"Honestly, don't tell me your planning another ball, Minako." said Kunzite, as Venus presented him the list. "You gave one almost only a week ago, and then there was that masque given by the Duke and Duchess of Sedna. Since we've been here, it's been nothing but parties, balls, masques and such. Don't you Venusians ever take anything seriously?"

"Lord and Lady Sedna gave that masque in honor of you. Most, if not all, the festivities were in your honor, as new King Consort of Venus, and Duke of Ishtar. One would think you're complaining." answered Venus.

Since their marriage, and coming to Magellan Castle, Venus had not tired of showering him with honors. Apart from making him a Knight of the Order of Aphrodite, making him Duke of Ishtar, a title usually reserved for members of the Venusian royal family, there had also been endless festivities in his honor. But, as Artemis would tell him, these were Venusians. They would take almost any excuse to be merry. None more so than their queen, of whom it was almost expected. Hence the fact that there were five ballrooms at Magellan Castle.

"Not complaining." he said. "Just making an observation. I think I've seen more festivities here on Venus than I ever did on Earth or on the Moon."

"So you're making up for lost time, then. I'd like for everyone to come costumed-"

"I'm afraid that's going to have to wait, Your Grace."

Artemis walked into the room.

"We have to return to the Moon immediately."

"We've received a summons?" asked Kunzite. "Do you know why, Artemis?"

"Yes. Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Selene IV of the Moon is dead. I've just received word from Luna. Obviously, Your Majesty of Venus is needed. The new empress will need her guardians with her. And I am sure Prince Endymion will want my Lord of Ishtar at his side, as well."

"Of course."

Kunzite gathered the papers he had been reading.

"Oh, dear! Poor Princess Serenity! She'll be distraught!"

"I will immediately begin making the preparations for our departure. Artemis, tell Luna that we will be there as soon as possible."

"Right away."