Warning: Not suitable for children under the age of 17...I am doing crazy things with Miss Naoko's characters. (evil grin)

Wow, you people really like it, huh? Yayness! And the whole part about making Malachite suffer...the thought HAD crossed my mind...I'll just leave it at that. ;)

Sheesh! This Chapter took me longer to write than all the others put together, lol. I had to stop myself. Hope I don't bore you all!

Malachite: Suffer? Me? Why would you wanna do that, Mistress? ...Mistress? ...Uh oh!

Mina looked up at Malachite, seething with rage. Why in the hell was he being so disagreeable? "General, every solution I have given you will work. There is no reason that you are rejecting them."

"Princess, if you please," he said, rubbing his temples with his fingers. "This can never work. The Delegates from China and Russia must NOT be within 5 seats of each other. There is a great hatred there. And that INCLUDES the seats across from each other."

"Fine, you know a better solution? From trying to keep Iraq away from everyone, Kuwait away from Iran, and Ireland away from England, there is no place else for them to go but at the most 3 seats away from each other! You have to think logically!"

Malachite glared down at her. There was a fire in her eyes that threatened to envelope him entirely. She was clearly agitated with him and he couldn't stop. His instinct was to reach across the table and caress the hand that was tapping lightly on the seating plans. He wanted nothing more than to sweep the plans off the table, grab her, throw her onto the table, and make love to her for the rest of the day. The torture was killing him. He wasn't supposed to fall for her. It was driving him insane!

Mina looked up to find Malachite looking down at her, a strange expression on his face. She felt her heart pound hard against her chest. She truly wanted this man more than anything, but she knew that he would never let it happen. She sighed inwardly. Best to forget it girl. He got what he wanted out of you.

"Shut up," she muttered to the voice inside her head.

"What was that?" Malachite asked.

"Nothing, just talking to myself." Mina moved a stray piece of hair out of her face.

Mina flopped down on the chair and crossed her legs. The light pink tank dress she was wearing rode up just a few inches above her knees, teasing Malachite even more. He wanted those legs wrapped around him. He clenched his teeth and tore his gaze away. "Minako-"

Malachite was interrupted as one of Mina's staff knocked lightly and opened the door to the meeting room. He entered cautiously, a package in his hand. He walked over to Mina, who hadn't even looked up to register his presence.

"Miss Minako?"

"Hmmm?" she asked, still not looking up.

"I was instructed to give you this," he said, holding the package out for her.

Mina looked up and took the package. "Thank you."

The young man bowed and hurried out of the room.

Mina wrinkled her brow as she inspected the small wrapped box. Sighing rather loudly, she tore it open.

Mina opened the box and her eyes widened. There was a golden chain with a rose dangling from it. There was a small note laying underneath the necklace. "To my Princess under the stars. Yours truly, Marron," she read aloud. Mina blushed, a stirring of butterflies in her stomach. This was one of the sweetest things anyone had ever done for her. She smiled, her first smile of the day.

"May we please continue?" Malachite asked, annoyance in his voice.

Mina looked up at him, still smiling. "Would you mind helping me put this on?" she asked innocently.

Malachite's blood boiled. Would he mind? What kind of stupid question was that? Of course he minded. She is supposed to be mine! Whoa, calm down boy. You are the reason she's not with you. Bah! Shut up!

Malachite strode around the table and took the necklace from Mina. She lifted up her hair and piled it on top of her head. He saw the creamy white skin of her exposed neck and almost lost control of himself. He slipped the necklace around her neck and clasped it closed for her. He unconsciously rubbed the back of her neck with his fingers lightly. He walked back around the table, the warmth of her skin still on his fingertips.

Mina looked up at the General, a blush creeping into her cheeks. She could still feel his fingers as they brushed her neck. She tore her gaze away from him, and looked back down at the note in her hand. Prince Marron, you could win my heart.

Mina looked up at Prince Marron, as she opened her door. She knew she was blushing, but she didn't care. There was a huge smile on her face. She flung her arms around Marron's neck and hugged him tightly.

