm. It became warm and transformed itself into an open blossom more beautiful than any jewel she had ever seen.

"But mother, you have… I am not to receive this until you are no longer Queen."

"It will be well guarded in your keeping. And should we ever find need to use it I do not doubt that you will handle it with greater ability than me – the Goddess has truly favored you."

With that she walked away and left Serenity to begin attending to the crowds. She eventually found the girls who managed to get her slightly drunk off of champagne. She danced with men she had never before seen, spoke with men she had wished to never again see, and laughed with women of both categories.

She briefly spotted Endymion, surrounded by a group of giggling ladies, and studied his handsome features. After a time he excused himself much to the dismay of the women and made his way back to his guards.

Despite everything he is by far the most handsome creature here.

After awhile she found herself over excited and decided to sneak off to the balcony for some fresh air. Gazing up at the Earth she thought of the primitive notions of marriage and how she felt certain it was the invention of some man determined to cure women of freedom.

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"So that's what our darling princess decided to wear to her ball. I must say I am rather impressed. Already she has more merit than her mother," stated Endymion coolly.

"All these women are dressed as if they were attending some orgiastic ceremony," said Nephrite in disbelief.

Endymion and Malachite both laughed at him, knowing full well he was determined to get laid tonight even if he had to settle for one of the servants on the kitchen staff.

"Where is Jaedite," asked Zoicite.

"I believe you will find him speaking with Lady Rei, though why he wastes his time on such a hopeless cause I know not."

Just then Endymion caught site of Serenity making a hasty escape towards the balcony. He drained his glass as he continued to watch her retreating form. Malachite followed his line of sight and immediately cursed.

"Endymion, I beg of you as the head of your guard and your oldest friend, do not follow her.

"Oh calm down. It's not as if I am not a welcome guest," he said with a dark smirk. "From what I remember she was pleasant enough – her mother is a bitch to be sure but I often find that leads to a rebellious quality in the offspring. A theory well proven by her choice of dress."

Jaedite came up to the group with a smug look of satisfaction painted on his face. With a wink Endymion walked away and disappeared into the shadows.

Jaedite's face dropped.

"Please tell me he is not attempting to take her blood the night before her wedding. As if Earth isn't hated enough."

Nephrite smirked, Zoicite sighed, Malachite grabbed a glass of wine from a passing tray and began to drink.

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The cold air lapped at the bare skin of her shoulders and neck. The risqué nature of her gown allowed ample access for the wind to billow it away from her form in an insinuating manner - one of the last defiant acts she could display before her marriage. The night air numbed her – a reality she found soothing after the day's events. Her hands held tightly to the marble railing of the balcony – the expanse of beauty beyond its edge almost enough to drown her mind from the festivities taking place back inside.

Behind her a figure stepped out from the shadows.

"Forgive the intrusion, your highness."

She turned and was shocked to see the object of her evening's earlier affections.

"King Endymion, how lovely to see you," she said, barely hiding the rush that was flooding through her limbs.

"Escaping the swarm of people wishing you merry tidings, I take it?"

Her face set into a grim countenance.

"Yes, I suppose you could say that. And you? Are the gaggles of completely enamored females too much for our dear King of Earth?"

"Now, now, princess. It isn't becoming to mock your guests. I do recall you getting punished for a similar offense some years ago."

She blushed at the mention of the memory – it was true she had not always acted the part of a lady, nor even behaved in a kind manner to those she found beneath her. The occasion he had mentioned was no doubt in reference to the time she had snubbed the Princess of Pluto when she made to interrupt a conversation between herself and Endymion. Her mother had seen the incident and made her publicly apologize and offer Setsuna a gift of her own pearls.

His eyes lit up as he watched her reaction. She was so lively, still as feisty as he remembered from their youth. Though they had seen each other on rare occasions at major events they had not had the opportunity to speak alone for nearly a decade and he found himself almost relieved to find her less changed than he would had imagined.

"I daresay, they could not find a punishment crueler than this marriage," she said unequivocally.

"Does the thought of Lord Diamond not quicken your pulse, Serenity," he breathed softly.

