Dark Kingdom Transgressions - Part 01 Fallen

********


When the Royal Family of the Consolidated Earth had lived in Elysion, it was a tradition to send the heir to the Golden Crystal to the surface to join the military for his sixteenth year. For that year he lived as a common soldier and learned of the land and the people he would eventually rule. It had been a difficult but necessary learning experience for each future king.

Even though they now lived on the surface, King Stanton still wanted Endymion to experience that year away from home.

For Endymion’s fifteenth year, The King increased his son’s training and Endymion’s friends weren’t allowed to visit. Now, no one made allowances for Endymion or tolerated any foolishness from him. If he didn’t toe the line and take his training seriously the consequences were swift and harsh. Endymion knew this was happening because he would be leaving home before his next birthday, but he didn’t really understand why his father, the trainers and teachers were so serious about it. Everything he was being taught had an unnervingly urgent finality to it.

********


The following May Zoisite finished his training with King Savaric and the next king to train him would be Beryl’s father. Zoisite had enjoyed working with Nephrite’s father, who was an avid hunter and woodsman and had actually been quite a lot of fun.

King Fredrick, whom he didn’t know as well as his friends’ fathers, made Zoisite a bit nervous. He had seen Fredrick in competitions and knew this king was considered one of the best in battle. This intimidated Zoisite somewhat. He wasn’t sure what would be required of him and if he could measure up. It wasn’t like he had much choice though, so he decided to just do the best he could and hope for the best.

The afternoon Zoisite moved to the Northern Kingdom palace he was settling into his room and a servant knocked. He informed Zoisite that he was expected to dine with the Royal Donavan Family that evening.

Half an hour later, Zoisite found himself sitting across from Beryl and making polite conversation with her and her parents. Zoisite considered himself to be a good conversationalist, but this was a tough group. King Fredrick was outgoing and easy enough to talk to, but Queen Lydia was as reserved and distant as she was beautiful. Throughout the meal Zoisite felt like she was weighing his worth with the suspicion that someone had secretly tipped the scale in his favor. Beryl sat silently throughout the meal and only spoke to answer a question when it was posed to her directly.

At the other boys’ homes, Zoisite had quickly found a comfortable niche in their informal households with many children and much activity. At Endymion’s he had been treated like a second son. Beryl’s home was very different. The atmosphere was quiet, formal, and very proper.

Not everything was bad though. Zoisite had secretly always thought Beryl was beautiful and having her there to look at made him smile inside. It had been eight months since Endymion’s birthday and Zoisite knew Beryl and Endymion hadn’t talked or tried to make up with each other. It had also been obvious Endymion wasn’t very upset about it. Knowing this, Zoisite couldn’t help wondering if maybe Beryl wasn’t as unreachable as he had always assumed. He wouldn’t ever stand in Endymion’s way if he wanted Beryl, but if he didn’t then Zoisite was seriously considering the idea of being next in line.

The next morning, King Fredrick started with Zoisite and worked him straight through until it was time to get ready for dinner. Fredrick still thought Jumel would have been a better leader. To Fredrick, physical power and an assertive and competitive spirit were just as important as, if not more important than intellect. The other Kings may have worked with honing Zoisite’s strengths, but Fredrick had decided he would contribute by working on Zoisite’s weaknesses.

Zoisite soon found that as jovial as King Fredrick was, in training he was ruthless. The first assignment the King gave him was to clear all the rocks from a large field without the help of a horse or wagon. Zoisite needed to personally carry the stones to the edge of the field and pile them to form a rock wall. By the end of the day Zoisite felt like he was ready to die. He was filthy, sweaty, sore and his hands were raw.

King Fredrick saw the progress Zoisite had made. He nodded and said Zoisite would continue the job the next day.

At dinner Zoisite could barely stay awake and, under the disapproving stare of Queen Lydia, he excused himself after he ate and went to bed. For the first time in quite a while, Zoisite missed his home.

Each morning until almost dinner Zoisite was alone in that field moving rocks regardless of temperature or weather. After the first two weeks, Zoisite’s body gave up protesting the hard manual labor as a lost cause. It was inane, boring work and Zoisite allowed his mind to wander as he did it. He still truly detested the job, but by the end of two more weeks it had become bearable and even better, it was finished. King Fredrick looked over the pristine field and gave it a slight nod of approval.