"Thank you so much for the necklace."

Marron smiled down at her. "Anything for my princess." He bent down and brushed his lips lightly against hers. "Come," he said, taking her hand.

Mina let Marron lead her down the hallway, down the stairs and into the Dining Hall. It was pitch black in the room, but before she could comment, Marron whispered something and at least a hundred candles lit up the room. Mina sucked in her breath. There was a small table in the center of the room with two candles on it. There was a circle of candles around the rest of the room.

Marron led Mina to her chair and pulled it out for her. "M'lady."

Mina smiled and allowed him to push her chair back up. Her eyes continued to scan the room. The Chandelier was lower than usual, candles lighting it up instead of the usual magic. She felt like she was in a fairytale.

They uncovered thier dinner and ate in silence. Mina didn't know what to say, and Marron didn't seem to want to talk.

After they finished their dinner, Mina looked down at her hands in her lap, frustrated that she didn't know what to do.

She looked up to see Marron standing beside her. "Would you like to dance, Mina?"

"But there is no...music..." she trailed off as a slow romantic tune began playing in the background. "I would love to," she said, allowing him to take her hand and lead her out into the middle of the floor.

He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close, while his other hand clasped tightly around hers. She looked up into his eyes. Marron felt his knees go weak. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever met.

She felt him press her close to him, a thrill running through her body. She could feel every movement he made. She closed her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder, nuzzling into his neck and sighed. This was the way things were supposed to be. Damn that Malachite to hell!

Marron let go of her and lifted up her face by her chin. He brought his lips down and pressed them against hers. She sighed as his tongue entered her mouth. He wrapped his arms around her, one hand on the back of her neck, holding her face close to his. His kisses moved from her lips to her neck. As he found the spot where her neck met her shoulder, her body arched into his. Marron groaned in pleasure as he felt his pants tighten. He needed this woman.

Mina couldn't help but let her body react to his kisses, his touches. She felt his hand move down her back and around to her hip, where he began massaging it. His hand soon moved to her thigh, and bunched up her dress, lifting it enough to get his hand under it. Mina moaned lightly as his hand caressed the inside of her thigh. As he made his way up, she backed away from him.

Marron could see the passion in her eyes as her chest heaved and a light red glow caressed her skin.

"I'm not ready for this," she said. "I'm sorry." Mina turned and ran from the room. She raced up the stairs and down the hallway and into her room. She slammed the door behind her and fell back against it, sliding to the floor. She didn't know why, but she felt the waves of tears threatening to crash over her. She forced them back with all her might.

She didn't understand why she had to runaway. She shook her head and banged it against the door. "Stupid, stupid, stupid," she muttered to herself. "I finally meet a nice romantic guy and I run away. How daft can I be?"

Mina nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard a knock on her door. She cracked it open to see Marron standing there, a hurt look on his face. She swung the door open and wrapped her arms around him. "I'm sorry," she murmured into his neck.

Marron relaxed and let his arms enclose her. She was truly confusing, but he enjoyed every moment with her.

The next day, Mina and Malachite were back in the meeting room, discussing the talks again. The seating arrangement they had made didn't go over very well yesterday and they had to back to the drawing board. Mina's mind wasn't on her work, and Malachite noticed.

"Excuse me, Princess," he interrupted. "But if we are to get this done, you need to get your head out of the clouds and you feet back on the ground," he growled.

Mina just raised a golden eyebrow at him. Malachite looked back down at the plans. "Now-"

He was interrupted with a knock on the door. "Come in!" he barked.

The same young man from yesterday entered the room, a dozed yellow roses in his hands. "These are for P-princess M-minako," he stuttered.

She took them from him, and smiled up at him. "Thank you," she said. The man was surprised. He was expecting to be yelled at for interrupting her meeting.

Mina took the roses and inhaled their scent deeply. She plucked the card out of them and opened it.

Malachite didn't know what it said, but he saw Mina blush. The rage and jealousy starting boiling in his veins again. "Princess, please."

