Celestial Mates Complete Series Box Set (Books 1-5) (Alien SciFi Romance) Page 10

  He glanced at Chal who was blissfully ignorant of how his life was about to be transformed. In recognition for his outstanding service on this mission, he was being awarded clan status. The creation of a great house was nothing short of sensational news. It would be strange that Rose’s friend would now technically outrank her but he didn’t think humans cared about such things.

  Teric and Chal placed the females between them, each wrapping her arm around her intended and they began the long walk into the palace. The women wore long snow-white gowns with white veils. Teric had been assured the colorless fabric was the most proper and correct for formal weddings. Each woman had a grouping of fresh flowers. Several women and small children were dressed in long red dresses. They carried flowers to gift to the royal family. It was a sweet gesture that would be well received by his people.

  Teric and Chal wore the long formal robes of the diplomatic corps. Teric had pulled his hair back and tied it at the nape of his neck but Chal had chosen a warrior’s top knot. After hearing his female coo so admiringly over him, Teric had almost wished he’d selected that option. Rose’s reaction to his appearance when they boarded the shuttle, left no doubt in his mind about how much she appreciated him. It felt good to be admired, especially by a female intent on delivering to him endless pleasure. Loving came as easy as breathing to his intended.

  “Your sun is pink.”

  “Yes. It is beautiful, is it not?”

  “Everything here is spectacular, especially the males.”

  “Counting down the minutes until this little shindig is over?”

  Teric smiled at her friend’s blunt manner. She was funny, now that he’d gotten used to her.

  “Quiet, my little love.” Chal’s whispered directive, garnered him a smile from his female.

  “Anything for you, my sweet.”

  Teric spoke out of the corner of his mouth. “Whatever drugs you are giving her to make her so compliant, I want some for my intended.”

  Rose laughed effortlessly, drawing the notice of some of the soldiers. Teric loved it when other men saw his sweet little female. He wanted everyone to know how different Earth females were from their own women.

  The huge double doors swung open, leading straight into the throne room. Teric had always thought the ancient design left a little to be desired. Approaching the massive throne, he saw His Imperial Highness stand. His oldest son and his wife’s oldest son not of the royal line stood as well. Their eyes crawled curiously over the two brides before skipping along to all the other females.

  The emperor spoke. “May we see their faces?”

  Nodding, the two men lifted the veils.

  “Charming but so small. Do you actually mate her?”

  “Perhaps we can discuss that in private, My Lord. They are profoundly fascinating creatures and imminently compatible with us.”

  Rose smiled and moved closer to him. When Teric glanced down, she stared up at him adoringly. He couldn’t resist returning her smile.

  “I can see you are quite smitten. I cannot wait to hear about the particulars. You know our Rold is looking for a mate.”

  Shooting a quick look at the only one of the sons not wearing imperial black, he nodded. “We have a large selection of beautiful ones. Lord Rold has always found favor with the females. I expect it will be more so with the Earth females, for they are free with their love and affection. If you do not mind me saying, they are quite loyal as well. Rarely will they forgo one mate for another. They seem to imprint a bond to the male of their choice and prefer that male above others over a long period.”

  “Let us dispense with the formalities, so we can speak more freely of such matters.”

  Nodding, Teric stepped back several feet, taking Rose with him. Chal’s body stiffened as he realized he stood alone before the emperor with his female. Suddenly, three males stepped forward, surrounding Chal and Jen.

  Turning, the emperor held up an intricately carved metal rod. The stark tribal designs bore a clear resemblance to Chal’s facial markings. Teric watched his longtime friend swallow thickly as the emperor spoke.

  “In recognition of your tireless service to the Krylon home world, it is my distinct pleasure to award you clan status. From this moment forward, you will be known as Clan Leader of the House of Chalon. You or your proxy will be expected in chambers every quarter to vote on issues before the elders. Long live the House of Chalon. May you prosper and grow until your clan covers the empire.”

  Chalon reached out, taking the staff from the emperor’s hand. “Your generosity overwhelms me, My Lord. In return for it, you will have the endless devotion of my clan for many generations to come.”

  Jen’s head turned to look at her intended.

  “Do have something to add, my love?”

  Hesitantly, she took the staff from his hands and gave it to his brother. Taking both his hands, she placed them on her slightly rounded belly. “Just thought you might want to know, you got a jump on the making of little lords already. The healers say there are two, a boy and a girl.”

  Chalon immediately went to his knees, resting his ear against her stomach.

  The emperor gasped. “Two so soon and in one female. Impossible. You have not even been with her for a full breeding cycle.”

  Jen looked up into the older man’s face. “Try three breeding cycles. Human females ovulate every twenty-eight days, like clockwork. I have a genetic predisposition to carry twins. Many Earth females do. It’s not all that unusual.”

  Standing, Chalon pulled her veil back over her face and turned to the emperor. “She is mine.”

  “I will allow no challenge. You have my deepest congratulations upon securing such a choice female and upon the coming birth of your children. They will be the first between our people and the humans.”

  “Thank you, My Lord.”

  “Come, Teric. Let our monks begin their work of binding two precious couples together.”

