Of course, there may be something wrong with the royal genes as my prince’s brother died shortly after birth, leaving him an only child. A rare thing on that planet.
I suppose my fate is to be a science project until my end. My only saving grace is that I may find my husband easy on the eyes, as the few pictures I’ve seen of the men of the planet have shown me they all are terribly handsome.
Could it be that a gorgeous man might help me accept my fate? It certainly wouldn’t hurt I suppose.
Chapter Two
Kerr
Awarded To The Alien
The Royal Euthenian Armada, my family and guards, use to travel to Earth is vast. Out the window of the courtroom, a line of black, shiny crafts flies alongside the main one; the one my father and I ride in.
Thirteen ships fly on each side of us, bringing the entire royal family, all the way to the last duke and lord and the majority of our guards to witness this historic wedding. The capital was nearly emptied with our departure.
A handful of guards were left behind to watch over the city and the palace. It seems everyone wants to be on Earth to see what is supposed to be a spectacular event.
All the entertainment and what I’m sure will be over the top displays of all Earth has to offer will most likely be lost on me once I have my hands on my beautiful new bride. She is all my eyes will most likely see once she’s mine.
My father, the king, sits on an overstuffed seat, covered in the leather the Earthlings that live in the desolate areas of our planet, The Euthenia Nebula, make out of the creatures’ hides they brought with them and they call bovines. The meat is quite horrid, though, and it’s hard to know how they can even ingest such a thing.
A platter of crunchy, boiled red beetles, served in a mineral glaze made of the best soil our planet has to offer is on the table as the first course of our third meal of each twenty-eight-hour day. I pop one into my mouth and delight in the crunchy outside and oozing center.
“Father, are you hungry?” I ask.
His light blue eyes gaze out the window as the blue planet of Earth hangs in the bottom of the thick glass pane. He sighs. “To eat as we are only hours from our destination after hours upon hours of travel is not a thing that interests me, son.” His gaze turns to me. “Tell me how it is that you’re not doubling over with spasms of nerves in your stomach. You are to marry an Earthling. One of the most despised creatures in existence.”
“It is for our planet, Father. I will be king once you pass from this realm to the next. It’s a task I hold with the highest regards. I intend to unite our planet with Earth and any other planet that seeks the peace and unequivocal balance that will come from galaxies which partner for the better of all.” My eyes move to look at the planet which is home to my awarded female.
The hope in me wells up as I think about how smart she is and how she will help me understand the minds of the people who seem to be insane at times.
Who comes to someone’s planet and takes over? Who does that sort of thing?
Our planet differs greatly from the one my bride has grown up in. Our oceans reflect yellow because of the two suns our planet orbits. From space, it appears more yellow than any other color. But in the desolate regions, the ones we’ve allowed the Earthlings to settle on, there are vast fields of purple grass.
Those fields are visible as well, lending some streaks of purple to contrast the yellow oceans. A bit of red can be seen from the ancient red forests there. All in all, our planet is lovely. Even though it’s smaller than Earth, we have utilized its resources to make use of the things it provides to the utmost efficiency.
Everything runs on solar energy which costs nothing, and our buildings are made from a naturally occurring metal which replenishes itself with each rainy season.
The whole planet gets incredibly saturated, and the assorted material that combines to make the metal is pooled together beneath the surface, forming new metal for us to build and repair with.
Our homes are made from a thin but sturdy wood we call Bracha, and it’s quite similar to what the Earth calls Bamboo. Of course, whatever gets cut is immediately replanted to make sure we don’t deplete our source to build and repair our homes.
The palace is the only exception though, as it’s made of the pearl-like stone that occurs naturally at the bottom of our largest ocean, the Stalwart Ocean connecting with the other three through a series of seas and wetlands.
The palace shines all through the sunny days and moonlit nights. It’s like a beacon, and its beauty is unsurpassed. Only in the capital are the streets paved with silver dust. The whole city sparkles; I hope my new bride finds it an amazing place to live in. I really want her to love it there.
The people from Earth I’ve met have been decent and seemed to want peace and happiness just as much as we do. I even met with a man when he first arrived. His military record was one of concern.
He had been in the military since he was ten years old. Growing up in an academy and becoming one of their top leaders established him as a real threat. To add to that, he was an assassin. Not the kind of man we want as a settler as he had such vast knowledge of war and how to win it. So my father and I had him brought straight away to our palace upon his arrival.
All Earthlings come through the capital to be documented and then taken on a flying craft, much like a barge, to the settlement area we gave them. This particular man was a person of great interest and in danger of being sent back to Earth on the first Vestal back there.
Caleb Booth proved to be a very docile man, tired of war. He was seeking only peace and happiness. He wanted to start a family and live a quiet existence for the remainder of his life. So we allowed him to stay.
He’s one of the reasons I decided to take the award the Earthlings were willing to give to me. If a man of war could be so kind and genuine, then there is true hope. We can all get along and not have to obliterate the Earthlings currently on our planet, something my father plans on doing if they don’t stop coming into the cities and procreating like flies.
