As Wheaton spoke, Hannah walked to the kitchen area and was now partially leaning against the counter as if she needed the support.
“I have given up everything for this… Everything…” she started mumbling to herself, which caused Poppy some concern.
“Hannah. Hannah. Are you okay?” Poppy walked forward to better hear the mumbling that was now starting to scare her.
“Of course I’m not okay! I have given up my entire life to move up here! I decided to withdraw from the city Council race to be one of the first political couples in space. I completely adjusted my five-year plan for this!”
Okay, Hannah was starting to really lose it. Poppy could deal with sad but crazy wasn’t something she was ready to handle. Stepping back to stand at Wheaton’s side, she kept her eye on the once perfectly styled woman who was now turning into a mascara-running mess.
Wheaton cast a worried glance at Poppy, completely unsure how to deal with what he was seeing.
“We are sorry, but we simply do not agree with the new matches and are more than satisfied with the original match. I understand why you are upset; however, it will change nothing. Poppy and I will complete our bridal contract despite the wishes of some Council members,” Wheaton said in a calm voice.
“Wait…wait…” Hannah blinked her now raccoon eyes and held up a manicured hand. “The Council has ruled against your match but that means I still have to leave?” Her eyes dried almost instantly. “Explain please.”
Oh no, Poppy had a feeling this had taken a turn for the worse. Judging by Wheaton’s face, he could see the problem stirring as well.
“We are staying together, Hannah. I am not sure if the Council can rematch you, but you will not be matched to Wheaton,” Poppy said with a finality that she hoped was convincing to Hannah.
Smiling at Wheaton, Hannah batted her eyelashes. “So, Poppy, you’re staying in another apartment while Wheaton and I stay here?” she asked.
Uh-oh. Poppy could see the wheels turning in Hannah’s pretty head and had a very bad feeling about this chick. She should have fought harder to be able to stay with Wheaton or have all of them moved to a bigger apartment. Poppy felt slightly nauseous at the thought of leaving him alone with Blondie.
“Yes, I’ll be staying in another apartment but will keep you company during the day while Wheaton is attending to Council business.” Poppy smiled, figuring that keeping an eye on Hannah would be probably be a good thing.
“Oh, no need to worry yourself about me. Councilor Demascus said that I would be welcome at the Council meetings with Wheaton so I could adjust to the politics of the Phaetons as a politician’s wife.” She smiled back, waving her hand to dismiss Poppy’s suggestion.
Yep, definitely keep her close. Poppy’s instincts were screaming at her that this whole situation with Demascus and a “political bride” seemed like too much of a setup but their hands were tied. Beside her, she saw Wheaton clenching his jaw again. Clearly he wasn’t too happy with the situation either. Hopefully this time would fly by and they’d be able to get Hannah home sooner rather than later.
Wheaton couldn’t stop the helplessness that came across his face. Hoping that Poppy kept faith in him and their union, he knew he had no choice but to follow the Council edict.
The door chimed, interrupting their tense moment. Letting go of Poppy’s hand to answer it, he opened it to see Dathrow ready to escort Poppy to her new apartment. Panic rising in his chest, Wheaton wanted to shut the door in Dathrow’s face and whisk Poppy away from everything.
“Poppy, I am here to walk you to your new quarters. They are close to my own so I can be of assistance if Wheaton is not available.” Dathrow nodded to Wheaton, letting him know that he would be there to help Poppy if needed.
“Dathrow, is it? My name is Hannah. We appreciate you escorting Poppy to her new home. I am sure Wheaton and I have much to discuss.” Hannah smiled sweetly at Wheaton and walked closer to his side.
Poppy decided in that moment if she had to witness Hannah hit on Wheaton she might pull out every strand of her Barbie-like hair. Councilor Kain had been smart to see beforehand that the two women would have never been able to cohabitate. He had probably foreseen murder charges when he realized that Hannah was already in their apartment. Walking over to Wheaton, she then gave him a quick hug and kiss. He took comfort in her short embrace and seemed to relax.
