Another spotlight appeared, shining on a group of three atop the dais which usually held their thrones. Empress Yukie stood majestically in the black robe of Origin, next to King Johan in the black and purple of Vn'Oco, and Queen Vahna in pure white, a sign of her status, below the other two.
“Approach, Grand Duchess Sasha Alutia and Sir Trent, if thee, of thy free will, wish for equality born of rank!” King Johan's voice boomed through the chamber and the last whispers faded, a dull light growing within the grand court. They stepped forward in unison, climbing the steps as if they were one.
“I, Empress Yukie, future ruler of the New Universal Empirical Human Alliance, ask you, do you join this union of freewill?” The excited girl of the night before vanished, replaced by a woman no one would question.
“We do,” they answered in unison, hearts and mind in sync.
“I, King Johan Vn'Oco, of the 189th New Universal Empirical Human Alliance Galaxy, ask you, do you join this union for the good of your subjects?” Her father asked, voice of pure pride, the aged king replaced by one of much younger years.
“We do,” the harmony of their hearts were in their words.
“I, Queen Vahna Vn'Oco, of the 189th New Universal Empirical Human Alliance Galaxy, ask you, do you love each other?” Her mother asked, crying openly, her emotions, usually kept hidden, bursting to the surface.
“With all our hearts,” their respond was not planned, but they spoke the same, a sign of their love.
“Then join hands and prepare, you shall now become one!” King Johan boomed, his words echoing through the grand court. They turned to each other, grasping hands while pressing their bodies and lips together.
A fluidic sphere of pure light enveloped them, caressing their entire bodies. Their bond activated, thoughts and emotions blurring together to become one. For a moment, she was Trent, and he was her. She witnessed his past, and cried beside him. He witness her past, and cried beside her. The images flowed, along with emotions long forgotten, of times never meant to be shared, of feelings best kept in darkness, of things no one else should ever know.
Trent accepted her, the evil thoughts and her dirty past. The time in her room, alone, when she tried again and again to take her own life, but was never able to succeed. Then, the lie she lived, forcing happiness to the surface when none actually existed. He accepted her darkest secret and filled the darkness with the light of his love.
Sasha accepted him, the corruption in his soul, the loss of his kind heart into the abyss of sorrow. She floated beside him in the lake, watching him try to let go, to sink and allow it all to end. The loss of his self, when nothing existed but a sea of despair, how many drinks does it take, how many more till he will end? She enveloped those thoughts, leaving herself within, the lake turning to her love and the despair to her passion.
The images washed clean, and vanished, the memories removed and only the emotions remained. They accepted each other, having witnessed what was hidden deep within, without any filters or outside sources, they had seen. But that was not what was meant to be taken away. She knew what Trent had seen, but knew he no longer knew. She as well knew there were things she had witnessed, the emotions still present, but she had loved him no matter if she knew or not.
Lava encased her body, flowing to her hands and lips, the points of contact with her love. The burning sensation altered her emotions, the darkness that filled them exposed, turning to love and flowing between them. It grew, like a star appearing in each hand, then, when her hands felt like they would melt, it cooled and only their kiss remained.
The dull throbbing that masked her hearing was replaced by whispers, but she didn't care, she only cared about the man in front of her. They kissed, deeply, without a concern in the world. Their bond expanded, she, feeding him her emotions of passion and lust, and he, returning his of love and longing.
The whispers became a roar, cheers breaking free from faces of no importance. A cough grew closer, but it did not matter. Trent released her hands, and now had her in a full body embrace, which she returned with just as much vigor. The robes were in the way, they both knew, so she tried to remove Trent's and he hers. The connection broke and Sasha screamed. She would die without it, needing that touch. She reached out, brushing his hand, and with it, her senses returned.
Trent kneeled in front of her, flushed and gasping, King Johan at his back, while Queen Vahna, a look of concern, along with Empress Yukie, smiling wide, stood beside her, hands on her shoulder and waist. It took her a few moments to completely regain herself, but when she did, she stood, pulling a still dazed Trent forward with her, the ceremony not yet complete. They turned to the crowd of cheering nobles, the three overseers returning to their places of honor.