Everyday there was something that Mina and Malachite had to work on for the Delegation Meetings, and everyday the same young man brought a gift for Mina. And everytime Malachite saw her eyes light up, his jealousy and rage multiplied.

On this particular day, they had left the office door open. It was a warm and bright day and Mina had insisted. Malachite was drawing on the plans in front of them.

Mina was looking down at what Malachite was drawing when she felt a hand wrap around her waist. She let out a small 'eep' as she was spun around. She found herself looking into Marron's handsome face. She didn't have time to respond as he covered her mouth his his. She completely forgot where she was and what she was doing. She responded to his kiss, adding a bit more to it.

Malachite felt a growl growing in his throat as he looked up to see Marron spinning Mina around. His eyes widened in anger as Marron looked him dead in the eyes before lowering his head and kissing Mina. If he didn't know any better, he would have thought it was a challenge. Malachite cleared his throat before the growl escaped.

Mina broke away from Marron. "I'm sorry, but I need to finish this with General Malachite."

Marron smiled down at her and kissed the tip of her nose. "I just couldn't wait until tonight to see you, that's all. I will leave you to your work." Marron turned around and walked out of the office, closing the door behind him.

Mina turned and looked at Malachite. She saw the anger and the hatred burning in his eyes. It scared her, but pleased her at the same time. She was hurting him the same way that he hurt her. It served his pompous ass right!

For the rest of the day, Mina kept glancing up into Malachite's face, seeing the anger and the jealousy written across it. It did nothing but confuse her and she wanted nothing more than to get away from him. She was glad when they finally got it settled and she could leave.

Malachite looked up at Mina as she started to walk away. "Are you happy?" he asked, barely above a whisper.

Mina turned around and looked at him. He was looking into her eyes, his masked over again. Her stomach lurched. She did not want to have this conversation. The main reason was because she didn't have an answer. She wasn't unhappy, but she wasn't happy.

"Why do you care?"

"I just want to know if he makes you happy."

Mina shrugged. "I'm not unhappy."

"Is it me, or are you purposely avoiding giving me a straight answer?"

Mina glared at him. She wanted this man more than she could stand, but she would not stand him toying with her like he was. "I don't have to answer you."

Mina turned to leave, but felt Malachite grab her arm and slam her against the wall. She felt his body press hard against hers right before his lips were crushed on hers.

She tried to push away, but only for a moment. This is what she truly wanted, and there was no way to stop herself. Her hands ran through his hair as she pulled him closer. A low moan escaped her lips as Malachite's tongue danced with hers. His hand moved down to her breast and began to tease her nipple with his thumb. Her body arched against him and her leg went up and rubbed against his thigh and waist.

Malachite's kisses trailed down her neck and around her collarbone. He could feel her heavy breathing and her chest moving up and down fast. Her skin was turning slightly pink and soft whimpers were escaping her lips. His other hand moved to her thigh, caressing her silky white skin softly.

Shivers went down her spine as her body reacted to every touch. This man was everything to her. She felt his hand move up her thigh and a panic rose in her. This would turn out just like last time. He would have his way with her and then just leave her again.

Malachite felt it before she did it. Her body tensed and she shoved him away. Anger flared in her blue eyes. She slapped him hard across his face before storming out of the room.

"Damnit!" Malachite yelled, a fist punching a hole in the table.

Mina studied herself in the mirror. "What kind of woman am I?" she asked herself. She sighed deeply, wishing that yesterday had never happened. She rubbed her temples with her fingers, trying to get the memory of Malachite out of her head. She knew the only reason he did that was to get what he wanted again and just leave her hanging again. She wouldn't be his toy!

Thankfully, Mina didn't have to work with Malachite today, she had to help Jedite. He was training the guards in the new security measures and needed a partner to demonstrate with. She did her job, but nothing else. Everyone around her noticed there was no spark in her eyes, no skip in her step. There was something distressing the Goddess of Love, but she would never tell.

Serena went up to Mina the next day, worry creasing her forehead.

"Mina, please tell us what is troubling you?"

