Legends: The Book Of Venus

Chapter Two: If We Have Each Other

“Venus”

“Venus”

“VENUS!”

“STARS” Venus yelped. Mars jolted up to the sound of her voice. “W-what’s wrong” Mars turned his head left to right, realizing there was no danger. He yawned and threw himself back onto the balcony floor. “Nightmare?” He sighed, clearly still half asleep. “I don’t understand…” Venus said, using both hands to scratch through her hair. Mars sat up and turned to her “There’s nothing to understand. It was just a nightmare. Everyone has them” He

“Do you think I’m crazy?” She had the question in her head for a while. She turned to him, and he was wide awake now, “Why would you ever ask something like that? Why would you ever think something like that!” His voice started to c***k as if he was going to cry, but that wasn’t sadness that consumed him. It was guilt and anger. Mars was worrisome. She knew why. “I was just asking” she hugged her legs and laid her chin on the top of her knees. “Don’t ask things like that. Have some-'' He paused, she turned to him. “What?” She traced his glare and cursed under her breath, jumping onto her feet. Her dress had been rolled up slightly above her knees, enough for Mars to see the red patched scars that covered them both. Mars tried to grab her leg to get a closer look, but she backed away swiftly, almost kicking him in the face. He bolted up, “Burning stars Venus! That better not be what I think it is!” Mars grabbed her wrist “Tell me it isn’t” Venus looked away from him. The truth was way more painful to her than to him, but still, Venus would never use her hands to hurt anyone. Especially not herself. No matter what the circumstance was.

“It’s not.”

“What in Saturn's name are these blisters then?”

“It’s nothing Mars, leave me be..” She tried to snatch her wrist back, but he wouldn’t let go. “Who did this to you? '' His voice went dangerously low. He was serious. Venus stayed quiet. She knew better than to lie, but she just didn’t want Mars to go and do something crazy. “Nobody, ‘did it’...I-I snuck out of the castle four nights ago. Ran into an animal or something” She didn’t look him in the eye when she spoke, but she knew he was staring her down. “Or something?” He gripped her wrist.

“It was hard to tell”

“How so?” He squeezed her wrist

“Mars stop! You're hurting me!”

“You’re not telling me the truth Venus” He slightly loosened his grip on her wrist. Venus tried to blink back her tears, but they came rushing down faster. Mars let go of her wrist and knelt down. “Venus, if someone hurt you, tell me now.” He whipped the tears from her face.

“Won’t you be mad at me?”

“No.”

“You won’t tell Mother Lulu?”

“Only in the unlikely event I deem it necessary.”

Venus hesitated, Although he did have the right to care, she wished he didn’t. “Y-You remember when we had dinner with the Kingsbreath of Oakwood and his family?” She choked on her words. “It wasn’t something to forget.” Mars scoffed “Mother Lulu and the Kingsbreath decided it would be best if me and Hugo got to know each other after dinner and-” Venus's room door opened. Mother Lulu entered the room. “What are you two doing up so early?” She stepped onto the balcony, realizing something was amiss. “Is everything alright, children?” Venus bit her lip and swallowed down the urge to respond. She could still feel the shakiness of her voice in her throat. Mother Lulu raised a brow at Mars, growing impatient by the silence. “I was just telling Venus about our parents Mother Lulu, she was curious about their nature. It got a little emotional, that’s all.” Mars' tone had changed drastically. He sounded more proper. He had more control over his anger. If there was anything in the world that Venus feared most, it was that. There was always something horrendously horrible waiting around the corner when Mars suddenly got calm after getting riled up. Once an older boy in her class smashed her glasses, she came back home in tears that day, which piqued her brother's interest. Everything seemed to have been fine, Mars smiled in her face and patted her head, telling her not to worry. After two days passed, Mother Lulu got word that Mars had caused several fatal injuries to the boy, which Mars didn’t even deny. He told Father Willam and Mother Lulu exactly how he did it as well. Still, it didn’t do him any favors. Father Willam was forced to hang him by his wrists at the stake for a whole week without food or water. He smiled every time Venus walked by him on her way to classes. She had snuck him food most nights, but he refused to eat until his punishment was over. Venus knew for sure he had no shame in anything he did for her, but she couldn’t tell if that was a good thing most of the time. “Very well then.” She paused before leaving “Don’t starve yourselves.” Mother Lulu grabbed her skirts and left the balcony, closing the door behind her. Mars stayed silent until he heard her close the bedroom room door. “Why did you lie to Mother Lulu?” Venus asked, though she had the answer in mind. “What did you learn about Hugo?” He changed the subject. The truth was, she hadn’t learned anything about him. He had no interest in learning about her either, maybe in the more physical sense he did, but not in the way she had thought. “He didn’t tell me anything about himself.”

