Prince Enymion stepped off the shuttle and stared at his surroundings. Had it been four years since his last visit? Everything was so different than he remembered. A garden of flowers stretched for a mile in front of the castle, giving off a calming fragrance. "I don't have time for this," he grumbled to himself." The civil unrest on Earth had grown worst in the past several years, giving him little rest and even less time to keep up with the little girl he had saved. She had been fifteen the last time he had seen her. How old was Serenity now; nineteen?

"Endymion, I know you're worried, but you can't keep going on like this."

"Mother, you know why I shouldn't be here. We're so close to loosing everything. However, if it'll make you happy and I'm left alone, then there shouldn't be too much of a problem."

"Your mother's right, Endymion. You need time to rest and think of things other than battle. Also, there will come a time when you will be King of Elysion and you can't afford to be isolated and unaware of the other planets."

Endymion had heard this lecture before, but how could he worry about the inner and outer kingdoms when there was a possiblity Elysion will fall? Until dinner, he remained in his rooms with Zoicite. They were going over battle plans, trying to figure out how their enemy was becoming so strong so quickly. "Where did they come from and how?"

"Dammit, Endymion, there aren't many cities left to defend. If we don't find a way to stop the negaverse, we're going to loose this war. The survivors are flocking to Elysion, knowing we're their last hope. How are we going to hold out?"

Endymion tiredly raked fingers through his dark hair, needing a hair cut, but not having time. When did he have time for anything? He was exhausted, unable to sleep more than a couple of hours a night, always holding a sword in his hands. "Elysion will not fall as long as I'm still able to stand and wield a sword. We need to be on Earth, not here prancing around entertaining a bunch of spoiled princesses that care more about their hair than what happens around them!"

"That's hardly fair, considering you always went out of your way to protect one of them. Serenity has never been spoiled; as a matter of fact, she's too much like yourself. I've heard rumors that these princessess are nothing like the ones on Earth. None of them have a suitor, nor have they begun to look."

"Zocitie, Serenity was fifteen the last time I saw her. Are you going to help me figure out a plan, or should I find Kunzite so you can test your theory?"

Endymion realized he had over stepped the line, watching Zoicite put down his pencil and walk wout of the room. He couldn't even talk to his best friends wtihout cuasing an argument or tension. Clutching the side of the table, Endymion lowered his head and closed his eyes. When had things become so out of hand? He needed to take his father's advise, relax and regain focus before he lost what few friends he did have.

Two hours later, Endymion forced himself to appear for dinner, not really interested in his food or the conversation around him. His silence did not go unnoticed, but Terra and Stephon had reached a point they didn't know how to reach their son any longer. They looked to Selinity and Saturn for help.

"Endymion," Selinity asked, trying to gain the young man's attention. He was so distant, nothing like the small boy that had held and protected Princess Serenity the first few years of her life. His eyes had lost their shine, a haunted shadow in their depths that Saturn was all too familiar with. Endymion only knew war and death; both were taking its toll on the High Prince.

"My apologies, Queen Selinity, Saturn. I admit, that my manners need work and that I've been poor company. Please forgive any offense I may have caused."

Even his responses were automatic, no emotion in his voice. How did one reach a person that could no longer feel the things around him, who had closed of his mind and heart? Endymion had seen so much, killed so many, that he had long lost the ability to cry over the senseless waste of life.

"Endymion," Selinity sighed, "please know that you are never a burden to us and that you're always welcome here in Lunaria. Feel free to go where you desire."

"Thank you, your majesty. Mother, father; I'll see you in the morning." Sliding away from the table, Endymion set down his napkin and turned, not seeing the young woman before they went crashing to the floor, several plates falling on their heads as his foot snagged onto the table cloth.

She had blond hair, pulled back in a long braid that easily reached her ankles. Endymion met her gaze, startled by the cool intensity he saw reflected in them. "What hit me, a brick wall?" Terra and Stephon, seeing the spark of fury in their son's eyes, started to say something, but Saturn shook his head, waiting to see how things would play out.

"A brick wall wouldn't hurt if you were paying attention!" Endymion snapped. 'Who the hell does this girl think she is?' Standing to his feet, he brushed the mash potatoes off his clothes and pulled pieces of glass from his hair. Without saying another word or helping her up, Endymion stepped over the young woman and left. 'Stupid girl!'

