UNDER THE SUN - Chapter Five : I Am The Prince

UNDER THE SUN

Summer was the most awaiting and anticipated season for Golden Kingdom young Ladies. For the King always invite noble maidens to spend the season in the palace in search of bride for the Crown Prince. However, while other Ladies were struggling to win the Prince’s affection, a single maiden stayed obscure. Her eyes set on another, the High Priestess of Golden Kingdom. But how she could convince the Priestess to follow her to her homeland, or - in the worst case - kidnaped her, when the annoying Prince keep his eyes on her and how she keep her façade in front of an overprotective Royal Guard ?

~***~

CHAPTER FIVE

I AM THE PRINCE

The temple inhabitants who wanted to enjoy a peaceful morning stayed away soon they saw General Jadeite heading to the High Priestess’ quarter. Those who were sitting in the inner garden and chatting stood up immediately and looking for another place to spend their time. For they knew, the General came because he must have heard that their High Priestess had been restless for days. Though, if they might to voicing their thought to him, they surely would not encourage his visit, they would openly suggest him to stay away for several days until her mood was better. The High Priestess even dismissed her maids, said they were bother her with their pampering as if she was incapable of doing anything by herself, only Phobos and Deimos, her servants she brought from her homeland who she let to stay.

“I feel wasted here.” The priestess vexed. “I am worthless!” She shrieked soon Jadeite entered her quarter.

“Now, now … Rei. Do not fret.” The blond General calmed her, he was walking to the table and poured wine for himself. “You are anything but worthless, you are the High Priestess after all, you are highly respected and men trembles of your power.” He sipped a bit and sat down comfortly, unaffected by the girl’s ragging emotion.

“Exactly!” The priestess was pacing around the room. “My power, what use of it if all I have to do are only serve the rites ?” She stopped and stomped her foot. “I long for an adventure! Where I can do more, accomplish something great, not just an empty shell for this damned power!!!”

“If you are bored, we can take a stroll in the garden.” He put down his goblet and sighed heavily. Just last week he was summoned and had to hear the King’s displease, forced to answer the court’s complaints why he was too soft and let their precious High Priestess wandering in the city without a pack of guards to escort. And only four days ago he barely escaped Kunzite’s scolding. He had no inclination to let Rei had her way today and put himself into another trouble, he did not want to see the King or his court again and he definitely did not miss Kunzite as well.

“I don’t want to! And I don’t want to go to the city either! I want to see the world, the whole world!

The world? Great, she literally ask me to beg the King to hang my own neck. Jadeite cringed. “My sweet priestess, you know not what you are talking about. Trust me, once you go out there, soon you will regret to abandon the peace of this temple.”

A chandelier which candles were lit up in midair was flying toward the blond General, but he ducked swiftly. The chandelier smashed wall behind him, where a thick tapestry hung and the flame quickly burned the fabric. Alacrity, he ripped the tapestry from the wall and stomped it on the floor, ceased the fire before it spread.

"Rei, have you lost your mind?! Do you want to burn this temple?"

"No, I want to burn you alive! I am not a weakling, I have great power! I am capable to protect myself, heck … I can even protect you and that vain prince of yours!”

"Certainly, no one doubt it. Ask anybody, they'll say so."

“Words do not prove anything!”

“Really, then what?” Jadeite sneered.

“Actions, you fool …”

Jadeite shook his head and raised both his hand. “All right, you certainly need fresh air.” He grabbed her hand and yanked her outside. “Here we go, to the garden.”

“Unhand me!” Rei was squirming, but Jadeite did not let go.

“Behave, Rei.”

♠

Help me! Serenity! Andrei’s scream was still echoing in her mind, she remembered clearly the sinister laugh that heard as Andrei’s body engulfed by darkness and Molliene’s heart-wrecking plea as she dropped to her knees, deeply grieving for her brother.

Andrei … A teardrop fell onto the book on her lap and she quickly wiped her eyes. It was just a nightmare, Serenity told herself. She had been waiting in the temple garden for days, yet not once she met the High Priestess. Once she dared herself to approach the temple but she was sent away by the guards with a strict warning. Even General Jadeite seem disappeared from the palace.

“I said unhand me!”

The shout startled her. She quickly stood up as General Jadeite appeared, he dragged a girl who was strugling to release her arm from the General's tight grip.

"General Jadeite, good morning." Serenity curtsied but her eyes directed to the girl he brought.

She was beautiful, with thick raven hair that fell to her waist, her violet eyes were staring back at her suspiciously.

"Lady Molliene!" Jadeite shocked to see the girl in the temple garden. He shoved Rei behind his body and cursed inwardly. "What ... What are you doing here?"

Rei tried to peek, Jadeite sounded nervous in front of the girl and his hands kept her stayed behind him, hidden from the girl's sight. So she was curious, why the girl made the fearless man afraid. The girl seemed harmless, her feature was delicate and Rei didn't feel any malevolent aura from her.