  When they turned to Teric and Rose, they were whispering. He had his hand on her stomach.

  The emperor commented sagely. “I am growing more interested in the Earth females by the moment. Perhaps they are truly the answer we have been seeking.”

  As the imperial lords sank back into their seats, several monks stepped forward. Each female could make her claiming speech. Teric wondered if the females felt strange about the lack of their Krylon counterparts being present. If so, they didn’t mention it.

  Honestly, they seemed too focused on doting on their grooms. His Rose’s eyes almost never left him. He was certain of that fact because he could hardly tear his eyes from his beautiful mate. Knowing she was carrying his child both thrilled and terrified him. His father, brothers, and other clan members had presented and kept close watch on her for him. That was the sole fact that allowed him to relax enough to enjoy the kind words his bride had to say on his behalf.

  The wedding had a strong element of formalizing a marriage alliance about it. There were two huge scrolls with dozens of signatures by everyone from the Earth Gov council members to Rose’s parents. The Krylon emperor added his signature as well as each bride and groom. The scrolls were pulled apart to reveal multiple copies. Snow-white copies were rolled up, slid into a leather tube with hammered silver detailing, then awarded to each couple.

  The dining and dancing proved to be an interesting diversion. Seeing his longtime friend walking with his staff in one hand and his new bride cuddled to his other side gave Teric cause to consider his own course of action. He was the third in line for the staff of his clan, which was to say he was free to make his own choices. Chalon wouldn’t be returning to the diplomatic corps, for clan leaders did not travel off world at regular intervals. He made his way to his friend’s side.

  When Chalon stood, so did his brothers.

  “I offer my congratulations, both on your forthcoming children and on being awarded clan status. I come to offer my services.”

  “You have a clan, sir.”

  “T
his I am aware of. However, I plan to remain planet side until my child is born and my own clan is well stocked with males. It would be an honor to work with you to build your holt and stock it with such provisions as are necessary to begin your family.”

  “I gratefully accept, sir.”

  “You are not to call me sir anymore. As a clan leader, it is I who will be paying deference to you.”

  “Not necessary, my friend.”

  Suddenly, the women squealed and hugged each other. Teric did a double take, trying to figure out what was going on. Several other women approached, whispered, and began the same behavior.

  As if reading his mind, Chalon mused aloud. “I think they are happy, but for the life of me I can’t figure out what set them off.”

  “They do not appear to be fighting for dominance.” Chalon’s brother looked at them earnestly.

  “Insightful, Nadar. The smiling, cooing noise, and hugging are all gestures of happiness for human females.”

  Another of his brothers commented pensively. “I think they are happy to be having offspring.”

  Rose who apparently overheard the conversation rolled her eyes, chiming in. “We are happy to be living together during our pregnancy.”

  “That makes absolutely no sense.”

  “Nadar, you will see that Earth females are vastly different from our females. They…”

  A rough female voice cut through the air. “They are what exactly? Prettier than us. Nicer than us. Stronger than Krylon females. Tell me. I want to know.”

  Fascinated, Rose approached the imperial princess. “Wow. I’d never say we were prettier. You’re amazing.”

  The woman smoothed down her dress self-consciously. “Yes. I am rather. Why are you dressed so strangely?”

  “I just got married… I mean mated to Ambassador Teric.”

  “Thank the gods you did not end up with his assistant. The poor man has no status.”

  “Hey, that’s my guy. He just got awarded clan status, so be nice to him.”

  “Chaf, clan status? Impossible.”

  “It’s Chal… Chalon now that he’s a clan leader.”

  “Whatever you say. They do not tell me anything around here.”

  Rose walked closer to the woman. “That’s men for you. They think we can’t handle stuff, so they try to protect us.”

  The woman almost smiled. “Males are very flawed that way.”

  “Why don’t you come and sit with us? We brought an Earth food called cake. We’ll fetch you some.”

  “I do not wish to fight. I mean I will if you want, but I could go a night without it.”

  “Jesh, girlfriend, you seem a little uptight. What have these boys been doing to you?”

  “For starters, they forbade me to come to the celebration tonight even though I promised to be on good behavior.”

  Jen spoke up again. “I know just what you mean. I got into lots of trouble for that myself.”

  “Why are you being nice to me? Is this a trick?”

  “Hells bells, woman. You gotta forget about all that fighting crap. We don’t do that. Life’s tough enough without women mixing it up with one another all the time.”

  “You are all very strange. I will agree not to fight for one evening, so I can learn about your people.”

  “Well, that’s downright friendly of you. Here, have a drink.”

  Jen handed her a glass of light pink liquid.

  “Why did you do that?”

  “What?”

  “We have servants to serve. You are a clan mother. Why did you give me a drink?”

  Folding her arms over her stomach, Jen studied the statuesque woman for a moment. “If you want total honesty, I did it because I thought you might be thirsty.”

  “Not to sedate me?”

  Shaking her head, Jen replied. “I love to drink intoxicating beverages. Since I have little ones on board, I can’t do that for the time being. I just wanted you to be happy.”

  The woman brought the glass to her lips and her eyes flew open.

  Rose smiled. “It’s called champagne. It’s made from a tiny fruit that grows on Earth.”

