Blue Alien Prince's Obedient Mate

by Zara Zenia

  There were nobles from across the planet and across the galaxy in the room. Draklan hadn’t seen some of them since he was a child and wondered what trials and tribulations their crowns were bearing them. Instead of a room full of intimidation, he saw a room full of hope and advice, wisdom that his father would have been proud of him for seeking out.

  When they reached the front of the room, they seated themselves on twin thrones, and their bishop began the ceremony.

  The nobles moved forward to kneel before the new island king and queen and hear the words from the archbishop. Margot wanted desperately to reach for Draklan’s hand, looking out at the sea of unfamiliar faces, but she didn’t move, clutching the throne instead.

  Queen Joronna was on a throne higher than they were, as she was still their high queen, and Pralmav was beside her, where the king would normally sit.

  The archbishop cleared his throat and began to speak.

  “Sirs and Ladies, I present unto you, Queen Margot and King Draklan, your undoubted king and queen of the Royal Islands, wherefore all of you who have come this day to pay your homage and service. Do you accept them as your lawful rulers of the Royal Islands?”

  “We accept Queen Margot and King Draklan as our lawful rulers of the Royal Islands,” the lords and ladies replied.

  Margot almost jumped at their volume.

  A loud voice in the back cried out, “Creator save Queen Margot and King Draklan.”

  The trumpets sounded and then the archbishop continued, “Madam and Sir, are Your Majesties willing to take the Oath?”

  “I am willing,” both of them answered, as they had practiced.

  Draklan glanced at Margot and then smiled. He blew her a kiss.

  “Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the peoples of the Tamarax Royal Islands and other territories belonging or pertaining to the Royal Islands according to their respective laws and customs?”

  “I solemnly promise to do so,” Draklan said and Margot repeated after him.

  “Will you use your power to bring law and justice, in mercy, to be executed in all your judgments?” the archbishop asked.

  Draklan spoke clearly, “I will.”

  “I will,” Margot repeated and felt confident.

  The archbishop than began a longer spiel. “Will you, to the utmost of your power, maintain the Laws of our Creator? Will you, to the utmost of your power, maintain in Tamarax, established by law? And will you preserve unto the bishops and clergy of Tamarax, and to the churches there committed to their charge, all such rights and privileges, as by law, those that pertain to them?”

  “All of this, we promise to do,” Draklan and Margot said as one, now finding their rhythm.

  The next part of the ceremony brought them to the holy oil, which according to Draklan, would anoint them in the presence of all the creators of the universe. The Archbishop stepped forward and dipped his fingers into the holy oil, touching each of them.

  “Creator save the king and queen. Long live the king and queen. Be thy hands anointed with holy oil. Be thy breast anointed with holy oil. Be thy head anointed with holy oil. As kings, priests, and prophets were anointed, hear our prayers, O Lord, we beseech thee, and so direct and support thy servants, Queen Margot and King Draklan, that they may not bear the sword in vain, for the terror and punishment of evildoers, and for the protection and encouragement of those who do well.”

  The Bishop anointed them with the oil. The bishop then approached each of them with a sword, meant to symbolize the protection of their kingdom.

  “Receive this kingly sword, brought now from the original Kingdom and delivered to you by the hands of us, the bishops and servants of the Creator, though unworthy. With this sword do justice, stop the growth of iniquity, protect the holy church, help and defend widows and orphans, restore the things that are gone to decay, maintain the things that are restored, punish and reform what is amiss, and confirm what is in good order, that doing these things you may be glorious in all virtue and so faithfully serve our planet that you may reign forever in the life which is to come.”

  With the sword in one hand, they each held out their wrists for the ancient jewelry that the nobles before them had worn.

  “Receive the bracelets of sincerity and wisdom, both for tokens of the Creator’s protection embracing you on every side and also for symbols and pledges of that bond which unites you with your peoples to the end that you may be strengthened in all your works and defended against your enemies, both bodily and ghost.”

  Margot and Draklan both rose on the archbishop’s signal, and cloaks were draped over their shoulders. Draklan stood tall as the cloak was fastened at his neck. He had dreamed of this moment most of his life, and now that it was here, he felt surreal.

  “Receive this imperial robe, and the Lord your Creator imbue you with knowledge and wisdom, with majesty and with power from on high, and the universe clothe you with the robe of righteousness and with the garments of salvation.”

  They held still as the bishop continued.

  “Receive this orb set under the cross and remember that the whole world is subject to the power and empire of the universe.”

  With the orb in one hand, scepter in the other, jewelry on their wrists, and cloaks around them, there was only one thing left. Both of them sat as the archbishop took their crowns, smaller than the royal ones of Tamarax but still majestic, off satin pillows.

