by Terri Lane
“This is so beautiful,” she said while stretching out her arms to touch the tall stalks. “And so familiar! I’ve seen these flowers before.”
“Have you ever left your planet before, earthling?” asked Ero’an while lifting her up to touch a bulb. It twitched in her fingers and she giggled.
“No, I’ve never left. Call me Amelia, please. I feel so strange when you call me an earthling,” she responded.
Blushing again, the prince brought her back down to the ground where they heard an intense whinny from just a few yards ahead. Breaking through the stalks was a great beast that appeared to be the combination of a lion and horse. Its long snout extended to Amelia and brushed against her, causing a series of chuckles as she embraced the gentle and soft being. Gently, Ero’an boosted her up on its back and followed suit, the creature taking them out into the plains where three moons hung in the sky. It was as surreal as her dreams and she feared she might wake, the touch of the foolish prince igniting a fire deep in her belly which no man had ever been able to light before. Leaning back into his muscular embrace, she enjoyed the breeze touching her face as they rode away.
Ero’an steered the beast towards a cliff that rose high over the colorful terrain, where they stopped to admire the scenery. A chorus of color filled the sky suddenly as night fell and the moons floated up towards the center of the sky, shining bright light down upon their still forms. The flustered prince wrapped a hesitant arm around Amelia, who placed her hands over his vibrating skin, his lips pressing to her ear naturally. They sat this way for a few minutes until the beast whinnied – or perhaps sneezed – and then set out for the royal palace once more. All the while Amelia wondered the same thoughts as Ero’an, their minds circulating the same phrase: “Why hadn’t we kissed?”
***
To Amelia’s surprise, it took a week to travel to Ero’an’s home planet. Hyper speed seems to fly past so quickly that most travelers do not notice the actual time spent. In any case, time was a man-made construct used to enslave the human race into productive structures so that they would emit product without payment, according to the increasingly handsome prince. Amelia regarded the theory with some thought and nodded, her purple hair falling over her face as she was sized for a gown. That evening was their celebratory party for the prince’s return and she was to be his companion for the evening.
“A relief for sure,” commented the queen.
“For he has no other female companions of which to speak,” added the king.
Embarrassed, the prince rolled his eyes up to the ceiling of the room and begged for them to leave, their pressing comments beginning to permanently change the shade of his skin. Amelia giggled as she was led away to the changing room to be fitted for her dress. She was delighted to find such a wide variety of styles. Ero’an looked in the mirror and touched the gills at his neck, wondering how she had felt with them pressed to her shoulder. Part of him was excited at the prospect of having this woman, but she was without child and didn’t seem to fit the mystic’s description. Her presence was purely an accident, yet he felt such amorous feelings when with her. What was happening to his body? Seeing her made his hands shake and his thighs quiver, the aching in his pelvis growing with each interaction. Every giggle elicited a pang in his stomach, which he would relish later in the evening when lying down for sleep.
Amelia returned with her face lit up in blush, her eyes outlined, and her hair up in a stylish bun with wild flower bulbs decorating her ears. The humble prince bowed before the beautiful sight, his eyes lighting up as he drank in the image of her glowing dress of tulle and lace.
“What do you think?” she asked while touching her cheek.
“It’s exquisite,” he replied while taking her arm. “You will dazzle our company.”
The couple walked with an extra pep in their step towards the dining hall to join the king and queen, who were overcome with elation upon the sight of Amelia and her new dress. Everyone in attendance was impressed by her beauty and even more by her purple hair. They had never seen anything like it and it became quite the topic later in the ballroom. As was custom, Ero’an took the arm of his female companion, and led her out to the center of the dance floor, where Amelia’s eyes widened as she took her position. She was never prepared to dance, let alone in regal company, and her feet seemed to catch a few times as they began to spin about the room. After a moment, she was able to follow the rhythm and laughter filled the air as more couples jumped on the floor. What a star she was as she shone brightly in the center of the room!
