Prologue Entry

''A distraught Spica follows Andromeda out of the limousine and closes the door behind them, only to be showered with camera clicks and flashes of a million magnitudes. Thousands of people have came to see this, to see the execution of Betelgeuse. All of them, it made Spica sick to her stomach. To her very core. She wanted to run away, to leave Cassiopeia forever. And she wanted to do it now. But she remembered why she had to come along. To defend this poor, innocent man. Her elementary school teacher. To her, he was the only one who didn't shun her after her unfortunate rise to power , despite the many times when during interactions , she had to ignore him .''

''He was the only one who understood the situation. Who understood her situation. So there she was, smiling at the cameras and paparazzi that enveloped them to the courthouse , all the while holding hands with Andromeda , feeling the tense texture of her palm through the cotton glove. She was all too familiar with this feeling. It was the hand that cradled her face whenever they would kiss, the hand that would caress her sensually in their most intimate moments , the hand that held her wedding ring. But it was also the hand that nearly chocked her to death, the one that struck her many times in the head , the one that would be used to restrain her while she took advantage of her in bed. In a weird way, Andromeda was both Spica's wife and master , and she .............was the servant .''

Finally approaching the massive courthouse doors, Spica and Andromeda met with their personal servants , Vega and Capella , whom bowed in their presence .

" My Monarch, is all well with you ? " , they both said at the same time .

''Both Andromeda and Spica responded " yes " as customs required, for it is seen as sinful to enter a courthouse ill or unwell. But Spica, she felt very ill. After the customary ' conversation ' had ended, the two servants opened the massive doors for the Monarchs , visibly struggling under its weight. Spica wanted to help them but couldn't. Not only would it be seen as distasteful under the public's eye, but it would also arouse Andromeda's unbridled fury. The two walked around the massive twinning pillars that flanked the immensely heavy doors, leading into a bright , serene room. One that was large and almost intimidating  in nature .''

''A gracious audience of Cassiopites stood up and began to applaud their appearance, as they are supposed to , and the Monarchs waved in a professional manner , basking in their appreciation. Spica smiled and slowly stopped waving, walking to the defense pulpit next to where the accused would sit , with Andromeda taking the role of judge. Another Cassiopite took the role of being the prosecuting lawyer, a short , pink and red haired female , still incredibly young and inexperienced at her new occupation. At the sight of Andromeda, she shivered slightly , anxious and fidgety as she tapped her forehead with a handkerchief and stuffed it back into her suit pocket .''

-

''Next, the accused was finally brought out of confinement , handcuffed and wearing a dirty white tracksuit , face all bruised and nose purple , with old blood caked underneath. His grey moustache was sprinkled with said dried blood, fuzzy and unkempt. Spica stood in apparent shock to see Betelgeuse in such a state, stripped of dignity and pride , head drooping and with a somber shadow over his beaten face. She was .......heartbroken .''

''" Give your name for official matters please ." A voice was barely heard, soft and cracking , trying to retain what dignity he had left. ...............''

''Three hours passed and Spica was back home, in the Palace , shaking and on the verge of throwing up , trying to forget what had just happened. Did she just kill someone ? It ...wasn't murder, it....was an execution. The execution of an innocent man, was is not ? Thoughts ailed her head, how she could have done something different. But if so, how ? What could she have done when her wife held her arms with ferocious strength and made her behead him with the sword. She was too strong to resist, and when the blade met his neck , she could've felt everything vibrate through the sword. Every bone, vain .........it was horrendous. She couldn't take it anymore .''

''" Spica, " Andromeda came into the room , leaned against the door frame. " You know, today was ..disappointing to say the least ."''

She didn't bother answering .

" You, your little act in the courtroom , don't ever do it again - "

''"Shut up ! " Spica snapped, shouting loud enough for their servants in the floors below them to hear. " You knew he wasn't guilty . You knew it ! What I did was try to save his fucking life ! "''

''" I know . That's why I want you to stop . It sickens me to see how weak and pathetic you are . It almost makes me regret marrying you ." Andromeda stepped into the room, wearing her usual long grey shirt and maroon sweatpants. She had changed out of her elegant clothes and given them to the maids to wash. It was sprinkled all over the front with blood. That night, the two slept on opposite sides of the bed , one sleeping soundly. The other planning an escape .''