“Now raise your hands to the crowd and show the sign of acceptance!” King Johan bellowed. Sasha raised her hands, ignoring the shock of releasing Trent's.
The crowd went silent, astonished whispers flowing through their ranks. She and Trent turned to the overseers, confused, showing their marks as was required. Empress Yukie gasped and Queen Vahna fainted into the arms of the bewildered King Johan.
“The Mark of the Emperor,” Yukie said with amazement, her voice low, words almost a whisper. But Sasha heard them. She quickly looked to her palms, finding instead of the world and three stars of a Grand Duke and Duchess union, a single star of the Emperor and Empress union. King Johan awakened his wife, who regained her feet, then turned to the excited crowd.
“Attention! Quiet please!” The crowd went silent and King Johan looked to the ceiling.
“Program! Please explain the meaning of this?” The king shouted, unable to contain his confusion.
“Elevation Union has been completed successfully. Based off Program regulations, bond marking is of highest possible rank of couple being bonded.” Gasps of wonder rippled through the grand court and King Johan looked like he was going to explode from frustration. Sasha grabbed Trent's arm, mystified, looking up into his eyes filled with uncertainty, but showing a bemused smile, finding it oddly reassuring.
“Explain further!” King Johan screamed.
“Information restricted. Permission granted for basic explanation. Elevated Union markings for nobility relate to possible emperor succession.” It took Sasha a moment to comprehend, but she suddenly understood. She looked to Empress Yukie, who had reverted to her childlike excitement. King Johan seemed to understand as well, staring at the two with newfound wonder.
“As it may be...what is their current elevated rank?” he asked the important question. Sasha held her breath.
“Grand Duchess Sasha Alutia and Grand Duke Trent Alutia. Review in progress for further elevation to Archduchess and Archduke, pending review of King's Nova reward,” Sasha sighed. They weren't suddenly raised to the rank of emperor and empress. She leaned over and kissed Trent in relief, the puzzled whispers of the crowd once again breaking into thunderous applause.
“Good. Now that the confusion has been cleared, we have one more ceremony,” King Johan gestured to Sir Seb'Losh, who, in the formal dress reds of the Alutia Guard, stepped forward, out of the line of battleguards that surrounded the entire hall, handing Empress Yukie two rings with the utmost reverence. Yukie gracefully walked the short distance between them, her lips having a less then regal smile, and handed both Trent and Sasha a ring.
“In the custom of Earth, a planet of unique culture and heritage, the exchanging of rings would occur as a symbol of the joining in marriage. I have decided to add this custom officially into our galaxy’s own, in honor of the lost planet. Grand Duchess Sasha, Grand Duke Trent,” At King Johan's guiding, Sasha turned to face Trent.
“My duke, I love thee more and more as each day passes. Please accept this symbol of my ever growing love, the King's Nova, infused with my own being, my own essence, my own love.” She slipped the ring, inlaid with black and purple gems and engraved with her words, over his ring finger with a kiss.
“My love, you have sav
ed me,” Trent paused, tears threatening to emerge. “If I had not met you,” again he stopped, pushing back the tears with sheer will.”I would no longer be of this universe. My love for you is infinite, beyond all the stars of all the galaxies of all the universe. I love you with every ounce of my being. Sasha, I love you.” His hand trembled as he placed a newly designed gorian ring, with the only adornment, mysterious words, carved in a language she could not read. He kissed her, tears streaming down his cheeks and her own. Renewed applause rippled through the court as they lingered, enjoying each other's touch. But this time they had their senses and pulled clear before anyone else had to act.
“Thank you all! We shall rule fair and just...and I, Grand Duchess Sasha Alutia, am now one with Grand Duke Trent Alutia!” Her voice quivered, but stayed strong as the tears rolled down her cheeks.
