"Madam Cade, are you willing to take the oath of loyalty to your people?"
"I am." Cade's voice rang out strong and clear.
"Will you solemnly promise to govern and serve the peoples of Alara, Celestas, Psmanth, Mirach, Thuba, Hokar and other outlying sectors belonging or pertaining to Andromeda, according to their respective laws and customs?"
"I so promise."
"Will you execute your power with justice and mercy in all aspects of judgment?"
"I will."
The Chancellor turned and retrieved the Alaran ceremonial sword. He reversed his grip and handed the weapon to Cade, hilt first. "With this sword accept the role as protector of the people. Smite injustice wherever it shall exist. Punish what is profane and relegate it to perpetual darkness."
Accepting the blade, Cade slid it into the scabbard at her side without the need to look. The Chancellor held a hand out toward Van, inviting her to join them. Van swallowed nervously, attempting to ignore her trembling legs as she stepped forward. All of the moisture in her body disappeared. Her hands felt cold and her mouth was as dry as a Celestan desert. Cade took her right hand in what resembled a handshake and the Chancellor looped a gold chain around their wrists, symbolically binding them together.
"Captain Vanessa Swann, counterpart to the queen, will you promise to adopt the ways of Andromeda as your own, to assist your mate in serving justly and wisely over the people under your authority?"
"I promise." Her voice was barely a whisper.
"Will you accept Queen Cade as your spouse, forever committing your lives together in sacrifice and joy?"
Van looked at Cade. This was it, the last chance to bail. She thought she detected amusement in the black eyes and felt Cade's grip tighten.
"I will."
The Keeper of the Vaults stepped toward the Chancellor, a slightly hunched older woman whom Van heard Cade refer to as Pisa. She carried a lavender cushion trimmed in gold. Two rings rested upon the pillow. Van always thought that if she ever married she would choose her own ring. Not so. The white gold bands symbolized the Royal House of Alara. Set with a sapphire, Van decided the stone perfectly complimented the color of their uniforms.
"Receive the rings of a queen. As you are both this day sanctified rulers of Andromeda, so you are also sworn and bound to each other. May your reign be long and glorious."
Cade took one of the rings and slid it onto the fourth finger of Van's right hand. The band fit perfectly, having been sized a few days before. Van performed the same action for her new wife. It all seemed like a dream. Her head felt stuffed with cotton. It wouldn't have been hard to convince Van that this was happening to someone else.
When the Chancellor retrieved a crown and faced Cade, Van heard the crowd rustle in renewed excitement. This particular crown was the larger of the two, fitting since Cade was heir to the throne. Still, it wasn't the heavy, jewel-encrusted monstrosity Van anticipated. Rather, it resembled the simple silver headwear Cade had sported as princess. The only exception was the impressive blue tanzanite gem mounted in the center and framed by triple rows of small sapphires. Tanzanite was the rarest jewel in the system.
Chancellor Marshal reverently placed the crown upon Cade's head. Scattered cheers resounded throughout the cathedral. He settled a smaller crown onto Van's head. Delicate silver, designed like a tiara, also boasted a tanzanite stone surrounded by a single band of blue sapphires. Van had worried the crown would fall off, but the headwear was heavier than expected.
Heavy is the head that wears the crown, she thought, remembering the old adage.
"May you both be crowned with righteousness. Be courageous and command the loyalty and devotion of the people. Please symbolize your union according to the customs of Alara."
Cade smiled broadly. She faced Van and Van's heart skidded off her ribcage. When they kissed, the entire cathedral erupted in cheers. Somewhere trumpets sounded.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur. Van vaguely remembered Cade whisking her off to a formal reception and beginning the festivities with the traditional first dance. Dignitaries she'd never met or dreamed of continually paraded by, offering best wishes to the newly crowned royal couple. Wine flowed and Van's head spun from a combination of alcohol and activity. At one point, Paul stopped by and teased her about hearing hearts break all over the galaxy as the most eligible bachelorette dropped off the market.