Later, before falling asleep, Zoisite wondered what King Fredrick would have him do the next day. He decided pretty much *anything* would be an improvement over what he had been doing.

The next morning bright and early, King Fredrick met Zoisite and they mounted two horses the King had waiting. They galloped past the field Zoisite had cleared and he couldn’t help feeling a little proud of the neat and precise rock wall that now surrounded it. After a bit more riding, the King pulled to a stop in the middle of a field twice as big as the last field Zoisite had cleared…and it was full of rocks.

The King dismounted and Zoisite did too with rising trepidation. King Fredrick arced his arm to encompass the entire field as he announced, “This is your next assignment,” then silently watched Zoisite and waited.

As King Fredrick watched, Zoisite looked around the field and a myriad of emotions crossed his face. First were disbelief and shock, then helpless dismay, then finally, resentment and anger. Zoisite hadn’t said anything yet and his fists were tightly clenched at his sides. King Fredrick continued to wait.

Zoisite finally turned to look at the King. In a controlled and measured voice he asked, “Why are you making me do this?”

Fredrick matter-of-factly answered, “The field needs clearing so it can be planted.”

Zoisite unclenched and clenched his hands again a few times as he stood silently looking down. Just when King Fredrick began to think the boy was going to turn and actually begin working, Zoisite looked back up and asked louder, “Who did you have clearing your fields before?”

“Hired workers,” the King answered.

A vein in Zoisite’s temple began to visibly throb and icy green fire leapt in his eyes. He growled, “*I* am *NOT* hired help and I refuse to do this any more!”

King Fredrick smiled and said, “Okay, let’s go then,” as he mounted his horse.

Poor Zoisite stood there with his mouth open in stunned surprise for a moment. He closed his mouth so as to not catch flies, and did some serious thinking. Finally, he looked up at the King and quietly asked, “Was that all I had to say to be able to stop all along?”

Nodding, King Fredrick answered, “All you had to say was, ‘No’.”

Zoisite mounted his horse and during the ride back to the palace he mentally kicked himself several times over. It was a very valuable lesson for Zoisite. In hindsight, he acknowledged the physical exercise had been good for him, but this was one lesson he promised himself he’d never forget.

********


Later that evening after dinner, Zoisite was slowly walking in the garden as he thought about different things. He came upon Beryl who was lying on the fountain’s edge in a very un-ladylike way. At first he wasn’t certain what she was doing then he saw her sleeve was rolled up and her arm was in the water. Silently he watched her as her arm suddenly moved and she sat up holding a small, golden fish in her hand. Zoisite, who was now very intrigued to see what she planned to do with it, stayed quiet. Beryl looked at the fish a moment then casually tossed it up into the fountain’s spray. The water and the fish shimmered in the setting sun as they slipped down into the pool again.

Before Beryl could fully lie back down on the cool stones, Zoisite cleared his throat. Beryl spun around on her perch and squeaked in surprise as she almost fell in. Zoisite got a peek at an indecent amount of Beryl’s legs as he moved forward to catch her arm and steady her.

Both their faces were red with embarrassment, but Beryl scowled at the grin Zoisite wore. “How dare you sneak up and scare me like that!” she indignantly gasped.

Zoisite quickly schooled the grin from his face as he seriously said, “I apologize for startling you.”

Beryl sniffed then looked away as she tried to nonchalantly ask, “Have you been standing there long?”

His grin flashed back as Zoisite looked down and quietly answered, “Only long enough to see you catch a fish with your bare hand and toss it in the fountain.”

Flushing again, Beryl said, “You must think I’m terribly immature.”

Shaking his head, Zoisite responded, “No, I was actually wondering if I was quick enough to be able to do it too.”

Beryl looked up to see if he was mocking her and decided he didn’t look like he was. She explained, “Ever since I was a little girl, if I got bored I’d come here and play with the fish. As long as I didn’t get really wet, my mother didn’t know and I wouldn’t get in trouble.”

Zoisite nodded as he looked around at the flowers and observed, “It’s a very peaceful spot.”

Beryl graced him with a smile and offered, “Would you like to give it a try?”

Zoisite didn’t respond right away and Beryl looked at him questioningly. With a start, he asked, “Um, what?”

“The fish…to catch one?” Beryl pointedly asked.