“Don’t forget to come and say good night to me before you go to bed.” She leaned into him even more and gave him another quick kiss.
Tugging on her hair, he smiled sadly. “I will miss you, my Poppy,” he whispered softly, meaning every word he said.
Eyes watering, she turned toward Dathrow. Standing with his arms crossed over his chest, he eyed Hannah with obvious distaste.
“Let’s hit the road, Jack.” When Dathrow gave her a questioning look she simply shook her head, not in the mood to explain it was a figure of speech.
Walking through the door and hearing it swoosh closed behind her, the distance between her and Wheaton seemed to grow in miles with each step. Her room was not too far away really, even though the walk felt like a mile. Dathrow was silent as he guided her down the hallway, making her peer over at him.
“Everything will be okay, right?” she asked the somber man beside her.
“Poppy, I want to talk to you but would prefer we do it where we cannot be monitored,” he said in a quiet voice that made her stomach turn.
Reaching the door to what she assumed was her new quarters, she waited for him to open it while she held her small bag of personal items. Once inside, she noticed that it was almost identical to Wheaton’s apartments but seemed much colder. Apparently Wheaton himself warmed the space that she had called home, she thought sadly.
Dathrow gestured to the kitchen area. “Would you like me to fix you something to drink? You have had a hard day and I could ask for the sweet tea you normally consume.”
Poppy shook her head, “No thanks, but help yourself.” She leaned her elbows on the counter. “What did you need to say that you couldn’t tell me in the hall?” she asked apprehensively.
“I have heard rumblings about Wheaton’s new bride. The news that I have heard may not be easy for you to hear,” he muttered while slowly stirring the cup of tea he had fixed for himself.
His behavior was making Poppy very nervous. Dathrow was generally someone who didn’t show any emotion and she noticed he seemed too nervous to continue.
“And?” she prompted when he didn’t go on.
“From what I gather, the human Hannah is Wheaton’s perfect political match,” he said with a grimace as if unsure his statement would hurt her feelings.
Poppy admitted that it did sting hearing the words out loud. She had already seen the polished woman was someone a politician would be proud to have on his arm.
“Thorne secretly pulled her profile from the bridal match and he was impressed with her past political career. She is very accomplished and we were surprised that she gave up her career on Earth for a bridal match. It seems almost too perfect though. Thorne suspects Demascus had a hand in the match somehow but we were unable to find out how.” He paused and added, “If we can find out he was able to influence the match, we can end the trial period early and hold a tribunal to make him accountable for his actions.”
Poppy felt hope blossom in her chest but it faded fairly quickly.
“Dathrow…I want you to answer a question and be honest. Okay?” she said, not knowing if she wanted an honest answer or not.
“Of course. It is not in our nature to lie.” Placing his cup down, he met her gaze head on.
“Is Hannah a better match for Wheaton?” she rushed out. “I vote when we have elections on Earth but I have never considered myself as being involved in politics. Wheaton has never actually even talked to me about what he does when he leaves during the day.” Closing her eyes to brace herself for his answer, she waited and then reopened one to peer at him when he didn’t respond.
She realized he’d been waiting for her to look at him. Opening both her eyes, Poppy focused on him. Kind brown eyes seemed to study her as he answered. “Politically, she would be a better match,” he said plainly.
“However… Warriors need more than a match based upon our breeds. You make Wheaton behave in a way I have never seen. I cannot recall a time when he has been so quick to smile.” Reaching across the counter, he touched her hand. “Poppy, you make him complete. He seems more relaxed and animated with you. When you are apart he shows how happy he is by talking about you to either Thorne or myself. He mentions you constantly when he has an opening to do so, almost to the point of irritation to some of the warriors. If you were to leave him, I don’t think he would be able to cope. It was as if he were simply alive before, and now he is living.” Picking up his cup, Dathrow grinned across the counter at her.
