Setsuna breathed deeply and closed her eyes. Her head was aching badly but she knew very well she absolutely had to work. The Queen was waiting for new information, this mission was crucial to the Reign's health and to something even more important than that.

While she was trying to make her headache decrease, she heard Usagi's sharp voice coming from downstairs. She usually spent a lot of time thinking about Usagi. She was right the essence of compassion, of duty, of style,of beauty, now, someone with a natural nobility, which was classless, and which proved in the last year that she needed no royal title to continue to generate her particular brand of magic; however, Setsuna was aware of the fact that she would have become a queen, the Queen, and that her older self was really, really different from the younger one.

Suddenly a violent underbelly twinge stopped her breathing. She twitched and tryied to stand up but she didn't manage to. Droplets of swear were going down through her forehead. She closed her eyes again and begged God to make it finish as soon as possible.

-Three more days.- she said to herself -Just three more days.-

At the same time, Usagi and Michiru were drinking their coffee together.

-Is it all right?-

-Of course it is.- Michiru answered.

-Are you sure?-

-Yes, I am. Well, frankly there's something that's bothering me. I am worried for Setsuna. She's working too hard, and she's acting... weird.-

-Weird?-

-Well, yes. It seems she is anguished. There's something that make her suffer, and we don't know what. I really want to help her, but she doesn't let Haruka or me come too close to her real self. I don't know what she thinks, how she feels. Haruke is even more worried than me, and I told her it was just too much fatigue, but in my opinion there's something else.-

-Do you want me to talk to her?-

-It would be great. She credits you very much.-

Five minutes later Usagi entered Setsuna's room.

-Hello.-

-Hello, Usa-chan. How are you?-

-Fine, thanks, and what about you and Mamoru?-

-We are fine and happy. Are you sure you are feeling well? You looks a little bit pale.-

-I'm just tired, I'm working really hard.-

-You mustn't exagerate. We need you to be healthy and strong to take care of all of us.-

-I know it.- she answered bitterly.

-Michiru is really worried.-

-And she asked you to talk to me.-

-Well... er... yes.-

-Listen to me, Usa-chan. I know you all love me, but I can take care of myself.-

-We'd just like to share your troubles with you.-

-Sharing...- she said, then laughed.

-Listen to me carefully, Usa-chan. There is no need to worry for me. I know I'm acting weird, but just... take it easy, ok? You're so young, there's so much you don't know, so much you have to go through. You think of me as if I was your twenty-five years old friend, but I am old, and there are a lot of duties I have to fulfil, ok?-

-We just want you to be happy, Suna-chan.-

Setsuna smiled but remained in silence while Usagi went out. Hidden tears were glittering in her eyes but, as usual, nobody saw them.

AN Sorry for my mistakes, I am not a native speaker. I hope to receive a lot of advices. Thanks a lot.