Dark Kingdom Transgressions - Part 01 Fallen

********

Endymion had been doing a lot of thinking during the two weeks prior to the annual Solstice celebration and had almost convinced himself Beryl would agree with him that they were too young to be married. However, he was also very aware the entire point would be moot if Beryl was pregnant. Endymion fervently prayed, to whatever deity willing to listen, that if they could just beat the odds this one time then he wouldn’t touch her again.

Beryl’s family had already arrived at the palace for the two-week long celebration. So far, Endymion had managed to avoid greeting them but he knew he’d have to face them eventually.

Before dinner was to be served, Endymion and his parents started off the celebration with a toast. Endymion had spotted Beryl and her parents in the crowd so he screwed up his courage, pasted a smile on his face and headed towards them. “Happy Solstice, King Fredrick, Queen Lydia and Princess Beryl.”

Fredrick and Lydia didn’t bother with the pretense of a smile as they coolly nodded in acknowledgement and said nothing. Endymion nervously cleared his throat, then turned to Beryl with the small hope of a slightly warmer response. “Princess Beryl, could I have the honor of escorting you to dinner?”

Beryl looked up from her careful study of the floor to see that her parents were both pointedly ignoring her. Since they weren’t explicitly telling her she couldn’t, Beryl quietly answered, “Yes. Thank you.”

Endymion offered Beryl his arm, and even though King Fredrick scowled, he didn’t stop them from walking into the dining room together.

After an awkward meal, Endymion led Beryl to the garden to talk together privately. He started off with, “Beryl, I’m sorry for what happened…”

Beryl interrupted. “I apologize for my father’s behavior…”

“I can’t really blame him,” Endymion offered. “I’d have probably reacted the same way if I had a daughter.”

Beryl looked up at him with a surprised expression and blushed, but all she said as she looked back down was, “I’m glad he was stopped.”

Unconsciously rubbing his neck, Endymion responded, “Yeah, me too.”

They continued their walk in silence and Endymion internally sighed with relief. He had given Beryl the perfect opportunity to tell him if she was pregnant and she hadn’t said a thing about it. He gratefully decided his prayers and pledge must have been heard.

Endymion broke their silence. “Beryl, you know that our parents want us to get married now, right?”

Looking up with a suddenly bright smile, Beryl hugged his arm. “Yes, I know. Isn’t it *great*?! Then we won’t have to be apart anymore or worry about being caught!” Endymion nodded and gulped. He realized Beryl didn’t think they were too young to be married at all.

********


Buttoning his white dress shirt, Endymion glanced at his dresser for the tenth time. He just couldn’t stop thinking about what was in his top drawer. It was the evening of the annual Solstice ball. It had snowed the previous night, making everything outside glisten and sparkle in the moonlight. [A perfect, romantic winter’s evening,] he thought and sighed.

When Endymion had entered his room to get ready he had seen the small, black velvet box sitting on his bed and realized his father had put it there as a not so subtle hint. Endymion was expected to do this…tonight. He had tossed the box in his drawer without looking inside then went to take a bath. Now, looking at the drawer again, Endymion finally admitted to himself that it just wasn’t possible to ignore it. He retrieved the box and sat down on his bed.

The ring was beautiful. In the glow of the lamp, a very large rectangular diamond flashed rainbows and contrasting it were two, dark-green emeralds that sat lengthwise on each side on a golden band. The door to his room suddenly opened and Endymion snapped the lid shut with a start.

Kunzite was about to ask his cousin if he could borrow some cufflinks, but shut his mouth when he saw Endymion sitting there wide-eyed with the small box in hand. Closing the door, Kunzite walked over and held out his hand. Wordlessly, Endymion handed him the box and Kunzite opened it. “Hm…very nice,” he commented then quietly shut the lid and handed it back. “So, you’re going to do it tonight?”

Endymion fidgeted nervously with the box. “I guess so.”

Kunzite chuckled. “You look like you’re about to be executed.”

Shrugging his shoulders, Endymion explained, “I just don’t feel ready for this.”

As he sat down, Kunzite reasoned, “Sure, you didn’t expect to do this quite yet but you would have eventually. Sometime in the future you’re going to need a queen to rule with you and give you an heir. I seriously doubt you’d consider marrying anyone else. Cheer up. There are worse things in life than getting engaged.”

With a sigh, Endymion concluded, “You’re right. I guess I’m just being childish about this. It’s not that big a deal if we get married now or later.” Looking up, Endymion smiled. “Thanks for the encouragement.”