My father gets up and comes to the table, picking up a fat beetle. He looks it over and then places it on his tongue. After he swallows, he smiles. “Your mother loved these things. I miss her more than you can imagine.”
I clasp my father’s shoulder. “I pray my wife and I find the love you two shared. For it was one for the record books, Father. Her passing was devastation for our planet, but a death sentence for you I fear.”
The edges of his eyes droop with sorrow. “It has been a year since she passed, and still I manage to live. I do not know how. My heart pines for her. To be with her is all I want. All I dream of. All there is for me.”
My heart aches for him. I have never known a love so encompassing you would yearn for death to find you so you may be together again.
My father was once a tall, strong man that looks nothing like me. I took after my mother as far as looks are concerned. His hair was once dark black, but now they’re white as snow. His brown eyes are now so light they almost appear to be a shade of blue. His once tanned skin is now pale and wrinkled.
My mother’s passing seems to have nearly destroyed him as he stands as tall as he can while seeming to hunch a little. Not much, but enough for me to notice a difference, one I’m sure others do as well. Though no one would utter a word of it.
I pull a picture of my awarded bride out a pocket inside my golden cloak, something my father and I always wear when appearing in public.
I gaze at the picture. My betrothed appears to be tall in stature. Her long, black hair hangs to the top of her rounded bottom in cascading waves. Her skin is creamy white and seems to be as smooth as silk. Sapphire eyes stare at me from the photograph. It’s those eyes that stir something in my soul for her.
Kataline is the daughter of a Senator on Earth. Although his DNA is part of her, she has been genetically altered with DNA from other, special Earthlings.
The way her eyes sparkle has me thinking she mu
st be one of the sweetest creatures. Kind, nurturing, and most likely one of the easiest females to get along.
My father, like many others, has an aversion to people from Earth. It’s true they can live like animals quite easily. The can turn practically anything into something they can use.
Most see them as lower brained creatures that cannot find the easy way of living their lives making them intentionally difficult.
Their worst trait is over-populating every surface they live on. Some people compare them with rodents. I am not some people, though. I respect their attitude for exploration.
They were the first people to get on a rickety rocket ship some hundred years ago and seek out a new place for them to settle and make homes on. Unfortunately for thirteen of those planets, they took them over from the people who inhabited them since time began.
I want to be the leader who learns how to handle the Earthlings in a way that will teach them to coexist, rather than take over. It’s my goal to find a way to get through to the tenacious species of humankind.
Marrying one and finding out how to do that with her is the first step in what will most likely be a long process. One that may even fall upon our children to take on.
Our children, their adorable little faces flitter through my head. What will they really look like?
With her great beauty, they’re bound to be the most precious, little things. The future is filled with mysteries. How many children will we have? How many males and how many females?
The people of our planet can only have two children. It’s the way our bodies are made. My older brother died when he was only a baby, so I’m an only child. However, I am looking forward to seeing how my wife and I will have children.
It’s been written in the contract she and I will sign that we will have all the children we are meant to. No contraception will be used. Our planet never had a need to develop it, and I refuse to allow her to bring any of that with her.
We do allow the Earthling settlers to use birth control methods, though. I wish they’d use it more often as their numbers are growing too rapidly.
The subject of children has me thinking of the wedding night which is less than twenty-four hours away. I wonder if she’s nervous. I wonder if she’s been schooled in the physical ways of coupling. Or maybe she’s innocent, and they expect her to be taught.
Some females have been given as gifts to other planets. Most assume it’s a ploy to overtake even more planets. I’m not positive on that yet.
I can see the leaders of Earth wanting to leave the women uneducated about the physical aspects of coupling. Each planet’s beings do things a little differently. If they were to train the women the way Earthlings couple or as they call it, having sexual intercourse, then most would have to retrain them anyway.
It doesn’t matter to me, either way. She and I will find our way through that, I have no doubt. Her curvy body and physical appearance already stir my groin, and that’s really all anyone needs to couple.
The planet grows larger in the window and the time is approaching. My nerves begin to stir also, but not in the way my father thinks. No, it’s excitement that has my stomach fluttering.
My future is about to begin, and I cannot wait for it!
Chapter Three
Kataline
Awarded To The Alien
Jasmine fills the surrounding air. It’s an aroma that brings me peace, and so I’ve instructed to be piped into the large auditorium I’m being married in.
It seems people have come from around the globe to witness the first marriage ever between an Earthling and a Euthenian. Not only that, but I’m also the first genetically modified female to be married off. The first to be awarded.
The other females will be in attendance. Other than my sister, I’ve never seen anyone like us. It will be interesting to see how each of them reacts as they take a look at their future and fate, similar to mine.
Our leaders have had designers make my wedding dress. They came up in my opinion with a design that lacks much thought. I could’ve designed something more unique if I was to make it on my own.
Alas, it was not up to me. Every noteworthy designer, decorator, culinary artist, and entertainer has been utilized to show the Euthenian visitors how refined, cultured, talented, and clever we all are.
