Chapter Three
A vile woman sat on a throne made of pure onyx. Her eyes were a wicked shade of bloodshot crimson. Her long talon like nails rubbed against an orb in which was standing on a long staff. A wicked smirk filled her lips.
"Everything's going according to plan," she hissed. Her voice was that of a snake. "Soon, the universe will be mine. All I had to do was plant the seeds of destruction in Teram's mind. I knew he would be the easiest to infect. Now onto phase two."
She rubbed her orb with the tips of her nails. It filled with fog.
"Show me Teram's most trusted of soldiers. I wish to infect them next. The most loyal, most powerful of all his men."
The fog cleared.
An image of Kunzite appeared in her orb. The woman grimaced.
"A handsome one. I will enjoy infecting him. The most loyal of men are always a challenge to infect. It will be most entertaining, I will enjoy playing this game with Earth."
The woman cackled. It echoed maliciously into the abyss.
---
Night had fallen. The moons of Venus had risen into the sky.
The Princess sat in a chair against the window in her chambers. It had been a troubling day for all the solar system.
Messages had been being transported hourly to and from every kingdom; all speaking of the news of oncoming war.
Mina's eyes filled with disappointment as she looked up at the stars. Her expression didn't weaver all day. She sighed as she traced her petite hand around the windowsill.
"Is something bothering you?" a soothing voice called.
Mina turned to look at the captain of her guard. He was her most trusted soldier; her dearest friend. He stayed with her every night, conversing with her as if they were equals.
The man was attractive; his white hair tied in an elegant ponytail which flowed down his back. His eyes were an ocean blue, his stature that of one who had been in the Venusian court his entire life. His body rippled with muscle.
He stood behind the Princess, looking at her intently. She turned so her back was facing him once more.
"What makes you think something is bothering me Artemis?" she replied. A playful smile graced her lips.
"I know you Princess. You only sit here when your pouting, so why don't you just tell me what's wrong. It wouldn't have anything to do with that man you've been sneaking around with, would it?"
Mina's body froze. Panic filled her features; it was lucky she wasn't facing the guard. The woman held her breath, trying to think of something to tell her most trusted of friends.
"…I…haven't been sneaking around with a man Artemis. What on earth would make you say that," she made sure her voice was calm, collected. She tried to mock her beloved's demeanor. It did not work.
"I have eyes everywhere when it concerns you. I've heard rumors of you sneaking off to the Amor Forest to meet a man. Are those rumors true?"
"I often go to the Amor Forest, from whose lips have you heard that I venture into their depths to meet a man?"
Artemis' expression grew stern.
"Don't lie to me Mina. You've always known you have my confidence. I swear on my blade that I will not tell a soul of your affairs."
"I…" the goddess' face grew hesitant. She wished to tell him, wished to let someone know of her beloved.
"Must I remind you of my loyalties?" he said. "I was the one who knew the thief of the King's crown jewels. The one who knew the whereabouts of the Queen's favorite wine. Oh yes, and must we forget," he smirked. "Who knows of the Princess who sent Prince Ean back to his kingdom to betroth Princess Saria by means of bewitchment?"
"That one was good," Mina muttered. She smirked.
"I've never told a soul of any of your shall I say, endeavors? So what would make this any different Mina."
He called her by name. Mina knew that he was truly sincere. She sighed, turning towards him. Her eyes filled with an unsure light Artemis had never seen in the girl's expression.
"All right. But you must swear on not only your blade, but your loyalty to my Father as well. Swear on your loyalty to Venus that you will not tell another living soul my secret."
Artemis looked surprised.
"That serious?"
"Yes. Now swear it, or hear not my confession."
Artemis kneeled. He unsheathed his blade, placing the tip onto the cool marble floor. He rested his hands on its hilt, bowing his head.
"I swear on my blade, and my loyalty to King Auramus and the kingdom of Venus that I will not tell another living soul your confession. I will take it to my grave Princess, I swear."
"All right," she sighed. Her hand clenched the arm rest of her chair.
Artemis stood. He sheathed his blade. He looked at the Princess with anticipation.
"The rumors…are true. I've been sneaking into the forest to see a man."
"Why…" Artemis looked at her oddly. "Why would you make me swear an oath like that for such frivolous information? I don't mean to offend you Princess, but it isn't uncommon knowledge that you've been involved with many men."
"It isn't like that," she snapped. "He isn't just another man. I love him Artemis."
The soldier stared at her for a long while.
"What is the harm in that? Your parents will be thrilled that you've chosen a suitor to your liking. Is it because he is not of royal blood?"
"…Alright," she let him believe it. After all, it was true. He was a soldier, just not one who resided on Venus.
"I have a feeling that isn't the whole truth."
"It is."
They both let silence fill the air for a long while. Artemis waited for the woman to continue with her tale. When he realized she would not, he sighed.
"Please leave Artemis," Mina said abruptly. "I wish to rest. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yes Princess," he kneeled, taking her hand in his. He kissed it lightly before releasing it. "Good night."
Artemis left the room.
Mina sighed, as if she were releasing much stress. She moved from the chair to her bed.
The golden haired beauty absent mindedly picked up one of the pillows. She clenched it in-between her fingertips.
"Forgive me Artemis," she whispered. "You can't know the whole truth, you just can't. No one would understand."
A few minutes passed. She undressed, clothing herself in her night gown. It was made of silk, a pale yellow shade.
She lifted her covers and gracefully slipped into her bed.
The goddess let sleep take her.
---
Dawn had swiftly overtaken night. The kingdom of Venus was slowly rising to its feet.
Mina sat before her vanity. She swiftly brushed her hair, readying it for the day.
The beauty threw a dress onto her perfect form. She grabbed a black hood, which she often used to sneak about the castle.
She opened the door. She peered out, making sure the hallways were clear of people.
She swiftly darted through the hallway with the stealthyness of a cat.
---
The Princess had entered the Amor Forest. The thick brush and large trees made the sunlight a dim memory.
Mina scanned her surroundings. She smiled when she found who she was looking for.
The goddess walk towards them slowly. When she reached them, she lowered her hood.
A loving look filled the woman's eyes as she looked into the man's face. An angelic smile graced her lips.
"Kunzite."