"I am just enjoying the view, my Lord." Serenity smiled although she was wondering why the General hid his companion. She briefly noted that the black haired girl wore a priestess robe, but the jewelries adorned her wardrobe stating her higher position than a mere priestess who she had encountered during her waiting in the garden. Oh, please ... please ... let her be the High Priestess ... Serenity prayed in her heart. "Do you have the same intention with your companion, Sir? She ..."

"No, no." Jadeite cut. "Actually we are leaving now." He turned back and grabed Rei's shoulder, took her with him back to the temple.

"No! You leave alone, I am staying." Rei pushed him aside. Obviously, Jadeite did not want her to meet the girl he called Molliene. He was hiding something and she determined to find out.

"Darn, Rei!" As the words came out, Jadeite was paled and instantly shut his mouth, he glanced at Molliene nervously. Stupid mouth, stupid me!

Rei ... The High Priestess! Serenity's heart leaped with excitement. "You are Lady Reina? The High Priestess?" She asked hopefully.

"That I am." Rei nodded. "And you are?"

"I am Molliene Vardilmiard of Harthford. I heard so much about you, my Lady, it's truly an honor to meet you." Serenity bowed. "I always wish that I could meet you at least once while attending the Summer Stay. I should thank the gods for my fortune today. If I could wish more, I shall wish to have your acquintance, Lady Reina."

Serenity waited the High Priestess' response in aprehension. She had been waiting to meet her for days, spent long time hoping and praying for the chance. She would not wasting more time to approach  the High Priestess slowly, the longer she gain the High Priestess' trust, the slimmer her chance to save Andrei.

Rei smiled, the girl was lovely. Though they just met, she felt like she could like the girl.  The girl did not see her with fear, she could see the adoration and hope in the girl's eyes, but there was no trace of excessive deference.

"Well then, you may call me Rei, Molliene. 'My Lady' is too formal for an acquintance, don't you think?" Rei was excited, she had no friends because of her status. Most people saw her as a goddess, too afraid to get close to her, their anxiety that their flaws would be exposed before her, whose they thought as embodyment of perfection and hollyness, was too apparent to her. Therefore, she was not comfortable around them, they were cautios and bashful. But this girl was sincere and saw her as an equal being.. "I would like very much to have your company."

Serenity beamed, "I would be happy too, Rei."

Rei smiled warmly, but then Jadeite annoying voice ruined her delight. "We are leaving now, Rei."

"No. You go, leave us alone." She said firmly.

"Rei ..." Jadeite looked desperate.

"Just go." She glared and win. Jadeite left with grumbles.

"I will be in your quarter." He said.

"And I will not be there shortly." Rei mumbled.

Serenity giggled. "I never thought he could be so obedient." She heard enough from Sophie about General Jadeite's infamous temper.

"I never submit to his threats, so by times he knows who is the master." Rei grinned.

♠

When Rei returned to the temple the sun already set. She was in a good mood, she was smiling and greeted her fellow priests and priestess amiably as she was heading to her quarter.

Jadeite's sour face welcomed her. "You have been outside too long."

She just flipped her hair and ignored him.

"Rei, you won't meet her again, will you?"

"Of course I will meet her again. She is my friend now."

"No, you can't befriends with her."

"Really? Why I can't be?" She raised her eyebrows, challenged him. "Anyway, I am capable to take care of my self, I am entitled to decided to whom I like to befriends. And you, overprotective, coercive, sufferable man, you have no right to say otherwise." She prodded her finger to Jadeite's chest. "So please spare my ears and save your nagging."

"She will take advantages from you. I understand you are lonely and long for friends, but don't let your desperation clouds your judgement. Choose your friends wisely." Jadeite reasoned.

"Choose? As if I have any choice! And whose fault do you think it is? Who did imprison me in this temple? You, the King and his court! I have no visitor other than those who had your approval. Even when I went out, you will not let anybody approaches too close to me!" She yelled angrily. "Leave, I wish to retire to my chamber."

"We care for you, Rei. I do, not because you are the High Priestess. I love you."

"Good evening, Lord Jadeite." Rei turned away and entered her chamber without looking back to the blonde General.

He sighed tiredly. "Rest well, Rei."

♠

Endymion walked through the anteroom, ignored his Generals and slammed his bedchamber door.

"What's wrong with him ?" Kunzite asked Nephrite who just entered the room.

"He argued with a lady." Nephrite answered as he threw himself on a seat, plucked grapes on the table and chewed them.

"Let me guess, Lady Molliene, right ?" Zoisite chuckled.

"Again ?" Jadeite followed.

"How do you know, Zoi ? And what do you mean again ?" Kunzite stared at Jadeite.

"They always argue everytime they meet." Zoisite explained.

"Their routinity." Jadeite added with laugh.