“Any time.” Then Kunzite remembered why he had come in the first place. “Hey, can I borrow some cufflinks? I can’t seem to find mine.”

“Sure,” Endymion laughed as he pocketed the small box and stood to get a pair.

********


As Endymion danced with Beryl, he could feel his father\'s impatient gaze on him from somewhere in the room. The ball was only a little more than half over and Endymion felt like turning to his father and yelling, “I’ll *get* to it so leave me alone already!”

Endymion sighed and Beryl looked up. “Is something wrong?”

He shook his head then smiled down at her. “No…nothing’s wrong.” Looking up towards the door to the garden, he continued, “Let’s go get some fresh air.”

Beryl shook her head. “It’s *freezing* out there!\"

Chuckling, Endymion steered her towards the door. “We keep a few capes near by for nights like this.”

The air was still and silent and little puffs of warm breath floated ahead of the couple as they strolled down the path. The trail itself was clear, but everything else around them was covered in a blanket of white, shimmering crystals.

The couple came to a bench and Beryl wrapped the white, fur cape close around her as she sat down. She looked up to see Endymion facing away from her and looking out over the frozen garden as he fiddled with something in his hand. “Endymion?” she questioned and he turned with a start.

“Oh, um…,” he stalled one last time as he ran his fingers through his hair. Then, resolutely stepping forward, he reached down to lift Beryl’s hand from her lap. Formally, he asked, “Beryl, would you marry me?”

For a moment Beryl looked surprised. She then blushed and quietly answered, \"Of course I\'ll marry you, Prince Endymion.\"

Endymion slipped the ring on Beryl\'s finger then pulled her up to stand. Beryl looked at her hand a moment then looked up at Endymion and smiled. After an almost unperceivable hesitation, Endymion put his arms around Beryl and kissed her.

********


The next morning Beryl was still waving her ringed hand around every chance she got and the rest of the time she was happily glued to Endymion’s side.

As the group of friends was leaving the dining room after breakfast, Beryl smiled up at Endymion and quietly suggested, “A carriage ride across the countryside would be nice. The hills and trees all look so pretty covered in snow.”

Endymion hesitated a moment. “Yes, that’s a good idea.” To Beryl’s disappointment he then turned to the rest of their group and offered, “How does a carriage ride over the countryside sound? Are you guys in?”

Nephrite and Jadeite’s latest girls thought that sounded fun, and Kunzite and Nisha also decided to join them.

Galienne had listened to the other’s discussion. Zoisite looked down at her to see if she wanted to go but she prompted, “We were going to go ice skating. Remember?”

“Yes, but we could do that another time. A carriage ride with the others might be fun.”

Shaking her head, Galienne quietly persisted. “I’d prefer to go ice skating.”

Shrugging, Zoisite turned to the others. “Thanks, anyway. We’ll pass this time.”

********


“This meeting is of utmost importance! I’m afraid duty must come first.” King Savaric’s long-suffering, pious expression could have melted the heart of anyone - except his wife’s.

Queen Julianna looked up at her husband and wagged her finger at him so vigorously it made her whole body shake. She accused, “I know you’re not going to do any work! You men just sit around in that smoky room and drink all afternoon then show up for dinner inebriated and insufferable. What kind of an example is that to our children? No wonder Nephrite has become so difficult!”

King Savaric hesitated, trying to come up with a plausible rebuttal. Before he found one, his wife turned away with annoyance. “Go then if you must but don’t whine to me when you’re sick from it!”

Quickly slipping a tobacco bag and pipe into his pocket, Savaric headed for the door before his wife could change her mind.

********


King Branor crouched in front of a large fireplace and lazily poked at the fire. He threw a few more logs on, and the fire cooperatively flared up. Stretching out full length on the hearthrug, Branor sighed as he enjoyed the comfortable heat.

The room was obviously a man’s retreat. Hunting and fishing trophies hung on the walls between tall shelves of books, comfortable leather chairs were dispersed around the room and a cabinet for liquors and another that displayed King Stanton’s weapons flanked a large window.

As Branor and Savaric chatted about nothing in particular by the fire, Stanton and Fredrick sat in chairs reading and Anir and Galeron played chess by the window. Over the last few hours, each man had quietly enjoyed his favored vice with the pressures of family and realm securely locked out. It was a rare treat for the six of them to be able to put aside their crowns and just enjoy some time together as friends.

