Balem sighed, glaring out over the orange beauty and majesty that was Jupiter.
Jupiter Jones was supposedly on her way to meet him after her family was brought to him.
"Come to me...and give me back my inheritance..." He spoke aloud, thinking of Miss Jones.
Air hissed as the doors to the large chamber opened behind him. "Yes?"
Balem's impatience was clear as his crisp voice echoed in the room.
"Balem..." I spoke, quivering.
He sighed, turning away from the scene below. "Infinity, what are you doing here?"
"I came to apologize and offer you a compromise." I stated.
Balem came toward me, away from the lavish windows. "Why are you frightened of me, Infinity? You have never been before."
I huffed. "It's not fear. I have to do this to save my planet. I will give you what you requested of me."
He stroked my cheek gently and I leaned into his touch.
"Jupiter will be here shortly. How will she take to your compromise with me?"
I closed my eyes as he continued to caress my face softly. "I think I'm falling in love with you. She may not like that very much at all."
There was a long silence between us and Balem removed his hand.
"Please don't stop." I pleaded. My eyes shot open to see him moving away from me.
"You do not love me, Infinity." Came Balem's whispery reply to my confession of love.
"How would you know?" I challenged vehemently.
Another uncomfortable silence, then a deep sigh from Balem overwhelmed the immense chamber surrounding us.
"Infinity, you must understand something. My mother was the only person in my life who truly loved me. No one understood me like her, and no one loved me like her."
"That doesn't mean that someone can't love you." I replied crossly. "Only I know how I feel."
He turned around to peer away from the window again at me. "Perhaps...however, the chances of you falling in love with me are rare indeed, my dear."