“This is only the beginning,” he said, moving back while extending his elbow. She took several steadying breaths. Her head swam and her body pulsated with residual twinges of pleasure.
As the ceremony commenced, she was in a sort of stupor. The words were distorted and the faces blended into something unrecognizable. She was there and yet she wasn’t. She felt separated from her body, looking down on the people and herself. The euphoria of Mirsux’s touch was overwhelming. And if a mere kiss could have such a lingering effect, what would happen if he did more? She shook the thought from her mind.
“Now you are one.” She heard the queen’s words clearly.
Mirsux gazed at her, caressing her cheek. “You belong to me, princess, as I belong to you.”
Chapter 8
Ariella stood beside Mirsux as Queen Heffun snipped a lock from her son’s raven hair, then twined it with the golden lock she’d taken from her. First, the queen tied their hands together with the hair and repeated something in her own language.
Heffun then removed the hair from their hands and platted them together, after which she made it into a knot. The queen then placed the knot in a bejeweled box and locked it with a black shiny key.
“Now you are one.” Ariella heard her words clearly.
Mirsux gazed at her, caressing her cheek. “You belong to me, princess, as I belong to you.”
Ariella Vega caught the breath she’d been holding. Her face flushed, her heart drumming heavily with trepidation. What had she done? Oh God, I married an alien prince! Her mind silently shrieked.
The king and queen of Nabalar stepped away from them with satisfied smiles plastered on their faces. Mirsux looked at her strangely, reached his hand up and tucked a strayed strand of her hair behind her ear. His touch tingled her flesh, increasing her anxiety.
“Are you not well, Ariella?” he inquired of her.
She found that with all the emotions and the realization of what just took place, she was unsure of herself. Her knees were weak and her stomach queasy.
“I need a moment to freshen up,” she breathed, stepping briskly away.
Her steps hastened towards the exit. As she reached the door to the bedroom she occupied, a hand gently grabbed her from behind. She whirled around to come face to face with Mirsux.
“Are you alright, Ariella? You seem unwell,” he observed, placing the back of his hand on her forehead.
The electric shock of the touch caused her to step back. “I’m fine.” Her breath was still shallow given that she hadn’t had time to breathe properly. “I’ll be back shortly.”
“I’ll be waiting,” he replied with a sweet smile.
Heart fluttering, she looked away from him, trying to quell the effects of his smile and touch. She turned, entering the room with the single cot that was neatly made. A small table against the wall and a chair were the only furniture in the small bedroom.
With the queasy feeling still in her stomach, she entered the bathroom. Its pale blue walls were clean and the air lightly scented with lavender. The room automatically expanded upon her entry while the door closed behind her.
She stood in front of the mirror hovering over the colorless face basin with the crystal faucet. Raising her eyes, she perused her reflection, noticing her how deeply flushed her cheeks were and how her eyes sparkled.
She found she was breathing rapidly as she adapted to the idea of being married to the alien. Albeit, him being a prince made the process quite puzzling, yet thrilling. An enchanted feeling enveloped her the more she thought of it. She closed her eyes, allowing the sensations to wash over her.
How can this be? She had arrived less than two weeks on Nabalar and was already wedded to their prince. This was not something that happened every day, not to humans. She needed to absorb the ramifications of all this.
The last few days came crashing back to her. How did she move from prisoner to bride? Of course! She had followed her heart. That part of her that got her into trouble every time.
They had imprisoned her for interfering in Nabalar matters. Apparently, it was serious to break such laws. Punishment was either imprisonment or being fed to the flesh-eating creatures known as Migrels. They chose to feed her to the beasts.
Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply as a tremor ran through her at the memories. Had it not been for Mirsux, the beasts would have eaten her alive. A grimace crossed her face as she recalled how his parents threatened to have him executed for saving her.
“Treason?” she whispered. “Wow, these laws are serious,” she breathed.
A feeling of foreboding crept up on her. With a shake of her head, she pushed it aside as the thought of Mirsux entered her mind. He saved her, and the only thing that could save him was the hair bond. She did it again, jumped in head first without thinking of the consequences. How was she to detangle herself from a marriage on a distant planet? Was divorce even an option?
Mirsux’s face loomed before her. With her heart racing, she held her breath. The alien was pleasing to the eyes, and when he was near, she was entranced. Her pulse quickened at the very thought of him. She found that even when she was apart from him her body responded to thoughts of him.
She cupped her hands under the faucet, which began to spurt water. Filling her hands, she splashed her hot face. It had an instant cooling effect that dried rapidly, eliminating the need for a towel.
“My husband, the prince of Nabalar,” she whispered. Her husky voice was fraught with the excitement and detrimental feelings bubbling within her chest.
She dreaded what the future held for her. Every galaxy they’d ever crossed revered the wife of an alien prince. She was now a princess, which meant that she was bound by the laws of the planet and the Galaxy NXPR-720.
This galaxy was different from the one her ship supplied with items from earth. The laws were different, of that she was certain. What she was also clear on, was that her earthly customs were of no value to her now.