Blushing, Zoisite answered, “Um, sure. How do you do it?”

“I’ll show you,” she answered as she moved to crouch on the fountain ledge next to Zoisite. They laughed together at Zoisite’s efforts and eventually he did manage to grab one.

Beryl clapped for him then instructed, “Now throw it back before it dies or I’ll run out of fish.”

Soon it was too dark to see the fish and the two of them chatted as they headed back to the palace together.

********


From that evening on, Zoisite and Beryl had an unspoken agreement to meet after dinner when possible. They would walk in the garden and talk…and sometimes catch fish. One chilled and rainy evening Zoisite asked Beryl if she ever played chess. He had spotted a board in the library earlier that day and felt the urge to play. Beryl readily agreed and soon they both were absorbed in a fierce battle.

During the game, Zoisite learned some surprising things about Beryl. First, Beryl was very skilled at the game and second she was extremely competitive. Not one of the guys had ever won against Zoisite in chess and Kunzite had been the only one able to give Zoisite a somewhat challenging game. Beryl however, was not only a challenge to play, but to Zoisite’s chagrin she won their first game.

When Zoisite won their next two games, he learned something else about Beryl. She still had a temper. As he picked up the game pieces that were scattered across the library floor, he couldn’t help chuckling. Fortunately for him, Beryl had already left the room.

********


As Zoisite continued his training and living there, he decided he didn’t like King Fredrick or his wife very much. Zoisite thought it was funny in an ironic way considering how much he was starting to like their daughter.

King Fredrick’s training was harsh and often humiliating. Not in a physically abusive way, Zoisite would never have stood for that, but in a way that wore him down and discouraged him. More often than not, Zoisite ended his day feeling like an incompetent fool. No matter how hard he tried it seemed he just couldn’t get what it was King Fredrick wanted from him.

A million times Zoisite considered leaving, but he didn’t for two reasons. First, he kept telling himself he wasn’t a quitter. The second reason was Beryl. Just seeing her was a bright spot in Zoisite’s day and if they were able to talk or play chess, Zoisite considered that to be a good day regardless of what had gone on in it earlier.

********


One night, Zoisite was having a difficult time falling asleep so he decided to get a book from the library. As he walked down the hall he heard voices raised in anger. As he got closer to the library, he realized that was where the voices were coming from. He could recognize the Queen’s voice and also the King’s. He then heard Beryl’s voice and could tell by its inflection that she was in tears. Zoisite realized they were having a family argument and it was loud. He clearly heard the Queen screaming at Beryl about something she wanted Beryl to go to and Beryl’s angry response. The King then got in the middle of it and Zoisite decided he didn’t want a book after all.

Back in his bed and still sleepless, Zoisite could faintly hear them even in his bedroom. He heard doors slamming open and shut and ultimatums screamed, then finally, silence.

Now that he was aware of it, Zoisite noticed Beryl’s family fought like that quite frequently. The other families he had stayed with had fought on occasion but none had been as loud, frequent or as malicious as these fights were. Zoisite decided he didn’t like King Fredrick or Queen Lydia very much at all.

********


King Fredrick didn’t consider martial arts or archery to be real fighting. He preferred to practice with broadswords and magic. Needless to say, Zoisite didn’t control the large sword very well and the King easily deflected his crystal knives.

One time Zoisite got lucky and managed to contact the King’s side with one of his knives. When he saw it harmlessly bounce off Fredrick, Zoisite realized the King had armor on under his uniform. It made Zoisite seethe that the King hadn’t volunteered that information nor had he mention it was acceptable to use armor during training. Being tagged first blood didn’t seriously harm a person, but it did sting like hell!

Standing down, Zoisite stated the now obvious. “You’re wearing armor.”

King Fredrick acknowledged the fact with a nod of his head but said nothing.

After a moment of silence, Zoisite finally asked, “Is there armor available that I can wear?”

Nodding again the King answered, “Maybe you could fit into Beryl’s armor if you wish to wear it.”

Zoisite did a double take. “Beryl’s armor?”

King Fredrick answered, “Yes, Beryl has always had her own armor. He continued with a wistful sigh. “Up until her mother insisted she discontinue it, Beryl regularly trained with me. She was one of my best fighters.”