It wasn’t long before the party ended and the couple jubilantly trotted off towards the staircase to head for their rooms. At the top of the steps, they both panted from moving about so much and Ero’an smoothed a lock of hair out of Amelia’s face. Her eyes shimmered. A fool would have not taken that moment to kiss, which was their last thought before lips joined in blissful union over the weeks spent tortured by titillating thoughts. Ero’an lifted her in her dress, the bulk of the tulle proving somewhat difficult to maneuver, and managed to get her into his bedroom where he didn’t bother shutting the door.
As the two embraced in every way possible, a gurgling sound came from the doorway and it squeaked shut, the two chuckling between kisses. Ero’an lifted the hem of her dress and removed the barrier of her panties, finding the skin beneath delightfully silky. She bayed in delight at his touch, and bent to his will as clothes were torn away. Tulle hit the ground as they heatedly embraced, Ero’an pressing his tool into the surface of her rose bud that swelled upon being stimulated. Her brain wouldn’t focus as his body surged into hers and elicited the most intoxicating moans that signaled his primal energy to burst forth.
Their bodies complied without thought to the rhythm of his hips rocking into hers, a wondrous release of tension unfolding between their skin. Flesh melted into flesh and became one in that moment as her moans met his groans. Tongues dueled fiercely between their lips, the taste of honeysuckle evident on her lips from the drinks she’d had. His eyes slid shut in ecstasy as he explored her secret garden, a tingle growing between them both that started to grow to such an intensity that they cried out in unison. His greedy mouth boldly possessed hers and he pumped hard inside her blossoming tulip, which soon gushed with her incredible orgasm. A final grunt signaled his release, electricity shooting through his body as he shook violently on the bed. The two collapsed in joyous splendor, spent from their passions and overwhelmed by the amazing orgasm that didn’t take long to reach.
Wrapping their arms around each other, Ero’an whispered for her to stay in his room and she nodded in response while tracing circles in his black hair. His gills fluttered for a moment as he inhaled and then sighed, the energy to stand leaving him. Instead, he pulled her up further on the bed and wrapped her in the satin sheets where they both slipped into the surreal silence of their dreams.
***
Come morning, the sleeping couple was awakened by a guard bursting through the door and alarming the two into a panicked state of wakefulness. Ero’an jumped from the bed without clothing, completely unabashed, and listened to the guard as he explained quickly that Ka’lorian space ships were spotted around the edge of the atmosphere and the Degaurian fleet needed to be battle ready. After the guard realized Amelia was naked in the bed, he averted his eyes while sputtering apologies, and exited the bedroom, leaving Ero’an staring at his sweet earthling who was hugging the sheets to her chest.
“You have to leave?” she asked weakly.
“Yes. I’m afraid I have to face this battle. These creatures have been attacking our planet for such a time that it must end now. If you wish to wait for me, I’d be happy to place you under protection with my parents, but I understand if you want to return to your home,” explained Ero’an.
Amelia sat in shock. It was surprising that he would be willing to return her home without harm so that she may live out the rest of her life in peace. But what good would that do? They had just consummated
their love for each other and she wanted more than anything to remain in this magical place, with him. She wiped a lone tear from her eye and sat up to meet the prince’s lips who eagerly devoured hers.
“I will stay,” she replied while holding his face. “I will stay with you.”
“You’ve made me a happy Degaurian,” said Ero’an with tears in his eyes. “And I will fight twice as hard to return to you.”
“Fight for your people, Ero’an,” said Amelia boldly. “They are yours to care for and I will help you do that.”
The prince was so overjoyed that he took her lips once more before throwing on his battle gear and running from the room. After he left, a Degaurian maid attended to her clothing, and then swiftly escorted her to the royal chambers where the king and queen were being protected.
“You would make such a lovely daughter-in-law,” commented the queen.
“And you have such good genes,” said the king.
“There is no protocol that forbids you from marrying our son,” said the queen. “You are welcome here.”