Terra stared at her son's retreating back in horror, Stephon barely able to control his seething rage. "Saturn, Selinity, if..."

"Mother, who was that jerk!"

Saturn tried to hide his amused smirk, but it was rare for Serenity to have a man not intimidated by her status as Emperial Princess and daughter to the God of Death. Endymion had little fear, if any, of Saturn, and that had always won Saturn's respect. "Serenity, it's not very polite to speak of a person you know very little of."

Stephon laughed at Serenity's honesty, gaining her full attention and a sheepish look. "Endymion does have a rough edge to him, perhaps it's our fault for pushing him to hard the past several years."

"That was Enydmion," Serenity asked, her blue eyes wide. "What happened to him?"

"War changes people, Serenity," Stephon explained sadly.

Her eyes flickered, a shadow in them before it vanished. "I apologize for being late, your majesties. Will you forgive me?" Saturn had been watching her closely that past few years, seeing signs of Selene in her that troubled and worried him. All the princessess had private tutors that taught them history, language and culture.

After the first day, Saturn had forbidden any further lessons in history for Serenity, having had to calm her for hours. She had reacted strongly to the death and wars described in the texts, her body trembling and blue eyes filled with tears. Serenity hated violence, and would often leave the room if there was talk of a war or battle.

"My you've grown," Terra commented. "You turned nineteen this year?"

"Yes, your majesty."

"Have you chosen a suitor yet?"

"Why bother?" She laughed bitterly. "Men want only the title that I hold, not because they love me. Honestly, marriage is highly over rated. Hotaru would agree."

"Where is Hotaru?"

"She's training with Haruka and Makoto."

Serenity quickly kissed her mother and father on the cheek, leaving them to talk. She was no longer interested in conversation, not when people always asked her about her thoughts of marriage and war. "I'm not sure who's more anti-social," Terra sighed, "your daughter or our son."

"Give them time," Saturn advised. "Serenity is extremely sensitive to the environment around her. Anger, rage, pain, sorrow; all of these she can feel and more. Endymion is much the same way, but he's forced to see it in battle, and feel the after affects from the planet."

"If we wait much longer, none of us will be able to reach them. Saturn, Endymion looks up to you. Perhaps if you said something..." Terra asked, a tremor in her voice.

Serenity sighed, "I hate the title of Princess, especially mine. Everyone wants me to say and act a certain way; I'm not even a person!" She could remember when things had been so simple, when all she had to worry about were her sister, mother, and father. Saturn spoiled her rotten, but the past four years had taken its toll on the once happy and vibrant girl.

The nightmares, they never stopped and often they weren't her own. What were they trying to tell her and why did Earth remind her of the dark power she always woke up to screaming? The first time the dream had come, Saturn had assumed it was because of the history lessons, but that had only been a part of it. How could she tell him that she kept seeing a certain man's death again and again? Later her friends were added, until finally all of Lunaria and the other kingdoms. Everything was gone, and the dream never ceased.

Selinity had grown extremely powerful in the past nineteen years, Saturn always supporting her decisions. He rarely became involved in the runnings of her kingdom, and at times he would return to his home world. Hotaru was the only one that seemed to enjoy that isolated and baren planet. Few people lived on it, and even fewer associated with anyone. It was the way of a Saturian.

Personally, Serenity wanted nothing to do with the Silver Alliance. It was a false peace, never meant to last. Why couldn't she believe in it like everyone else? Even her friends didn't seem to realize how withdrawn she had become. Not only did she keep sending the end of everything, all eyes were on Serenity to find a husband. "Men don't want me," she sighed sadly. "All I am is a trophy to be one, to be displayed by the person who wins."

"Men are manipulative, liars, and want only power and money." Deep in her own thoughts, Serenity never saw them standing a few feet away, a dark headed man staring at her while he listened to Zoicite. He recognized her from the dining hall from early, but there was something else. Her hair was different and she was older, and he couldn't quite place who she was. Her bitter anger and sorrow were very real, slamming into him from all sides.

Endymion shouldn't have cared, especially about a servant girl. "Damn," he heard her say. Unable to stop himself, he moved up behind her and leaned over until he was barely a breath away from her ear. "Clumsy and fowl language," he taunted. "I'm starting to wonder what servants are taught here?"