He was so close to her now, she had not noticed before but his proximity allowed her to smell the subtle scent that emanated off of him. She stared up into the blue eyes of the man she used to know so intimately, now little more than a stranger.

"Do these tactics usually work on women," she inquired mockingly.

"Unless they are cold and bitter," he retorted, "but that seems to be par for the course when it comes to women of the Moon."

His words wounded her. She had intended it to be a joke but she could tell his entire mood had shifted. The boy who had once been so full of laughter and mischief was now a man of harsh words and cutting jabs.

"I did not mean to wound you, Endy."

"I do not need your sympathy Princess, just as I did not need the sympathy from your council members as they denounced me a fool and denied me aid to save my people."

"You know I had nothing to do with that."

"No, you just sit in your marble castle dressed in the finest gowns, eating succulent foods, and throwing balls while the people of my planet starve and beg for help."

She had had enough and turned to leave his company.

"What's the matter, Princess, the realities of the current state of affairs too much for your pretty head to consider? Or is your heart so frozen you just don't care."

She turned and made a swing to slap him but he caught her hand. Pushing her against the balcony he leaned down and kissed her forcefully, pressing his mouth hard against hers. She was shocked but made no movement to stop him, some force within her was building… her heart beat wildly and the flesh that had been frozen from the wind now fevered with every touch he made. As quickly as he had attacked, he retreated.

"That will give you something to think about when you have to go to bed with Lord Diamond."

With that he stalked back to the merriment that continued inside. She sat stunned trying to pull her thoughts together and figure out what just happened. Despite his cruel words she found herself enigmatically attracted to him – the kiss only fueling the fire that had been threatening to rage since he first appeared.

She turned back and stared at the blue planet of the man whose kiss still lingered on her mouth, a silent prayer to the Goddess hanging on her lips.

=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=~

The door closed behind her silently. She had gone over the tangled scheme again and again – each thread leading her to one place: his chamber. Her bare feet made no sound against the marble floor as she crossed the room towards his bed. His sleeping body was turned on its side, sinews and shoulders expanding with each deep breath he took. She stared for what seemed like an eternity – the doubts binding her at the crucial moment. The crossroads of her destiny laid in front of her, mocking her for the fate that awaited her and the courage she lacked to evade it. It was in cowardice she turned away from him, and in terror she was pulled back. The blade rested against her throat gently but steadfast – the cool steel causing goose bumps to rise across flesh.

"Who are you and what are you doing in my chamber," Endymion questioned harshly – the harmony of his voice hoarsened by fatigue and anger.

She uttered nothing, could not swallow the hardened lump of fear that took up refuge in her throat.

His eyes adjusted to the darkness of his surroundings and realizing the feminine frame of the intruder, Endymion slowly pulled his sword away. Again he demanded to know her purpose, but to no end. It was only silence that answered his interrogation. Roughly he tugged her arm and forced her to face towards him.

His eyes danced across lucid flesh, shining in the rays of the earthlight despite the darkness of the chamber – its glow enhancing the curves of her breast, gently cradled by the cascade of curls which encompassed her body in a veil of silver. It was not until his eyes traveled up to her face that he realized the identity of his intruder. Curiosity flashed in his eyes, the icy blue pits almost expressing amusement before settling into a countenance of antipathy.

"May I inquire as to what honor I owe such a late visit from the future Queen?" he said in a tone so cold and mocking she almost wished for the steel of the blade to slip and take pity on her.

Silence.

"Am I correct in assuming you've not become a mute since our last encounter? It would be such a shame for someone as beautiful as you to be so marred, but perhaps it would be a welcome improvement when held in comparison with your current ruler."

His frustration mounted as she stood silently – paralyzed by his words and those eyes that would not break their gaze from hers. Eyes she felt probing into the very depths of her mind, searching for the answers she would not speak. For a moment he considered what to do – not knowing what way to best coax a response from the strange creature before him. It was silence he finally settled upon as the most effective weapon. Wordlessly he stood up from the bed, the sword still in his hand, and walked across to the dresser. It was an action which under normal conditions might not have held much impact, but considering his current state of nudity it produced a rather bewildered reaction from the princess.