Stanton turned his head to look at the clock and observed, “It’s almost time for us to get ready for dinner.”

Savaric and Galeron groaned at the thought of having to give up their pleasant solitude. Anir sighed and Stanton smiled in agreement. They weren’t even half way through the two week long holiday and already each man had had his fill of the constant socializing the women overwhelmed them with each year.

Stanton added, “Oh, by the way, tonight will be the formal announcement of Endymion and Beryl’s engagement. Fredrick, you, your wife and daughter will have seats reserved at the front table with my family from now on.”

Fredrick nodded as he put down the book he was reading. “That’s fine. I’d also like to announce my successor tonight now that Beryl will eventually rule with Endymion.”

The others looked up curiously. Anir asked, “So, who have you chosen?”

Without hesitation Fredrick answered, “Prince Jumel Hillier, Silas’ second son.”

The room was silent as the others digested this news. Finally Savaric offered, “He’s very disciplined and powerful…” then hesitated, unsure how to diplomatically finish his thoughts.

“Jumel *is* very motivated to increase his powers and strength - maybe too much so,” Galeron pointed out. “Are you sure he’s a wise choice? My impression of Jumel is someone who’s arrogant and doesn’t like to listen to others’ opinions or take advice.”

Branor added, “Once done, this is irreversible. You don’t need to decide immediately. Why don’t you take some time to consider all the options?”

Standing up from his chair, Fredrick sharply responded, “I’ve already taken the time to considered this and I think Jumel is well suited to leadership. It’s my decision and I stand by it!”

Galeron looked like he wanted to say more, but King Stanton interrupted. “You are correct, Fredrick. It is your right to choose whom you will adopt as your heir. The only stipulations are that it must be someone who has powers and someone who’s not directly in the line of succession. Jumel qualifies in both respects.” The other four in the room didn’t look happy but they knew the King was correct.

Stanton then asked Fredrick, “Have you spoken to Jumel? Did he agree to this?” Fredrick nodded and Stanton continued. “You will be given the opportunity to make it official after the engagement announcement at dinner tonight.”

********


Later that evening King Stanton, with Queen Roselynn, Prince Endymion, Princess Beryl and her parents moved to stand on the royal dais in the waiting area outside the dining hall. King Stanton raised his glass of wine to get everyone’s attention and the room fell silent. “We would like to announce the joyous occasion of Prince Endymion and Princess Beryl’s engagement to be married.”

The entire room broke into thunderous applause and cheers while both sets of parents alternately hugged the couple and bowed respectfully to each other.

Once the room quieted down, King Fredrick raised his glass for a toast. “To the eternal union of our children and our families.”

The crowd raised their glasses in tribute and after everyone had drunk, King Fredrick continued. “At this time I would also like to announce my choice for adoptive heir and successor.”

Again the room grew silent as each wanted to hear whom the King of the Northern Continents had chosen. This announcement, although an understood part of how they handled the marriage of two royal house successors, was still unexpected. It usually took a while for this choice to be made. It was obvious from Beryl and Endymion’s expressions that not even they knew of King Fredrick’s decision.

King Fredrick continued, “From this day forward, I have chosen Prince Jumel to be my heir apparent and adoptive son.”

King Fredrick held out his hand and a handsome, solidly built, blond young man stepped up to the dais. He grinned as he reached out and clasped his adoptive father’s hand. As King Fredrick drew Prince Jumel up onto the dais, he greeted, “Welcome to our family, my son!”

With a grand flourish, Jumel pushed his gold and forest-green cape behind him and knelt in front of his new parents. “Thank you for the honor of joining your family and I hope to always make you proud, Father.” The crowd then broke their silence and cheered as Jumel stood to bow to his new father and kiss his new mother’s hand.

Beryl watched all this with a scowl. How *dare* her parents make this kind of an announcement now! It was her and Endymion’s celebration! Then, of all the people to pick it *had* to be Jumel? Jumel! Beryl was *furious*! When Jumel turned and looked at Beryl, she continued to glare, but also unconsciously took a step closer to Endymion.

Jumel approached with a large smile, took Beryl’s hand and raise it to his lips. Staring into her eyes, he whispered, “It will be a pleasure to have a sister as beautiful as you, Beryl.”

Silently, Beryl let her hand fall from Jumel’s grasp. She consciously suppressed the urge to run for a basin of soap and water to scrub her hand as Endymion reached out to also offer his welcome and congratulations.