  “I like this, very much.”

  Suddenly, two children came over to stand in front of her.

  The princess stared at them. “Still developing humans?”

  Chalon interceded helpfully. “Don’t answer their questions. If you do, they will never go away.”

  One the children quickly asked. “Do you sleep with a pea under your bed?”

  Jen sighed. “It’s a tiny Earth vegetable.”

  Looking at the child, the Krylon woman responded. “No, absolutely not.”

  “Do you have a crown?”

  “Yes.”

  “Is it made of gold?”

  “No. I do not know what that is.”

  The children whispered together. “Does your world have dragons?”

  “Yes.”

  “Are they really big?”

  “Yes.”

  “Will they eat you?”

  “No.”

  “Do they breathe fire?”

  “Sometimes. Where is this going, little ones?”

  “Do your warriors fight with the dragons?”

  “Not usually.”

  “Do your warriors carry swords?”

  “What do you think is in the metal casing running down their backs? Palace guards have nice ones? Would you like to see?”

  By then, several children sat on the floor in front of the princess, all awestruck and nodding.

  Snapping her fingers, she called out. “One imperial guard, now.”

  A hulking male stepped forward and immediately went down on one knee.

  “The young ones wish to see an imperial sword. You will present arms and demonstrate your skill.”

  Sighing slightly, the huge male stood, reached above his head, and slowly withdrew a huge sword of gleaming black metal. Sure enough, a wicked dragon design was wrapped around the polished silver handle. The children gasped and clapped as the warrior demonstrated sword moves from a safe distance.

  The imperial princess smiled as she downed glass after glass of bubbly.

  Teric caught the emperor’s eye and the man motioned him forward. Chalon nodded towards Rose, indicating that he’d stand watch. Teric hurried to the throne.

  “Earth females appear to have a good influence on our females.”

  “It would take a lot to provoke one of them to fight.”

  “What exactly would provoke them?”

  “Probably messing with another female, a child, or their chosen mate. They tend to become angry about things like that.”

  Nodding, the older man ushered him into a small office off to the side.

  “How goes my personal business, Ambassador Teric?”

  “You will be pleased to know the earthlings have agreed to your proposition. They have been sworn to secrecy.”

  A gleam twinkled in the older man’s eye.

  Fire Princess Returns

  Part 2 of Prequel

  >>>GET PART I HERE<<<

  (BONUS BOOK)

  CHAPTER 1

  Korban woke with a ringing in his ears. He felt like he’d been hit by a stun weapon of some sort. Pulling the front of his uniform open, he saw a concentric ring of welts marring his skin. Krylon weapons were famous for leaving such markings behind on their victims. He’d definitely been stunned. As his thoughts coalesced again, he recalled the klaxons blaring. He vaguely remembered urging his intended to wear protective armor. Her scent was gone, but something was wrapped around his hand. His heart leaped into his throat as he realized it was her long braid of hair. Who would have done something so horrific?

  Staggering to his feet, he stuffed the thick loop of hair in the front of his uniform. He quickly hit the com channel but nothing happened. Since his laser pistol was missing, he grabbed another from a nearby panel and went after the traitors who’d taken his mate.

  Once in the hallway, he saw the ext
ensive damage his vessel had sustained. The lights still flashed, though the klaxons no longer sounded their warning. The walls were marked with long streaks of damage. Those laser burns were clear evidence of the good fight his men had put up. Little good it did them. The ground was littered with their bodies. He carefully dodged sparking wires stringing down from the ceiling.

  Navigating through it all, he stumbled upon the barely conscious captain. Kneeling, he shook the male to get his attention. “Report, Captain Taran. Can you give report?”

  “The Lady Selene has abandoned us, My Lord.”

  Grabbing the front of the other male’s uniform, he hauled him to a sitting position. “She wouldn’t leave me. She vowed to fight at my side to death.”

  “She sacrifices herself for us. I have a message for you…”

  Releasing the captain, Korban grabbed his extra weapon and made for the landing bay as fast as his feet could carry him. The man’s words triggered another memory. Give me to them. I won’t see good men lose their lives in a no-win battle. Gods, she was so innocent to believe something like that. Worse yet, she had no idea what she was walking into. The Shardon were barely a species anymore. Generations of cloning had left them all looking so similar one could hardly tell one from the other. They’d tear into her precious body, taking all they desired before leaving her a hollowed-out husk of the female she’d once been. He couldn’t let those ghouls get their hands on her.

  Breaching the doors of the loading bay, he saw them pulling her through a connection conduit that they’d attached to one of his access ports. Gods, she wasn’t even fighting them, proof that she was unaware of what was in store for her. He roared, causing her to look over her captor’s shoulder. Her brows quirked then she phased out of focus for a second. His breath caught in his throat. The minor and fleeting distortion field was evidence of the use of Krylon’s top secret holo-flage technology. She’d been betrayed by one of their own. A sickness churned in his stomach at the thought of his future queen being so callously betrayed in her time of need.

  Suddenly, a hand landed on his shoulder just as he moved to bolt to the other side of the landing bay. He’d already calculated the distance. Even at his best speed, he’d never cover the distance in time.