by Wells, Juno
“There are many ways to recognize one’s mate, my Regent. The way I know she will pick your stone, is because I have read the signs.”
Bradon’s eyes lifted to gaze at the elder priest. “Signs? Tell me what you know, my friend.”
“When two hearts beat as one, there are unmistakable signs. Both of you were drawn to each other over vast distances and through time. You are one of two males who have been uncoupled from normal time through the cycles of hibernation, yet she found you.”
Steepling his hands together, Bradon took a deep cleansing breath. “My Grace said as much. Though it feels like providence, it could be nothing more than a coincidence.”
Ralon wasn’t giving up. “Another indicator is a knowing deep down in one’s soul. I’ll bet your soul knew she was your one, before you allowed your mind to accept it. It is clear she believes you are her one as well. It could be that she doesn’t know how she knows, so she looks for verification by embracing our oldest and most-respected tradition of selecting her mate’s stone.”
“I want to believe what you say is true.”
“The fact that you can sense her longing for you is the strongest evidence of all. That kind of knowing can only be because she is your one. You should rejoice, and look forward to her selecting your stone, for I believe she can choose no other. All of our people will enjoy watching her quest and when your stone is selected no one can ever deny the bond the two of you share.”
Bradon searched his soul for verification of what the old priest was saying. He remembered that long ago all mates were chosen in this manner, and no one worried if their love would choose their stone. If the object of your affections did not choose your stone, then she was meant to be with another. Either way, he would see Grace happy.
Ralon’s voice held a thick layer of worry when next he spoke. “You know there will be no keeping this secret. Regents live their lives in the public eye. If she does this, it will need to be very public, or others will suspect some form of trickery with the stones.”
Jerking up in his chair, Bradon allowed his new pet to leap from his lap. “Go to her, Ralon. Guide her through the public piece of this situation. Protect her and spare her feelings, when at all possible. No matter the outcome, she is ever in my heart.”
“As always, I will do as you ask, my Regent.” The old priest backed away respectfully, always offering more formality than any occasion called for, in Bradon’s opinion.
Later that evening there was an interview with Grace in the data stream. She looked fabulous, wearing a beautiful dress of Davarian silk. Her hair was piled high on her head and her presentation was flawless. Bradon zoomed in to see her lovely face, always intrigued by her human expressions. She was talking about finding her one by selecting a stone in the traditional manner. Her sisters flanked her on either side, Mia still fingering her stone necklace.
The person interviewing was male and wore a finely tailored suit in a bright color, one meant to draw attention on the news feed. His video drones flew around capturing their conversation from several angles, always showing her face when she answered his questions. “Do you truly intended to mate the male after pulling his stone or is this just publicity for your people?”
“Oh, I’m mating him, you can be certain of that.”
“What if he’s ugly?”
Raising both hands, Grace proclaimed playfully. “Are there unattractive Davarian males? If so, I haven’t seen them.”
The male preened under her cheerful gaze. Several sounds of approval could be heard from those watching the interview. As best as he could tell, they seemed to be at a tavern or eating place. It was probably one for commoners, meaning he didn’t recognize the location. Bradon leaned forward, watching the interview intently.
“Why are you and your sisters determined to select your mates from our home world?”
Grace smiled and looked directly into the nearest camera. “Because everyone knows, this is where the best-looking, most compatible mates are to be found. We would be foolish to look elsewhere.”
The correspondent beamed. “It is said that you spent the last solar cycle companioning our Regent. I understand you had a falling out.”
“We did, but it’s no big deal. We argue off and on. In fact, I do so enjoy matching wits against your Regent. Bradon the Wise is gorgeous, intelligent, and would be a great catch.”
“Why don’t you just make the bond with him?”
“He is very devout. I am also told that is not the way of your people. If I want him, I must choose his stone from the millions floating in orbit around this planet. What do you think my chances are?”
The correspondent looked taken aback. “I say your chances are one in a billion.” Recovering a bit, he asked curiously, “Is that what you are hoping, to select our current Regent’s stone from among the many?”
Grace giggled and replied. “That stone is my glass slipper.” Grace was beautiful and handled the interview like a professional. He listened as she told some long story about a Regent, a glass slipper, and evil stepsisters. The correspondent hung on her every word. She somehow wound up her story with a happy ending and the young female heroine of the story bonding with her Regent charming, only on their world he was called prince instead of Regent. Bradon snorted. He was anything but charming. It felt strange watching such an important part of his life unfurl on the screen.
His little love who professed to prefer staying out of the spotlight was shining hotter than a supernova today. How did she manage that? By the gods, she was amazing. Then she said something that shocked him.
“I’m new to your world. So I thought that I might put the call out for some young ladies who want to find their one. My sisters and I would like to invite at least ten who would be willing to share this experience with us. I don’t want to wait, so if you’re ready to pick your man, meet me on the downside landing pad at sunrise.” The crowd went wild, but Grace took it all in stride. She waved, blew human kisses, and then she was gone.
