“My instructions were to get you to the library without being seen,” he admitted.
“It’s like you and the prince are eloping—you’re sneaking off to get married,” Kismet whispered.
That was exactly what it felt like.
Finally, they entered a wide majestic passage, and the aide headed for two towering, bejeweled doors. Her stomach clenched.This is it. The big moment.Would her groom be waiting? Or would she be the first to arrive?
The doors swung open. Jaryk stood there, handsome and regal in an embroidered bronze tunic complementing his blue hair. Lighter-blue cosmetic stripes accented his cheeks. Relief flashed in his eyes. “I began to worry you’d changed your mind.”
“No,” she said.
“My apologies, Your Highness. It took longer to get here than I anticipated,” the escort explained.
He retreated from the room, and the doors closed. The “library” housed no bound volumes. Instead, a bank of futuristic chairs sat in front of computer screens, and another set of chairs faced a hologram theater.
“Both principals are here; let us begin,” said a six-armed alien with a mass of writhing antennae atop its head.
To Jaryk’s left stood a stony-faced Falkor.What’s wrong with him?His expression hardened further when he flicked a glance at Karma.
Her sister compressed her lips like she tasted something sour.
Oh, for goodness’ sake! What is it with these two?They were acting like squabbling kids.
She rolled her eyes and met Jaryk’s amused expression. Her mouth quirked with answering humor, and her nervousness receded a tad. They were compatible and would be good for each other.
“Who stands in support of this couple?” asked the officiant. Kismet couldn’t begin to guess the gender but decided on female since the officiant bore a distinct resemblance to the female Medusa.
“Uh, me,” said Karma.
“I do,” answered Falkor.
“Marriage, even a civil, provisional one, is not a state to enter into lightly or thoughtlessly. You are cutting ties to the past and embarking on a new future, bound by your commitment to support and care for one another, to act as a unit, to merge your fates and fortunes, and to forsake all others.”
Jaryk gave a slight start. Her gaze shot to his face. His blank expression gave nothing away.
“Marriage can be the most rewarding time of your life or the most difficult—or both.” The officiant smiled, and she caught a glimpse of a forked tongue.
“Do you, Kismet Aurora Kennedy agree to enter into a legal union with Prince Jaryk as your husband for the term of one year to be extended indefinitely should you both concur?”
What was that little jerk about? Is he having second thoughts?He was marrying to gain his freedom. Had he decided it wasn’t worth it?Did he object to the marriage in general, or did he have specific objections to her? What had the officiant said? She couldn’t remember. Something about fates and fortunes. She had no interest in his money or his title. No doubt the crown prince was extremely wealthy, but she would leave his planet only with what she came with—nothing.
Or had she imagined the little jerk?
Her sister nudged her. “Kismet?”
All eyes were on her. Her gaze met Jaryk’s, and she spotted a reassuring trace of alarm at her hesitation.He’s still in.
“I do,” she said strongly.
“Whew. You nearly gave me a heart attack,” Karma said.
“Me, too,” Jaryk said.
Everyone chuckled.
“Sorry.”
“Do you, Crown Prince Jaryk Rullok-Myka of Kaldor agree to enter into a legal union with Kismet as your wife for the term of one year to be extended indefinitely should you both concur?”
