Chapter 4

Shinn was a bit surprised to see that Rey had personally come to free him. He was glad that despite Rey's many duties, he was there for him. "Thanks for coming Rey."

"Did you think I wouldn't come, Shinn? The blonde lord smiled at his black haired friend. "Of course I'd come for you. After all, if I let you die as a prisoner, I would never hear the end of it from my father and Lunamaria would be crushed."

After hearing Rey's comment, Stellar's heart was crushed. Shinn noticed this and walked over to Stellar. "Lunamaria is my squire and childhood friend. She is not anywhere close to being my lover." With that, he lifted her chin and kissed her. Everyone in the room was completely shocked from what they witnessed. Rey eyed his friend. "Is there something that you'd like to share with us Shinn?"

"Stellar, what's been going on between you and Shinn" Cagalli asked.

"Yes Rey. There is something I'd like to tell you. I'VE JUST MET THE MOST AMAZING WOMAN IN THE WORLD!!!!" Once he got out what he wanted to say, he pulled Stellar into another kiss, this one was more passionate and longer than the other two.

Athrun and Rey opened their mouths and simultaneously said "wow." Rey had never seen Shinn act this way before. Athrun couldn't figure out how his little brother and Stellar developed a relationship in just three days. Cagalli, Rey, and Athrun exchanged glances, giving each other the message that they had no clue about what was going on.

Cagalli broke the silence by speaking to Rey and Shinn. "I hate to ruin the moment, but I don't think that it's safe for the two of you (talking to Rey and the "occupied" Shinn) to leave today. It sounds like the storm has gotten worse. I guess that I will have to give both of you rooms until the storm clears up."

"Thank you your majesty. I will humbly accept your gracious offer." Rey bowed to Cagalli. "And I'm sure my friend is just as grateful as I am. Right, Shinn?" Shinn was too "busy" to notice that Rey was speaking to him. Rey buried his face in his hand and let out a sigh of defeat. "I'm sure he'll be grateful," said Cagalli to the embarrassed Rey.

"Ow, Rey." Rey looked up to Shinn. 'It's about time he came up for air,' he thought as he turned to face Shinn. "Yes, What is it Shinn?"

"Did you bring Minerva with you?"

"Yeah, she's in the stable."

Stellar was confused. "Who is Minerva?" Shinn smiled at her." Just the most beautiful thing in the world!"

Stellar was hurt by what Shinn told her. Were her original thoughts about him true? Was he really some playboy who wanted her as one of his victims? She hoped she was wrong, but she doubted it. Her sadness transformed to thoughts of vengeance.

After Shinn got directions, he grabbed Stellar's hand and started towards the stable. "What are you doing" Stellar asked angrily.

"I want you to meet her."

"What if I don't want to.." She stopped once she realized how she could get back at Shinn. She would inform this Minerva woman about her boyfriend's little flings. It was the perfect revenge!

Once they arrived at the stables, Stellar didn't see anyone that was unfamiliar to her. The only other person in there was Meyrin, Athrun's squire, who was caring for Genesis, Athrun's horse. Shinn stopped in front of a stall occupied by a beautiful black stallion.

"How've you been girl," Shinn asked as he stroked the horse's main. "Have they been treating you well while I was gone?" He noticed something that made him angry." Who's the idiot that's in charge of my horse?!"

Meyrin slowly and nervously spoke up." That would be me sir." Shinn stomped towards her, grabbed her by the back of her shirt, and dragged her back to Minerva's stall. "Do you have any damn clue about what the hell you are doing?!" Shinn was furious.

Meyrin looked at Stellar for assistance, but Stellar just stood there. She couldn't blame Stellar for being scared (that's what she thinks), but she really would like some sort of assistance. She gave up, and returned her attention to Shinn.

"This is how you properly brush a horse! You brush in one direction, not back and forth! DO I make myself clear?!"

"Yes sir," Meyrin squeaked.

"Good. Don't let it happen again." Poor Meyrin was relieved that Shinn didn't yell his last statement. Her ears couldn't take any more abuse. Shinn told her to leave, and she happily obeyed. "Thanks for the help Stellar" she said sarcastically.

"Sorry you had to witness that little fiasco." Shinn turned to Stellar with a smile on his face. "Anyways, this is my pride and joy, Minerva. Isn't she gorgeous?"

Stellar couldn't respond. She was too shocked and embarrassed to speak. It never occurred to her that Minerva was a horse. She also felt guilty for suspecting Shinn of cheating. Stellar was brought back to reality when she felt Minerva chewing on her hair. "Hey, stop that!" She struggled to get loose.

Shinn just laughed, which made Stellar angry. "What the hell is so funny about my hair being eaten by a horse?!" She just made him laugh harder.

"She likes you."

Stellar was dumbfounded. "If Minerva likes someone when she meets them, she'll chew on their hair." Stellar was more confused than before. She decided to drop the topic before it drove her insane.

Later that night, Shinn was lying on his bed when Athrun came in his room. "Is there something you want to tell me Athrun?"

"I wanted to tell you who killed father, mother and Mayu."

"I know who killed them. It was rondo under the orders of King Izumi."

"That's where you're wrong little brother." Shinn rolled over to face his brother. "What do you mean?"

"Rondo acted without permission from the king."

"How do you know that, Athrun?" Shinn was getting angry with his brother trying to defend the murder's family and honor. "Why do you refuse to see the truth brother?"

Athrun was angered by Shinn's question. "No Shinn, why do you refuse to see the truth? King Izumi died a week before our family was killed!"

"Are you serious?" Shinn was disturbed of the news his brother shared with him. He was hoping that Athrun was joking.

"No, I'm quite serious."

Shinn was horrified. For many years, he was convinced to believe a lie! Because of Rondo's sick plans, he replaced the love he had for his best childhood friend with pure hatred.

"Then that means…"

"That's right Shinn." Shinn ran to his brother and broke down crying.