The Weaker Sex

Chapter 3---A New Beginning

One thing was sure as Serena traveled along side Andrew; the rumors of Earth and the books were totally wrong. No longer did these people live in such a futuristic type of world, but as if all of Earth had gone through a time warp. Though Serena had never been to Earth, her mother the Queen had. So many stories were told to her as a child that she had to even wonder if her mothers' stories were just fictional. But when she inquired to Andrew about this he was more than happy to explain to her all the events that had taken place with her unknowing.

"About 30 years ago we were a people of a technological nation. Everything you read or even heard from your mother was true. But, over the years, our improvement of technology was our downfall. We became so wrapped up in improving our lifestyles that we did not stop to think of how the Earth would be affected. It is a known fact to many that the rulers of Earth have a special bond to their planet; just like the other rulers of the galaxy. And whatever hardships were placed upon the planet, our rulers would be burdened ten fold. Not until the near death of the Queen did the King realize the mistakes of himself and the people. And thus from then on the King removed such frivolous materials did the Earth finally come to it natural splendor."

"Did he totally ride the people of technology?"

"Quite the opposite. We are still making breakthroughs in technology as we speak. We just choose not to use such things."

"Oh. Of course."

The Earth was the most beautiful planet she had ever seen. The planet was full of trees, plants, and animal life. It couldn't be even more different than the books back home. It was as if she steeped back in time into the Garden of Eden. Even the landing port was no more than a grassy field with arrays of lights and a watch tower attached to a building that was swallowed whole by the plant life. And it didn't take long to reach the palace of Earth. She was awed by the palaces' natural beauty. Long spiraling towers of trees grew forth from the ground, carved for the housing of the royalty and their guards. Connected to these spiraling towers where large inlays of brick, enveloped in vines covered with blossoming flowers. In the center of these wondrous creations was an enormous oaken drawbridge that began to descend, connected to silver chains. They both carefully trotted their horses across the draw bride that gave them access across the clear pearly waters surrounding the castle.

Once across the bride they came to a large water fountain of a man, dressed in the garments of royalty. It stunned Serena in its natural beauty and Andrew immediately took notice.

"That's the prince. Or at least a statue of him. His mother had it placed there not to long ago. It angers him so that he has become a spectacle," he than sighed and smiled at the princess, "but than again, anything for his dear old mother."

Serena smiled at this and knew immediately that she would come to love this place. They than dismounted their horses and handed the reigns over to two servants that went through an entry way to the far right of the center square.

"Follow me and I will show you your quarters."

They than went to the left through another entryway that led them through what looked like the royal guards' entryway.

"This is the path you shall take whenever you go to your quarters. Since you are just starting out you don't have much freedom."

They seemed to travel on for hours till he finally stopped at a door and opened it for her. Her room was simple but good enough for a royal guard. A simple bed sat in the far right corner of the ten by twelve bedroom. And to the left of the room sat an oaken desk connected to a pair of drawers for clothing.

"You must rest. You will find plenty of clothes, paper, writing utensils and such. I will call upon the servants to bring you your food. Tomorrow you will be formally introduced. Until than, I leave you Your Highness."

"Please, you may call me Serena in private. But with an audience---

"Artemis it is. I know. Have a good rest Serena."

With that Andrew closed the door behind him leaving Serena to herself and new room. Laying herself upon the bed she began to wonder, 'Did the prince look like the statue? I wonder what he is like.' But the princess could no longer think of such things as she soon began to fall asleep.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Wow, you guys sure make me work like mad to put these stories out. But it's ALL for you guys!!! Well, I'm going to go now and watch some t.v.. I may even write the 4rth chapter tonight.