Serenity whirled, bumping into him. She was trapped, with no where to run. Their was a cruel edge to the set of his mouth, and his gaze with filled with blue ice. He was so... She couldn't describe the emotions he did or didn't feel. Serenity was tempted to slap him, yet brush away the angry lines war had set there. It took her a moment to realize his comment, turning a few shades of red.

"I can't believe I almost apologized to your parents earlier! Never I have I met anyone so... so arrogant and opiniated about himself!"

Zoicite started to say something, but he was actually watching Endymion loose control. He never allowed anyone to get to him, yet this one servant girl was pushing all the right buttons with ease. She should have been cowering at his feet, but here she was meeting him head on with a fury as deep as Endymion's.

If Endymion's face got any redder, Zoicite thought his friend would explode. She wasn't backing down, but becoming more agitated. 'I can't believe someone has a worse temper than Endymion.'

Serenity suddenly froze; 'He thinks I'm a servant?' Suddenly she wasn't so angry, and bursted out laughing. Endymion blinked, not so sure what to say. 'She actually has the audacity to laugh at me?' Endymion pulled back, his fingers clenched tightly at his sides. Disappearing down the hallways, she continued to laugh, understanding why he would have assumed such an idea.

She dressed like a servant, acted like a servant and even at times talked like one. Serenity enjoyed spending time with the common people, something her father never tried to discourage. The whole idea was hilarious and for the first time in weeks she gave a rare smile. Serenity had wanted someone to act themselves around her, and as long as Enymion thought her a servant, he would.

Coming to a balcony, over looking the gardens and stars, Serenity rested her chin into the palms of her hands. She had a deep longing for something. Earth was so beautfiul and mysterious, but forbidden because of the civil wars. 'I've always wanted to see what it looked and smelled like, to feel the warm air against my face." She sighed; Serenity or Hotaru were rarely allowed to leave Lunaria any longer, constantly shadowed by those that were still apposed to the peace the Silver Alliance stood for.

Making her way back to her rooms, Serenity spotted four men standing around in one of the guest rooms. One of them was from earlier, and she figured they were his four personal guards. Serenity gave a smirk of amusement; if Endymion thought her a servant, then who was she to deny him the full benefit of acting like one.

Serenity walked in and bowed to the four men, greeting them with a smile and a warm welcome to Lunaria. Zoicite blinked in astonishment. This couldn't be the same girl from earlier, but here she was offering to take them on a tour of the castle. She saw the curious questions in his gaze, but he was too well train to voice them out loud. He reminded her of Ami, bursting with intelligence. Out of all of these men, he would figure her out, but hopefully he would continue to play her game.

It would make Serenity's day to see the expression on Endymion's face when he finally discovered who she really was. "We really haven't had time to explore yet."

"Would you like a tour now?" She asked politely.

"Are you offering," Jedite asked, already liking this girl.

"I was always taught to be polite to our guests, and the four of you should be tired from your long journey. Are your quarters suitable, or would you like different ones?" Zoicite was trying without much success not to laugh, Kunzite giving the man a strange look. Serenity was daring him to say something, making it all the much harder for Zoicite to keep a straight face.

Zoicite approached her, bending over in a perfect bow. His gaze danced with mischief, as if he knew her game. His three friends were suddenly very curious, wondering at his strange behavior and interest in a servant girl. Other than being attractive, she didn't seem too special. "Is there something you should be telling us, Zoicite?" Kunzite demanded.

He ignored Kunzite, meeting the woman's gaze; "I never caught your name earlier."

Serenity was close to panic and he knew it He was calling her bluff, and what she said would make or break this act. 'Dammit, I want to have my fun!' "Sere." She wanted to groan in frustration. That name was so obvious, too close to her real name. It was too late to change it and she knew Zoicite was aware of whom she really was.

Instead of saying anything, he stood back, moving towards the couch he had been previously sitting on before she had entered the room. "The offer still stands, gentlemen."

They were ready to accept her offer when Zoicite noticed the man come into the room, stopping a few inches from Serenity. His smile grew, a snort escaping before he could stop it. His companions looked at him, trying to figure Zoicite out. He was not known for practical jokes like Jedite. "We thank you for the offer, Sere," Zoicite said, "but I'm afraid we need to decline for the moment. Feel free to stop by in the morning; perhaps then would be a better time."