Before she knew it, midnight on Alara came and went and the first full day of her married life began. Cade ushered in the day by taking her hand and bidding farewell to their guests. Van felt a little sad that everyone thought they were off to enjoy a romantic honeymoon when that simply wasn't the case. As much as she longed for that to happen, a charade was about to start.
Cade laughed and waved to her guests, tugging Van toward the exit. Van hoped her own smile proved convincing. She followed Cade up the wide, central staircase while the party continued without them. Suddenly, she was very eager.
By prior agreement, the women retreated to Cade's suite. Ostensibly, they would spend a night making passionate love before setting out for the Mauti Coast in the morning, the site of the Meryan family vineyards. Only a few hours away by atmospheric transport, the coast's Emerald Forests were considered extremely romantic. Cade had used the recent governmental upheaval to justify a single week's honeymoon. In reality, they planned to share a quiet night and a bed to maintain the illusion of blissful matrimony. The true purpose of the trip was to draw out their attacker. With any luck, the mastermind behind Mentis's elaborate schemes would show his face.
However, Van did not intend to meekly follow along as Cade's counterpart. Over the course of the last five days, Van had started to believe Cade was hiding something and she had an idea that she knew what that was. An unguarded look here, a quiet touch there. Tonight, she intended to discover if they could have a real life together or if it was all an illusion.
"I'm going to take a shower," Cade announced as soon as the door closed behind them. She peeled out of her jacket, oblivious to Van's licentious expression. "Are you okay? You look a little tense."
"I'm fine. I guess I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed."
"Why don't you relax and have a drink. I'll be out soon." The house staff had thoughtfully brought in a cart that held champagne and two glasses. It was in the seating area and Van hadn't noticed it until Cade mentioned it.
Tossing her jacket onto a chair in the corner, Cade kicked off her shoes and placed her crown into the wardrobe before she headed into the bathroom.
As soon as the door closed behind her, Van made her decision. She gave Cade time to undress and step into the shower by putting Cade's jacket and shoes away. She placed her own crown on the dresser and then stripped down. Van ignored the champagne and placed her clothes neatly over the chair. She had her own suite, but to an outsider that would appear to be a formality. Naked, Van placed a hand on the bathroom doorknob and hesitated, hoping it wasn't locked. She could hear the water running and acted on impulse. The door opened and she entered quietly. Steam rose and she could see Cade's nude form behind the clear shower stall, sleek and wet.
Taking her courage in her hands, Van opened the door and entered behind Cade. She felt her tense when she slid her arms around her waist. Cade turned and looked at her, confusion warring with obvious desire.
"Van, what are you doing?"
"Do you have to ask?"
Van pressed against Cade, shivering at the feel of hot, supple flesh. Cade didn't argue. Lovemaking in a shower had always been one of Van's favorite activities, but the experience with Cade transcended all others. By the time the water ran cold, Van was shaking from the force of sensations cascading through her body. Though they'd both been satisfied a few times over, Van decided to move their encounter into the bedroom.
Cade apparently caught on quickly, following her as Van pushed the door open and grabbed a couple of towels. With Cade's arm around her waist, they hurried toward the other room, leav
ing the shower to shut off once the sensors indicated it was no longer occupied. Semi-dry, they fell into bed to continue what would be a very long and gratifying first night as a married couple.
Chapter Twenty-four
SMILING, VAN RIPPED the t-shirt over her head and stepped into a hot shower. She and Cade had just finished an invigorating five-kilometer run through the trails in the Emerald Forest. Sweat caused the shirt to cling to her skin and desire coursed through her veins. The last week had been like a true honeymoon with much lovemaking and intimate companionship. The only thing lacking was an actual declaration of affection from either side. Van kept her love hidden with difficulty, determined that Cade should speak the words first. If she ever did.
