Enter the Moon Kingdom, a glorious, mystical place full of joy and laughter. The people that lived there almost had a party every night. Everyone danced divinely because the music was so exquisite. To hear it would send you in a trance. The moon glowed with beauty in its perfect orb. Yet, in the moon palace balcony high above there was a somewhat gloomy face starring at the festive sight below.
Princess Serena:
'What a bore these parties have been, lately. Every night it's been the same thing-We dance then sing...then dance! Oh, I wish something exciting would happen to me. Something out of the blue. Something...'
Her thoughts were interrupted, suddenly by a familiar voice.
"Serena?"
"Oh, hello mother," she replied. "I didn't know you would be back so soon."
"Well, I decided that I should spend some time with you, today. So, my meeting with the King and Queen of Earth will have to be rescheduled for later."
"That's wonderful! Besides being with me beats having to go to Earth any day. They're...soooooo...not..us, ya know?"
"Serena, I know you didn't have a good time when we visited last time, but you were only three years old then."
"Has it already been sixteen years? It seems like it was just yesterday!," she said amusingly. Queen Serenity shook her head. "You know, I never quite understood why you didn't like Earth. Everybody was so nice. I thought the King and Queen are such lovely people, and their son, Prince Darien is something else."
"That's it!" Serena exclaimed.
"Huh? Did I say something to upset you,dear?"
"That's why I didn't have a good time."
"What?"
"That little brat, Darien. Ohhhh...he made me soooo...mad!"
"What did he do that was so terrible?"
"He called me...," she stopped. "You know what mother? I've forgotten what he said."
"Well, I'm glad. You should come with me next time for a visit. I'm sure they would like that."
"Hmmm...that's not such a bad idea. I will. Besides, it gets a little dull here sometimes."
"Good. What about next week?"
"Sounds fine to me."
Enter the planet, Earth, full of colors and life. The people that lived there are loyal souls. They outnumbered the moon people. The oceans roared with pride, and the mountains looked majestic and glorious. They were all ruled by King Orphius and Queen Katrina. Their son, Prince Darien was their pride and joy. He was an only child, and seemingly kept to himself most of the time. Other times, he would try to escape from throngs of young ladies (most were princesses from other planets as well), who adored him. But what he loved best was going to beautiful a forest and admire the roses; they were his favorite flower. Naturally, when he heard the news that the Queen and Princess of the Moon were going to visit he said:
"Not another princess to entertain."
"Darien don't be rude. We haven't seen them in years. They are the most properous kingdom, and we want to make a good friendship with them." said Queen Katrina.
"I'm sure you will remember them. You were seven, I think, when they came to visit last. But you were rude to Princess Serena, I think. You kept calling her names. Son, you better be on your best behavior. You are quite growned up, now. Maybe high time you start looking for that certain someone in your life."
"Oh, father, I have the rest of my life to find her. Please don't overeact. You sound just like Mother."
"Can't help it, son. You know how your mother has always been a romantic. I think it's rubbed off on me."
Darien sighed and thought:
You just can't understand your parents, sometimes.
Soon the time came for the reunion on Earth. Serena and her mother just arrived at the palace. Serena looked at the paintings of the royal family on the walls. How cute. Look it's little Darien. What a brat. What's that expression on his face? Looks so silly. Typically immature. Obviously. Hmmmph! Okay, where's everybody at? Let's get this show on the road!
Finally, the King and Queen of Earth appeared. "Oh, Serenity! You haven't changed a bit!," said Katrina.
"Neither have you, Katrina!," said Queen Serenity."
"And who do we have here? Oh, Serena! You have grown so much since we last saw you!" Queen Katrina gave Princess Serena a warm embrace. "Now, you and Darien should go see the scenary, together. I know you will have such a lovely time! By the way...where is that son of mine? Orpheus? Do you know where Darien is?"
"Hmmm...I thought he was right behind us. Well, I don't know where he could have ran off to." The King shook his head in embarassment. "Oh, I promise, Katrina that I will talk to him about this, later."
"Sorry, Serenity...uh...Serena. You see, he likes to keep tohimself." Queen Katrina smiled apologetically.
"Oh, of course, I'm sure it's just one of those phases these young people go through." Queen Serenity said nodding her head. Then she turned to Serena and said,"Serena, would you please give their royal highnesses theirgifts we picked out?...Serena?"
Serena had suddenly disappeared.
"Now, WHERE, did she go to?"
"Those young people are so hard to keep up with!" said King Orpheus.
Serena had managed to get away from the all the chatter. She didn't mean to be rude. But there was an interesting vine growing outside the window, and she wondered where it would lead to.
'This is so weird! Vines on our planet never grow this much. It goes on forever.'
Serena followed the trail of the vine by looking outside the many windows of the palace. She climbed up the stairs still looking at the vine. Then she smelled a fragrance coming from a a room ahead. She stepped inside. The room was filled with roses! All sorts! It smelled heavenly.
'This is like a dream! It's so beautiful!'
Serena plucked some roses off and sniffed them. She felt the petals of the flower. It was softer than velvet. She picked the all the petals off and scattered them across the floor. It looked like a stream of petals. She began to walk on them imagining they were stepping stones. Suddenly, there was a loud thud. Serena jumped. She dropped the other petals in her hand. "What do you think you are doing?" demanded a voice.