Endymion’s four guardians stood to the side of the royal dais and each offered their well wishes to Endymion and Beryl as they descended the stage. Jumel descended after them and shook Kunzite, Nephrite’s and Jadeite’s hands.

As Jumel approached his blood brother, Zoisite wanted to be any place but there. Gritting his teeth, Zoisite forced himself to hold out his hand. “Congratulations, Jumel. I hope you will be happy.”

“I’m certain I will,” Jumel answered as he shook Zoisite’s hand. When Jumel turned away, there was no sign of the arrogant smirk he had meant for his brother’s eyes only.

********


The next morning, Zoisite quietly clicked the library door shut behind him and breathed a sigh of relief. The quiet and scent of aged books always helped him to relax. Hopefully, Galienne wouldn’t be able to track him down there for a while.

After Zoisite had apologized a few weeks ago, Galienne apparently felt their relationship was stronger and closer for having weathered the difficulties. She had begun to be less shy around Zoisite and instead, she was spending every second of her day trying to “take care” of him. More than once he had tried to gently protest that all the attention wasn’t necessary but she laughingly told him he would waste away to nothing or die of exposure if she didn’t take care of him. It wasn’t really so bad to have someone care if he ate enough or had warm clothes on but frankly, Zoisite felt a bit overwhelmed and smothered by it. During the last week and a half every one of Zoisite’s free moments had been planned - ice skating, sledding, walks in the woods, going into town to shop and so on, with and by Galienne. Except for the occasional meal or evening ball he had hardly seen his other friends. He admitted that hadn\'t been so bad either since he knew he would\'ve just ended up watching the happy, newly engaged couple but… Zoisite sighed again. A lot of things had happened recently and he was tired. He just wanted a little alone time.

That was when Zoisite realized the library already had an occupant in the back corner. Suppressing a groan, he cautiously peeked around the bookcase and was surprised to see Endymion sitting in a chair.

“Oh, good! It’s only you,” Endymion exhaled.

Zoisite nodded. As he started to scan some of the book titles, he asked, “So, who are you hiding from?”

“Why would you think I was hiding from someone?” Endymion evasively answered.

Finding an interesting compilation of short stories, Zoisite settled himself on a couch. “Endymion, first of all you said, ‘Good! It’s only you.’ when you saw me, implying you were happy it wasn’t someone else and second, the library isn’t where you usually spend your leisure time.”

“Fine, but I don’t call it ‘hiding’. I call it ‘avoiding’.”

Chuckling, Zoisite looked down to skim the table of contents. “Okay. Who are you ‘avoiding’?”

“Beryl.”

Zoisite’s head shot up. “Beryl?! Why?”

Endymion looked down. “I don’t know…I just…don’t want to be around her.”

“But you’re engaged!” Zoisite worked hard to keep his voice neutral as he added, “Many guys would love to be in your shoes.”

Bitterly, Endymion responded, “Well, they can have them! I’d give almost anything to get out of this.”

Zoisite was silent for a moment. “Then why did you propose?”

Endymion hadn’t noticed the hard edge to Zoisite\'s voice. He answered, “After everything that happened I was informed it was the only way I’d be allowed to keep my head on my shoulders.”

Zoisite sat forward on the edge of the couch. With clenched fists, he loudly blurted, “Is that it?! Don’t you love her even a little bit?!”

Taken back, Endymion defended, “I don’t wish her ill or anything…” then stopped as Zoisite suddenly jumped up and left, slamming the library door behind him. Endymion looked down at the book Zoisite had dropped. Confused, he realized it had definitely been anger he saw flashing in Zoisite’s eyes.


Continued...

Thank you for reading my story. I hope you are enjoying it. If you did like my story, or if you have any (kind and gently worded) suggestions/comments about my story, please let me know. I truly appreciate feedback. You can email me at ndeblock@att.net .

This story was edited and enhanced by the great minds and imaginations of my three wonderful betas, Sophia Prester, Yumeko & Loki. Their help and ideas have been of great value to me! Each is also a fabulous Sailor Moon fanfic author. Sophia Prester’s and Yumeko’s stories can be found on Fanfic.net with an author’s name search (Yumeko\'s author\'s name is Heavely Pearl). Loki’s work is on AriasInk.com. I highly recommend reading all of their stories. ^_^

Bye, Luna Hope

Disclaimer: Sailor Moon, her lover, her friends, her family and her enemies all don’t belong to me. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi. I just borrowed them for a little bit of fun. All original characters in this story do belong to me. ^_^