"Then someone should remind her of her position." Kunzite said, no one allowed disrespect a royalty, it was unforgiveable that it repeated.

"Calm down, Kunz. Nothing is harmful." Zoisite prevented the stoic General to take action. "You should more worry about Jed, he may someday get killed in his argue with Rei."

Jadeite mocked, "At least my relationship is not forbiden like yours."

Seeing Zoisite's murderous glare to Jadeite, Nephrite was meddling, turned the conversation to the more important issue.

"You brats, stop it already. We have more important problem at hands, the stars adviced we should go east instead north. It does not make sense, but the stars refused to reveal further."

"Maybe you have lost your touch." Jadeite scoffed, apparently hated being called a brat.

"Jed." Kunzite pinched the bridge of his nose. He might be known as the most composed among the Prince's Generals, but he could never stand his brothers' childish quarrels.

Zoisite's was smiling satisfily, glad that Jadeite cowered at Kunzite's warning.

"You wish to go north, so there you go after the Summer Stay." Kunzite said. "Zoi, you will be Endymion's escort to deal with Rubeus. I trust Ellysion's security in your hand." Kunsite turned to Nephrite who nodded at his order.

"So you are heading to Harthford then?" Nephrite asked.

"Harthford?" Jadeite interrupted before Kunzite could answer. "Are you going to Harthford? Why?"

"Harthford is in the east region, where the stars told me to go. As why, we have to find out when we are there. The stars did not show much, but they sounded anxious."

"Lady Molliene, she is the daughter of Lord Vardilmiard, the ruler of Harthford. Perhaps we can get some information from her." Zoisite suggested after listened Nephrite's explanation.

"I'll do it. I will talk to her." Once again Jadeite spoke before any of his comrades answered.

Zoisite, who always the one who questioned everything, found Jadeite's behaviour a bit off. Then he asked, to confirm his suspicion, "I believe I gather information better than any of us. You are quite determined to do it however, for what reason if I may ask?"

"Recently she spends her time with Rei a lot, together with a certain lady." Jadeite smirked. "Do you honestly want to question Lady Molliene or do you have another intention?"

Zoisite felt Kunzite's sharp look directed to him. Throwing a cold glare to Jadeite, he stood up and walked to Endymion's chamber and knocked the door. "Your Highness, have you finished brooding? You have a meeting with the ministers in a moment."

Nephrite grinned and tossed and apple to Jadeite while mouthed, "Well done."

"Piece of cake," Jadeite mouthed back as he caught the apple. Not many could avoid Zoisite's critical questions when his curiousity was arroused, even Endymion had to use his rank if he did not want to end up spilled his secret to Zoisite. Jadeite was one of them, his jokes and teases easily made Zoisite lost his interest, wishing not to embarass himself further if he continued his questions. Of course, Kunzite was one of the few as well, he needed only one look to put Zoisite into silence.

♠

If there was another reason why Endymion avoiding the ladies attended the Summer Stay, it would be what he was witnessing at the moment. A single lady, Lady Ariana of Garland as Zoisite whispered from a branch beside him, was interrogated by Lady Saelly, while some other ladies were standing nearby, surrounded the anxious girl.

“What did you talk about with Prince Endymion last night? How did you find him? Please try not to lie, Lady Halley saw you seduced him.”

“I did not seduce him.” Lady Ariana's voice wavered.

Lady Saelly stepped closer and caresed the girl’s cheek, her smile made the girl shuddered. “I want an answer, not a denial.”

Endymion then regretted his failure to evade Lady Ariana when the girl accidentally saw him last night. He talked with her for a while before another girl appeared and he excused himself hastily. Lady Saelly was one of the candidates that the council strongly recommended as his potential bride. She was elegant, smart and well reserved. Wherever she went, her presence commanded respect. Unfortunately, Endymion observed how people retreated and felt intimidated by her presence. A queen should not be feared by her subjects, she should be respected and loved to win her people’s heart and trust. Therefore he would not choose her despite her outstanding proficiency. He was about to order Zoisite to interfere when a voice he knew so well heard.

“Lady Saelly, there you are.” A girl was approaching them in hurry.

“Lady Molliene.” Lady Saelly nodded. What’s with the haste?”

“You must make haste, for Lady Ann found the Prince in the throne hall.” She said in an urgent tone.

“Throne hall? Are you certain?” Lady Saelly’s expression was surprised and excited at once.

“So I heard from some ladies in the garden a moment ago. You must make haste.”

“Very well, I appreciate your information, Lady Molliene.” Lady Saelly made her leave, her friends were trailing behind at her order, “Come, ladies.”

“My pleasure.” Serenity watched until they were far enough then turned to Lady Ariana with a warm smile. “Don’t you want to go to your friends, where you are safe?”

“I … I, yes. Thank you.” Lady Ariana stuttered, still shocked from the intimidation. “Good bye, Lady Molliene.” She curtsied and left.