"Zocitie," Jedite started to ask, but seeing Zoicite wink silenced them all. Something was up and the way the man's gaze never left Serenity or Endymion had them on immediate alert. Serenity gave them a graceful curtsy, confirming who she really was to Zoicite. She started to back out of the waiting room, feeling her back press against an unyielding chest.

Her eyes widened, not prepared to meet the infuriating man so soon. Turning, her smile was replaced with an angry scowl, the color of her eyes a deep blue. His expression was always the same, an icy contempt towards everyeone. "Why is it, every time I turn around, you're standing in the way?"

Endymion wanted to strangle her! It would teach this insolent girl some manners. She expected him to move? A snarl escaped without warning, but to her credit, she stood her ground. Serenity took a step closer, refusing to be intimidated by this man. Kunzite couldn't believe this girl, offended on the way she addressed a High Prince.

Zoicite and Nephrite grabbed his arms, shaking their heads for him not to interfere. Despite how volatile the situation was becoming, Endymion had yet to make a move on the girl. Endymion couldn't shake the feeling he knew her. He had the strongest urge to take her hair and let it fall to the floor, perhaps then this nagging feeling would vanish. A part of him wanted to put this girl in her place, the other wanted to shove her against the wall and kiss the hell out of her cute mouth.

He took a step closer, pleased to see her back off. "I hate to break this to you, but you're the one that can't seem to stop tripping or crashing into me. These are my guards, my chambers and I don't need you or anyone else telling where to come and go!"

"You're impossible! At least your guards know how to be civil. Perhaps they should teach you some of it! Would you get out of the way, before..."

Enydmion was furious, closing the remaining distance between them. "Before what?" he asked her, his voice deadly. Serenity tried to step away, knowing she had pushed too far, but Endymion snatched her waist and pulled her back. "Girl, if we were still on Earth... If anyone is going to step aside..." He lifted her off the ground and set her outside his door, "it will be you."

Serenity had seen Haruka and Rei mad before, but it paled in comparison to the rage she saw in his expression. She could only stare in opened mouth astonishment as the door was slammed in her face. Why the hell was she playing this game anyway? Still, she couldn't help but remember the way his hands had felt on her waist, the electic shock shooting up her spine. Serenity was playing with fire, but she wasn't afraid of Enymion for some reason. Endymion wasn't a cruel man, even if he liked to have people think other wise.

Endymion stormed into his room and shut himself in, unable to speak or discuss important battle plans with his generals. "Is that girl insane?" Kunzite shouted. "Does she not know who he is?"

"She knows," Zoicite chuckled, finally able to laugh. "Oh god, this is the best show I've had in a long time, and it's not even rehearsed!"

"Dammit, Zocitie," Nephrite growled. "That girl treads on dangerous ground with Endymion. He's going to kill her."

"No he won't," Jedite said, having figured out who she was as well. "Nephrite, I know you're aware of who that girl is. Enydmion's just too damn tired to see it."

Kunzite was the only one left in the dark, having never been to the moon. Nephrite started laughing, upsetting the lead general. "This is far from funny!" He roared. "She's out of line, and all of you know it!"

"If she were a simple servant," Zoicite taunted, "She would be. I can't wait until he figures it out! She may not have the same hair style as her mother, but the length is the same."

Jedite nodded in agreement, "Endymion's the one out of line and Sere is not one to back down either. I should know, we all helped train her before things got so bad on Earth."

Nephrite frowned, "Somethings different about her though. The old Serenity would have never challenged him; she worshipped the very ground he walked on. What changed and why?"

"If she's not a servant, who the hell is she then?"

"If you dare tell Endymion," the generals growled, ganging up on Kunzite. "That's not Sere, but Princess Serenity, the Emperial Princess of the Silver Alliance. Her mother and father are none other than Queen Selinity, the daughter of Selene, and Saturn, the God of Death."

"Shouldn't we tell him?"

"Why should we? He's the one assuming she's a servant and she chose not to tell him other wise. My guess is she's tired of living the life of a princess and wants Endymion to act himself. I say let's play the game and intefere only if necessary." Zocitie knew what needed to be done, and he could think of nothing better. "Endymion needs a wake up call. He's so used to people cowering away from him in fear. Serenity has the same status as he does and won't be afraid to defy him."