  “O Creator, the crown of the faithful, bless we beseech thee this crown, and so sanctify thy servants, Margot and Draklan, upon whose head this day thou dost place it for a sign of royal majesty, that they may be filled by thine abundant grace with all princely virtues.”

  They were fully cloaked and crowned now, and there were only a few moments left.

  “We beseech thee also to save and defend all kings, princes and governors, and specially thy servant Margot, our queen, and thy servant Draklan, our king, that under them, we may be godly and quietly governed, and grant unto their whole council, and to all who are put in authority under them, that they may truly and indifferently administer justice, the punishment of wickedness and vice, and the maintenance of thy true religion and virtue.”

  Draklan had told her that during Bhatraz’s coronation, the lords and ladies from all over the kingdom would swear fealty to them. Now, however, it was a simple matter of those who were under the ruling of the Royal Islands stepping forward and bowing.

  Margot was surprised by how many there were, despite the fact that they were not the top rank in the kingdom.

  Once it was done, the pair of them rose and then turned to Joronna and Pralmav and bowed to them as their supplicants. Milinna, as a princess, was off to the side of Pralmav, and they bowed to her last.

  They then turned to the crowd, who cheered and roared as they stepped down from their platform.

  “Well,” Draklan said. “Next stop, Earth for a wedding, correct?”

  “That’s it,” Margot said. “Wed and coroneted. There’s only one thing left after that.”

  “What’s that?” Draklan asked.

  “An heir,” she whispered to him, and his eyes lit up. He looked as if he would kiss her then and there. Their future was bright as long as they were together.

  Chapter 21

  Margot

  Margot had been worried that she wouldn’t feel as magical with the wedding on Earth as she did with her wedding on Tamarax. Despite the fact that technically, it was the third time they were married, she was as excited as the second time.

  And she had a feeling that if she had known what was happening the first time, she might have been just as excited. Draklan was handsome, and she fell more in love with him every day that they were together.

  It was true, they had their ups and downs, as every couple did. But Margot wanted to be married to him and stay with him forever.

  She had chosen a very different wedding dress from the first two times. This time, she chose a form-fitting white gown and a birdcage veil, which
felt like the height of fashion. With bright red lipstick, and dark eyes, she felt like she was masquerading as a fashion model.

  “Are you sure that this looks all right?” she asked her mother for the tenth time.

  “Margot,” her mother replied. “You look stunning. I could take a photograph and send it to a magazine. You look gorgeous.”

  “I hope he likes it,” she said.

  “Given what I know about your husband,” her mother said, “he likes anything that you do.”

  “He wasn’t always like that,” Margot said. “He’s come to like everything I do.”

  “As I’m sure that you’ve come to like everything he does,” her mother said. “So don’t worry. He won’t be able to tear his eyes off you.”

  “Are you ready?” Milinna stuck her head in the bridal room. She looked incredibly well today, healthy and pink-cheeked. And although she initially blushed at the chic purple gown Margot had chosen as the bridesmaid’s color, she suited it well.

  “Can I just tell you how pretty you look?” Margot said to her sister-in-law. “Pralmav will only have eyes for you.”

  Milinna blushed, as was typical of her character.

  “What was your wedding like?” Margot asked her sister-in-law, realizing that she had never asked her before. “Was it grander than mine?”

  “It was as fast as your first one,” Milinna said. “You know that Tamarax isn’t big on weddings.”

  “But you must have been so happy on your wedding day,” Margot said. “Getting to marry Pralmav.”

  Milinna blushed again, but her smile told Margot that she was right. “It’s about you today,” she said. “I’ve just come to check if you are ready because it appears that everyone is ready. You’re very popular.”

  “It surprises even me,” Margot said, and turned to her mother. “Last chance to tell me I look like a clown.”

  “You look stunning,” her mother assured her. “If only your brother . . .”

  “Mom.” Margot put her hands on her mother’s gentle ones, which were shaking, “I know.”

  “He’s here in spirit,” her mother said. “He and your father.”

  An emotional moment passed between mother and daughter, and Margot tried not to cry as memories threatened to overwhelm her. Margot eventually forced a smile, breaking her grip and wiping her eyes.

  “I’m ready.” She turned to Milinna. “Is Draklan here?”

  “Yes, of course.” Milinna gave her a funny look.

  “Oh, good,” Margot said.

  Her mother laughed and took her arm.

  The church was packed to the rafters, and Margot felt a bit nervous as they approached the back.

  “Were you this nervous the first couple of times?” her mother asked her.

  “The second time,” Margot said. “I felt alone. I’m so glad that you’re here now.”

  “I’m always here for you,” her mother said, squeezing her arm as the music started.

  Because she’d had several other ceremonies, Margot wanted this one to be as traditional for Earth as possible. The organist played Here Comes the Bride and she pulled her birdcage veil over her eyes, gripping her mother’s arm tighter. Milinna had already advanced ahead, standing strong on her own legs as she held a large bouquet of flowers. A year ago, Milinna wouldn’t be able to trust her own body for such an important day, and Margot felt so proud watching her walk to the front of the altar.