“You lied.” Rei’s voice made Serenity turned.

“I did.” She laughed.

There was a rustle in nearby bushes. “And how will you explain when they do not found the Prince in throne hall?”

“Lord Zoisite!” Serenity smiled to the man who was standing by a tree, “Then apparently the girls in the garden had false information.”

Zoisite chuckled. “Pretty smart.”

“Looks like It’s worsen each year, don’t you think?” Rei put her hands on her hip.

“Indeed.” Zoisite nodded.

Rei raised her voice. “So the Prince’s better hurry and find his bride soon before there is another bloodshed.”

“Agree.” Zoisite laughed, knowing Endymion growled up there.

“Where is Ami, Molliene? Don’t she come today?” Rei looked around.

“No, she is in the library.” Serenity noticed General Zoisite’s tension when her friend’s name mentioned. “You don’t come to the library anymore, General.”

He looked uncomfortable, avoiding the girl’s eyes. “Yes, it’s just that I’m quite occupied with my duties.”

Serenity nodded, “I hope it’s over soon so you can spare some time to visit the library. My friend is quite lonely without your company.”

Zoisite smiled wryly, “Thank you. I’ll try.”

“We better leave now, Molliene. Before an annoying man find us and intrude with his presence.” Rei took Serenity’s hand. “You better not to tell him that we meet, Zoi.” Rei pointed her forefinger and middle finger to Zoisite, a flame was flickering at the edges.

“No, of course not.” Zoisite assured, his hands raised up. He always wondered why Jadeite interested to such a fiery girl. Indeed, her beauty was admired, but he himself preferred a girl who was tranquiller and soft-spoke.

“Kunzite, right?” Endymion, now leaned on a tree, asked. “No need to tell me, for this is he must said: “You do not take an invite girl if your Prince has not picked his bride yet.”

“A dog does not eat from his master’s plate, more precisely.” Zoisite smirked.

“Harsh.” Endymion raised his eyebrows.

“Evilly necessary.”

Endymion sighed. “Listen, Zoi. That was unnecessary sacrifice, I will never ask what you should not give. Lady Ami is new, but Kunzite will think the same about the other invites, that each girl has the same chance to be with me. You know more than anyone else, that it will never be. I can’t deny you your happiness even if I can’t find mine.”

“You’ll find one. You just don’t know yet.” Zoisite refuted. Already, you just don’t realize yet.

“Right. Let me clarified, Lady Ami is smart and beautiful, a perfect lady, but I am not interested. Now, you may go …pursue your happiness. Don’t worry about Kunzite, I’ll talk to him.”

Zoisite smiled, his gratitude shown in his eyes. “Thank you, Your Highness.” He kneeled and lowered his head, gave honor to his Prince. “I’ll tell Nephrite to be with you shortly.”

“Very well.” Endymion nodded before Zoisite teleported.

♠

When having Nephrite as guard, a walk to kitchen was compulsory. The man has huge appetite, Endymion always thought that Nephrite assignment to train the soldiers helped the man to mantain his muscled body. After devoured five pieces of breads, a quarter block of cheese, three apples, two pears and two oranges, Endymion had to stepped on Nephrite's foot, to made him stopped flirting with the cooks and left. They were walking through the north garden when Lady Molliene just entered the garden. She seem shocked to see them, she turned back and walked away. When Endymion threw his taunt, Nephrite felt sorry for the girl who obviously wanted nothing but encounter his liege.

“Running away, little girl? Are you afraid of me?” Endymion smirked, but his eyes were shining, so Nephrite knew Endymion was happy to see the girl and initiated the argument. He even held the girl’s arm so she could not escape, her small hand was worthless to peel off Endymion’s strong grip. Nephrite was afraid that Endymion hurt the girl’s arm, but girl’s face did not show any pain. Irritation and anger, but not pain. So he stood aside, bite his apple, watching and listening. Sometimes he snickered on the girl’s remark, after several times seeing their argues he understood that the girl was capable to defend her honor and humiliated her opponent.

Therefore, Nephrite could not understand why Endymion was so insist to endure the lossing battle of wit again and again. Definitely the girl had an upperhand, each time Endymion rose his defense or threw his verbal attack, the girl never failed to degrade him. Instead brought a serious damage to his pride, Endymion looked like to be more determined to prolong their banter though his face shown his raising irritation. Unless ... he thought, he chuckled then, the stars confimed it, Endymion indeed inflatuated with the girl, but too proud to admit it. His grin was wide, could not wait to tell the others and enjoyed the triumph over the privilege to be the first to tease their liege, which usually belonged to Jadeite alone.

♠

Jadeite cursed thus walked away when he found Zoisite instead of Nephrite in training ground and the youngest General smiled smugly at him while answering his question of Nephrite’s whereabout: “Hiding with Endymion, obviously.”