"Zocite," Kunzite snapped, "you better pray that this doesn't back fire!"

Hotaru glanced up from her studies, concerned about the agitated state of her twin. Makoto and Rei glanced at each other, wondering who could have stirred her up? "Serenity, what's wrong?"

"Where is everyone?" Normally she was always the last one to appear for class, but Serenity had long ago stopped caring if she learned the customs and trade regulations of the other planets.

They're running behind this morning." Hotaru made room on the couch for her sister, studying her carefully. They had once been so close, but Serenity had begun shutting off even her mind. What was Serenity so afraid of that she wouldn't even allow her twin access?

Makoto, like Serenity, was interested in something other than books. "Have you seen the four Generals yet? They're gorgeous, especially the one with brown hair."

"He's too muscular for my taste, but the blond isn't too bad," Rei commented. "Sere, did any of them interest you?"

"Were they suppose to? They're just men." The three women sighed, wondering why they even tried.

"What about Prince Endymion? It's been four years since his last visit." Hotaru had always been slightly envious of Serenity when it came to Endymion. Very few people knew of his background due to being Terra's son. Endymion was powerful in his own right, and people treaded around the boy carefully.

"He doesn't have a clue who I am, and I'm not about to tell him."

"Why not? Everyone knows who you are, Serenity."

"The last time he saw me, my hair was like my mother's and I never wore the clothes of a servant."

"He thinks you're a servant!" Hotaru gasped. "Why didn't you tell him other wise?"

"I prefer it this way. Endymion won't pretend to be something he's not, even if he is an arrogant jerk!"

Makoto frowned; "Serenity, it wouldn't be very wise to anger the High Prince of Earth. He's deadlier than our worst enemies, that even the outer kingdoms give him respect. Can't you try to get along with him?"

"Why? He's no different than the other men that tried to marry me. All he'll see is my title."

"Serenity," Rei sighed, "You're unfair in your judgement of Enydmion. He's never once wanted your title. In fact, he's always gone out of his way to show you how to ride a horse, use a sword and do hand-to-hand combat. You're better than Haruka and Makoto combined, because of Endymion and his royal guard."

"Sere," Hotaru said gently, "you play a dangerous game with the High Prince, one you can't possibly win. He's a fighter, and extremely tired. Give him a few days here and he'll be at his full strength."

"She's right," Minako said, entering the room. Ami was following close behind, a few books in her hands. She had a blush on her face, but didn't tell anyone why.

"Give me a break! Endymion can barely stand to be in the same room before we start yelling at each other. By the time he realizes who I am, he'll have returned to Earth already."

"Sere," Ami laughed, hugging her friend, "We only worry about you. You don't sleep well anymore. Why won't you tell us what's wrong?"

"I'm perfectly fine, Ami. They're just nightmares." Serenity wanted to believe that's all they were, and perhaps they were the reason she was so irritable all the time. Exhausted, she decided to go to her room, hoping to get some sleep.

"She's lonely," Minako observed.

"Something's wrong," Rei said. "Why won't she talk to us? She won't even tell her father, and she used to tell him everything! Hotaru, can't you pick anything up."

"Not since the first nightmare two years ago. She's blocking all of us, especially our father. All I can see is extreme terror."

"I hate seeing her like this. If only she'd tell us, then we could help her fix the problem," Ami whispered.

Rei stared at the fire a few feet away, lost in the red glow. "It's not so simple. I've tried to do a reading and all I've been able to see is a dark shadow followed by nothing."

"Nothing?" Minako hid behind Makoto, terrified of the Rei's implications.

"A lot of people are going to die, and I think Serenity has seen it. She's a powerful empath, and could pick up a threat faster than I could with a fire reading."

"What is it?" Hotaru asked.

"I wish I knew."

King Stephon entered his son's quarters, glancing at his guards. They were stationed in front of Endymion's room, each one smiling from ear-to-ear. "How long has he been in there?"

Jedite laughed, unable to contain himself. "He hasn't come out since a servant girl chased him in there."

"A servant?"

Kunzite put down the book he had been reading and sighed; "Endymion didn't happen to run into Serenity today, did he?"