Her prince and his parents were waiting. To that end, she poised herself, planted a smile on her face and straightened her back. With her head held high, she returned to the great hall. As she approached, she noticed the attendants were busy with decorations. There were many flowers of varying kinds, colored balls similar to those used to decorate Christmas trees on earth, and tiny crystal lights hanging from the ceiling.
Her mind, preoccupied with the thought of being a princess and an alien’s wife, failed to recognize the significance of the decorations.
“Come, Princess,” Mirsux took her hand and immediately a voltaic charge sprinted up her arm.
The profound impact of his touch never failed to amaze her. The electric current ran through her body, settling in the pit of her stomach. It awakened an unfamiliar heat. It was stronger, more profound than what she’d experienced from him thus far. This new affliction sweltered inside her and refused to diminish. It seemed to flourish at his every touch and smolder with his presence.
Her body throbbed in places she never knew existed. She settled her eyes on his handsome face, trying to absorb the veracity of their nuptials. Unwittingly, her eyes strayed to his mouth and the memory of their kiss made her tingle in the pit of her belly. A heat presented itself betwixt her thighs and she swallowed, trying to still her racing heart.
“Where are we going?” her voice was hoarse.
“To start the celebrations, first we pay homage to the parents.”
“Celebrations?”
She felt numb from all the emotions and thrills coursing through her. It was overwhelming. The more time she spent with the alien prince, the more fervid her emotions and the physical attraction.
Mirsux smiled, and her heart melted to the floor. “Yes, our wedding celebrations for the next three Nabalar days in which time we must copulate.”
She could see that he was elated, but the last word brought her dread. Her head felt heavy. Her softening heart suddenly jumped back into her chest with such force she thought it would explode.
She stopped short and her legs refused to move, while her heart pounded violently.
“What is the matter?” Mirsux’s eyes narrowed.
“Well… I think we should wait a while… you know, we hardly know each other.”
He frowned and then his face relaxed. “Yes, earth beings take a while to know their partner before marriage. We will wait.”
Ariella let out a breath and willed her heart to steady. At least that was one hurdle she didn’t need to cross just yet. She knew that if she stayed with her prince she would eventually have to yield to her awakening body and his irresistible charms. She was only buying time until she figured her way out.
On wobbly knees, she allowed him to lead her to the royal podium where the king and queen awaited. Their faces brightened with pleased smiles at seeing couple approach. Her new husband, whose grip had not lessened, knelt, pulling her down with him.
Both Volnomy and Heffun stepped forward. The Queen placed a thin crown of sparkling jewels upon Ariella’s head. It nested easily around her head with one teardrop-shaped orange stone resting on the center of her forehead.
The tingle of heat from the jewels circled her head, after which the sensation slowly faded. With a slight tremor in her hand, she reached up and touched her tiara, which looked more like a halo with the way it glowed. They placed a larger crown upon their son’s head and then motioned for them to rise.
Mirsux cast his eyes upon his bride, noticing the way she glowed. The tiara must have been made for her, he thought. His heart drummed heavily in his chest and no matter what he did, he could not calm it.
He knew what was expected of him, now that he had found his awakening. The fact that Ariella’s would fulfill the prophecy meant that their planet would not only thrive, but also become a force to reckon with. The more powerful he became, the stronger his people became.
She was the source of their renewal. Conception of a royal heir with her would automatically rebirth his people. They too would be able to once again conceive and bring forth children. He was the last prince born on Nabalar and since that time, less than two dozen children were born. That was more than twenty years ago.
With his new revelation, he feared that the people of Xygor, their mortal enemies, would endeavor to seek what they also lacked. They too faced a similar situation of their Z’raschein being dormant. Their planet was in ruins and needed a life source. As he looked at his princess, he knew he must protect her. Julkaz, the Xygor prince, may try to take her.
Queen Heffun stepped forward, interrupting his thoughts. “Let the celebrations begin.”
“Let the celebrations begin,” echoed King Volnomy.
The queen turned and addressed them both, her face serious as she considered her son. “But before we celebrate, you and your bride must listen,” her eyes gleamed as she spoke in her silvery tongue. “We must save our planet from our most formidable enemies. We must produce the royal heir and return to the Galaxy Council. Perhaps the royal heir may make them acknowledge our existence once again.”
“Yes, mother,” Mirsux said, and gave Ariella’s hand a little squeeze.
The King stepped forward and gripped the shoulders of his son. He looked gravely at him, speaking in a baritone, “You know our powers are fading. Now that she has awakened the Z’raschein, she must conceive in order to replenish our depleting life source. Only then will we reign supreme once again.”
“Yes, father,” he nodded and replied, as the fear he felt earlier gripped his chest.
Heffun faced Ariella and placed a finger under her chin. “You must bear the royal heir, preferably two, male and female, after which you may return to your planet.”
Ariella’s eyes narrowed in confusion. “What?”
She scrunched her face with incredulity, and her voice squeaked. Mirsux was standing close and she turned to face him, her emerald eyes ablaze.
“Was this the purpose for all this? Am I just a vessel to bear your children, then you discard me like a used napkin?”
