It was a cool evening, clear enough that you could see Venus surrounded by thousands of golden stars. I was sitting on the railing with my back to the balcony door, and my legs dangling carelessly to some private melody. And that's where he found me.
"I believe this belongs to you, my lady." His outstretched hand held a pair of slippers, tied together with a black ribbon. Of course they were mine, I always kicked off my shoes in the same spot. After a long day of jumping around and getting beaten, I did not appreciate this interruption of my privacy.
"Thank you. Just leave them on the floor." I said, polite as ever. Turning my head around, I caught a glimpse of silver as he bent and laid the shoes down on the ground. Interesting, I thought. I remembered hearing stories of a silver haired general from Earth, one that did not know fear and was respected even by his prince. His uniform gave him away. In the Moon, anything could be possible.
"General, I assume. What brings a Terran to this faraway land?" A glimpse of amusement flickered on his eyes for a second.
"I am afraid I have been caught. My presence here is only to be known by the Queen." Despite his words, he didn't seem to be sorry at all. He took his cape off and laid it on the ground, next to my slippers. I knew I should have been wary of him, a Terran was never to be trusted - but when he sat on the railing, next to me, I could feel myself getting excited.
His eyes, now close to mine and bright with the moonlight, spoke of war and loss. He had a young face, framed by that rare silver hair. When he caught me staring at him, I didn't look away.
"I've heard of you, my lady, the leader of the guardians. I have a question for you." His eyes bore into mine, as I felt my body being drawn to his. Without waiting for my permission, he continued. "You come from a planet where love is glorified. But you are a guardian. What comes first to you, Lady of Venus, duty or love?"
Taken aback, I thought of the girl I called my best friend. I knew the princess had fallen in love with the Terran prince, and I had looked away instead of doing the right thing and stop the affair. Maybe that was why the general was here. But why did I feel disappointed? I looked at the garden beneath my feet.
"I believe that some things can't be helped." I wasn't going to expose myself any further, so I swung my legs over the rail and reached for the discarded slippers. In a second, he was on one knee, asking for my permission with his eyes. I sighted.
"I believe some things can't be helped, too." He wrapped the ribbon around my ankle deliberately, letting his fingertips brush my skin in more than one occasion. "I came here to tell the queen of the affair. But-" He raised his eyes and slowly stood up. "I can't. Some things cant be helped."
Shock gave away to delight, as he pulled me close to him and kissed me.