As their civilization is eons older than ours, they will most likely find it low-brained and dim-witted. And here I am at the Apex of all that, wearing a flowing white dress which makes me look like an ancient Greek Goddess.
By Earth standards, I look magnificent, but by the Euthenian standards, I highly doubt it. My black hair has been elaborately braided, studded with real sapphires and tiny white flowers.
My makeup has been done by yet another respected professional make-up artist. When I look at my reflection in the mirror, the Egyptian queen, Cleopatra comes to mind from some pictures I’ve seen in history books.
Deep black lines my eyes, making the blue in them pop. Red stains my rosebud lips and light pink, my cheeks. The door to my dressing room opens and in flounces my older sister, wearing a dress similar to mine, only in light blue instead of white.
“Kataline, you look gorgeous!” Mataline coos at me as she air-kisses near my cheek.
I reciprocate the intent of affection and smile. “You also look gorgeous, sister.”
Her long, blonde locks are piled high upon her head, small tendrils trickle from the mass and curl around her tanned face. Her skin is dark compared to mine. She is in all ways quite the opposite of me. This was what was intended, of course.
Mataline was made to marry the common man she gave her virginity to. “Dane is so pissed he’s been given the task of a common usher. Father and his cronies never cease to point out his humble beginnings,” she whines.
“I’m sorry about that. He is my brother-in-law and the father of my precious nieces and should be more than that in this wedding. Tell me, do the little darlings look completely adorable as my dainty flower girls?”
“Rowe and Cindy look amazing. They’ll be floating down the aisle tossing white, magnolia petals along the trail you’ll be walking down.” She clasps her hands and smiles. “Are you ready for this?”
“What choice do I have? Ready or not, this is happening. Tell me, have you seen Kerr?” My hands knot in my lap, and I spin around once in my chair.
“No, none of us will until the time comes and he takes his place at the end of the aisle, waiting for you.” Mataline giggles and throws her hands into the air. “It’s so romantic! Don’t you think, Sissy?”
A harsh laugh comes from deep in my chest. “Romance has no place in this, Sister. This is a marriage arranged to maintain peace between Euthenia and us. I am, but a pawn and I see nothing romantic in that.”
A decanter of golden liquid sits amongst small crystal glasses. Mataline takes two and fills them. Handing one to me, she says, “Kataline, you drink this and settle that temperament of yours which has been known to work against you from time to time.”
I sip, but her hand on the bottom of the glass makes me take in more, and I drink it until the last drop of sweet liquor flows down my throat. In moments the calming effects warm my skin, flushing it a bit, and my mind eases.
Her eyebrow quirks up into an arch. “Better, Sister?”
I nod and giggle a little. “Oh, Mataline! I’m about to be married and become a princess of an alien planet! I have no idea what the man looks like, and he is to be my husband and my ruler for the rest of my life! Quick, one more drink. My heart is pounding, and my feet are itching to run and get my body away from here.”
She fills my empty glass and hands it to me. “Try to think of this as an adventure, Sister. Remember when we were young and made up all types of adventures we took in the confines of our estate? This is the epic adventure, and this one is for real!” She spins around and laughs. “You’re about to go to another planet. Another word, Kataline! It’s amazing!”
The door flies open and in come
s our father. “It’s time, my darling!”
My heart stops, and I toss the drink down my throat. He holds a small, leather-covered box and opens the top. A simple band made of obsidian based titanium in black is in the box. “Am I to give that to my new husband?”
He nods. “It’s been handcrafted by our top jeweler. The first of its kind. When you will be asked to place your ring on Kerr’s finger, this is what you’ll be putting on it. It’s very nice, don’t you agree?”
“It’s shiny and black. A simple ring. I suppose it’s nice. Do you think he’ll like it, Father? That’s what really matters.” I look the ring over and think it looks very masculine. I wonder if the man I’m about to marry is a masculine man.
He is royalty. He could be scrawny and small. Perhaps that’s why he isn’t marrying a woman of his own kind. A dainty, gold band might be better suited if the man is not quite masculine.
“It’s a thing of great beauty, he’s sure to love it. Add the fact it comes from you, and it’s a given.” My father touches my chin, making me look at him. “You look gorgeous, Kataline. Now let’s get your veil on and get you to him.” He turns to my sister. “Scoot! Get out there and follow those pretty little daughters of yours down the aisle. Then I’ll bring out your sister.”
“Okay,” she says as she hurries out the door. With a quick look over her shoulder, she says, “I love you, Kataline. See you soon!”
My father pulls the handmade lace veil over my head, covering my face. It's sheer enough to make out a few of my more prominent features but demure enough to mute my face, keeping it a secret from my future husband until after we are married.
My father leads me down the long hallway and then to the top of the stairs. I must walk down a long flight of stairs and then a long aisle before I can get to the end and my husband to be.
Kerr: Paranormal Sci-Fi Alien Romance (Àlien Mates Book 1) Page 2