“Why was that?”

“He only wanted to…” She gulped down a swallow, “Check out my room.” Venus wrapped her arms around herself. It was all coming back. It was as if she was reliving what had happened that night. How he had forced her onto him. How he had pulled her hair and ripped her clothes off. She felt so violated, so dirty, so unnatural. It was almost like she was in a different body. She didn’t recognize herself anymore. Even when she tried to forget it happened, there was always something to remind her. The blood on her underclothes that she hid in the bottom of her dresser. The scars. Or the thought of marrying someone so vile and ruthless. She didn’t ever want to tell anyone, especially not Mars or Mother Lulu. Ruining this soon to be marriage would start a war with Oakwood, and Falcon had not been in a war since Khari ended Jupiter’s wrath. “So he-” Mars shook his head from left to right, scratching his hair in frustration. “He touched you?” Mars looked up at her in disbelief. “He f*****g touched you!?” Mars laughed, but he wasn’t smiling. Venus brushed her hair into her face. Was he asking her? Or was that a rhetorical question? It didn’t matter, Venus was done talking about it. She already broke her oath to never speak of the event. Although, she had wanted to run to Mars after it had all happened. There was a reason she never did. Mars tilted down and looked her in the eyes. “I wish you would have told me before the bastard left.” He sighed “Why? So you could hang him, then get hung yourself!?” Venus pushed him away. Mars opened the balcony door. “Getting hung doesn’t sound too bad.” He laughed. “That's not funny!” Venus hissed. He rolled his eyes, still chuckling at the thought. There it was, that mood change. Mars was on edge, and she knew that meant bad things were coming. “Are you hungry?” He held out his hand, she took it. “I guess I could eat.”

They didn’t talk much during breakfast, they mostly ate and laughed at the cook when he yelled at the new servants for tripping over their own feet or bringing the wrong dishes. “Thank you Chef Joel for the meal.” Mars placed his hand on his chest and tilted his head. “Could have used more seasoning powders,” Venus burped. She wiped her mouth with her dress sleeve. Joel gagged in disgust, “Well I’d never! There was just enough season powders! Someone should teach you how to be a lady!” He frowned and stormed away. “Someone should teach you how to cook a bloody meal!” Venus yelled back, but Chef Joel was already gone. “That was rude” Mars frowned at her. “Whatever, let's go outside, it’s stuffy in here.” Venus rolled her eyes and tugged at Mars’s arm. “Mother Lulu won’t let me take you outside the gates” Mars tucked his chair into the table. “Mother Lulu isn’t my mom. She can kiss my starpath” Venus folded her arms. “Don’t curse” He shoved her. “Okay, whatever. I want to go outside so let’s go” She pulled him towards the dining room door. Mars pulled back and put his hands on her shoulders. “No rebelling” Venus chuckled, “Yes sir!” She saluted him standing on her tippy toes. He laughed at her as they walked down the hall. Mars led her to the castle doors where they were stopped by two guards. “Morning Iverden.” Mars turned to the other guard “Olloten.” The guard ignored him and turned to Venus. “Princess Venus, going out so early?” He asked. “Just hoping to get some fresh air. It’s a beautiful day outside.” Venus put her hands on her hips “Is that a problem soldier?” Iverden replied for Olloten, “Queensbreath Lulu has asked that Princess Venus stays inside the castle today. No exceptions.”