“I am actually jealous of his match,” he admitted.
“Why? Aren’t you in the warrior pool for a bride?” Taking a sip of the tea he had made for her despite her refusal, she smiled back at him. His words had lifted her spirits for the time being.
“Yes, but Councilor Kain said there was a problem with my match and I needed to wait for a full briefing. I have realized that I am not a patient man. I was jealous when Wheaton was selected first. Meeting you has made me even more impatient. You are a wonderful bride, Poppy. You are beautiful, funny, smart and most of all you make Wheaton happy. I want that.” Finishing his drink, he turned around to place his now empty cup into the sink.
“I must be going, but I wanted to let you know I programmed the second button on your door to ring to my quarters if you need anything and Wheaton is not available. I am unsure of his schedule for the next few days and want you to come to me if you need anything. Either myself or one of the other warriors will escort you wherever you may need to go.”
Pausing at the door, he turned back around. “Make either myself or Wheaton aware if Demascus makes an attempt to approach you. I would not listen to anything he says if he does come to you. Remember, he is a cunning politician and can say things that people start to believe if repeated enough.”
“Don’t worry, Dathrow. That man has been high on my bullshit meter ever since I met him.” Patting him on the back as he walked out, she said good night and turned to her silent new quarters. Tonight was going to be tough by herself. She had grown used to having Wheaton around and this room reminded her of her first week on Squadron One.
In the bedroom, she found that her larger bags had been stacked next to the bathroom door. Unpacking her items, she spread out her stuff the way she’d had it back in the apartment. Only thing missing was Wheaton, she thought with a sad smile. When her stomach growled she was reminded of how late it was. Figuring she would be dining alone tonight, Poppy made herself something to eat and sat down to flip through channels on the view screen. The ship had basically any and all channels she could ever imagine and when she logged in it had her most recently watched movies.
“Let’s avoid anything that will make me reach for the Kleenex.” Talking to herself again, she grimaced. It was going to be a long night.
Chapter Seventeen
Waking up with her face stuck to the leather couch was not the best start to her morning. Rubbing her eyes, Poppy tried to think of what had happened after she’d started her movie. She surveyed the room for any signs that Wheaton had come by after she had fallen asleep. Figuring that he would have carried her to bed, she guessed he hadn’t been able to come to her new quarters last night.
Hoping she was early enough to catch him before breakfast, she went to the door to buzz their old room. Not getting an answer, she decided he must have already gone to his morning meetings. Seeing the second button down and remembering what Dathrow had said, she went ahead and pushed it.
“Yes?” Dathrow’s deep voice came through the speaker.
“Dathrow, I couldn’t get hold of Wheaton. Do you know where he might be?” Poppy asked.
“Poppy, he was called to an early morning meeting with the Council. Did you need anything? I can send him a message if needed.”
“No, don’t do that. I just woke up and wanted to talk to him. Have you had breakfast yet?” Poppy figured she might need to find some company so she didn’t go completely crazy. She hadn’t been around Dathrow too much and felt like he might actually be a friend she could use while they waited for this double-bride problem to resolve itself.
“I have not had my morning meal yet. I will be right over,” he replied in a pleasant voice.
With a beep ending the call, she quickly got ready. Dressed in her standard yoga pants and long tunic, she slipped her shoes on after pulling her hair up into a bun. Makeup today would consist of a little mascara and some lip gloss. The effort of putting on more of a face today seemed too much of a chore right now.
Poppy raised her eyebrows in surprise when the doorbell beeped. That was quick. Opening the door, she swept her arm back as if she were welcoming royalty into her quarters. Dathrow smiled at her and bowed as he entered.
“Thank you for the invitation, Poppy. I normally eat alone or go to the cafeteria for meals so I have company. Eating alone is not very fun.”