"Oh, I'm sorry, sir, I was just...uh...I got a little carried away."
"Do you know how much time I've spent caring for these roses?"
"I'm sure you've spent quite a lot of time from the looks of it."
"I don't want you ever near it, again? Do you understand?"
Serena gulped. His eyes were mad with fury.
"Yes. I understand. I understand, perfectly."
Then a reaction came over her, she kicked him with all her might on the shin for frightening her so, and raced out of the room. She closed the door behind her.
"AAAaaaaaaaaAAAAAAaaaaaaahhhhhh!" He screamed. But too late the girl had already escaped. Darien looked at the tampered room.
'What a mess! That dumb girl! Who is she? Ugh! My leg! She killed my roses! Remains are scattered everywhere! She'll pay that...that...Meatball Head!'
Serena was glad she got away before the human could unleash his wrath. She was happy to find her mother. Queen Serenity noticed that her daughter was out of breath.
"Serena? Are you all right, dear?"
"Oh, Mother! I'm glad I've found you! There is a mad caretaker up there! Don't you ever tamper with his roses!"
"Serena, I don't know what in the world you are talking about, but enought about that. There is something I seriously would like to talk to you about. Something that concerns your future."
"Huh? What do you mean, mom?" Serena put on her most serious look.
"It's about the union of our planets. The Earth and the Moon. You know about the relationship is with our people and there people. It's not been very balanced. The only way to secure happiness in the future is that...well...King Orpheus, Queen Katrina, and I have decided that..."
"Oh, you've decided to prepare a celebration to commemorate our friendship."
"If it were only that easy."
"Huh?"
"We decided that we should set an example for the people."
"Set an 'example'?"
"Yes. Don't you think that would be right?"
"Sure. We should always set good examples."
"Well, as an example, we decided for you and Prince Darien to marry to set an example that we can live in harmony with their people and our people."
Serena's heart stopped. It started to ache all over.
"Serena? Are you with me so far?"
"I can't do it. I can't."
"Serena, you are ordered to do this. It is a royal duty to the crown. I'm sorry you feel this way, but I'm sure for some reason that you will thank me, someday. Now, be a good girl and wash up. The King and Queen are expecting us for dinner."
Serena walked slowly to her guest room. She went directly to the bathroom and looked at her face in the mirror. It was so sad and forlorn. She felt as if a dagger went through her heart. Ever since she could remember she always imagined the day when she was going to be married. Now, the day had finally arrived. She always wanted to be a bride, but marriage without love was something she could not comprehend. She felt sick. She rushed to the sink and vomited.
'Oh...that feels better...I cannot go through with this...but everyone's counting on me. Come on, Serena you gotta be strong. Oh, being a princess has it's ups and downs!'
The feast was prepared, and it was finally time. The King and Queen of Earth formally took their appointed seats. Queen Serenity also took her seat.
"Well? Where are those two?" The King asked. "Ahhh! Here comes our Darien, now."
Prince Darien walked down the steps slowly.
"Come, come, Darien! You seem to be hurt? You are limping?" His mother asked.
"Oh, it's not that bad. There was a girl in my room. She ran up and kicked me. I don't think I recognize her. Is she a new servant girl?"
"Oh, I'm not sure, son. But remind me to fire her once you point out who she is." The King said looking at his limping son.
"Oh, I'm sorry to be rude. I'm Darien. You must be Queen Serenity. I'm so happy you could join us." Darien smiled and kissed her hand.
"What a charming son, you have. I am pleased to meet you, Darien." The queen responded.
"Yes. It's about time you join us, Darien. Now, where is Serena?" Queen Katrina asked.
"Here I am, your grace," answered a voice.
They all turned to see her.
"It's you!" Darien cried.
Serena turned around.
"Who? Me?"
"Yes! You're the girl with who kicked me."
"Kicked? What? Hey, you're that insane man with the roses!"
"Insane? I'm not the one who kicks people they don't know!"
"You deserved it you weirdo!"
"You...you...," paused for a comeback then said,"MEATBALL HEAD!"
Serena's eyes widened.
"Why you.....Ugh...horrible...," she began.
"Serena. Darien. Stop this both of you!" ordered the King.
"You can't act like this. You are both to be wed." Queen Katrina said.
"What?" Darien asked looking bewildered.
"I think you better sit down." Serena motioned.
"Will somebody tell me what's going on?" Darien's face was now pale.
During dinner the King and Queen of Earth explained to their son the details of the union. Darien shook his head most of the time.
"So, you're telling me in order for peace I must marry the Meatball Head?"
"Hey, I do have a name, ya know!" Serena said in defense.
"I'm sure you do, Meatball Head."
"My name is SE-RE-NA...S-for sweetness..."
"Darien, quit calling her that."
"E-for Earth..."
"I can't help it. Her hair is looks like a pair of..." Then he noticed her mother had the same style of hair.
"R-for rainbow."
"Um, never mind..." Darien sank back in his chair.
"E-for Earth, again."
"N-for nuts as in 'THIS is nuts.'"
"Serena, please just eat your food."
"Gladly." Serena smiled.