“We just spoke with Mother Lulu. Orders have changed.” Mars pushed past the two guards. “I’ll send someone to page her then” Olloten placed a hand on his shoulder. Mars snatched his wrist, “I wouldn’t want to upset Mother Lulu by telling her the castle's finest guards can’t comprehend simple change of orders. She’s under enough stress these days'' He turned to Iverden. “I apologize for my ignorance, your highness.'' He dipped his head. Olloten followed, “As do I” Mars rolled his eyes and released the soldier's wrist. “Mistakes only happen once soldier, don’t let it happen twice” Venus brushed past him flipping her hair back. Once they reached the protector's court they bursted into laughter, “Thank the stars that worked!” Venus said, skipping happily on the red stoned path. Mars walked close beside her, “The guards are easy to fool, but someone will come looking for you eventually.” His words made Venus groan. Why do they care so much about where she goes? She was going to be seventeen soon, she wasn’t a baby who needed watching over. Though all the coddling made her a weird and awkward kid around her classmates. “It’s alright,” Mars assured her. “We’ve got lots of time on our hands, let's use it wisely, yeah?” She glanced at him, “Yeah”

They walked further into the court where a collection of statues stood tall. She walked closer to the statues. There were many that stood, but only one that called her name. “Khari” she mumbled. She felt the presence of her elder. It was as if she was staring down at her. In a way it made her feel safe. She had always had a part of Khari inside of her. However this voice did not whisper. It screamed at her.

“The steps you take will seal your fate. LEAVE THIS PLACE BEFORE IT’S TO LATE!”

Venus covered her ears. What was that? Some kind of warning? Whatever it was, she had a bad feeling about it. “Hey, you alright?” Mars tapped her shoulder. Venus shook her head, “I think Khari’s trying to tell me something. I don’t quite understand it what, but I think something terrible is going to happen soon in Falcon”

“You heard her speak? From the statue? What did she say?”

“Something about how my decisions will seal my fate and that I needed to leave before it was too late.”

Mars rubbed his chin, “Well, best not think about it for now. Sometimes, the elders could mean future events, not necessarily something that will happen today. Nothing bad will happen, Vee, not as long as I’m around, alright?” Mars places his hands on her shoulders before pushing her away. She punched him in his back, “Hissing hell!” He laughed, she joined as they continued to walk through the gates. “I want you to try and talk to some people your age, people who aren’t in your classes, you know? Just normal kids.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets as he walked. “Yeah, sounds fun, I guess.” Venus looked back at the statue of Khari one last time. She hoped Mars was right, one last thing to worry about. Now, it was just the matter of meeting the “normal kids.”