For a moment, Zoisite tried to imagine Beryl in armor and expertly wielding a sword then forced his mind back on track. Looking back up at King Fredrick, Zoisite insisted, “I do not wish to wear Beryl’s armor. I will have an armor made for me instead.”

King Fredrick nodded, and Zoisite didn’t see the pleased expression that briefly crossed his face as he looked down to sheathe his sword. King Fredrick then added, “You may go to the blacksmith and have him measure you for a light chain armor then take the rest of the day off.”

Zoisite watched in amazed silence as the King walked away. This was the first time King Fredrick had given him time off from his training, ever!

********


After Zoisite finished at the blacksmith’s, he swung by the kitchen to grab an apple and a piece of cheese then headed outside again. It was late September and the trees were aflame with colors that made Zoisite think of Beryl’s hair and eyes.

The day was sunny and a bit warm, but the light breeze was cool. Zoisite thought about what he wanted to do with his rare, free time and decided to go to the waterfall. After the small hike, Zoisite found a rock in the shade to stretch out on. His mind wandered off into a daydream as he listened to the natural symphony of sounds that surrounded him.

Zoisite must have dozed off, because next thing he knew, he was startled by a handful of water hitting him in the face. With a surprised yelp, Zoisite quickly sat up and wiped his eyes. Looking up at the offending party, Zoisite realized Beryl was standing there with a smirk on her face. Her hair was pulled back in a neat braid and she wore a demure royal blue dress with gold piping around the cuffs and square neckline.

“So, did you sneak out of training and decided to hide from my father out here?” Beryl asked.

Zoisite wanted to be mad at Beryl, really he did. She had thrown water on him and insulted him, but…he just couldn’t. Instead he simply answered, “Your father gave me the rest of the day off.”

“My father doesn’t give days off,” Beryl haughtily informed him with a smug expression.

That was too far. Now she was insinuating he lied. Zoisite defensively growled, “He did today and you can ask him if you don’t believe me!”

Beryl looked at Zoisite appraisingly then suddenly sat down next to him on the rock and laughed. “Well then, whatever you did to earn it must have been pretty good! As I said, he doesn’t give days off.”

Zoisite silently thought about that. He sifted through the morning’s events, but still couldn’t figure out why.

Zoisite was startled from his thoughts when he realized Beryl had taken her shoes off and was now attempting to tug her stockings off without pulling her skirt up. He blurted, “W-what are you doing?” then silently berated himself for asking such a stupid question.

Beryl rolled her eyes and responded, “Trying to take my stockings off.”

“Why?” he asked.

Exasperated, Beryl answered, “So I can wade in the water, and do you mind?”

Beryl simulated turning with her finger and Zoisite finally got the hint. “Oh, sure,” he answered as he turned away from her.

After a moment, Zoisite saw Beryl walk past him to the water. She lifted her skirt to her knees then stepped out onto a partially submerged stone in the stream. As she carefully stepped from stone to stone, Beryl spoke with a resentful tone. “Unlike you, I had to sit all morning with my mother and her friends and be all proper and refined while they went on and on about their swollen ankles and aching butts! I’m *sick* to death of just sitting around!”

Zoisite choked on a laugh and camouflaged it as a cough. After regaining his composure, he said, “Well, getting the wrong end of a sword isn’t much fun either.”

Beryl looked up at Zoisite and he was surprised by the scowl on her face. She scornfully responded, “If I had my choice, I’d take a sword fight over women’s socializing any day!”

Startled by her outburst, Zoisite blushed and felt the urge to apologize but he wasn’t quite sure for what.

The silence began to stretch out and became awkward between them. Beryl hopped to a few more stones then stepped back onto the bank. Sighing, she offered, “Sorry. I guess I’m a bit resentful that you get to train with my father and I don’t anymore. I really hate being with my mother but she insists that I behave like a ‘proper lady’ now that I’ve grown up.”

With admiration, and just a little bit of envy in his tone, Zoisite spoke. “Your father said you were one of his best fighters.”

Beryl blushed and looked pleased by the indirect compliment. “Really?” she asked. “He never actually said so to me.”

Nodding, Zoisite added, “We were talking about armor and he said it when he mentioned you had one.” Zoisite skipped mentioning what her father had suggested regarding her armor though.

“Oh yeah, my armor.” Beryl looked down at her breasts and mused, “I wonder if I could even fit in it anymore.”

