Chapter Ten

Kunzite woke the morning after his planned romantic evening in a haze. How did that go so awful? He felt like someone had just ripped his heart from his chest. That someone, being a very lovely blonde. He went about his day as usual: physical training in the morning, breakfast and a shower, then to the royal study to go over the Prince's studies. He too, like Serenity, was learning as he trained to become king. His student, whether he knew it or not, was much more vigilant with his studies.

After their morning session, Kunzite and Endymoin met with their three friends, Jadeite, Nephrite and Zoisite, for lunch.

"There was a strange visitor for you earlier, Prince," Zoisite said as they all sat down and waited for their meals. "An odd woman, she said she had an important message for you. The other guards and I turned her away, assuming she was involved with the rebels that have been speaking out. I can't for the life of me understand why they thought you'd grant them an audience." The others chuckled.

Kunzite noticed that the prince seemed to look concerned about this information. He and his fellow generals had been sending troops to silence these groups lately, and he assumed that it would pass quickly. But it seemed, his prince did not have the same confidence. "I wouldn't worry so much, Endo. The four of us will take care of this matter. You have much more important things to worry over."

"These are troublesome times, my friend," the prince stated after a moment. "I only worry that no matter what we do, the jealousy and anger of these people will not be overcome. I fear for the worst."

Kunzite knew that the prince was worrying more about a possible civil war—he wanted to see his princess, and such a conflict would prevent that. They continued their lunch discussing the issue and what they thought should be done. Nephrite was sending a battalion of his finest to take hold of a camp they'd located in the west, and the others were allocating forces to take over similar camps worldwide. It was a mess, but it was the only way they could try to control the situation. People, suddenly, were talking about revolting against the Moon. They found it unfair that those of the Moon lived eternally, while they lived such short lives. They were envious, and sought to steal the power of the Ginzuishou. They started in small numbers, but in the past month, had grown to a large horde, and every day grew in number.

That night, Kunzite could not sleep. Between thinking about strategies and how horrible the night before had gone, he could not get his brain to rest. His time spent with the princesses main guardian had been a welcome escape from the day to day, and now he felt that it was coming to an end. How could he have been so stupid? How had he even begun to think that she would bend her own code of conduct for him? What made him think that out of all the men in the universe, he could sway her? Idiot.

He took to the halls of the palace to help clear his mind. He wandered aimlessly, staring off as he paced the halls. He found himself in the garden, where Venus had often appeared. Not knowing if she'd come tonight, he sat on a bench and waited, staring up at the sky and praying she would. He didn't know what he'd say if he did see her, but at this point, he didn't really care.

Venus looked over at the letter again. It was probably the hundredth time she'd peered over to her night stand where it sat. She did not want to venture down to Earth tonight. Or anytime soon for that matter. However, she couldn't hide in her room for forever, and Serenity expected this to be delivered. It was time. She picked it up, along with the pendant the Queen had granted her, and headed outside. With a deep breath, she held her hand up high, and in a flash, appeared at her destination.

She had gotten pretty good at navigating the dark corridors, and made it to the prince's room rather quickly without notice from anyone, including the one she definitely wanted to avoid, she slipped in and set the letter on his night stand, and quietly left the room. On her way back outside, she passed Kunzite's chamber. She paused outside his door, not knowing why. Her heart began to pound, and she could feel the sweat gather on her palms and her cheeks flush red. Why was she so nervous? Why was she feeling this way? Why did she all of a sudden want to see him? Forget it, Venus. It's time to go home. Leave him alone.

After a moment, she adjusted her cloak and continued down the hall. "It's for the best..." she said quietly to herself. And with that, she entered one of the gardens and teleported herself back to the moon.