The blood rose first in her cheeks, then slowly crept its way across her flesh – a burning sensation that emanated from her chest and caused a look of fear to encompass her features.

Laughter emitted from Endymion in a series of waves, his eyes twinkling with a joy that seemed almost foreign on his face – she noted it was the first time in recent memory she had seen him look even remotely happy. However, it was not long before his composure was replaced. She knew her time was running out. She would not, could not, submit to her mother's plans without making an attempt to free herself.

"I wish to return with you to Earth," she said evenly.

All remnants of cheer drained instantly from his face, regenerated with an abyss of brutality that he seemed to always have in excess.

"I'm sorry Princess, I don't quite understand. Surely you don't intend to make Earth your first holiday destination after your marriage. And surely something so banal can be settled outside of my chamber, during daylight hours. Or perhaps even better, through written correspondence at a later date."

"Do not misunderstand me, Endymion. I do not wish to marry Diamond, you know as much from our earlier conversation. I wish to abandon my post, I wish to escape to the last place they would search for me, I wish to be guarded under your protection."

The laughter that filled the room was now cold and brittle. She swallowed hard, forcing the fear of his denial down where it coiled in her stomach like a writhing serpent.

"Princess, I fear that the lateness of the hour and the fear of your impending nuptials have convinced all reason to leave you. I have neither the time, the resources, nor the inclination to harbor you. If you were ever found it would result only in the certainty of one thing: war between Earth and her Moon."

"Endymion, please," she cried out, "You are the last hope I have. I've thought of countless possibilities and this is the only one that would guarantee I was not found. And should a day ever come that I was discovered it would be known that I had willingly fled, that you had only aided me under the coercion of a threat of war should you give me away. If only you'd –"

He cut her off with a simple gesture of his hand.

"Enough, Serenity. This is something I will not be party to. Not because I fear war, but because I have no interest. What have I to gain from such an undertaking? What do you possess that could possibly be worth the inevitable outcome of such a scheme."

"Who is to say I shall ever be found?" her voice was now piercing with the anxiety of her hopes being crushed.

He abandoned his sword to the ground and walked swiftly towards her. A hand reached out to her throat and for a moment she thought he would strangle her, end her misery on a more final note. But the coolness of his fingertips only stroked her flesh, each touch sensually electrifying to her virginal flesh.

With gentleness he said the realities she had ignored.

"Serenity they will never stop looking for you. They will hunt you, they will find you, and they will take measures to ensure you never leave again. The rest of your life will still require you to marry a man you detest, only this time whatever pretense of freedom you may have been given will be stripped from you."

Her eyes looked up to meet his. There was no hate, no malice. What he spoke was simply a truth that would one day come to pass. But it was a reality she was willing to sell her soul to delay.

"I will give you anything. Please do this for me, Endymion."

"You've nothing to offer me. All your wealth, your sway with the council, is nonexistent until you take the throne."

Her heart pumped violently in her chest. The proximity of the man who had lit in her feelings and emotions she had never experienced was taking effect on her. Her eyes roamed over his body and a yearning like one she had never known overtook her.

"I can offer you my body Endymion – it is all I have but I offer it to you completely and willingly."

Something changed in his eyes then, a flicker of hunger that engulfed her and sent her mind swimming with the visions of what she had just promised. He turned then, carelessly making his way back to the bed and sitting gently on its edge.

"It's an intriguing offer Serenity. I will admit I have dreamt of you before, wondered at the sounds that would dispense from those pouting lips, but the fact remains that you are unskilled in the arts of love making – as much was apparent when I kissed you."

"Then teach me, Endymion. Please do not deny me… take me and possess me and make me yours. That fate I can accept willingly, but please do not damn me to this marriage."

"If your mother finds out that you ran away to take up residence with me as my new sexual conquest nothing will stop her from declaring war. When she finds out her little angel indulged in depraved and lewd conduct with a man of Earth the fact that you submitted willingly will hold no bearing. The fates of both Kingdoms, the lives of innocent victims of war, will rest entirely upon your shoulders."