Zoisite blushed and cleared his throat. As he looked away from Beryl, he decided the safest course of action was to say nothing.

********


The year moved swiftly through winter and spring for Zoisite and it seemed like summer was quickly flying by too.

One evening after dinner, Zoisite was in his room and through the open window he could hear the fighting start again. It was a warm, late July evening. The sun was still up so he decided to take a walk. Zoisite’s wandering led him to the waterfall. As he sat on the flat rock, he thought about the fact that he’d be finished training with King Fredrick the beginning of September. The idea of moving away gave him mixed feelings. He’d happily leave the fights and tension, but the thought of leaving Beryl… For a few moments Zoisite let his mind play with the idea of taking Beryl with him. He knew she didn’t like the fighting either and he wondered if she’d go if he asked. With a sigh, he admitted her parents would fight it. He could steal her away, but that would probably cause an international scandal and maybe even a war. He couldn’t see her father just accepting it.

Zoisite’s thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sound of someone running on the path. Turning, he saw Beryl burst into the clearing then throw herself down on the mossy bank by the stream. She hadn’t seen Zoisite sitting there when she ran past.

Zoisite heard Beryl’s heartbroken sobs and he immediately knelt down next to the distraught girl and pulled her into his arms to comfort her.

Beryl looked up with a start and that’s when Zoisite saw her face. Four angry, bright-red welts crossed her cheek. Beryl tried to cover them but Zoisite grabbed her hand to stop her.

Zoisite surmised by the slender finger pattern and nail scrapes that Queen Lydia had done this. He wanted to jump up and go punch the witch, but even more so he wanted to take the pain from Beryl’s eyes. She started to turn away from him, but Zoisite turned her back. Wordlessly, he leaned down and brushed a feather-light kiss over Beryl’s injured cheek. She looked up with surprise into his genuinely concerned eyes. With a choked sob, Beryl buried her face in his shirt and gratefully accepted his offer of comfort.

Zoisite silently rocked Beryl in his arms until her tears diminished. She looked up and shakily whispered, “W-why, why are you always so…so *nice* to me?”

Zoisite gently brushed her hair away from her tear-streaked face as he quietly answered, “Because I love you.”

“Oh,” Beryl gasped then burst into tears again. Zoisite wrapped her back up in his arms and rubbed her back and neck as he whispered, “Hush…shh…It’ll be alright.”

At first, the kisses he placed on Beryl’s hair, forehead and temples were only meant to comfort, but to Zoisite it was like an instantly addictive drug. That, and the feel of her in his arms quickly banished all his good decision making skills.

Beryl looked up at him and Zoisite kissed her lips. Beryl desperately responded and their kiss deepened.

Relaxing into Zoisite’s gentle embrace, Beryl realized he was holding her like she was something valuable and precious. She wasn’t used to being cherished and it was a heady experience. When Zoisite began to softly kiss her throat and slowly lean her back down on the mossy bed, Beryl didn’t stop him. His kisses felt wonderful and they chased away all thoughts of her mother and the horrible fight.

Zoisite felt like every dream he ever had was coming true. Beryl’s lips and skin were so soft and sweet and he felt like he couldn’t get enough. All of his secret, pent-up feelings for Beryl from over the last year filled his heart and overwhelmed him.

Zoisite could feel Beryl’s breast pressed against his chest as he partially leaned over her. He kissed down until he reached the shoulder of her peasant-top and very slowly pushed it down, giving her plenty of time to stop him. She didn’t, so he reached for the other shoulder to do the same as he continued his kisses.

Beryl lifted her arms to pull them out of the short-sleeves and stretched neckline. Zoisite helped her and the material gathered back around her ribcage, below her breasts.

Zoisite reverently stroked over the soft skin of the outer curve of her breast. He saw her respond to his touch and was encouraged. He murmured, “Beautiful…” then leaned down to gently kiss her nipple.

Beryl gasped as she felt a jolt of pleasure travel through her. Instinctively she reached up to pull him closer.

Zoisite willingly repeated the kiss then gently pulled her nipple into his mouth and began to suckle her. His fingers found her other nipple and began to gently stroke it.

The pleasure Beryl felt intensified and made her purr. She reached for his hair tie and tugged on it to release his ponytail. As she ran her fingers through his hair, she spread it out so it spilled down over them.