Mina looked up at Serena, a sadness in her eyes. "What makes you think anything is troubling me?" she asked.

"All of us see it. Even Prince Marron came to me and said that he was worried about you."

Mina just looked at her. She had everything. She had her husband, she had her friends, and she had the perfect life. There was nothing Mina wouldn't give to have what Serena had.

"I'm sorry Meatball Head," Mina said as she stood up and hugged her friend. "It's nothing. Just not feeling myself lately," she explained with a weak smile.

"Good," Serena said with a school girl grin. "Then you will be at the ball tonight!"

"What!"

"You heard me, Mina."

"But-"

"Nope! I command it! And this time, you have to get your own dress." Sticking her tongue out at Mina, Serena left the room.

Mina just sat there, a dazed look on her face.

Mina examined herself in Rei's full body mirror.

She wore a dress of pale blue with braided straps and trim. It fit tightly across her front and flared out in pale blue and white layers at her hips. Her hair was pulled up into a bun surrounded by a braid. Two curls came down on either side of her face. A pale gloss was applied to her lips and a hint of blue eyeshadow was on her eyelids. She felt beautiful...but why did she still feel so down?

"Rei, are you sure? I mean, I don't think this hairstyle is me."

"Don't be silly, Mina. It looks perfect on you. You're sure to make Prince Marron drool."

A pained look crossed Mina's face for a second at the mention of Marron. She had wronged him...in more ways than one. She knew that she was using him. She wanted nothing more than to make Malachite suffer, and she had succeeded in that, but at the expense of Marron.

Rei missed the look and gazed up at Mina. She looked as the Goddess of Love should look.

Mina turned to the door as she heard a knock. Rei went over and opened it, slipping out as Marron walked in. He stopped in his tracks and gazed at Mina. She found herself blushing.

"Wow, Princess, you look..." Finding himself at a loss for words, he walked over and planted a kiss on her lips.

Mina couldn't help but smile at him.

Marron held out his arm and she took it. They walked down the hallway and down the stairs to the ball. Marron immediately took her out to the dance floor. He twirled her around, gaining the attention of most of the ballroom.

Malachite stood against a pillar, watching as Mina and Prince Marron danced around the room. His eyes dancing with rage and jealousy. She should have been out there with him. Damn that woman!

Mina laughed heartily, her first laugh in days, as Marron spun her around. She landed back in his arms, wrapping hers around his neck. She just looked up into his eyes, seeing how much he cared for her in them. She couldn't break his heart...not tonight.

Marron stared down at his golden-haired beauty. There was nothing else in the entire universe that could have made him happier than he was this night. He twirled Mina around again, receiving another ear full of her laughter.

After a few dances, Marron was pulled away by another one of the delegates.

Mina watched him walk off, her chest heaving with the effort of dancing to three songs in a row like that. She leaned back against a pillar, determined to catch her breath and rest a little.

Malachite saw Marron walk off, leaving Mina resting on a pillar. Without thinking about what he was doing, he walked over to her. He looked down into her questioning face.

"May I have this dance, Princess Minako?" he asked, extending his hand.

As much as she wanted to reach out and slap his gorgeous face, she found herself placing her hand in his and letting him lead her out onto the floor. She felt him pull her close, one hand around her waist, the other holding hers. She felt how close his body was, how every muscle molded to her. She sighed inside and knew this was right, no matter how much she hated it.

"I would like to apologize."

Mina looked up at him, pain flashing through her eyes before she hid it away again. "You had no right," she whispered.

Malachite sighed. He knew there was nothing else he could say to make things right.

Marron looked over to the dance floor and saw Mina dancing with Malachite. He saw the unpleasant look on her face and rage coursed through his veins. How dare another man touch his Minako?

Before he could tear himself away from his conversation, the dance was over and Minako stormed off the dance floor. Marron rushed over to her and started to demand what that man had done to her, but thought better of it when he saw the look of sadness on her face.

"Marron?" she asked. "I think I'm going to turn in for the night. I'm sorry, but I am not feeling myself this evening."