“Don’t you worry, Dath. You’ll have a bride soon enough. One who will drive you just as nuts as I drive Wheaton,” she said while moving around the kitchen counter. “Do you want the standard eggs and bacon? Wheaton really likes the pancakes that I have programmed to my band too. Have you ever tried those?”
“I love eggs and bacon but have not yet tried pancakes. I would like to though.” Scooting his stool out so he could sit at the small bar area, he sent her a questioning glance. “Why did you call me ‘Dath’?”
“Oh, sorry…I should have asked you before I shortened your name. I often give nicknames to people who I become friends with. Valerie became Val, Pixie is Pix and now Dathrow is Dath. Is that okay?” she asked, handing him his plate that was now filled with a stack of pancakes.
“You call Wheaton his full name, though. Why is that?” he asked. Dathrow stared at his plate, obviously trying to figure out how to eat the flat cakes.
Pouring syrup on her own pancakes and then on his, she motioned with a knife and fork and showed him how to cut off pieces.
“Well, ‘Wheaton’ can really only be shortened to ‘Wheat’, and that’s a type of food on my planet. It would sound a little silly,” she said with a wry grin. “But I have called him ‘sweetie’ and ‘babe’ a couple times. He reacted funny until I explained it was a term of endearment. He was insulted when he thought I was calling him an infant.” Giggling at the memory, she looked down at her food. She didn’t realize how hungry she was until she started shoveling her food into her mouth as if she were in a competition.
“You mentioned Pixie—that is your sister, correct?” Dath asked his question nonchalantly although Poppy read more into it.
“Yes, she was with me when we first met. Remember?” Hiding her smile, she took another bite.
“Is she mated?” he asked, his face slightly red.
“Well…yes and no.”
When Dathrow looked up at her confused, Poppy went on. “She’s been dating a man for a few years. They aren’t married or engaged. Personally, I think he’s too boring for Pixie. She is so full of life, ya know? When she first started seeing him it was all good. He seemed to pay a lot of attention to her and she was so happy. Then the longer they dated the more I noticed she seemed to change. It was the little things at first like her changing her hair or the type of clothes she wore. Believe it or not she had a collection of yoga pants that rivaled mine. Now she seems… I don’t know. I guess dull would be the word I would go with. She thinks he’s going to propose but a part of me is hoping that he doesn’t do it yet.” Poppy made a face. “That sounded awful, didn’t it? I just want her to be happy and I haven’t really seen a happy Pixie for a while now.”
Poppy sat silent for a moment before gesturing back to the fo
od they both had seemed to have forgotten. “Eat up before it gets cold. Or worse, soggy. Soggy pancakes are nothing to joke about.”
Nodding his head and chewing his food, Dathrow made “mmming” noises while eating half his plate in record time.
“Good huh?” she asked with a smile.
“Wonderful! I could eat this every meal. Can this liquid be poured over other food items?” he asked while licking syrup off his lips and studying the bottle.
“Only if your name is Buddy the Elf,” she quipped quickly and then began laughing at the confused expression on his face.
“That was a joke, Dath.”
“Ahhh.” Still not getting it, he was quiet for a moment before he asked, “Does Wheaton call you anything special?”
Remembering some of the sweet names he had called her recently made her heart hurt.
“He has called me his ‘little flower’ before,” she said with a sad smile.
“Because Poppy is a flower…and you are also little,” he said in understanding.
“Wheaton asked me when we first met if I was named after a flower.” Smiling, she went on, “And I wouldn’t be so little if you warriors weren’t a million feet tall.”
Laughing, he helped her clean their plates and put the syrup away in the cupboard.
“We are the standard height for most warriors. Wheaton and I are both under seven feet. Skrammon warriors are actually taller and I have not seen many under seven feet. Since they are a warrior breed, they use their height and bulk to their advantage when fighting,” he explained.
“I haven’t had a chance to see many of them on the ship. Are they around?” Poppy asked.
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