Beryl obviously enjoyed what Zoisite was doing and it turned him on even more. He loved her so much and he wanted to touch her and please her until she could have no doubts about the depth of his feelings for her.

Zoisite began to kiss down the valley between her breasts and as he did so he reached under him to release the bow that kept her wide belt cinched around her waist. The string loosened from its hooks and the belt fell away from her body.

Having reached her other nipple, Zoisite gently teased it with his tongue as he slowly ran his hand down her side. His fingers caught her shirt and skirt and they pulled them down to her hips. Beryl cooperatively lifted her body and he slid her clothes down to her knees. His hand traveled back up over her thigh and smooth hip.

With a quiet groan, Zoisite slid his arms around Beryl and pulled her naked body close up against him. Zoisite whispered endearments to her as he kissed his way back up to her lips.

Beryl reached to pull at the buttons on Zoisite’s shirt and he quickly helped pull it off. Zoisite may have been slender but there was nothing weak or frail about his sinewy body. Beryl realized he was very beautiful to look at. She ran her fingers over the thin, light-blond curls on his chest then passed her hands over his nipples as she slid her arms around to pull him to her.

The feel of Beryl’s breasts pressing against his bare chest was incredible to Zoisite and his desire for her increased. As they passionately kissed again, Zoisite slowly ran his hand back down over her soft curves. Beryl pushed her clothes to her feet while Zoisite’s hand traveled over her flat stomach. He ran his fingers over her bright red curls and the soft caress made Beryl whimper with need. She raised her knee and Zoisite moved his hand down to accept her invitation.

Zoisite had slid his fingers between her folds and felt like he was going to explode as he enjoyed exploring her warmth and softness. When he found her opening, he slowly pushed two fingers inside. Zoisite could feel her body tighten around them.

Beryl had never felt anything as incredible as what Zoisite was doing to her. He moved his fingers out then back in again as he leaned down to suck on her nipple. Beryl writhed as the pleasurable feelings intensified and her hips began to move along with the rhythm of his fingers.

Zoisite’s need for her had intensified until he thought he’d go insane if he had to wait even one more moment. He moved his hand away from Beryl’s body and she whimpered in protest. Zoisite quickly released himself from the uncomfortable confinement of his pants then finished pushing them off as he moved over Beryl.

She gasped when she felt him slowly enter her. It was tight and felt a bit strange to her, but it wasn’t too uncomfortable. Zoisite began to move and the pleasure returned and escalated for Beryl. She urgently began to meet him move for move then gripped his shoulders convulsively and cried out as she reached her peak.

Zoisite heard her and felt Beryl shudder. She gripped him so tightly inside her and it pushed him over the edge too. With a final thrust he groaned her name and released his seed.

They pulsed and gripped each other in cycles of pleasure until their passion was completely spent. Zoisite pulled out of her then held Beryl close. He stroked her hair as he whispered breathless endearments and incoherent but sincere promises to her.

As Beryl recovered, she started to realize exactly what they had just done and that it had been a very bad idea. Pleasurable she acknowledged, but definitely *not* a good idea.

Beryl sat up out of Zoisite’s arms and began to pull her clothes on. She was muttering to herself and Zoisite caught a reference to her parents. He suddenly also realized how bad it would be for both of them if they were discovered like this.

Zoisite stood and quickly pulled his own clothes on. Beryl was turning to leave and Zoisite reached out to pull her into his arms. She looked up with a worried and preoccupied gaze and he whispered, “Everything will be okay,” then kissed her.

Beryl pulled away from him with a panicked expression then turned and quickly ran down the path towards the palace.

Zoisite followed, but waited in the woods as he watched Beryl in the early twilight. First, she checked if anyone would see her then quickly pulled her skirt up and held it in her teeth as she nimbly climbed the stonewall to her second story balcony. Zoisite chuckled to himself as he headed for his own window. [Amazing!] he thought. [Even after that she could still easily scale a wall, and in a dress too!]

********


That night, Zoisite was just too much on cloud nine to go to sleep. From his bed, Zoisite stared out the window at the stars and began to plan his strategy. He couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Beryl now. He wanted to be able to make love to her every night and to wake up to her adorably annoyed and sleepy expression every morning. Being king wouldn’t be half so daunting of a prospect with her by his side. She had so many strengths he didn’t have and he thought they’d make a great team.