For several days, he could not find Rei anywhere, so he wanted Nephrite asked the stars where Rei spent her time with Lady Molliene. He used to join the girls on their meetings, pretended to be deaf on Rei’s protest that she wanted to be alone with Lady Molliene and Lady Ami when the later was not with Zoisite. He recalled Lady Molliene’s reaction when he asked her some information of her homeland. In his mind, he expected her to mention a particular affair, what he was hiding from everyone, an issue regarding her father’s request for her brother’s state. Lady Molliene seem had a brief thought before she answered, “Harthford is suffering with the drought, my Lord, rain has not been pouring for three years.” She denied when he inquired whether there was any other concerning situaton. Initially, he thought that Lord’s Vardilmiard’s son was already cured but the fact that Lady Molliene spent her time in the temple garden more than in the palace during the Summer Stay made him doubted the possibility. The girl came to palace with a mission, she wanted Rei’s help, she had no interest with the Summer Stay or the Prince.

So he did not want Rei met Lady Molliene alone, afraid if Lady Molliene asked Rei to come to Harthford. Rei certainly would not refuse, she would eagerly said yes and he would not be there to object and refused Lady Molliene’s request.

Finally gave up, he decided to wait Rei in her quarter. Still, he never succeeded convincing Rei to stop her meeting with Lady Molliene despite his reasons. He never mentioned Lord Vardilmiard's letter, afraid of Rei's reaction. He even tried to stalking the girl, but her intuition was sharp, she always able to shake him off, so his effort was useless. Even when latter he asked Nephrite's help, the man frowned at him and said that asking the stars about petty things was an insult. Zoisite simply refused to talk, mocked him to figure out himself.

♠

"Your cousin has arrived, Endymion." Jadeite informed as he came near.

Endymion, surrounded by his other three Generals sat still under a tree in royal private garden, his hands on his back head against the trunk. "No need to greet him immidiately, he can entertain himself with the ladies as usual." He said nonchalantly.

"He does right now. But your father demands your presence in his office." Jadeite told. "He summoned all of us too."

"What does he want?"

Jadeite shrugged, "I did not ask. Besides, an order is an order."

"Endymion, you should order him to wear a gown, running arround in the palace and kiss every man he saw." Zoisite suggested. Endymion laughed along with Nephrite, while Kunzite lips curled up, his eyes challenged Jadeite.

"Perhaps I will, Zoi. It'll be the most pleasing entertainment, won't it?"

"No, my liege, not before I kill Zoisite first." Jadeite gave murderous look to Zoisite.

"Let’s go." Endymion stood, he chose to teleport knowing the ladies were waiting for him at the garden entrance since no one allowed to enter the royal private garden without permission. Jadeite quickly grabbed Nephrite's arm before they jumped, following Endymion.

Endymion walked tiredly, the meeting only lasted for a brief time but his father thought lecturing him again about the importance of finding a bride while his Generals were at present could change his mind. Traitors, he accused through telephaty to his treacherous friends who masked their face with inocent mien when his father mentioned how his mother had high opinion of Lady Molliene. Supposedly the girl would not catch his parent’s attention due to her frequent absent at many events during the Summer Stay. His friends must be leaked some information to his parents.

He was not alone, his Generals chose to follow at distance, none was willing to risk being confronted by the irritated Prince about who was the one who talk to the King about Lady Molliene. Zoisite was the prime suspect, but seeing Jadeite and Nephrite straight face Endymion knew they were guilty as well. Kunzite would not think twice to inform the King, he was the most supportive one concerning his parents’ idea of Summer Stay. His anger soon forgotten as soon he saw someone was hiding behind bushes in the garden ahead, watching a commotion in the center of the garden.

Serenity was so relief that she saw the man first, surrounded by some ladies, before she entered the garden. Quickly she hid behind the bushes, before he saw her. Lord Diamond was looked having pleasant conversation with the ladies and enjoyed their attention. She was so surprised to see the man in the palace. If Lord Diamond saw her and revealed her identity, not only her plan would be ruined, she would be sentenced for the fraud. The thought of the punishment that might be fall upon her scared her so much. She should inform Sophie, her maid should be careful too not to be seen by Lord Diamond, otherwise he would question why she was in the palace. She and Sophie should be extremely careful, they had to avoid Lord Diamond at any cost. She could not leave the palace now, she would not, not when she already had Rei’s trust, not when she had not asked Rei’s help yet.

“A lady shall not peek.” A deep voice whispered on her right ear.

Serenity felt her heart stopped beating and gasped sharply.

Endymion felt guilty, the girl’s face was pale and she was look really frightened. “I … Are you all right?” He reached out to the girl, gently held her shoulders.

“I’ve been better.” Serenity hissed. “Especially when I don’t have to see you.” She pushed Endymion’s hands away. She was upset, the man almost made her had heart attack, fortunately she did not scream out of shock and alerted Lord Diamond.