''The next morning, Spica awoken early. Much earlier than Andromeda, who was sprawled out on the floor , snoring. The very faint glow of moonlight shone through the window, making the appearance of a sort of otherworldly presence seem imminent. She stood up and walked. She walked slowly to the window, one foot in front of the other. It almost felt like she was a toddler again, learning to walk for the first time. Her legs felt heavy and weighted. Weighted by this loathsome world. By her captor. By .....herself. But no longer. No longer will she have too feel like this. She can leave. She can run away ! She can find a new home and a new family ! Just then, at the corner of her eye , a faint , blue sparkle suddenly caught her eye. Earth. Her new colony-to-be. It was, perfect , she thought. The air there is mostly nitrogen, it has vast amounts of life. It was brilliant .''

''" I know where to go to next . " she whispered to herself ." I'll go to Earth and start over . It'll be my new home .....and .....my liberator ." It was clear in her mind what she wanted. She wanted freedom. Love. She just wanted - no, needed these things. Deserved these things. She deserves better than this .''

''Spica spent the next few hours plotting a way to escape Cassiopeia and Andromeda, to barely any avail. The pale blue sun came up in the sky, shining a solemn light upon the dilapidated city. The horizon was hazy from the fire last week, giving the air a dirty look. The twin towers of their sister city could barely be seen. It was these twin towers that housed Andromeda's younger sister and mother, Dahlia and Aphrodite. And today was the day that she would visit them for a ceremonial dinner brought on by Aphrodite's 300th wedding anniversary with Dionysus, Andromeda's stepfather. Spica was curious to visit them, not because of the occasion but rather to see her parents for the first time. Many sorts of rumors and nit-picks were brought up about them but for the most part, they were the most illusive beings on the planet. It was said that they never leave the towers at all, that they are old and rotting ; decrepit and loathsome. Some said that they are beautiful beings with the power of immortality. So much rumors, she thought. But still, she wanted to see them. She had to anyway. Spica had no say in the matter. Spica had no say in ...........anything really .''

''The sun was shining brightly now, blue and gorgeous , showering the loathsome city with brilliant light and warmth. It was mere moments before they would hit the border of their city and cross over into Aula County, the home of Andromeda's family. Sitting in a very dark one piece dress, the light of the sun made it shimmer beautifully. This ride was strangely more comfortable for Spica, as Andromeda looked out of the window , leaving her to her own thoughts. No sharp, digging fingernails or forced kisses. Just a simple ride to a family reunion and back. This day was also more empowering as Spica had finally conjured up the perfect plan to leave Cassiopeia for good. A bomb. Yes. She would simply make a bomb b under the Palace and would take to her scouting ship in the frenzy. Hopefully the explosion would be enough to kill Andromeda and wipe out the cumbersome skyscraper, but even if it wasn't , it would still be a victory to leave .''

''The massive Pescunia Twin Towers stood out from the distinguished, wealthy skyline of Aula County , large and imposing but with a soft , sapphire - blue tone to them that made them almost ....heavenly. They were simply beautiful in their own right. Andromeda shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her dress still shimmering brightly. Her eyes donned a sort of blue eye shadow, apparently to match the scheme of the Towers , whom they were fast approaching. After another couple of minutes, they were already there , driving to the underground parking lot and retrieving a reserved space for them. The chauffeur knocked on the petition again, barely audible. Andromeda and Spica both came out of the vehicle and closed the door behind them. They then walked to the elevator that was built on the opposite end of the lot, a sense of awkwardness between them. Spica could've sensed that Andromeda was incredibly uncomfortable during the entire ride to her parents, but, in a moment of vindictive tendency , she could've cared less honestly. She still doesn't care. Just not as much as before .''

--

''As the two entered the elevator, Spica reached for the floor keypad , only to be stopped by Andromeda , slapping her hand away. She then pressed the key with the number 180 on it. Spica recoiled, annoyed slightly by how petty Andromeda was being , but wondered why she was so on edge. It seemed that as soon as she came onto the complex, she was as stuck up as a teenager. To put it simply, she was acting sour and bratty. The elevator ride was impeccably fast as the two watched the numbers whiz by on the screen atop the door. Soon, the figures were in the triple digits and had stopped on its destination , 180. Andromeda was sweating a little now, hands shaking and body trembling .''

''"Open it ." she said in a creaky voice. Compliant, Spica obeyed , although there was a small kick in her stomach , disgusted by her obedience. But, it was too late to do anything , as the doors opened to see a massive golden ballroom with chandeliers made out of pure diamond dangling from its high ceiling. The windows were beautifully stained like that of an old church's, with shades of blue and pink , yellow and white , among others , were the most predominant .''