"Then so be it."

He smiled then, the satisfaction of his victory showing through his eyes. He had maneuvered her to the position he had intended from the beginning – and now both the consequences and the blame were her lot to bear, not his.

"I will require payment to become effective immediately," he said darkly, almost expecting her to back out when it was now obvious to both of them that he had been waiting for this from the beginning.

The fabric of her gown made no sound as it floated to the floor, the silk pooling around her delicate ankles. The exposure of her skin in the cold room caused the flesh to grow taut and her nipples to harden. He feasted hungrily upon the vision in front of him – she was the most beautiful woman he had ever come across, and there were many to compare her to. His exposed organ rose hastily, despite the cold, but he did not act upon its wishes right away.

"Come to me," he commanded.

Reluctantly she walked forward until she was in front of his form. She looked down upon him, his ebony hair glistening like onyx in the moonlight. The flesh of his arms and chest were darkened from the constant exposure to sun – one of the lesser ramifications of spending years on a battle field. His eyes beckoned her, their depths promising pleasure and pain in turn. There was no love, there was no sympathy, only the recognition that he was now the master of her flesh.

"You are a virgin, I take it?" he asked brusquely.

She nodded her assent, biting her bottom lip to prevent any protestation her fear might induce.

"Sit on my lap, straddling your legs over mine."

She did as he asked, placing her hands on his shoulders for support until she could settle into what she thought was a comfortable position. Seated face to face like this the difference in their height became more apparent – her lips level with the base of his throat and her breasts barely half way up his chest, a fact which Endymion did not neglect to notice.

His hands roamed up her thighs, exploring the soft skin beneath them. Each trace of his fingers sent shivers through Serenity. Her thoughts raced in anticipation, her desire taking precedence over any remaining fears she had. She had struck her bargain, and she would remain committed to its price tag.

"Kiss me," he said.

She leaned into him, the small of her back arching her body into his form as her lips brushed against his. It was a gentle gesture, one that she had done countless times to her mother and childhood sweethearts. She sighed softly, the sweetness of her breath mingling with the air, and pulled away slowly.

"Alright," he said steadily, "now let's try that again but this time kiss me like I am the man you're about to fuck and not an ailing relative."

The crass language caused her to start. She looked at him inquisitively but he would not rescue her from this – he didn't just want her innocence, he wanted it to be given up, to watch her submit and revel in her enjoyment of doing so.

She leaned forward once again, her lips meeting his more assuredly than before. She felt him tense as she spread his lips with her tongue, probing softly with each stroke as she explored the boundaries of his mouth. He was liquid fire in her mouth, spicy and hot and comforting. A moan escaped her mouth catching her unaware and causing him to retaliate in kind. She reveled in the reaction, kissing him with more urgency than before. Filled with the passion of her own actions she wrapped her arms around his torso, the delicate nails digging softly into the muscled flesh. After what felt to her an eternity of bliss, she traced her tongue along the edges of his mouth before pulling back.

Coyly she asked, "Was that better, my lord?"

A low growl emanated from his chest, a warning to brace herself for the impending barrage of attacks his mouth laid upon hers. He kissed her so powerfully and with such precision she allowed herself to become lost to his cause and let his unmitigated control lead her. She found herself taken to a new height with every violation his tongue committed, the ramifications of her decision no longer important. All that mattered was his mouth and the pleasure it brought her.

His hands made their way to her breasts where they explored the virginal flesh, taunting her with his rough treatment, each pinch sharp in its punishment but also gratifying to the savage that seemed to have possessed her. She cried out his name, the sound of her strangled voice pleading him for an unknown fulfillment.

He stopped then, chastising himself for being overtaken by her charms. She may have been a virgin, but nothing about her body's reactions was chaste. Even now in the absence of his lips and hands her body made up for it with a gentle rocking of her hips against his lap – the undulations teasing him to the brink of madness.