"That's why I'm here; now let me pass."

"Your majesty," Zoicite spoke up, "don't say anything. Endymion isn't the only one that needs a wake up call. They're both so much alike, with their own secrets. She's the reason he's locked himself in his room, but as soon as he's had enough rest, she's won't be the one on top of her game. Endymion assumes Serenity is a servant girl."

Stephon stared at Zoicite as if he'd gone mad, but apparently the other guards agreed with him. "Kunzite?"

"She was dressed like one, and even offered to give us a tour as if she were assigned the responsibility. Serenity doesn't have to bow to us, but she did as if we had more status than her."

"I see your point, but I wouldn't say it's too bright on Serenity's part. What do you suggest?"

"Let them work it out on their own. It was hilarious watching him call her a servant, then even more so when she continued to play the part. He's never had any one question him before, nor challenge him?"

"It's about time someone did; I wouldn't care if they came from the kitchen. Alright, I'll bide my time before saying anything and see how this turns out. Endymion is about to discover the famous Lunarian temper that has kept her mother in power for so long."

The next morning, Nephrite came out of his room. Kunzite was nowhere to be found and Jedite was off probably playing a practical joke on someone. "Where's Endymion?"

Zoicite tiredly put his plans away and thought for a moment. "I believe he went to breakfast to meet with Selinity, Saturn and his parents."

"You're worse off than Endymion. Take a break before you're no use to any of us," Nephrite snapped. He snatched the sheets from his friend's hands and held them above his head. "Until you get some sleep and fresh air, I'm not giving these back."

"Nephrite, we don't have time for this!"

"The whole point of coming here was to forget about the war for a few days. We can't keep going the way we are without a break."

"We don't have that kind of time! If we don't find out how they're getting so powerful, there won't be a home to return to!"

"Will it matter because we died form exhaustion! You've had less sleep than Endymion in the past several months. Zoicite tried to get the papers back, but Nephrite was taller and stronger than him easily.

Angry and upset, Zoicite left, trying to figure what he was suppose to do. Now he wished he had taken Serenity up on her offer to show them around the castle. Wondering through the halls, he found himself in unfamiliar places. There were several twists and turns, none of them the same as he looked for a way back to his room or outside. "A General is not suppose to get lost!" he shouted, echoing off the walls.

"It's hard in here. When my friends and I were five, we decided to play a game of hide and seek. Only the seeker wound up lost, while we searched two days to find her." A woman with short, blue hair was sitting in a window sill, studying a thick book in her hands. She didn't glance up when she spoke and gave him a soft smile in greeting as she continued to read.

"Where is your escort and why are you alone?"

"Do I have need of one here? There is no place safer than Lunaria." Glancing up at him, she gasped, a red blush on her face. Dark hazel eyes regarded her with long blond hair falling in his face, the tie holding it gone. Realizing she was staring, the girl blushed and tried to go back to her book.

Curious, and with nothing else to do, Zoicite moved closer and glanced at the book in her hands. His mouth dropped in shock, "Statistics on Military Campaigns?"

"It's one of the few books I haven't read in the library yet. Did you realize that people who study their opponents are more deadly than those that attack head on?"

"Try telling Nephrite that," Zoicite complained. "He seems to think that I waste my time going over battle plans instead of meeting the enemy face to face."

"That will be his down fall." Zoicite looked at the other books; Military Customs and Regulations, Planetary Rulers, and Language of the Stars. He flipped through the pages, choosing to sit on the wall next to the woman and started reading. For an hour he stayed with her when she heard a soft noise coming from the man and giggled. She thought about shaking him awake, but chose to leave him be. He looked so tired, but as she started to alk away, a hand shot out and grabbed the hem of her skirt.

'His reflexes are incredible.' Opening his eyes, he glanced at her before standing. "I'm sorry that I woke you."

"I never completely fall asleep. It keeps us alive. If you don't mind, could you lead me out of here?"

"Sure," she smiled.

She said so little, avoiding eyes contact with him as she took him the way he came. "What's your name?"

"Ami."

"The princess of Mercury?"

"Yes."

"I'm..."

"Zoicite, one of Endymion's four guards."

'She's intelligent for a girl,' he thought. "Why do you study so much?"