At the training grounds, kids of all ages played together in perfect harmony. Today wasn’t a training day, so children had taken over the field for themselves. Mars nudged at her back, pushing her forward, “Don’t stare, go find someone to talk to.” Mars insisted. “What if they don’t like me?” She wrapped her arms around herself. She hadn’t tried to be social with kids her age in years for the obvious reasons. She didn’t even know how to start a conversation with anyone. Mars had to be her friend and talk to her. That was a sibling law, but other people didn’t have to go by that. “Nonsense, just be yourself, and you’ll be fine. The kids around here are nice. Just give them a chance.” Before Venus could give his words a thought, someone slammed into her. She fell onto her back. “Burning stars!” She cursed, looking up to see a boy on top of her. He was wearing a black T-shirt and some baggy green jeans. His dark brown hair softly kissed her face as they stared at each other in shock. He had bits of gray hairs throughout his head that matched with his stormy gray eyes. Their faces were so close to each other it looked as if they were going to kiss. Venus was struck by realization. A boy was on top of her! She felt her body heating up. Was he even her age? He looked a bit older. “I- uh-” He mumbled but couldn’t bring himself to say anything. Mars grabbed the boy's arm and yanked him off of her, throwing the boy to Venus’s side. “Venus!” He helped her up, “Are you alright?” He looked her up and down, dusting her off, “I’m alright Mars” Venus walked towards the boy. “You should be more mindful of your surroundings. You could have gotten hurt.” She held her hand out to him. He took it without hesitation. “Or you could have hurt someone else!” Mars folded his arms. “My deepest apologies, Prince Mars.” He turned to Venus “P-princess Venus.'' He placed a hand on his chest and tilted his head down. At least he had respect. Venus was never respected by her classmates. It was odd to see that kind of respect from a commoner. She soaked up every ounce of it. It felt amazing to feel important for once. “You are forgiven.” She placed a finger under his chin, lifting his head up. “And you can call me Venus. I was never press for titles.” She smirked at him. He looked away from her. She giggled, “I didn’t get your name, kind sir.” He ran a hand through his hair, making his features more visible. “Arthur” He faced Venus. “Arthur” She tasted his name in her mouth. It was sweet, like a soft candy. He was pure and kind. He didn’t have an ounce of anger inside of his heart. “What a unique name. It is almost as unique as its holder.” SHe watched as his face turned bright red. “Thank you, Princes-”

“Venus, just Venus”

“Thank you” He hesitated before speaking “Venus”

Mars tapped Venus on the shoulder “I’ll leave you both to it then. I trust you’ll stay out of trouble.” And then, he left. “I’ve never seen you out here before.” Arthur attempted a conversation. “I’m not allowed out” Venus frowned. She wouldn’t even be allowed out on her balcony if Mother Lulu found out about this. “Why not?” He questioned. She sighed and walked towards the Falcon fountain. Arthur followed. “Mars snuck me out” She sat down on the edge and felt the water with her hand. The fish tickled her fingers. Golden Faries were her favorite. She had always wanted one as a pet. Aruther sat down beside her. “So you've never been outside before?”

“Mother Lulu is very strict about it, but I do go to classes during the early sunrise.”

“What kind of classes?”

“Normal ones. I am taught all kinds of things.”

“So royal classes then?”

“I guess so. Do you have royal classes?”

Arthur chuckled, “Do I look like Falcon royalty to you?” He looked himself up and down. “I don’t judge a book by its cover. Anyone can take royal classes, yes?” Venus raised a brow. “No, unfortunately not. Commoners like me don’t get educated with the royal academia.” Arthur said. Venus bit her bottom lip. “Well” She stood up, “When I became queen, both the commoners and royals will get the same education.”

Arthur laughed, “I’ll hold you to that.” He grabbed her hand, “Can I show you something?” Venus took his hand and followed him through the field, “Where are we going?” she asked. “You’ll see,” He answered. They kept walking until they reached the flower garden. Venus first thought they were going inside, but then Arthur led her to a deadend not far from the garden gate. Arthur mumbled something Venus couldn’t hear, and then a bright light shined upon them. Venus shielded her eyes with her open hand. Arthur turned to her “It’s safe, don’t worry.” He stepped inside the mysterious beam, and Venus followed. She opened her eyes to see she was in a whole new kingdom. She gasped at the sight “We’re in Yunel!” She spun around with joy. “Indeed we are,” Arthur smiled, watching her dance happily. Venus paused, still cheesing, “But how?” She used her finger to trace the marks on the white oak tree that covered the passageway. “Falcon holds the gateway to many allied kingdoms, including this one. It’s how-” Venus cut him off before he could finish his exclamation, “Saturn stayed hidden during the Lilian war” Venus had known the history of the tunnels and realms beyond them, but she had never believed them to be true. Was this why Mother Lulu refused to let her out of Falcon? Was she scared of what she would find? Or was she trying to hide this from her? “It’s truly breathtaking” Venus went forward, and Arthur walked not too far behind. “It is a sight, that's for sure. But I have to warn you, Yunel has different customs.” Arthur dug his hand in his pocket and pulled out a blue cloth. He wrapped it around her face from behind “What’s this for?” she asked in a muffled voice. “I don’t want anyone to recognize you. If anyone realizes who you are, they might have a little animosity towards you.” Venus thought for a moment before speaking again. “I wouldn’t understand why. I’m the righteous rebirth of Khari. My parents were also responsible for the survival of this kingdom after the first wave of redhawks.” Venus puffed her hair out. Why would anyone have any sort of animosity towards her? She had never met anyone in her sixteen years of living for them to dislike her in any way!