Bradon collapsed back in his chair. He had to laugh because everything about this situation was way over the top. He couldn’t help but wonder whose idea it was to invite ten Davarian women. Whoever it was must have a knack for bringing their people together.
He perused the data stream and picked up several similar interviews from different Davarian news sources. Grace had Nayla at her side at one point. A large human male had his arm wrapped around her midsection from behind. They were all smiles and clearly intent on proving that a girl didn’t necessarily need the stones to find her one. It was a nice counterbalance to ensure his people didn’t become obsessed with selecting mates by using the stones again. They had people debating which was better self-selecting one’s mate or using the stones to lead one to their mate. It seemed that people were divided, but Grace and her entourage kept it light and playful instead of allowing the debate to devolve into something negative.
The correspondents loved how quickly the Earthlings were taking to Davarian customs. They were warming up to using Earth terminology. Their interviews were now punctuated with terms like happily ever after, finding your prince, and never give up on love.
As the morning dragged on, Bradon began to worry. He had sent his assistant to fetch his prayer circle hours ago, and the man had not returned. By all rights, he should be praying with it by now. Coming gracefully to his feet, he went to his safe, and found the several of his assistants going through box after box. One muttered to the others, “We should contact Ralon. He would know where the artifice lies.”
Bradon stood leaning on the doorframe of the room-sized safe. “Do not interrupt Ralon. He is providing support to my bride-to-be.”
Three faces turned to look up at him all the same time. Bride was a human term. He’d been hearing it all morning on the news feeds.
The older of the three priests murmured, “Your little love mate certainly knows how to manage news correspondents. She’s had every single one of them eating out of her pretty
little hand. It’s like our entire home world has gone wild for anything human, especially their females.”
Bradon smiled, “She will make us a proper Queen. Now where is the mechanism for claiming what is due me?”
“We have been through every box twice. It’s nowhere to be found. When did you last have it in your hand?”
Bradon’s head dropped. “I’m sorry to put you to so much trouble. I remember where it is. I put it in the sand box, in front of the altar, in my shrine. I was a little distraught when Belanna cast me aside, all those years ago. I buried it there, thinking to give up on finding a mate.”
The priests looked aghast. Bradon held up two hands. “I’m certain it’s fine. Remember, that is the huge vat of sand we never change because it carries the ashes of a thousand prayers.”
Bradon followed the priests to the shrine, and sifted his hands through the rich, black, ash-laden sand. Digging all the way down to the bottom, his hand came out with the prayer circle.
When he turned to his priests, they were all on their knees. He huffed out an exasperated breath. “It’s fine. Look, not a scratch on it.”
Onyx appeared in the back of the shrine. His voice more reverent than normal, he spoke. “Do you know how many of us have lit incense over that necklace, and prayed for you to find a mate?”
Bradon smiled up at the young priest. “Since I believe you did all within your power to bring us together, I am certain that you prayed for my happiness many times. Thank you for those prayers, and all that you have done on my behalf, for all your hard work is about to be realized.”
“My kind but lonely lord, over the last couple of thousand years, our people have watched you suffering in solitude for a mate. Not only have I prayed for you to find a mate, every priest who ever knelt at that shrine probably prayed endlessly for the same thing.”
There were murmurs from the other priests that they had prayed for it too.
Onyx continued, “Add to that, the prayers of every Davarian citizen who came here to see your shrine. Over the years, the gods only know how many have prayed for you to find a mate. All those voices with a single prayer would have been heard. Like a beautiful chorus, all that concentrated prayer will ensure your mate finds what she is looking for on her quest.”
Bradon felt himself getting choked up, and his face washed out as he thought of the endless prayers for his benefit. It somehow made all the sacrifice worth it. He rubbed the ash from the prayer circle with his shirt, wrapped it around his fist and prayed. When his priests joined him, Bradon knew in his spirit Grace was going to be his. He could feel their connection deep inside his soul.
19 The Patience of a Saint
Grace
Standing on the landing pad facing a horde of young and overly enthusiastic females, Grace felt totally overwhelmed. There had to be almost a hundred women, all wanting to join her on her quest. She turned to Dakota who smiled an exasperated smile and pointed out, “Eden Twelve is large enough to hold all of them in one loading bay. Captain Drake is all in on this publicity stunt. You did ask them all to come with you.”
Ralon was on his com. When his call ended, he turned to Grace. “We will use Davarian military shuttles to take the females to your ship. Your captain says your contraptions are ready to be used. I hope you know what you are doing, youngling.”
“That would be assuming a lot,” Grace deadpanned back.
Dakota interjected smoothly, “We know exactly what we’re doing. I guarantee you we’ll pull the stone we want.”
Looking none too convinced, Ralon sighed. “You must take all the females who presented here today, and you must be the last to select your stone. If not, then one of them will always be able to say, you selected the stone she was going to pick.”
Grace rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry, we’re all girls here. I’ve got this. You will be sure to tell Bradon what a gigantic pain the rear this all was, right?”
“If I don’t, I’m certain you will,” the older man teased, forcing Grace to consider that maybe the old priest had a sense of humor after all.