“I did not mean to scare you, little girl. If you are not so occupied watching them, you would have realized my presence.”

“Of course, and I would have go right away so I don’t have to deal with you.”

“But the fate apparently makes us meet again and again. Don’t you think you should be more cordial with me?” He suggested with a smirk.

"I don’t want to, I hate you."

Endymion raised his eyebrows then chuckled, "The feeling is mutual, my Lady."

"No, it is not. Mine is much deeper." Serenity retorted.

Endymion smiled smugly, "As an old saying, there is a thin line between hate and love. Then you must be on the very verge of  falling for me."

Serenity’s face wrinkled. "Think anything you please. I hope you will not fall to insanity when the reality is much the contrary." She left then, ignoring his laugh.

“And he calls it flirting.” Zoisite smirked, finally decided to make appearance with the other Generals and thought that made a comment was necessary.

“Real smooth, my Prince … real smooth.” Jadeite shook his head.

“As you expected from an inexperience lover, my lads.” Nephrite poured salt in the wound.

“Shut it Zoi!” Endymion barked. “I was not flirting with that wench.”

“Careful, master … it might backfired.” Jadeite stepped back, hands raised in front now Endymion jaw was tightened and his eyes blazed.

All the while, only Kunzite who chose to be silent since he knew what tease would be fall upon him if he opened his mouth and spoke his mind regarding the matter. Endymion, indeed was inexperience in courting women. Surely some Ladies had managed to draw the Prince's attention and they soon got closer. But then only several meetings later the Generals would find him in their presence again, avoiding any intimate conversation with the Ladies. Obviously he already lost interest with them and intended only to maintain the relationship no more than a mere friendship. During the short period of courtships, Endymion would mantain his decorum perfectly, spoke properly despite his nervousness to show his interest and hesitation to flatter his companion. So the Ladies left brokenhearted and their family who were hoping a royal wedding had to accept dissapointment. Kunzite personally thought, that Endymion should sometimes let his gentleman behavior forgotten for a while and acted at his passion. But of course Kunzite would never risk his pride and let Jadeite trempled on it. He did not need to ask Nephrite to ask the stars what mockery words would left Jadeite's mouth: "Pray tell, how did the stoic, cold blooded great General Kunzite ever knows the art of seduction?"

♠

She almost reached the palace west wing, where her room was. But she could not be careless, she kept her eyes on her surrounding, glanced left and right worriedly while trying to stay quiet, made sure her shoes did not make any sounds through the way. The route she took was not the usual, she only encounter two guards and a maid on her way through the corridors.

Sophie had panicked and decided that they should leave the palace immediately after heard about Lord Diamond being in the palace. Serenity barely convinced and changed her mind, but then she agreed that they could stay a while longer. Since then, the events Serenity should attend were reduced drastically. Still, she could not refuse the Queen’s invitation, no matter how much she was afraid to meet Lord Diamond or how she noticed the other girl’s jealousy because the Queen seemed favor her much more than the others. Sophie reluctantly sent her with various warnings, the poor woman was frightened and Serenity prayed wholeheartedly that she would not meet Lord Diamond, that he had to go out and left the palace for a while, at least until she could return to her chamber. She should think a way, a good reason to avoid attending every occasions while Lord Diamond in the palace. She could not bear the anxiety every time she must made appearance.

She took left turn then whined inwardly, although she was glad that it was not Lord Diamond, the man who was sitting on the windowsill ahead was the one she did not wish to encounter either. Lord Zoisite was smiling at her beside the man.

He was edged from the windowsill and walked closer. “I told you, we are destined to meet each other, despite your disagreement.”

“Maybe you are just a stalker.” Serenity downed her head, mumbled softly.

“I didn’t hear you, little girl. What did you say?” Endymion asked as he lifted Serenity’s chin.

“Nothing.” Serenity blushed and took a step back. “Excuse me, my Lord.” She trying to leave but the man stepped in front of her, blocking her way.

“Your behavior is unusual. What’s troubled you?”

“Nothing.” Serenity said, looked at him defiantly. “I only wish to retired to my chamber as soon as possible.”

“Not so soon, I say. You should take the south route to save time, but here you are, in the north wing, walking through the empty corridors, silent and skittish. Why?”

“Perhaps I do not wish to see you.”

Endymion laughed. “Your wish is wasted, I see.”

Serenity was exasperated. “Please, Sir. Could you please let me go through?”

“I will, if you explain yourself.”

Impatient to leave and be save in her room, Serenity said angrily: “This wing is not a forbidden area, so anyone is free to walk or run through this premise, Sir. Just as I have any right not to answer you. Who do you think you are, demand other people to obey your words and prodding someone else affairs?”

“Who am I?” Endymion laughed. “At last, you are asking. My lady, you are invited here, do you even know what for?”