“It’s complicated Venus”

“I’ll say” she adjusted the cloth under her glasses. “Here, let me” Arthur fixed her glasses onto her face, Venus tried not to stare at him too hard. “You should take your hair down. Less attention will be attracted to you that way.” He suggested. Venus stepped back before taking her hairpin out. Her curls dropped to her waist as she smoothed them out with her hands. Arthur watched her in a daze. “I know you're staring at me” Venus giggled, He quickly turned around, “Sorry..” He ran a hair through his hair. “It’s ok to stare, you know.” She teased “Many boys do” Arthur turned to her and raised a brow “Like who?” He asked. “Some of the guards, definitely the two assigned to my bedroom.” she laughed, “I also can’t exclude the visitors. The young princes always ask for my hand in marriage, I find it interesting..” Venus smiled. It wasn’t fun to be watched by so many men, but joking about it made it less like a reality and more of a dream. Arthur clearly didn’t seem to find her joke funny, though. “Those men are only lusting over you. Why would you want to be involved with such perverts?” His voice had stiffened just as much as his demeanor. Venus rolled her eyes as she kicked a rock, “I don’t. But it’s not my say that matters. If Mother Lulu wants me to marry a prince or for guards to watch me undress every day and night, who am I to object?”

“Don’t you think that's sick?”

“Of course I do!” Venus clutched her arm. “It’s beyond sick. It’s horrendous, But like I said. Mother Lulu has no intention of changing her ways, nor does she care what happens to me. As long as I’m still alive Falcon lives on” Venus planted her back against a nearby tree and sank to the ground. Arthur sat beside her, but said nothing. He watched as she curled herself into a ball. “You know what I think?” Arthur broke the silence. Venus listened but didn’t say anything. “I think a lot of people are blinded by the thought of Falcons gift. You're not the only Star to get treated as an object. I believe that God puts us through trials so when war falls upon us. We’ll be ready for it. Even if it’s harsh or sickening, you know?” Venus swallowed his thick words as he spoke, she had never thought about it that way. She stole a quick glance at him. He was playing with a purple leaf and he looked so unbothered. She had never met someone like Arthur, he shined a light on even the most unfortunate situation. An optimist for sure. Venus moved her hair behind her ear and looked away. What was this she was feeling? It was as if something was tickling her from the inside. Was this love? No, she shook the thought away. She had just met Arthur, she couldn’t be in love with him. Although, she did think about how good it would feel to kiss him in that moment. “That’s very…poetic” She turned back to him. “I’m no poet” Arthur laughed, “I do indeed love a bit of Wilson Lewis here and there though”

“Wilson Lewis?” Venus raised a brow “I love his poems, I read all 607 of them!”

“W-wow, that’s a lot to read. I barely found time to finish poem 56.”

“Well, other than Mars, books were really my only real friends growing up. I’ve read all sorts of crazy things'' Venus smiled. Arthur smiled back. For a moment, it was just the two of them in a foreign land. In the midst of their conversation Venus had got that tickling feeling again, and by the look on Arthur’s face, he did too. “We should get going, I want to show you around before dark.” Arthur jumped to his feet and offered his hand to her. She took it, as they walked into the kingdom of Yunel.