Amelia blushed and looked around for Herman, who seemed to be missing. As she searched the room for the slimy path that he typically left, a loud boom echoed from the outer doors which two guards went to investigate. Alarmed, Amelia leaned against a small door which gave way to a chamber on the other side, flipping her over and causing her to screech. A gargantuan beast hunching under the hallway snorted loudly through its pig-like nostrils and grabbed her by the scruff, dragging her away.
“Help!” she cried, hoping the king and queen would at least hear that as well. “Help me, anyone!”
The disgusting Ka’lorians, as they were known, were such a filthy species who didn’t do much but destroy other planets for resources. They weren’t very intelligent save for battle strategies, and held the galaxy’s record for most planets demolished. For poor Herman, this was his greatest enemy as his planet had been destroyed by these foul beasts who, simply were unstoppable. Herman gurgled nearby as Amelia was dragged away, noticing that the new princess might be lost sooner than anticipated if he didn’t alert the Degaurian prince who was heatedly engaged in battle. As he ran his blade against Ka’lorian necks, his radio beeped, to which he responded easily with one hand.
“Amelia has been taken!” Herman cried over the speaker while also adding some regurgitating sounds. “She’s being transported as we speak!”
The news inspired the prince to swing his sword harder, lopping Ka’lorian heads left and right while crying out a painful roar. One by one, Ero’an slashed through the giant collection of piggish beasts and made his way to a beaming station in order to reach his love. Up above were the screams of the sweet Amelia, who was ready to retch from the stench of the Ka’lorian beast holding her. He tossed her in an electrical cage and threw a squeaking toy between the bars which she regarded with some curiosity before tossing it back.
“You will lead the prince to us,” roared the beast outside the cage. “And we will have victory over Degau!”
The shrieking noise that erupted from the small group pierced Amelia’s ears and she covered them while panic filled her gut. How in the world was she to escape this awful cage? She had no weapons, no experience, and no knowledge of this disgusting species of alien who clearly didn’t bathe. Their beady eyes mocked her from beyond the green laser bars and she scoffed while tossing her purple hair aside. All she had to do was wait for a moment. She wouldn’t give in to their taunting or painful verbal jabs. It was beneath her to be defeated. Didn’t they know who she was? Amelia Stone, the finder of alien species beyond her planet. It didn’t seem like a great deal in the galaxy, but for earth that was a cosmic achievement. Patiently, she sat and waited for her opportunity.
***
It was unclear how long Amelia had been kept in that tight cage, her knees aching now because she was so cramped. When she complained, the Ka’lorian scoffed and waved his stubby arms while tending to something else, poking the companion next to him and informing him to transfer the prisoner to the collection cell. This is my chance, she thought, while preparing her body. I wish I could have stretched! Lamenting the fact that her body wasn’t as limber as she had hoped, she still took the moment to appear absolutely relaxed as the Ka’lorian reached in and took hold of her arm. He pulled her from the cell and shoved her forward, instructing her where to walk while poking her back with his stubby finger. Amelia shuddered, but stuck to her initial plan, which she planned to enact within the next few minutes.
As soon as the Ka’lorian beast was next to her, she gripped his sword from his belt and wielded it naturally, as if she had done it many times before, waving the blade over his shoulder and taking his head with it. How do I know how to use this? She thought with excitement as she waved the sword around. While lost in her infatuation with this sudden knowledge, another Ka’lorian came to attack her and she met his sword with the one she had stolen.
“Code twelve! We have a prisoner loose!” he cried as he lunged forward to be met with the glowing blade.
A maniacal laugh escaped the earthling’s lips as she swung around in circles and danced to the beat of battle. She wasn’t sure how she came to know what this was or how to use it, but she was grateful for the surprising knowledge as it came in waves to her mind.
“Not bad for a woman, eh?” yelled Amelia as she struck another sword.
“What’s a woman?” asked the Ka’lorian.
