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* .