''" Ah, Andromeda , its about time you came to visit us ," a person said , obscured by a black cloak. Andromeda cringed, visibly upset but proceeded to walk forward and hug them , her height only meeting them by their waist .''

''" Hi, Mother , " she said in a strained manner , before releasing her from the forced embrace. The person unveiled their head, revealing a being prim and pretty , bearing many resemblances to Andromeda herself. Spica stood up, only to be captivated by those eyes .''

" Spica ? " the woman said, " Wake up , someone is calling you ."

" What ?"

''" Spica ! Wake up ! " a voice said, shouting. Spica flung up out of her sleep, startled. She was dreaming again. A tall, dark- skinned woman was standing over her , visibly annoyed .''

''" Finally, " she went on. " I was beginning to think that you were dead . "''

" No, I am very much alive . What's up ? "

" Nothing much, just saying that Adalene made you a fresh batch of strawberry pancakes , bu-u-t since you were apparently in a coma --"

''" Strawberry pancakes ? " Spica beamed slightly, still bothered by her abrupt dream and her current state of drowsiness. It was 4:00 in the morning. Misty and Adalene were the only ones up at this time, preparing to open the bakery. Spica and Brandon usually don't wake up until seven, so this change of schedule was uncomfortable .''

" Yes, strawberry pancakes . But if you don't get down there fast , it's gonna get cold . "

''Spica stood up out of bed and stretched for a bit before walking along with Misty to the dining room, a tall room on the second floor where everyone met to chat , eat and get along. Once downstairs, the two were surprised to see Brandon down there before them , reading a book while eating a muffin with coffee. The sweet smell of strawberry syrup and the savory aroma of bacon permeated the entire room, giving it a home-y , comfortable feel .''

''" Hey, Spica , didn't expect to see you up so early . " Brandon commented , getting up to pull out a chair for her , his chivalrous habits taking form again. Spica sat down, appreciating the gesture as he sat down next to her. She blushed and tensed up slightly, her heartbeat rising , giving her more awareness as her drowsiness began to subside .''

''" Well, I was going to sleep until my usual time , but Smarty Pants over here decided that it was a good idea to wake me up . " Spica replied. Brandon looked at Misty, whom was going back into the kitchen to help with the cooking. She mouthed the words " Tell her ,". She was serious. Or at the very least, insistent .''

" Well, yes , ah , I was the one who asked her to do me a solid and wake you . " he said , fidgety .

" Is that so ? "

" Um, yes , well I -- "

''" Ah, good morning , good morning , good morning Spica ! Did you sleep well ? " Adalene asked , bringing out a silver platter with three plates on it. Brandon and Spica walked over to her, relieving her with the load and distributing the plates between themselves. It wasn't long before the three realized that there was only two plates, each with their selection. Brandon had already ate breakfast but, there was none for Adalene apparently .''

''" Mom ? Did you eat already ?" , he asked .''

''" Why, no . " she said in an upbeat tone. " I'm not very hungry, dear ."''

Spica, Brandon and Misty were all concerned .

''" But, Miss Adalene , " Spica responded. " You haven't eaten in a few days . Are you sure something isn't the matter ? I can help if it's a medical issue . "''

''" Oh, no , no . Its alright . " She smiled. " I appreciate your concern but I'm fine . But I agree . I do need sustenance . I will dine along with you all, just let me take up a serving for me . But go on , you all . Eat up . "''

''Happy but solemn expressions were etched across their faces, worried for poor Miss Adalene. The three sat at the table, but didn't eat until she came back out with her own portion , sitting between Brandon and Misty. Only then, did they started to eat. Brandon continued munching on his muffin .''

" Oh, Brandon , what was it that you wanted to tell me ? " Spica asked .

''" Oh, ha , it wasn't that important . " He fibbed. Misty kicked him under the table, causing it to vibrate. 'Again ', she thought. 'He's chickening out. '''

" Ah, ah , Mariselle . Remember , no rough-housing at the dinner table . " Adalene reminded .

''" Sorry, " Misty responded. " I was just trying to get someone to grow some balls . "''

''" That's quite alright . I'm sure he got the message . " Adalene said, giving Brandon and Spica a quick , playful glance , smiling a bit. Brandon glared at Misty. " Why ?" , he mouthed .''

''" Tell her ." she mouthed back .''

" In time . "

Misty rolled her eyes, although this action was hidden by her long bangs.