“The warmth of this room soothes my heart. I thank you for your support, one and all,” Trent gazed at Sasha, trying to recover his own shaky breath. “I, Grand Duke Trent Alutia, am one with Grand Duchess Sasha Alutia!” The crowd exploded as they once again kissed, bowed, then exited under the giant Alutia Crest, to their private apartments.
They were whisked into different rooms by servants waiting in ambush, their cries ignored. Her face was cleaned and she was roughly forced into regal red gown. Terra squealed as he was pushed out of her compressed bosom. A mirror was presented and Sasha saw a woman she didn't recognize. A woman so full of the happiness and joy she once thought lost forever, that she wanted to scream forth her bliss and share it with the entire universe.
But before she could, she was dragged into the hallway, her breath catching in her chest as she beheld Trent. His noble suit cut perfectly, adorned with two medals only he was allowed to wear; the Star of Terra and the King's Nova. He looked a man to force attention to himself when he entered a room. Her man; the man she loved.
She grabbed his hand, following close behind the servants who were leading them to the banquet hall. They had to arrive first, to greet their honored guests.
“I love you, Sasha...my love...” his words were cut by the wind.
“I love you, Trent...my duke...”
*********
The grand banquet celebrating the success of his marriage of elevation to Sasha was finally coming to a close. Trent, though enjoying the festivities, was thankful. His mind had yet to fully recover from the melding that had taken place during the ceremony, required for he and Sasha to prove their willingness to completely accept each other as equals.
He let his eyes fall shut, still feeling the despair that clung to his mind. Though it was not his own, having a different flavor, born from the hidden memories Sasha had shared with him. He knew of Sasha’s many demons, but never the strength of the self-hatred and loathing that had, at one time of her life, totally ruled her mind, though from exactly what, he no longer remembered, the knowledge wiped clean, just the feeling remaining. But he found the reason mattered little. Knowing no matter what its cause, he would do everything in his power to eliminate its essence from his love, even if it took the rest of their long lives.
He gazed longingly at his blushing bride seated by his side, still basking in the glow of the well wishes and blessings provided by the many nobles mingling throughout the reception hall. The feeling was odd, seeing so many nobles and finding not one of them cold. I can guess the reason, he mused; knowing well most of those nobles who had disagreed with their proclamations, having learned he and Sasha were, what are known as reformists, had fled after the Emperor’s Purge Guard Occupation. But even so, to have no one remain that had ill will in their hearts was a thing of great interest.
“Grand Duke Trent,” Ru’Tal, an elderly servant that reminded Trent of a butler, and had taken the role of introduction, bowed deeply before him, “it is my pleasure to introduce Lady Xeara and Lady Hoilie,” the two colorfully dressed ladies standing behind him stepped forward, curtsying deeply. “Within the last hour both their catillian's gave birth and they would be honored if you would accept one for bonding,” Trent nodded, not completely surprised, having assumed something of the like would occur based on the conversation between Sasha and Tiana the day before. He looked to his wife, who was smiling mischievously, then to the two ladies who, with Sir Seb’Losh’s permission, approached with outstretched hands, one holding a blue and red ball of fur and the other one of black and silver.
“Choose, my duk-.” The blue and red haired catillian launched like a rocket across the few meters that separated them, landing softly in his lap. He scooped it up, staring at its tiny little face, with four blinking eyes, cooing happily while rolling over in his palms. He couldn't help but smile, glancing at Sasha, mouthing a thank you, then turning back to the two stunned women. But neither was looking at him, instead, both were staring at the girl seated on his other side, who was giggling with delight as the black and silver catillian crawled around her exposed shoulders.
“I've never seen anything like it,” Lady Hoilie said in awe.
“They jumped at the same moment, one to you and the other to Yukie. Seems the female liked you,” Sasha whispered in his ear. Terra squawked with obvious delight at the baby in Trent's hand, which responded with an innocent squeak. In response, Terra started hopping back and forth upon its six hands, performing an impromptu dance that made him chuckle.