“Well, here goes nothing.” Grace stepped up to address the throng of females. They were all practically vibrating with excitement.
Grace held open both her arms and spoke to the crowd.
“Welcome. I feel like the Davarian home world is my home away from home. That makes you, my newfound sisters. I love Davarian traditions best of all, and my fondest wish is to find the stone of a special someone.” Winking at them, she gave them a knowing smile. “We all know who I am hoping to find, but I’m curious to learn of your hopes and dreams.”
One of the young women shouted, “We dream of finding our prince charming, just like you.”
Grace grinned, “I would like to invite you all to board the Earth vessel, Eden Twelve, for an entire day of relaxation and entertainment.”
The women appeared to be stunned by her extending an invitation to the entire crowd. She shot a nervous glance at Dakota and then Ralon, who motioned for her to continue. He’d come with a small group of priests that he’d culled from the four corners of their world.
Grace steeled her spine and encouraged them all to participate. “We’ll mix, mingle, and share our hopes and dreams. Then we will choose our stones. Some Davarian priests have agreed to assist us in creating our prayer circles. I will see each of my new friends fitted with a stone, before I chose mine. With any luck, we will all go home happy with the knowledge that our stones will draw us to our love.”
The girls went absolutely wild as correspondents pumped her speech over the news feed in real time. Bradon sat watching the whole spectacle not knowing what to make of it. He had never seen so many crazed Davarian females looking for mates. It made him wonder if this was how Grace felt when she first met him. She’d said his life as a Regent was over the top. If so, she now outmaneuvered him in that category.
Bradon had to admit Grace didn’t disappoint. It seemed that she was made for the spotlight. Where most people shied away, or fumbled, Grace seemed in her element. To top it all off, she seemed to be having the time of her life. Since being in the public eye was something he thought she would hate, he was happy to be proven wrong.
Grace was a strong and resourceful woman. She deserved to have him for a mate. He alone could truly understand her, and ensure her needs were met. He vowed to himself, then and there, he would spoil her absolutely rotten in every imaginable way. Fingering the stone on his prayer circle, he stopped on the symbol for finding a mate. She was his. The feeling was growing stronger, the closer she got to his stone. He wasn’t even worried about the hundreds of females choosing their stones first. They wouldn’t dare chose his stone.
Suddenly, two human males were standing before a news correspondent. He knew the one with gold on his uniform was the captain. He had met the man several times when he presented before the council to work out the details of the humans living on the Davarian home world. The other he recognized as Commander West, his second-in-command. The captain began talking about their mission of deep-space exploration, and how grateful they were to the Davarian council for allowing them to settle temporarily on their home world. It was the kind of political speech a male in his position was expected to make. Though it may be lost on most of Bradon’s people, the fact that the captain chose now to speak was meant to convey his support for Grace’s quest. Bradon, being a Regent, understood such things instinctively and was pleased that the humans were putting up a united front on this issue.
As the morning wore on, a feeling of calm came over Bradon. It soothed his soul, making him certain this was a moment in time that was meant to be for him.
A thought occurred to him. Perhaps he should host a huge celebration for the returning females. He would invite only eligible males. Perhaps a few of them might find their mates in the midst of the celebration. He immediately contacted his assistants, and within the hour, he was in front of a correspondent, inviting eligible males to his fortress for an outdoor ce
lebration. He followed Grace’s example.
“Thank you for meeting with me today. I have been held in thrall by the interviews with the human females, particularly with my Grace. She is a close personal friend. I was pleased to hear she hopes to find my stone in the mix. I would love to be the lucky male she is drawn to, but I must admit, I will be happy just for her to have a fine Davarian male for a life mate.” Playing to the crowd, he continued, “You never know—if the lovely human does not find my stone, perhaps another female will. I would love to have a bond mate, after so many years of solitude.”
The correspondent was literally gaping at him. With no other choice, Bradon just kept plowing forward. “Do wish me luck, my friend. I will be hosting a celebration for all eligible Davarian males at the Great Hall of Awakening this night. We will invite the females who have quested this day. Perhaps some will find their prince charming.”
Using the human term earned him a broad smile and some actual feedback from the silent correspondent. “That, my Regent, is an astonishing offer. Will you show your people your prayer circle?” Second guessing himself, the anxious man backtracked. “Please tell me if I am being to forward.”
Bradon smiled politely. “Of course not, I would be happy for my devoted followers to see my prayer circle. I worked this circle with my own small hands over five thousand years ago. It was kept safe in the bottom of the sandbox in my shrine all these many years. Any Davarian who burned incense in the shrine and prayed for me to finally find love has a vested interest in seeing today’s events unfold. For those prayers, I give thanks today.”
The correspondent seemed shocked all over again. Clearing his throat, he murmured, “On our bonding day, my mate and I visited your shrine. We prayed for you to find the same love we share, my Regent.”
Bradon smiled warmly and put his hand on the man’s arm. “I am hopeful, that at long last, our prayers might be answered. If not, I will host this event every year until my proper mate finds me.”