  As soon as she caught sight of her handsome husband, however, all other thoughts went out of her head. As with each ceremony, Margot was stunned by the fact that Draklan was hers and he wasn’t looking at anyone else.

  “If your father were here,” her mother said quietly, “he’d want me to make the traditional joke and ask if you’re sure you want me to do this.”

  “I’m sure I want to do this,” she said. “He’s the love of my life.”

  “Well, then,” her mother said as they reached the front of the altar. She kissed Margot on the cheek and then placed her hands in Draklan’s. “I’ll leave you to it. Please continue to take care of my daughter.”

  “Always,” Draklan promised her. “Even before my own needs.”

  Margot kissed her mother goodbye and then turned to Draklan.

  “I’m getting to be an expert at this,” she said to him as he squeezed her hands.

  “We should do this once a month,” he answered.

  Behind him, Pralmav cleared his throat, unamused as usual at the fact that they were joking through a serious moment.

  “No problem,” Margot said, unable to resist. “I think we could get the time off.”

  “Ahem.” The priest cleared his throat. “Shall I begin?”

  “Yes, you may begin,” Margot said. “Sorry.”

  For some reason, being scolded by her serious brother-in-law was all right, but when an elderly man did it, she felt a bit guilty. She also felt a bit guilty that Draklan and his family were surrounded by a room of complete strangers. It was true that the first time they were married, she was surrounded by a room of strangers. However, the second time, the ceremony on Tamarax had friendly faces on both sides. She felt at home there, more so than here. Being here on Earth felt as if she was living a dream, a dream of a life that was a million miles away. She had never felt at peace on Earth, always the black sheep. And now, looking at Draklan’s face, she knew why. She belonged with him on a faraway planet.

  “Dearly beloved.” The priest cleared his throat, leaning down to read from his book. “We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by His presence and first miracle at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and His Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people. The union of husband and wife is intended by God for their mutual joy, for the help and comfort given each other in prosperity and adversity, and when it is God's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore, marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.”

  She had been brought up religious, although it wasn’t a huge part of her life today. However, Margot felt like she wanted a religious ceremony, to be as close to an Earth tradition as possible. It felt like the final piece of the puzzle, uniting both parts of her life.

  “Into this union, Margot and Draklan now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not be lawfully wed, speak now or else forever hold your peace.”

  They both held their breaths and then found themselves looking at each other, trying not to giggle.

  “Anyone here you don’t like?” Draklan asked.

  “Not so far,” Margot responded with a smile. She kept her voice low, although she was sure the congregation could see her lips move. “I think if we go a few more seconds, we’re safe.”

  Sure enough, there was silence for five more seconds, and the priest took a deep breath, declaring it safe. Draklan squeezed her hand, communicating that they had survived.

  There wasn’t a voice in the church who was willing to protest, given how Margot and Draklan looked at each other. They were clearly soulmates, gazing at each other as if there was no one else in the crowded church.

  “I charge you both, here in the presence of God and the witness of this company, that if either of you knows any reason you may not be married lawfully and in accordance with God's Word, do now confess it.”

  “No,” Margot said, remembering the rehearsal from the day before. She was glad that most of their lines were going to be fed to her, because despite their rehearsal and the number of times they had done this, she was nervous. “There is absolutely no reason we shouldn't be married.”

  The priest turned to Draklan
next, prompting him to repeat the line.

  “No,” Draklan said. “There is absolutely no reason we shouldn't be married.” His voice was strong and clear, and nobody in the room doubted him.

  Every time they were married, she fell in love with him a little bit more.

  “Will you have this man to be your husband, to live together with him in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, and be faithful unto him as long as you both shall live?”

  In rehearsal, Margot was the one who always went first. She had teased him about it, stating that it meant that she had to remember all the prompts and he would simply just copy her.

  “I do,” she said, looking deep into his eyes.

  “Draklan, will you have this woman to be your wife, to live together with her in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, and be faithful unto her as long as you both shall live?”

  “I will,” he responded, standing up a bit straighter. She knew he meant every word that was said.

  She was pretty sure that they’d already exercised all of those vows over the course of their relationship. No matter what was to come, she knew he would stand beside her.

  “Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?” The priest turned to the congregation.

  “We do,” they said, surprising Margot and Draklan with their volume and strength.

  “Bless, O Lord, these rings as a symbol of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

  They already had rings, and Margot didn’t want to have another one. They were using the same rings as the ones they’d given each other on Tamarax, which must have looked a little odd to an Earth crowd, but she didn’t mind. These were their wedding rings that she intended to wear the rest of her life. They symbolized that she belonged to Draklan and he to her.