by Viola Grace
“Eventually, yes. Initially, he simply wanted you because you are you and very attractive. He has always enjoyed women who were willing to stand up to him and order him around.”
“I certainly did that.” She chuckled.
He growled. “He is going to stay clear of you, or I will alert our parents. My mother is even more fearsome than you, my dear. She will sort him out.”
“When will this meeting occur?” She raised her eyebrows.
“As soon as I can arrange it. There is protocol to adhere to.”
She settled in to sip the soup that the bots brought. Soon seemed pleasantly amorphous, so she decided to live in the now.
Soon showed up one week later. With their uniforms packed in case of emergency, Silver and Halt headed for the capitol.
The procedure involved not only authorization from the royal family, but also the Guardian project and the Nyal Imperium, peacekeeper division.
Her hands were sweating. She had met the king and queen before but never as the woman that their son was interested in. Well, not this son.
Arkenor landed their transport on the private deck. He extended his hand to her and smiled. “Don’t worry. They already like you. This is just a formality.”
“I wish I was wearing a little more.”
She was wearing another beaded necklace in lieu of a shirt. The skirt was a wonderfully rich fabric and had the same beads in it as her necklace.
“You look like a lady of the court, well, aside from your hair.” He grinned.
“I did what I could.”
“I was not complaining. The purple and green are striking. They match your eyes.” He winked and she realised that he had tugged her out into the daylight.
“Weasel.”
“Probably. You will have to explain what a weasel is.” He grinned and placed her hand on his arm a moment before his parents and siblings exited the palace to come toward them.
His mother rushed forward with her arms out, “Arkenor! It is so good to see you and to be able to use your name.”
The king bent over Tazzy’s hand. “Welcome to our home, Anastasia Rikkat. Thank you for providing him with a reason to return home.”
She curtseyed. “He needed an excuse, Your Majesty. I am happy to be part of it.”
Sollas came forward, and when the king surrendered her hand, he took it. “Anastasia Rikkat. So delightful to meet you again.”
His lips were an inch from her skin when a silver curtain slipped between them and shoved Sollas backward. “Keep your lips off my wife, Sollas.”
Everyone gasped, including Tazzy.
His mother grinned with delight. “Wife?”
“I was planning on asking her after today’s introductions. Sollas’s eagerness has caused me to break protocol.” Arkenor inclined his head. “Mother, Father, I was coming to gain your blessing.”
Both of them blurted out, “You have it!”
Arkenor knelt at her feet, his skirt the same blue as his eyes. “Tazzy, will you be my wife?”
“Can you be less of a dumbass?”
He grinned. “I can try.”
“Then, yes, I will be your wife.”
Sollas shouted and clapped Arkenor on the back, his parents hugged each other and his sister wiped at a tear.
Tazzy leaned down and kissed Arkenor, draping her arms around his neck as he got to his feet. It was a good start to the day and a better start to her new career.
If she could just work more clothing in to formal Decolian 12 court dress, she would have a handle on the changes in her life. For now, she had her partner, a purpose and a man who loved her all in one.
She was willing to devote her life to the man, the world and the job. At least she would never be bored.
Author’s Note
An abrupt end to Halt. Sorry. I wrote it after my trip to Vegas and time was a factor. I promise to do better next time.
Thanks for reading,
Viola Grace
http://www.violagrace.com
[email protected]
About the Author
Viola Grace was born in Manitoba, Canada where she still resides today. She really likes it there. She has no pets and can barely keep sea monkeys alive for a reasonable amount of time. Her line of day job tends to be analytical which leaves her mind hopping to weave stories. No co-worker is safe from her character analysis. In keeping with busy hands are happy hands, her hobbies have included cross-stitch, needlepoint, quilting, costuming, cake decorating, baking, cooking, metal work, beading, sculpting, painting, doll making, henna tattoos, chain mail, and a few others that have been forgotten. It is quite often that these hobbies make their way into her tales.
Viola’s fetishes include boots and corsetry, and her greatest weakness is her uncontrollable blush. Her writing actively pursues the Happily Ever After that so rarely occurs in nature. It is an admirable thing and something that we should all strive for. To find one that we truly like, as well as love.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Author’s Note
About the Author