More than anything Zoisite had ever wanted before, he wanted Beryl for his queen, his wife and to be the mother of his children. Children…a child! Every time Zoisite thought about that it made his heart pound with excitement and hope. What they had done…Beryl could already be carrying his child…*their* child! The idea took his breath away. Sure, at sixteen they both were young. However, if everyone thought he was old enough to be a king then, in Zoisite’s opinion he was also old enough to be a father.

Zoisite knew it would cause a scandal and that Beryl’s parents would have a fit. That didn’t worry him though. He figured Beryl’s father wouldn’t leave his grandchild fatherless. Also, according to whispered gossip history, this kind of scandal wasn’t unheard of in the royal social circle. Sure, it had caused uproar, but nobody died from it and eventually it blew over.

Actually, Zoisite realized that if Beryl were pregnant, it would make everything much simpler for them. No one would dispute their need to marry and Zoisite would have a good excuse to stop his training with the Kings. Lastly, but not insignificant in Zoisite’s mind, if Beryl was reluctant to marry him due to their ages or for whatever reason, she’d be much less likely to reject his proposal. Not that he wanted to trap her, he quickly reminded himself, but if that was how things worked out, she’d eventually settle into the idea. Before Zoisite finally fell asleep he swore to himself that he’d make her happy and she would never regret marrying him.

********


The next morning, Zoisite met King Fredrick with a purpose and confidence in his stride. He greeted the King and without a hint of diffidence stated, “I need to request a half a day off either today or tomorrow.”

King Fredrick hesitated as he tried to make sense of Zoisite’s sudden request. Zoisite was waiting so Fredrick asked, “Do you have a reason for needing the time off?”

Zoisite tried, very hard, to not think of his reason why as he evenly answered. “Yes. Personal reasons.”

“Oh,” King Fredrick responded, somewhat nonplused by Zoisite’s behavior, but not unhappy with the change. Finally, Fredrick clapped him on the shoulder and laughed. “That’s a good enough reason for me. You may take the rest of today off.”

The king walked away and Zoisite slowly shook his head as he turned and headed for the stables. He decided he would never understand this man that he hoped would soon be his father-in-law.

Zoisite then sighed. There had actually been a reason he only asked for half a day. He was beginning to feel uncomfortably frustrated and it didn’t help that he kept thinking about Beryl. He had actually been looking forward to a good workout to take his mind off those thoughts and to expend some of his extra energy. He decided he’d run his errand then workout some on his own. Zoisite knew he had to do something or else dinner that evening was going to be torture for him. In the past he had no problem keeping his feelings for Beryl secret but now they just seemed too big to be neatly tucked back inside his heart.

********


The next few weeks passed at an agonizingly slow pace for Zoisite. He knew Beryl was avoiding him. There was no way her mother was keeping her so busy that she hadn’t had even one evening to spend with him. The only time he had seen her was at the dinner table and he couldn’t very well try to talk to her there.

Zoisite had also realized Beryl was probably feeling awkward and a bit embarrassed about what they had done. He knew he was. However, there was another part of him that didn’t care about how he felt. With a single mindedness that almost drove Zoisite insane it insisted that all he needed to do was hold her and make love to her again and everything would be fine.

A good thing, was that his training had been going very well with King Fredrick the last few weeks. The King had started to talk with him about leadership techniques and Zoisite was enjoying the talks. It really surprised Zoisite when King Fredrick put him in charge of training the officers in a weeklong espionage strategies and techniques class. It was a subject Zoisite had always excelled in and he enjoyed teaching it.

********


It was now the end of August and Zoisite was to move to King Anir’s palace in a week. Zoisite entered his room to get ready for dinner and was relieved to finally see a small package that was sealed with his family’s crest, waiting for him on the bed. Breaking the seal, Zoisite carefully lifted a diamond and ruby ring from the box. The diamond was large and the blood red rubies that surrounded it glowed with fiery highlights. The ring was a family heirloom and Zoisite knew it would be perfect for Beryl.

Zoisite carefully put the ring down and whistled to himself as he cleaned up and got dressed for dinner. Pocketing the ring, Zoisite turned towards the door. He paused to take a deep breath then left his room with an excited and determined expression.