“Lady Xeara, Lady Hoilie, I thank you for this most wonderful gift. If I or Sasha may do anything to repay you, please name it,” he said gracefully. The ladies smiled in unison while performing a deep curtsy.
“Your Grace, is it possible for you to expedite our applications for immigration? We so very much want to live on Alutia’Earth and the line has become ever so long,” Lady Hoilie paused, glancing to Lady Xeara.
“We were told we may have to wait for many periods, if not years,” Lady Xeara said sadly.
Sasha leaned forward before Trent could speak. “Of course, it would be my pleasure to accompany any who would like to join Alutia. Sir Oadi!” Sasha shouted to the administrator who was deep in a discussion with a group of important nobles at the base of the steps from the raised pavilion in the center of the banquet hall.
“Yes, Your Grace?” he responded immediately, nodding his apology to the understanding nobles.
“I'd like you to expedite these ladies immigration papers, as well as anyone else who attended the wedding that would like to become permanent residents of the Alutia Duchy,” Sasha explained. The ladies couldn't contain their excitement, hugging each other while their catillian's squeaked in joy.
“Of course, Your Grace! I’ll assign the proper administrators to handle the task. If you'll excuse me,” he turned, excusing himself from the surrounding nobles before vanishing into the crowd. The two ladies quickly curtsied, waving goodbye to the baby catillians, wiping away tears as they followed Sir Oadi.
“Wow!” Yukie shouted. “It felt like a shock going through my entire body!” she said with wonder, but didn't seem to mind too much, her giant smile showing as evidence.
“That is the temporary bond, Yukie. When the permanent bonding process begins, be prepared for a more...intense feeling.” Trent turned to Sasha, his eyes going wide before he let them fall shut, his chin resting upon his chest.
The bonding process, he’d forgotten in the excitement.
“Don't worry, my duke, I know of many things we can do for a week without clothes. Vickie was kind enough to explain her favorite...” he flushed and looked down at the baby catillian, thanking her, and the universe, for small favors.
Part 1 - Epilogue
The completed report streamed through the air before him, displaying the last history of a planet that would never again be seen within this universe. It is a sad sight, Quinn realized, the work of over 25,000 years, the lives of trillions, being stored within a small data file that would normally be lost forever within the enormous compiled history of the NHA. But he was glad that this planet's history would have a much better fate, the data being ea
sily accessible, the works of art and culture of its peoples displayed openly for all who wish to partake. It was enough to almost make him cry, his tough exterior threatening to peel away when he thought of the people of Earth, his adopted people, the people who he had let die. The door to his temporary office onboard the newly constructed ABF Fleet Station orbiting Alutia'Earth's single moon, chimed.
“Enter,” ordered ABF Knight Admiral Quinn, his tone softer than usual.
The door slid open to reveal a woman of short stature, but of heart and courage well beyond. She entered, coming to attention before the desk where he sat. He minimized the projected report, resisting the urge to send it to Sir Trent and officially end his responsibilities to the TSB, and to Earth.
“Sir,” Former TSB Vice-Commander Daiyu saluted.
“At ease, Captain Daiyu, and thank you for seeing me before you depart for your new assignment,” he said with a nod, gesturing to the seat that rose from the deck on the other side of the desk.
“It's my pleasure, Comma...I mean, Knight Admiral,” responded Daiyu, almost uncharacteristically using his outdated title of TSB Commander. She sat upon the small stool that rose from the floor, a back and armrest growing around her. He smiled, or glared as most people thought it, his massive bearded mug seeming to frighten the majority of individuals who entered his presence.
“First, the formalities,” he leaned forward. “I still require a captain for my new command ship, the NHA Super-Capital ABF Loyal Reverie...and you are still my first choice.” He knew her answer before he raised the question, but he had long ago realized how much of an asset a woman like Daiyu was and hated to lose her.
The Noble Petty, Complete Edition (Alutia Rising Series, Book 2) Page 23