She crossed her arms on her chest and answer smugly. “Of course, we were invited to stay and let the prince to choose one of us to become his bride, because apparently he could not find a single woman from his own court.”

Zoisite raised his eyebrow in amusement and anticipated his smirk to spread into laughter.

“Yet you do not know who I am?” Endymion smirked. “My, my … you are terribly ignorant, aren't you little girl?”

“I know who you are! You are nothing more than annoying, immature, vain and obnoxious excuse of a man.”

Zoisite's smirk was wider, however now he dare not to laugh seeing Endymion now fumed because of the insult.

“Forgive me, my lady. I should introduce myself properly then because apparently the brain in your pretty head found it hard to pay attention during the formal introduction. And despite we meet each other quite frequently, I am amazed that you are never bother to even try to find out who I am.” He smirked, “I am Endymion, the Crown Prince, I am the sole heir of Golden Kingdom throne. It is an honor to meet you.” Endymion bowed politely, mocked the girl in front of him.

Serenity was stunned. She was still and her eyes widened, staring the dark haired man before her. Now Zoisite was grinning, waiting for the girl’s reaction of the unexpected information and probably the most embarrassing moment of her life. He wondered how red the girl’s face would turn.

“My gosh …” Serenity released her breath, trying to recover from her shock. It is then Zoisite burst into a loud laughter after he came aghast for a moment soon they heard her outburst. “Dear God, bless the poor soul that you choose to become your wife. I wish her good luck and may she has all patience in the world, for she needs them to survive her tortured life along with you.”

Now it was Endymion who turned speechless. He was ready that the girl would drop to her knees and beg him for forgiveness, he expected her to cower in shame and cry, regretted her stupidity. Not for her another insult.

“Good day, my Prince.” Serenity curtsied gracefully with a sweet smile and left, while Endymion was still staring, could not believe that she managed to insult him despite his perfect attempt to humiliate the girl.

"I dare you to laugh." Endymion threatened, Zoisite's lips was twitching, his shoulder was shaking in attempt to supress his laughter seeing Endymion's obvious anger.

"I dare not, my Prince." Zoisite's voice was quivering. "However, I should excuse myself, Your Highness." He disappeared right away, did not even wait for Endymion's answer. Surely to laugh elsewhere, Endymion thought angrily.

Serenity slammed her door shut and slumped on the floor, covered her beet red face. Oh, how embarrassing. I wish I never see him again, ever. Not for the rest of my life. She wailed. Black straight hair, blue eyes, I should have known. He has his father’s hair but he took the color from the Queen. And he has the King’s eyes. Why I did not realize it? Why am I so stupid? He always has the Generals by his side. Serenity hugged her legs and buried her face on her knees, felt ashamed and terrible. For once, she regretted that she came to Summer Stay.

“Miss, what’s happened? Did something go wrong?” Sophie’s voice was full of concern.

“Sophie …” Serenity lifted her face, tears on her cheek.

“Dear Gods, please don’t tell me that you meet Lord Diamond.” Sophie was horrified seeing her mistress was crying.

“No …” Serenity wanted to tell Sophie about the Prince, about the arguments every time they met, but she did not. The first moment she told Sophie about the man, Sophie must have known who he was. Now she realized why Sophie told her to avoid him and let her attended the events only if they were not presented by the Prince. Oh, Sophie … what did you do? Serenity hid her face on her knees. “I wish I never had to come here.” She did not listen what Sophie talked, too sad and disappointed.

The maid, however, was oblivious that Serenity did not pay any attention to her and keep talking. “We don’t have to worry about Lord Diamond. A maid told me that he’ll leave in few days. I have been thinking, and I think we can pretend that you are sick whilst he is still in the palace. Thus you need not to leave this room, as I am, in order to take care of you.”

♠

Using excuse of having an important and urgent meeting was an effective way to secure the King’s office room for themselves without disturbance of anyone, the Ladies particularly, when two Zoisite’s men were guarding the door. Wine spilled, foods and cards scattered on the table. Nephrite was leaning on his chair in leisure, his feet on the desk, ignoring Kunsite’s disapproving look of his dirty boots. There were times when they could bend protocols and formalities, bonding through games, insults and mockery. Kunzite would be less tense, Nephrite would eat and throwing food as he talking, Jadeite would joke endlessly and Zoisite contributed with his smooth sarcasm. Endymion would laugh and joined the commotion, enjoying their little freedom.

“All of this Summer Stay is a waste.” Diamond took a sip of his wine before continued, “Waste of time, money, hope … I pity the girls, they are keeping their hope high but you, my cousin, keep running away and hiding. You’ll never find your bride, Endymion.”

Endymion massaged his temple. “Don’t lecture me, Diamond. I had enough from my parents, the troublesome councils and Kunzite.”I’ll find my bride, but not with this summer torture, I feel like a prey who being hunted by wolves. This is not what I imagined of how I choose my wife, a Queen for my kingdom.”