"Will you allow me to escort you, Princess?" he asked as he held out his arm for her.

She smiled graciously up at him and took his arm. "Thank you."

Marron took Mina up to her room, but didn't want to leave her side. "May I escort you in?" he asked.

Mina was about to say 'no', when she saw the pleading look in his eyes. "If you wish."

Mina opened her door and allowed the Prince into her room. She closed the door and turned around. Marron walked over to her and placed a light kiss on her lips.

"You've never looked so beautiful than you do tonight," he murmured in her ear before leaving a trail of kisses from her ear to her collarbone.

Mina wanted to open her mouth, to protest, but she felt her body responding to him. When his lips sought out hers again, she kissed him fiercely. His tongue parted her lips, entering her hot, strawberry tasting mouth.

Marron pressed his body hard against hers after he backed her up to her bed. They fell onto the bed together. His hands went up and pulled the clip out that was holding up hr hair. He ran his hands through it before bringing them down to cup her breasts. He heard a small moan come out of her perfect mouth, and he lost all thoughts but the one of ravishing this dazzling beauty.

Mina wanted to stop, she needed to stop, but her body reacted to his touch. It had been so long since her desire was filled that her body wanted to do nothing else. When she felt him lifting her dress, she pushed him up from her. "Please, stop. I don't want to do this." Mina expected him to stop. Expected him to get off of her. But what he did was the exact opposite.

He pressed himself back against her, covering her mouth with his again. Again, she pushed him away. "I said stop," she said, anger touching her voice.

Marron pinned her arms and legs down and crawled on top of her, forcing his thigh between her legs.

"Please, stop...please," she begged. When she realized that he wasn't, a scream ripped out of her throat.

Marron covered her mouth with his, determined to get what he needed this time.

Malachite watched as Marron led Mina upstairs to her room. He kicked himself for not apologizing better. He could do better.

He waited 10 minutes, before mounting the stairs. That was enough time for Marron to get a good night kiss and leave.

Malachite poised his hand to knock on her door when he heard muffled noises coming from her room. His face went red with anger. The thought of another man touching Mina made him want to kill someone.

He turned to walk away when he heard Mina scream. He lost all self control and slammed open her door.

He saw Mina, his Mina, lying on her bed, Marron on top of her, his lip bleeding and his hand up her dress. There were tears running down her face. Malachite's blood boiled with rage as he strode across the room and jerked the young Prince off Minako. He slammed him against the wall, knocking the breath out of Marron. He went back and punched Marron as hard as he could in the stomach. As the prince clutched his stomach, Malachite leaned over.

"If I ever see or hear of you near Princess Minako ever again, I will kill you," he whispered into Marron's ear. Marron looked at Mina and then at Malachite.

"You can have the little bitch," he spat before he stormed out of the roo, slamming the door behind him. Malachite followed him and locked the door.

Mina watched as Malachite walked over to her, the tears not stopping and her heart still pounding. She didn't look up at him as he stood in front of her. She saw his hand reach across and wipe the tears from her eyes. A surge of gratitude went through her as he sat on the bed next to her. She felt Malachite's strong arms wrap around her shoulders. She leaned against him, crying even harder.

After she cried until she couldn't cry anymore, she looked up at Malachite. "Thank you," she whispered.

Malachite kissed her forehead. "You need to rest." He stood up to leave, but he felt a tug on his shirt. Mina had grabbed his shirt to keep him from leaving.

"Please don't leave me," she begged.

Malachite sat back down beside her, leaning back against the head board, letting her curl up into a little ball in his lap. He stroked her hair until she fell asleep. He pickedup her sleeping form and laid her in the bed, covering her up.

As he turned to leave, she spoke to him. "Stay...for me."

With a heavy sigh, he laid down beside her. She covered him up with her and curled up to him. She buried her head in his neck and snuggled up against him.

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead. This was the way things were supposed to be.

Malachite laid there for several hours, just watching his angel sleep. He knew that he couldn't run from his feelings anymore. He needed Mina and wanted to be with her forever. Malachite decided not to run away again.