He entangled one of his hands within the silver threads of hair spilling all around them and forced her head closer to him. The other hand slowly trekked up her leg and towards the hollow of nerves that would set her free from innocence forever. His fingers touched her gently at first, sliding around easily with the budding moisture that pooled there.

"You're very wet," he stated roughly, "it will aid in easing the pain."

His words had little effect on her though. They seemed light years away from the ecstasy she was drowning in. Each stroke of his fingers erupting with a sensation she could only describe as both thrilling and blissful. She had never known anything close to it and the longer she felt it the more she wanted.

It was then he tossed her down, laying her forcefully on the bed beneath them. He studied her in all her rapturous beauty. The smooth stomach that quivered in anticipation, the pert breasts that bounced with each stroke of his hand, the legs that curled around his own, pulling him to her. At long last, he pulled his hand away from her, bringing the thumb to his mouth to taste the juices he had aroused. She tasted like honey in his mouth, her soft flavor both satisfying and alluring.

Before she had time to register his absence he had penetrated her in a swift movement. The sharp pain caused her to cry out as tears prickled in her eyes. His mouth met hers, attempting to console her for the agony she must endure. With each kiss he grinded slowly into her, filling her completely before retreating. He repeated the motion over and over and over until Serenity thought she would be dizzy with the desire. Slowly the pain receded, allowing the delirium she had felt not minutes before to be rekindled.

"Please, Endymion," she begged, "please…"

His head nuzzled into the crook of her neck, tasting the salt of her body and nipping at the exposed skin.

"Please what, princess?" he responded gruffly.

Serenity was unable to answer however, the pleasure mounting so high until she could only speak in moans and whimpers. Each call begged to him, his pace picking up speed until he thought he might break the frail form beneath him. All intentions of slaying need at a gentler pace were abandoned.. his desire to fill her completely blinded all reason and bucked them both into an endless race to oblivion.

He handled her forcefully, each brutal stroke he made slamming her painfully – but she wanted more. She clawed at his shoulders, the droplets of blood mingling with the sweat of his excess movement and dropping idly down his back. She was lost in a labyrinth of pleasure and all she knew was that Endymion was the key to her release.

His mouth found hers again – assaulted her, poured into her. She met his passion, challenged it with her own forcefulness.

"Fuck, Serenity," he moaned out.

She knew it was beneath her, knew the shame she should feel, but she reveled in the pleasure she gave him, the way he said her name, the fact that she now belonged to him.

"Endymion," she cried out desperately, "please, I feel like my body may burst."

He willingly obliged, pumping as fast as he could until he felt her clenching around his cock – her nails digging deeper into his flesh as she screamed out in pleasure. It was enough to send him into a fit of ecstasy. Hot fluid filled her – blazing through areas she had never been aware of before this night. He groaned into her mouth as he pulled out of her, the absence of warmth his body provided being felt immediately by Serenity.

He fell to the other side of the bed, his breath ragged from exertion. Serenity lay silent, not sure of what to say or do, what the arrangement dictated beyond what she had just experienced. A million thoughts flooded her mind – it wasn't so long ago she had been fearful of the future, and now it seemed nothing more than an idle memory.

In gratitude she pressed her body against his, this man of Earth, both master and savior. His arms automatically wrapped around her frail body, stroking the flesh of her buttocks.

"So, dear princess," he murmured into her ear, "how did you enjoy bartering your flesh?"

She breathed deeply, inhaling his scent. She kissed his neck, lingering across the flesh until she reached his lips. Slowly she parted them, being met with an eager return from the man whose arms held her captive.

Endymion made a noise of exasperation and parted from her mouth.

"Serenity if you do not cease, willing or not, I will take you again."

She gently nipped at his bottom lip before sliding down and encircling her legs around his.

"What am I, Endymion," she asked in a tone of curiosity, "A lover? A mistress? A slave? I do not know how to think of myself anymore.."

He pulled her tightly against him, the curve of her body nestling against his form.

His lips brushed against her temple, warm breath tickling her ear as he murmured, "You are mine."

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So yeah, that's the first chapter of my story. Hope you all enjoyed it. Obviously I would totally appreciate reviews and critiques.