Huffing, she rolled her eyes and responded, “I am!”
Another head rolled and another after that, the waltz music returning to her ears from the night before. She raised her arms up and moved about the room, lopping more heads as she twirled about while pretending the prince was holding her and they were dancing. In a matter of minutes, Amelia had most of the crew defeated save for one small Ka’lorian who cowered in the corner.
“Take me to the controls. I need to be beamed back down,” she demanded while pointing the sword in his direction.
The frightened beast followed her directions and showed her the control panel, surprisingly similar to the ship Ero’an had used to transport her from Earth. She started to demand his compliance, but stopped when the knowledge flooded her brain. As she pressed buttons, the platform in the corner began to whirl and the mirrored room appeared for her to be transferred. She saw no use for this beast any longer, so she slashed his neck and watched his head roll over to the corner where the mirrors had appeared.
To her surprise, Ero’an appeared in the space and stood with his hands pressed to his hips as he studied the scene. Ka’lorian heads and bodies were strewn about, a thick ooze coating the floor and staining Amelia’s boots. She held the sword up towards him, but yielded when she realized who it was and tossed it aside.
“Ero’an!” she cried.
“What mess have you made, woman!” he asked with a smirk on his face.
“At least you know I am a woman,” she said while running to him.
Catching her in his arms, he held her up by her butt and rubbed his nose into hers.
“And who would not know that?” he asked curiously.
“These creatures,” she responded while gesturing wildly. “They had no idea what I was!”
“They’re not the smartest,” commented the prince.
“I couldn’t tell,” she said while chuckling.
The reunited couple embraced each other and kiss, their celebration interrupted by rapid fire coming from below. No one was manning the ship and it was beginning to make its decent towards the surface of Degau. Realizing they were being shot at by their own soldiers, Ero’an took hold of the controls and yelled over his radio for them to cease fire. Panicking, Amelia tried the controls for the beamer and began setting up their transfer until the whirling abruptly stopped. The light for the control beeped rhythmically under her fingers while she pressed it repeatedly, groaning with frustration when it wouldn’t start.
“What does blinking mean?” she asked as the ship plummeted fa
ster to the ground.
“How should I know?” snapped the prince while pressing other buttons.
“Don’t you know how to fly these things?!” she cried.
“Some of these controls are different, you know,” said the prince.
“Now isn’t really the time for your pride to make an appearance, Ero’an. We need to do something fast. Isn’t there manual on this ship?” Amelia asked while bracing herself against a seat.
“There must be a booklet somewhere,” said Ero’an, eyes darting around.
“Not a manual! Manual as in we can manually drive the ship, you twit!” yelled Amelia.
As the ship fell rapidly from the atmosphere, and the two lovers yelled, Amelia pressed a few more buttons and took hold of the lever that apparently controlled the ship. She pulled it back and they belly of the ship hit the ground, slamming them down as it skidded to a halt in the fields. Flower bulbs were scattered everywhere as the couple collected themselves from the metal ground of the cockpit, brushing each other off and coughing from the fumes emitted during their crash. Stumbling, they made their way from the rubble to encounter a slew of soldiers surrounding them with ray guns.
***
“Stand down!” yelled the prince as the soldiers began to apologize. “Would you kill your prince?”
Amelia shook her head and began to laugh, the shock wearing off and leading her into the more comical side of her rescue. While Ero’an had done well to appear, she was the one who had led them to safety and, in a sense, had been the rescuer. Never had she imagined herself a heroine in any of the worlds she saw herself on, but here, she was one. Ero’an wrapped an arm around her as the soldiers applauded their appearance, helping them each from the rubble around them.
“Behold, my savior,” said Ero’an while presenting her to the king and queen who came out to greet them. “My beautiful bride and savior.”
“Bride?!” yelled Amelia with wide eyes.
“Will you do me that honor, darling earth woman who has captured my heart?” asked the kneeling prince.