"Mother says that being informed about our allies and enemies is the best way to help Serenity in the future. I worry about her though."

"She's different than I remember her."

"Serenity is afraid of something, but won't talk to any of us. I really think she wants nothing to do with the Silver Alliance and goes out of her way to avoid her responsiblities."

"I don't think we'll have to worry for much longer. No one's managed to anger Endymion the way she did yesterday."

Ami laughed, "She does have a habit of that. I'm glad we had a chance to meet, Zoicite. I must get to class, I'm already late."

"Answer something before you leave," he asked. "Why do you dress as a servant? Serenity does the same."

"We've been raised to dress informally unless we're at a public ceremony or ball. Serenity chooses to find the plainest clothes possible so that she can mingle with the cmmoners. She loves them, and doesn't want them intimidated by her status or power."

Kunzite and Jedite came running up, reflief on their faces. "Where have you been? Endymion's about to send out a search party for you."

"I sort of got lost." Turning to the princess, he bowed and kissed her hand. "It's been a pleasure, your highness, and hope to meet again."

"Please, call me Ami."

She watched them leave and smiled. 'Why can't most men be like him? I wonder if he would discuss some of his information with me? It would be great for my next book assignment and the girls would be jealous.'

Endymion sighed in relief as Zoicite entered the room, followed by Kunzite and Jedite. "What happened?" Zoicite should have realized Enymdion would have worried. The war had put them all on edge, never knowing if one of them would one day not make it.

"I went for a walk and got lost. You shouldn't worry here, Endymion."

"Old habits die hard, nor would I want them too. If I relax here, then I won't be prepared for when we return." Nephrite gave back Zoicite's plans, apologizing for taking them. "I want all four of you to stick together. Yes, Lunaria is the safest place to be, but that doesn't give us an excuse to let our guard down. The enemy is everywhere, and the Silver Alliance is a major threat."

"Hai!"

Zoicite studied his friend and almost started laughing. The only thing that stopped him was the dark expression on Endymion's face. "What happened to your uniform?"

"That... I've never met anyone that can cause so much trouble without even trying! She started a fire at the table, grabbed cloak to try and put it out, and then dropped syrup and coffee on my lap! Dammit, if I didn't think she was so cute... I'd..."

The four generals couldn't hide their growing smirks. "You like her," Jedite taunted, a sparkle in his eyes.

"Like hell! It wouldn't be the first time I've slept with a servant girl, but even if she were Serenity herself, I'd never..." Endymion went into his room, too furious to finish the sentence. Jedite was too close to the mark, but he was too proud to admit it to the man. He heard them laughing, and decided he needed a break from everyone.

It would probably get him into a lot of trouble with his guards, but at the moment he didn't quite care. He changed into a pair of brown breeches and black shirt that defined every muscle in his arms, chest, back and legs. Before he jumped out his window, he grabbed a light sword and went in search of a place to hide for a few hours.

"Endymion's lying; he's attracted to the princess," Nephrite chuckled.

Jedite laughed even harder, clutching at his stomach. "You should have seen it! Saturn looked like he was about to explode, and Selinity had this expression of disbelief on her face. Serenity was dressed in an apron, carrying everyone's meals to the table. Stephon was literally laughing the entire time and Hotaru... oh god, she nearly choked on her food.

Between each breath, he described the entire scene. Serenity as she was pouring Endymion's drink, caught the edge of the table cloth and knocked over the candles, catching everything on fire. Endymion's cape being the only thing available, Serenity had snatched it and tried to put it out. She failed to realize that Endymion was still attached and dumped coffee and syrup on his lap to put out the flames.

By the time he was finished, all four of the guards were laughing, Jedite telling them how Serenity almost gave herself away. "This has got to be the best practical joke yet, and I'm not even the one that came up with the idea!"

Kunzite's brow raised, a rare glint coming into his eyes. "Jedite, one of these days, you're going to meet someone that isn't going to think your practical jokes are funny."

"Like who? They're annoying, but it does get people to laugh."

Zoicite decided to check on Endymion and cursed. "Damn him. He can't even follow his own orders!"

"Find and drag him back here!" Kunzite ordered. "How the hell are we suppose to guard a prince that keeps running off every five seconds?"