Van kept remembering their first time together on Tokar, just after she'd saved Cade from Mentis and his Phantoms. Cade had made a comment that there was nothing wrong with a casual sexual encounter, that it was just biology. Van certainly hoped that she didn't feel that way now, but she was too afraid to ask. Pushing the unpleasant thoughts away, she finished her shower and dressed. Not one to miss out on making love in the shower, Cade usually joined her, but she was busy arranging transport back to the capital city.
There hadn't been any attempts on Cade's life during the week on the Mauti coast and both of them were starting to think their troubles were over. Van thought whoever orchestrated the attempts on the royal line had given up when Mentis was killed and his military facilities either destroyed or appropriated. In the last few days, Cade had finally started to let down her guard and fully relax for the first time since her rescue from Gothos Prime. The only time they thought about getting back to business as usual was during her daily conversations with her cousin, Saral, who had taken the reins of the monarchy during their absence.
The door opened and the instrument of her musings walked into the bedroom. Even red-faced and sweaty, Cade still managed to get Van's blood pumping. She watched as Cade removed her t-shirt and bra, her breasts bouncing a little with the movement. "Grace says hi."
Van was surprised at the mention of the advisor. "You couldn't reach Saral?"
"She's off in the lower peninsula settling a border dispute between some farmers."
"There are constables for that sort of thing."
"You don't know my cousin very well. She enjoys getting personally involved. Saral says it keeps a friendly face on the monarchy." Naked, Cade walked toward the shower. "Any way I can entice you back in with me?"
Van wrinkled her nose at the smell of sweat. "Why don't you shower, alone, and then we can have fun getting sweaty together later?"
"Sounds like fun. Unfortunately, the transport will be here in less than an hour."
Cade climbed under the hot water and Van responded, "If Saral is doing such a great job in your absence, we could stay for another week. You still haven't completely recovered from your time on Gothos."
Van didn't really care for Rear Admiral Barab, though she would never say anything to Cade. Cade adored her cousin and Van didn't want to hurt her. Still, the woman had proven herself capable on the throne if only in a short-term capacity.
"Hey, I remember keeping up with you just fine on that last run."
That was true, but Cade still sported a slight limp and Van knew she would hurt later from the workout. However, that was only part of her motive for wanting to stay on the coast. Van knew she couldn't hide here forever, she was just afraid to go back because right now she felt like she was living in a fantasy where she and Cade shared a real marriage. Eventually, if the assassin never returned, Cade would see there was no reason to go on pretending. She would end their union.
The water shut off as Cade stepped out of the stall and reached for a towel. Van waited for her to dress and then they walked out into the courtyard, hand in hand, to wait for the transport. They didn't bother with any luggage, having brought along a small staff to deal with such minute details. The servants would gather up their belongings and close up the house before heading to the castle.
Standing in the gardens, Van heard the approach of an airship before it topped the trees and came into view. Unexplainable dread made her hold her breath. She expected to see a gun ship coming at them, firing. Being so isolated, both Van and Cade had carried hand weapons the whole time and she felt comforted by the weight of the blast pistol. She was almost surprised when the royal airship came into view and dropped down a few meters away without incident.
Van glanced at Cade, trusting that the queen hadn't noticed her anxiety. The slight smile on Cade's lips doomed those hopes but at least she didn't say anything. She started walking to where the small craft hovered for a second before setting down. Van followed from a distance, her eyes on Cade's slim form. What would happen now? Would Cade expect Van to take command of Gauntlet right away and continue pretending to be married while in reality they led separate lives?
She felt miserable stepping through the vessel's hatch. Cade had already settled in the last row. Her head rested against the seat back, her eyes closed. For once, Van appreciated that it wasn't in her to simply give up and accept the inevitable. Their honeymoon was proof of that and she wasn't going to start taking the easy road now. Cade had real feelings for her. Van ambled through the airship and settled in the seat next to Cade.
With her eyes closed, Cade asked, "You expected a gun ship, didn't you?"
"Didn't you? Why else would we both have worn pistols the whole time we were here?"
