As the leader of Princess Serenity's Guardians, I was never allowed to let things other than protecting the Moon Kingdom and Earth get in my way. Things such as love were cast aside and strongly warned against. You could never tell who you could trust, everyone was a possible enemy. My focus could never defer from my duty, so I left all ideas of falling in love aside.

Sadly, this was the fate of all of the Sailor Guardians. However, we took in stride being trusted with the most important duty in the universe. We were protectors, soldiers, and loyal princesses. I sighed and strolled down hallways of the Moon Kingdom. I hadn't seen Princess Serenity since our talk and was worried she had traveled back to Earth.

I knocked softly on the Princesses door and without hearing an acknowledgement, I slowly opened the door to take a peek inside. With a sigh of relief I saw her fast asleep. I made my way inside and sat on the edge of her bed. The Queen had asked me to talk to her about a touchy subject, the Masquerade Ball. It was a beautiful night for most of those in the kingdom, however it had been a sore spot for the Princess.

The Queen was hoping to find a suitor for Serenity at the ball, however the Princess thoroughly refused. The Queen couldn't understand why she would have such an opposition, but I knew it had to do with Prince Endymion. Every time she snuck down to Earth, she came back more amazed than before. The handsome prince had charmed her without even a word, and that spoke trouble.

I heard Serenity yawn and turned to see her waking up. With a smile I saw her eyes slowly realize that I was here. She still was so innocent and naïve, trusting and seeing the good in everyone. I hoped for her to keep that innocence as long as she could, losing that sense of naïve comfort was something I wished I still had.

"Princess, you know we have to talk about the ball tomorrow. The Queen has suggested that we, your guardians, seek out trusted allies to be your suitor." I watched as her eyes dimmed and she shook her head. I hated to do this to her, but she was the future queen.

"How is it that you get a say and I don't? It isn't your marriage being arranged! And if my mother can rule alone why can't I?" As I watched her get up and tie her hair back up, I suddenly felt horrible for bringing it up. I remember our talks when we were younger about how we couldn't wait to fall in love and meet our handsome princes. Yet, here I was defying her the very same dream that I had, to love when and who I wanted.

I came up behind her and put my hands on her shoulders. Suddenly feeling more like the girl I used to be and not the woman I was supposed have become, I had an idea. "Serenity, what if I picked the person you wanted as your suitor? The Queen never said that I had to pick from just our kingdom after all." She turned and smiled understanding my plan. Even if I was her protector from physical danger, why could I not protect her heart as well?

I breathed in the welcoming smell of Earth as I walked toward the Golden Kingdom. I watched the guards to see exactly where their post was and walked towards the back balcony. Suddenly someone walked out of the shadows, I gasped as I saw one of the Prince's Shitennou approaching. It was too late to escape; hopefully he would let me go without conflict.

"Who is there?" I nervously watched as he drew his sword. He was relatively tall with blue, almost grey eyes. His hair was white and hit just above his shoulders. I could feel myself blush as he walked closer towards me.

"I am sorry, I am Princess Venus." I curtsied in respect and hoped that he would take pity on me. As I looked up I was surprised to see him put away his sword and bow.

"Princess, I am sorry to have startled you. My name is Kunzite; I am part of Prince Endymion's Shitennou. It is a pleasure to meet you Princess. Is there any trouble? It is strange for guardians of Princess Serenity to come to Earth, especially this late at night." If he knew of me, he most likely knew of the reasons why I shouldn't be here.

"I have an invitation for Prince Endymion from the Queen. I came here to speak to him and deliver the invitation personally. Is there any way that I could speak to him?" As he stared into my eyes I held my breath. He was truly beautiful, if only I could travel to Earth more often. As he walked away to get the Prince, I shook my head. I cannot have feelings for anyone, much less someone on Earth.

As he returned with the Prince I could see they both had a confused look on their face. However, I couldn't understand why Prince Endymion would be confused. Serenity had filled me in before I left of their foray earlier today. And although at first I knew it was wrong, I could not deny that she was happier than I had ever seen her. Her smile made me more determined than ever to bring them together at least one more time.

"Princess Venus, is everything alright? Kunzite said the Queen had sent an invitation?" I could see he was worried he had been caught and I smiled in hoped of reassuring him. I handed him the envelope with the invitation to the ball and a note from the Princess.

"Everything you need to know is in that envelope. The Princess is fine, there is no need to worry." I smiled as I left him and looked back one more time at Kunzite. If only…no my concern is protecting the Princess.

I looked confused at the envelope down in my hand. Why would the Queen be sending me an invitation? I looked back at Kunzite to see if he had any more of an idea, but I was met with equally confused eyes. As I walked back into my study to look over the invitation, I contemplated every explanation. I sat down and opened the envelope, and found two pieces of paper. The first one was on official invitation to the Masquerade Ball at the Moon Kingdom being held tomorrow night. The second one was a note from Princess Serenity.

"Dear Prince Endymion,

Tomorrow my mother is holding a ball in hopes to find my suitor. Each of my guardians were allowed to pick one person to invite in hopes that they would be able to find an adequate king. However, after an explanation to Princess Venus on our meeting today, she has decided to invite you. Now, no one is to know who you are, but I hope to be able to spend more time with you. Princess Venus is an ally, she will be able to get you past the guards. I hope to see you tomorrow night.

Sincerely,

Princess Serenity

I smiled as I read the note, as I had been pondering how I would see her, she had already figured it out. It was nice to know that Princess Venus was willing to help. Her alliance would make everything so much easier. Now on to the task of finding the perfect gift for the Princess, one as beautiful as her. Looking out of my study I saw a red rose bush. So simple, yet it was the perfect gift. She had talked about her love for our flowers and especially the roses. I excited for the chance to see her once again and show her the impact she had on me.