Endymion tried to shake her out of his mind, but everywhere he turned he saw her. Despite the bad start of his morning, Endymion found himself relaxing and enjoying the smell of the roses. He started to drift asleep when he picked up the sound of broken sobs, out of place in the peaceful gardens. A large fountain was found in the center of the garden, revealing the servant girl that was the cause of all his frustrations recently.

Her hands were sliding back and forth in the water, small tears splashing into it. Small shoulders shook at the intesnity of her sorrow, Serenity trying without success to wipe the never ending tears from her face. Endymion found that he had nothing to say, wondering if perhaps there was more to her story than he originally thought.

There were dark circles under her eyes, as if it had been a long time since she had really slept. Endymion turned to leave, knowing he would prefer solitude in her situation, but tripped on an unseen vine. He tried to catch his fall, but heard his arm crack. Endymion roared in pain, his vision blurring for a moment.

Endymion tried to sit up, but the pain was incredible and his head was spinning out of control. "Don't move," a soft voice whispered, gentle fingers brushing back his bangs. "I think you broke it."

Opening his eyes, he saw Sere kneeling over him, worry in her blue eyes. He could still see the trail of tears sliding down her face, his fingers itching to wipe them away. 'No, I won't feel anything for her!' "I know you want to laugh."

"About what? This is far from funny. I may think your an arrogant bastard, but I would never laugh over someone else's pain. Please, will you at least let me look at it."

Endymion scooted away, slightly afraid of what would happen. After this morning, he had every right to be and snatched her around the waist and pulled her into his lap. "No," he ordered. "Give me a few minutes, and it'll be fine."

"A broken arm doesn't just heal itself!" she growled, struggling to get loose. Despite only having the use of one arm, Endymion was incredibly strong. He shifted his weight, bringing her that much closer as he rested his chin on her shoulder. Serenity froze, trembling in slight fear. 'Why isn't he yelling at me? What is he doing?'

Endymion smiled, knowing she wasn't prepared for this change in pace. Jedite would never let him live this down, but the High Prince was highly attracted to Sere, perhaps a little more than was appropriate. God he wanted her, his arm tightening around her slim waist.

Slowly he felt his arm mend itself, a gift since birth. She tried to pull away again, but a second arm found its way around her middle, startling her. "How..."

"I told you I was fine," he teased.

Serenity had known Endymion to be a flirt, but never thought he'd be directing it at her. Why now? She was supposed to be a servant! Why was he acting this way? He wasn't even supposed to like her! "If this is some kind of revenge for this morning, then..."

"Sere, stop trying to start a fight. I think I've figured you out. You don't want anyone getting close to you; the idea scares you to death. You're not like this around anyone else. Why were you crying?"

'He saw me!' Serenity struggled to get out of his grasp, unable to think clearly. 'Of all the people I don't need to find out...' She was close to hysteria, fresh tears falling heavily to the ground. "Let go!"

Endymion ignored her plea, continuing to hold her. He had to admire her strength and determination, but years of battle had not made him weak. "You're not leaving until you answer my question."

"I have class in a few minutes."

Endymion knew he was close to figuring this girl out. She was so damn familiar, but couldn't think of why. Holding her securely with one arm, he reached down and snapped the tie holding her braid. Slowly he undid each strand, unweaving her hair until it pooled around them. His eyes widened, finally understanding why he hadn't seen Serneity the past three days.

'The little minx! Why the hell would she keep her idenity a secret from me?'

He would call her bluff, seeing how far she would play it before admitting the truth. Endymion had known Serenity too many years to believe she was as cold and indifferent as she pretended. He was fully aware of her empathic abilities, and wondered if it had anything to do with since the last he visited. The last night on Lunaria Serenity had her nightmare. Was she still having it?

"Why would a servant have classes? I'd prefer it if you'd stay."

She was so close to giving herself away, and in one move he had the princess facing him. Two could play this game of hers. Endymion cupped her chin and tilted it back, holding her as he brushed his lips against her trembling mouth. "You're hiding something and you're going to tell me."

Hearingi his guards approach, Endymion finally released the frightened Princess, watching her dash off into the castle. "You won't get away so easily, Princess."

Luna, watching from the shadows, smirked. Endymion was fully aware of the who the princess was, but it was the servant girl that he had been attracted to. They were one and the same and Endymion was intent on having her.