********


When dinner was almost finished, Beryl started to excuse herself. Zoisite surprised everyone by boldly asking, “Beryl, please give me the honor of escorting you for a walk in the garden.”

Beryl looked up startled. She blushed and quickly looked away from Zoisite as she stuttered, “I-I’m um…not feeling up t-to a walk this evening. Maybe another time…” As Beryl quickly stood to flee, Zoisite also stood. In what was probably the most assertive tone he had ever used, Zoisite insisted, “Beryl, walk with me.”

She turned back to look at Zoisite and realized by his expression that he wouldn’t let it go. The last thing Beryl wanted was for her parents, who were quietly observing all of this, to start asking questions. Beryl glanced out the window then smiled as she casually answered. “It is a nice evening. Maybe a walk in the garden is what I need after all.”

Smiling back, Zoisite held his arm out to her and companionably agreed. “I’m certain the fresh air will do you good.”

Queen Lydia and King Fredrick watched them leave then returned to their dinners. They knew on occasion Beryl and Zoisite would spend the evening together playing chess or walking in the garden, but they didn’t think much of it. Long ago they had decided Zoisite wasn’t Beryl’s type and they didn’t think he had it in him to prove otherwise.

********


As they walked, Zoisite placed his hand over Beryl’s hand, which rested on his arm. It was partly just to hold her hand and partly to be sure she wouldn’t try to run away. If she did run, he wasn’t entirely certain he could catch her.

They walked silently until they reached the fountain. Zoisite gestured for Beryl to sit then he knelt in front of her. Lifting her hand from her lap, he gave it a gentle kiss. Zoisite then reached out to tilt her chin up and make her look at him. When Zoisite looked in her eyes, he got lost in the desire to kiss her. He leaned forward to do so and Beryl turned her face away from him.

Zoisite sighed then hesitated. He didn’t know how to start this conversation so he finally just blurted it out. “Beryl, will you marry me?”

Beryl looked back at him with shock and immediately exclaimed, “No!” Zoisite’s hopeful expression fell and Beryl felt like she had just kicked a puppy in the teeth. She stood and began to nervously pace in front of the fountain, wringing her hands.

Zoisite moved to sit down on the fountain’s edge as he desperately tried to think of what he could do or say to change her mind.

Finally, Beryl stopped in front of Zoisite and attempted to explain. “I…um…what…we did. It was a mistake…we shouldn’t have done it. I was sad and…and you were so nice…but now I wish we hadn’t.”

Zoisite sat silent as every word she said tore a chunk out of his heart. When he didn’t answer her, Beryl added, “I…I have plans, Zoisite. I-I’m sorry.”

At that moment Zoisite learned that “love” and “pride” don’t even live on the same continent. He nervously twirled a lock of his hair in his fingers as he quietly asked, “Plans? Are they plans that can’t include me?”

Shaking her head, Beryl admitted, “My plans don’t include you.”

Zoisite looked up. He wanted to ask what her plans were, but Beryl’s guarded expression made it clear she’d never say. Finally, he implored, “I could make you happy, Beryl!” Gesturing to her parent’s palace, he continued. “I’ll take you away from all this and I promise to give you everything you could ever want. Please…just come with me!”

Beryl shook her head no then turned to leave. Zoisite used the last card he had in his hand as he pointed out, “You could be pregnant.”

Turning back to him she vehemently shook her head. “No, I’m not.”

Zoisite questioned, “Are you certain?”

“A woman’s body lets her know these things and I know I’m definitely *not*!” Beryl stated with annoyance.

Zoisite didn’t hide his disappointed expression quickly enough and Beryl saw it. She was perplexed for a moment then incredulously whispered, “You *wanted* me to be pregnant!” Anger filled her voice. “You were trying to trap me!”

Shaking his head he quietly explained. “No, but I would have been happy if you were.” He looked up at her. With sad resignation he added, “Beryl, I do love you. If you change your mind or your plans don’t work out, please let me know.”

Beryl nodded then quickly turned and ran back to the palace.

Zoisite sat a moment then reached into his pocket to pull the ring out. With a sad expression he watched it sparkle and flash in the sunset tinted light until it became a blur. Standing up, Zoisite tossed it into the fountain’s spray then slowly turned and walked away. As the ring fell, it glimmered one more time then sank into the plants and silt on the bottom of the pool.

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. ^_^