“Sure.” Jadeite spoke. “You’ll find her in the tavern, maybe?” He smirked, “Or rather, in the west palace wing, in her room.”

Nephrite laughed loudly. “That’s more likely.”

“Not at all.” Endymion scoffed. “Anyway, I just want this foolish Summer Stay to stop, and my parents to let me have peace without forcing any girls every time they talk to me. I’ll give you my horse, Diamond, if you can make the noisy council stop bothering me, introducing every girl they thought worthy.”

“Choose a girl, then that’s all over.” Kunzite said.

“You have an impossible dream, Endymion.” Zoisite added. “I must agree with Jed, or Kunzite in this affair.”

Endymion groaned and buried his head on his hands.

"I may have a solution for your distress, cousin." Diamond told. "Although it may backfired just like what I am experiencing."

Endymion shook his head. "I take it is a risky solution then? Should I gamble?"

Nephrite joined, "What expense you suffer, Diamond? Let us consider the consequency of your advice."

"Just your heart, Endymion. And the misery of unrequited love." Diamond lost in his trance. "But if fortune is on your side and your labor was acknowledged, soon the entire Golden Kingdom will celebrate your wedding."

"That is not sound so bad." Zoisite frowned. "But no one will break Endymion's heart, for he loves no girl currently. Meaning, no wedding."

Kunzite disagreed, "You all should not encourage him to reject more Ladies, Gentlemen. Our kingdom needs successor."

"He doesn't deal well with rejection, Kunzite. You know his pride." Diamond was reasoning. "He will fall in love in the process regaining his stupid honor."

Endymion glared.

"I am not quite catch your conversation, Diamond. Enlighten me." Jadeite frowned.

"I said," Diamond exhaled, "Propose to a Lady who will refuse." He swept his eyes to the men who now either staring in puzzlement or raised eyebrows questioning his sanity. "You will have an excuse to your parents not to marry while mending your broken heart, my cousin." Diamond turned his eyes to Endymion.

"No way, no Ladies will refuse him. They are practicaly throw themselves at his feet." Nephrite said.

Zoisite smiled. "I know a particular Lady." He looked at Endymion with teasing eyes.

"There is no way I humiliate myself and ask her, I rather hear my parents and the council nagging the whole year." Endymion said, disgusted.

"So you have a girl who can save your bachelor life but your stupid pride on your way." Diamond mused.

"I rather preserve it than have her tear it into tiny little pieces and blow it like a dust." Endymion replied angrily.

Jadeite laughed. "As if you have any left." He yelped then, Kunzite smacked his head.

"You heard him, it is impossible, Diamond. But tell your story, are you saying that you proposed then received a refusal? You, all the charmer? Who is the extraordinary Lady?" Nephrite grinned. "Ah ... a spirited young maiden from your last journey. The stars approved your choice, but hidding the posibility of your union."

Diamond sighed in defeat, he must tell or Endymion and his noisy Generals, except Kunzite, won't leave him in peace, he regreted a bit, he was the one who inflicted it anyway. He began with the summer festival he attended in east region a year ago, when he interested in a young maiden. He liked her very much although the girl was not like him equally despite his attempts to impress the girl. She was a chalenge, but then he left without any wedges. She could use as a lovely companion, she was smart, he noticed, gracefull and carried herself like a noble should be, but she was not a noble blood, her social inferiority was not something easily approved in his social circle of high status. But she still occupied his mind when he returned to his grand castle in the north. His steward welcomed him with his constant fuss, demanded a mistress who would take care of the castle each time he left, tricked him with a smooth words enticing the feeling of guilt for incapability to fulfill his father's last wish. He lightly mentioned the girl, hoping the old steward understood the disadvantages. Surprisingly, the old man replied wisely, "If she behaves decent enough and her mind is not less bright then she is a noble being, though not by blood."

He sent a messenger, expressed his wish to have the maiden at his side as wife. He waited more than two months for reply in positive expectation. Yet the reply broke his heart, made him realized that he already fell for the girl. He could not give up, he wanted her and determined to have her. So he tried to show his concern and affections, to prove his sincere adoration toward the girl. He received her gratitude, but not her heart and consent. Thus he determined to meet her once again, to personally convince her of his honorable intention.

"Now you understand." Diamond seemed tired now, burdened with broken heart. "If you wish to avoid the marriage, make sure she won't have you."

"I simpatize your suffering, Diamond." The Queen suddenly was standing at the door way. She heard enough of Diamond's little drama. "But I will much appreciate if you advice my son how to charm girls instead tell him a trick to avoid them."

The General quickly bowed to their Queen, but Endymion groaned.

Diamond groaned too, "I have tried, aunty. But your son was just too dumb."

Endymion rewarded him with a not too gentle kick.

~***~