Cade looked at her, reaching over to take Van's hand. "Sorry, I wasn't trying to put you on the spot. I'll admit I almost expected something to happen too. I thought for sure someone would try to eliminate us in such an isolated setting."
Van voiced her earlier thoughts. "Maybe they've given up. After all, nothing they attempted exactly worked out for them." She tried not to think of Queen Dorma. Remembering the woman caused her heart to ache.
"Still, I should meet with my advisors once we reach the castle and let them know everything that happened. Before I took the throne, they reminded me that there can't be secrets between a queen and her advisors."
"You know they'll insist on a heavy security detail for both of us once you do. Not that it's a bad idea for you. You're the queen. But I'm still a Coalition commander and I can't have bodyguards following me around."
"You've got a point," Cade allowed. "I'll make sure they understand."
"Great. So what's on our agenda once we get home?" Van held her breath as she waited for the answer.
"Hmm, I thought we'd take the weekend before you take over the flagship. I'm sure Commodore Kazmi is happy to keep the reins for as long as you like."
Relief flooded her system that Cade didn't appear to be in a rush to separate from her. "That's nice to know, but the sooner things get back to normal in the sector, the more secure the people will feel."
"You're going to be great at this royalty stuff," Cade said softly. "Thanks for considering our citizens."
Van's heart thudded when Cade said "our," but passed it off as no big deal. They chatted about nothing special for the rest of the flight and arrived at the castle in time for an early dinner. Afterwards, Cade invited Van to spend time with her in the queen's suites. Listening to music and sipping a light wine, Cade requested her input on new security measures she wanted to institute throughout the galaxy. Without knowing who had organized the attacks on Cade and Alara, they needed to stay prepared for another incident. Once satisfied that they'd considered every angle, Cade announced that she needed to speak to her advisors.
"Feel free to stay here if you want. I shouldn't be too long and I was hoping we could take a walk through the gardens before retiring."
"I'd love that," Van admitted. "The Alaran gardens are so beautiful."
Cade left and Van stretched out on the sofa. Light classical music played throughout the suites and she allowed herself to doze. The last week had been quite enjoyable, but both of them had been constantly vigilant in preparation of an encounter with Cade
's erstwhile executioner. Sleeping deeply, Van was having a great dream of shared passion when the suite door abruptly opened and slammed shut with force.
Van sat up, fully awake and battle prepared. Cade swept across the floor, pacing in anger. Her hair stuck up in places where she'd dragged her fingers through the locks, always a sign of frustration. Her face was red and her jaw bunched as she clenched her teeth together.
"What's wrong? Did something happen?"
Cade started and Van wondered if she'd even seen her when she came through the door. "My self-appointed babysitters have decided the queen should have bodyguards in the bathroom."
"Hunh?"
Van met her in the middle of the room and rested a hand on her arm. The touch helped calm Cade and she took a few deep breaths. "Not really, but they might as well have. Grace, Jonas and Mila insist that I have a double contingent of soldiers following me around every time I leave my rooms. Only Pisa realizes that a queen can't project an air of vulnerability or the people will lose faith in their abilities."
Settling onto the arm of a chair, Van asked, "What did you say?"
"I told them that I have a life. While I understand the need for diligence, I won't act like a frightened tika cat."
"Cade, they just don't want to lose another queen. I can't say I blame them. If anything ever happened to you, I don't know what I'd do."
The anger vanished and Cade smiled at her. She brushed her fingers along Van's jaw line. "How do you always know just the right thing to say?"
Van hadn't expected the opportunity to come out and tell Cade her true feelings, but she wouldn't let it go without acting on it either. She stepped closer until their bodies touched and rested her hands on Cade's chest. "Because I love you and making you happy is more important to me than anything else."
Her kiss prevented Cade from responding. Van didn't want her to feel pressured to reciprocate. If and when Cade expressed her affection, it had to be at a time of her choosing. When the kiss ended, Van stepped away, but grasped her hand.
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