He turned to the queen. “Mother, is this conversation necessary at this moment?” His face became hard, his eyes glinting furiously.
“Listen son, there is no time as the present,” the queen said in a calm tone.
“What is this talk of Ariella returning to earth?” his voice modulated.
Heffun stepped closer to him. “I am sure she would rather return to her people.”
“That is not so, mother, and please be mindful of what you say about the princess. She is your daughter as of this day.”
“Why delay it? Has it not been determined that her arrival marks the fulfilment of the prophecy? The Oracles have declared it! At that is now to happen is for her to bear the royal heir.”
The Oracles were the wise beings who served as spiritual guides for their people. These beings were neither male nor female in gender. They existed for thousands of years and no one knew how they came to be. They only made their appearance when they were summoned or when they had a message.
“Enough, Mother!” his words echoed through the great hall. The high ceilings and metallic walls gave his booming voice resonance. “I will not have you treat her like a… a… vessel or napkin,” he looked at Ariella when he said it. “She is my princess and she will bear me an heir when she chooses.”
Ariella gritted her teeth as she listened, trying to stay calm. She refused to believe what she was hearing from Heffun. Was this their plan all along to impregnate her and send her back to earth? ‘Over my dead body,’ she silently seethed.
“Are you disclaiming the prophecy?” Queen Heffun asked, still in her silky tone. “Are you disclaiming what the Oracles have declared?”
Mirsux faced his mother with his head held high. He’d never defied her before, but he could not allow Ariella to be treated this way. She was more than the bearer of his children. He loved her and wanted to protect her. Moreover, if that meant she would not bring the heir, then so be it.
“Forget the Prophecy, mother,” his voice was like steel. “Give her time to absorb all this. She is human after all, and she will need to understand what her duties are before you speak of this prophecy of yours.”
“It is not only my will, my son. Our planet depends on it.”
“Then you do it, you bear the heir!” Mirsux replied with vehemence.
“What insolence! Have you gone mad to be speaking to your queen in that manner?” King Volnomy bellowed.
Mirsux bowed. All this while he had not let go of Ariella’s hand. He could not let go for fear that she would leave him, or that the enemy would take her. He could feel it in his core that something was about to happen, but he could not say what it was. Still, he knew that the evil lurked from without.
Ariella looked from mother, to father, and then at Mirsux, wondering what hell she had landed in. Could this be the dream she thought she had when the shuttle failed, or was this some alternate reality?
“I’m sorry mother,” Mirsux bowed and turned to his father. “I’m sorry father. But it is the wish of my princess to have children when she is ready.”
“As you wish, my son,” the queen gracefully placed herself in her chair and bowed slightly.
Mirsux took Ariella’s hand and moved quickly towards the metal double doors. She was apt to follow, as there was no alternative. The conversation placated her, putting her in further stupor than she already was.
They passed the guards and continued on the outside. Ariella chanced a look back at the huge metal and glass building that served as their palace. She could not figure out the kind of metal used to make the walls, but it had a titanium look. The glass panels, which were like large square windows, also served as tele-communication monitors for the people on the outside.
The inhabitants of Nabalar were gathering for the celebration. She wondered where he was taking her, but she followed quietly. He had that effect on her. She was weak to the alien and her heart flew around her stomach like a butterfly trying to find its bearings.
* * * *
Heffun watched Mirsux pull Ariella out of the great hall. She had suppressed her anger at her son for the way he spoke to her just then. What had gotten into him? Didn’t he see the importance of this union?
“They must copulate, or all our planning will be in vain!” she bellowed after the door closed.
“Be calm, Heffun,” Volnomy soothed.
“How can I be calm when our world depends on it?”
Volnomy nodded. “I know that, Heffun. Our people’s ability to reproduce depends only in the prince impregnating the princess. But, Heffun, she doesn’t know all this. They’ve been married less than a day.”
“It doesn’t matter whether she knows or not. There has not been a child born on this planet for over a decade, because…,” her voice trailed off.
Her husband brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. “I know, the royal clan has diminished and with it the connection to our people, the Z’raschein.”
Heffun did not seem appeased. “First she refused to wed my son and now she refuses to complete the ritual of Kompadrous!”
Volnomy faced her and she held his gaze. His voice was soft, “It will happen my queen. Can’t you see how they glow in each other’s presence?”
“That’s not enough. She must be impregnated during the height of the fertility cycle. That is now!”
“You must stay calm and trust your son to complete the Kompadrous. Their hearts are already connected. It won’t be long before she acquiesces to her own desires,” he replied.
“Very well,” she responded, her voice lowered. “She will have three days. After that, I will make them copulate, whatever it takes.”
* * *
They reached the far garden and Ariella took a deep breath. The garden was tranquil and happened to be her favorite part of this planet. This was the only place she felt safe, except for inside the fortress of the palace. It slowly dawned on her the lengths in which the Nabalar nobles took to keep her there. They had the means to send her back to earth or to Xygor along with her captain. They knew she would want to save the prince and find her father. With this knowledge, they had taken full advantage of her.
Awakening: The Prince of Nabalar (The Princes of Uvieroein Book 1) Page 8