Chapter 8
"The enemy is dwindling, but they aren't pulling back. It seems as though the more they lose, the stronger they get." Queen Selenity rubbed her temples as Consular Ananke went on with his report. "Among the deaths are King Hadesu de Meiousei, Queen Larissa and King Proteus de Kaiousei, Queen Titania de Tennousei, Prince Sycorax and Princess Miranda de Mitir, Ki-"
"Please, no more," Selenity said as she stood. Ananke bowed his head.
"My lady," he said, "The army is no longer our concern. These assassins are our most immediate concern. Leda's message must be believed. We have no viable defenses against these assassins. We must assume that these assassins have only Earth, Suisei, Kinsei, and the moon left to visit, and they could attack at any moment. We must consider placing the remaining royal members under swift protection."
"The only other protection is the crystal," Selenity said gravely. Ananke bowed his head.
"We must consider it our only option," he said as he straightened. "Or else, my lady, we should consider using the crystal to send the invaders away from Sol."
"I haven't that kind of power," Selenity said. "Should I attempt to use such an amount of power, I would surely fail."
"Perhaps Queen Trinity Maia could contribute," Ananke suggested. "King Halin, Queen Ovda, and King Ishtar could also contribute to the expelling of these invaders, and with them would go the assassins."
"We do not know for sure," Selenity said. "We do not know the true strength of these assassins, nor whether or not they would be affected by our power." The queen sighed and held her hand up to Ananke, knowing he would speak. "I'll contact Maia and Ovda," she said finally. "Ananke, contact the other Xeons and station yourselves around Serenity. She shall be joined by Mae-Makyuri, Mercury, and the sisters of Kinsei as soon as possible. Marusu is with Maia, so she, too, shall join them."
"As you wish," Ananke said with a generous bow. "Might a make a suggestion first?" Selenity bowed her head in acknowledgement. "Perhaps Queen Trinity Hyourin could also bring aid to this situation." Having said that Ananke bowed again and quickly left. Selenity sighed and strode over to the head of the table. She placed her hands on the arm of her chair as she bowed her head.
"I cannot call upon my mother," she said softly. "She has given so much and is so elderly; I cannot possibly ask this of her."
