by Milly Taiden
“Yeah, well,” Ivy humphed, “I can’t help it. I feel like a bird in a gilded cage.”
Karis nodded. “I know, and the fact Vander wants to roll these two very separate events into one large celebration only adds to the stress, but I have to say it isn’t a surprise. What surprises me is that he’s leaving the event planning up to us. Normally the crown has a legion of organizers for large scale events. The Lord Chamberlain usually coordinates everything, but since Maddox is currently making his home in the dungeon, I guess all bets are off.”
“That’s why we called you, Karis,” Henley said with a nod. “Between the three of us, we haven’t a clue how to pull off a royal wedding and coronation. There’s no monarchy where we come from. We gave the British crown the royal heave hoe in 1776. Not that you’d know anything about our history with Mad King George or his royal crazy.”
Karis chuckled. “Don’t be so sure. You forget I’ve known our resident matchmaker forever, and as it happens, I love Earth gossip. Gerri brings me magazines and newspapers from time to time, so I know all about Earth’s royals and their drama, especially the Brits.” She put her glass down. “Speaking of Gerri, aren’t we going to wait for her before we start planning?”
“No,” Ivy shook her head. “I spoke with Gerri yesterday. I asked her to come straight away, but she’s staying on Nova Aurora with my cousin Cassandra. Since Vander won’t let me travel unless absolutely necessary, I can’t be there to help plan the baby’s naming day. Gerri’s acting as my proxy for the time being. I’m sure she’ll be back for our festivities and return with us to Nova for the baby’s actual day. Is that a problem?”
Karis shook her head. “No, it’s just the timing in which Vander wants this done is a little close. Traditionally, a royal wedding would take place first, and then the coronation would be held a month or two later. There is a lot of protocol to cover and Gerri knows our ways. I could use the help.”
Riley looked up from scribbling in her notebook. “If Gerri’s not around for us to team up, then we’ll have to get someone else. What about one of your ladies in waiting, Ivy? I’ve already started making lists that need to get done. Guest list, caterer, entertainment, etc.”
Karis glanced across the courtyard, letting her gaze fall on Jag as he crossed through the doors from the main hall. A mischievous grin spread on her face.
“I think I have a better idea,” she said, sparing a glance for Riley. “Since Vander wants this done pronto, but is too busy with Damen to be involved, why not have the next best thing?”
“The next best thing?” Ivy questioned.
“I couldn’t agree more,” a feminine voice said from the steps beneath the portico leading in from the royal apartment.
“Gerri!” Ivy said with a surprised grin, but then her smile faded. “Is everything okay with Cassie? The baby?”
The elegant matchmaker put her overnight bag down with a nod, her silver hair framing the fine bone structure of her face. “Everything’s fine, honey, but when I spoke with Karis and heard what Vander wants planned, I got on the next transport.” She moved to give Ivy a quick kiss. “I’ll stay to help get things started—” she paused with a wink, “and then head back to Nova.”
Gerri straightened, stepping back to look between Henley and Riley. “And how is everyone else?”
“Stir-crazy, if you really want to know,” Henley replied, giving a chin pop toward Ivy. “Her Majesty is…bored.”
“I am not.” Ivy sniffed. “I’m…I’m…restless. There’s a difference.”
Karis grinned. “Well, we’re working on that. Planning this party should help keep our frowny face queen busy.” She paused, gesturing to Gerri. “Since you can’t stay and take one of the girls in hand with the arrangements, I thought Jag might help.” She turned a hand toward the prince standing across the courtyard. “Like I said, why not the next best thing? To be honest, Jag could use a project to keep him occupied and out of trouble. He’s been edgy since getting back from rescuing Ivy. I know my boy. He’s a good man, but he wasn’t raised in the shadow of the throne with duty and responsibility shoved down his throat at every turn.”
As if on cue, he looked up and a gorgeous smile spread across his lips. He lifted a hand to wave and Riley’s breath audibly caught in her throat. Her hand moved to her stomach and she swallowed.
“Oh, hello.” Henley chuckled. “Someone’s radar just got a blip.”
“Shut up, Hen,” Riley murmured, half paying attention. “He’s Harry.”
Gerri looked at the girl, amused. “Who, dear?”
Just looking at the man made Riley’s stomach jump. Jag was bad boy shifter with a killer smile that made her panties wet whenever he turned his blue gaze her way. Her mouth went dry. God, it ought to be illegal to be that good looking.
She pulled her eyes from across the courtyard with a cough. “Jag. He’s like Prince Harry—you know, from England?” she added quickly for Karis’s benefit. “Harry’s brother William is the one in line for the crown, so Harry got to be the playboy for a while.” She snuck another peek at the man, watching as he watched her from a distance. “Like Jag.”
Gerri pursed her lips and shared a look with Karis. With a nod, she reached for a glass of wine and raised it in salute. “I think Jag is the perfect person to help put together a plan of attack. What’s next?”
“Henley, you’re no-nonsense,” Karis continued Gerri’s line of thinking, “so you should be with me and Gerri arranging the guest list. You know, who sits with whom and so forth. Political allies and enemies and such need a strategic touch.” Her gaze shifted to Riley. “You, sweetheart, can drag Jag around town. Since you already started a bunch of lists, your job is just that—food, entertainment, decorations, etc. If anyone knows where to find a good time, it’s Jag.”
“And what am I supposed to do while everyone is running around planning my wedding? Sit and look pretty?” Ivy huffed.
Gerri slid an arm around Ivy’s shoulders, pressing a kiss to the side of her head. “No, dear. You get to design your gowns and delegate everything else.”
“Design my gowns?” Ivy replied, surprised. “I’m not a fashionista, Gerri. I can barely thread a needle let alone dream up a design from scratch.”
Gerri laughed. “No one expects you to drape a seamstress’s dummy, honey. You will work with a team of designers Karis will assign, and together they’ll create whatever kind of dress you want. As long as it includes the traditional elements befitting a Galaxan queen.”
“Exactly,” Karis added. “I have seen your great fashion sense in every outfit you’ve worn since you arrived and know you will come up with something amazing. In the meantime, you can give Riley a list of your favorite foods and the kind of entertainment you like so she has something to start with, and Jag and I will make sure they fit royal protocol. Besides, you’re going to need the quiet. You have studying to do.”
“Studying?” Ivy raised a brow.
Karis nodded. “A Galaxan coronation is mostly ritual, and there are certain things you must do and say, precisely. As for the wedding, Vander asked that we combine our ways with that of Earth, so not only will the wedding ceremony have Galaxan traditions, but you get to write your vows as well, as you would back home.”
“Well, that’s something, I guess,” Ivy replied. “Who’s going to walk me through the coronation rite? I want to make sure I get it right for Vander.”
Karis pulled a large book from a pouch under the table and handed it to Ivy. “This should help, but I’ll be the one to help you prepare. That’s another reason why I need Jag involved. I can’t be everything to everyone.”
“All righty then,” Ivy chuckled. “We’ll make a start first thing, but right now this baby wants a giant hot fudge sundae with a deli pickle on the side.”
Henley put her hands on her knees and pushed herself to stand, her long hair gleaming in the moonlight. “Hot fudge for you, wine for the rest of us.”
Reaching for the iridescent bo
ttle, Hen lifted her glass, but Riley hip-checked her before she could pour a drop.
“Hey! Was that really necessary?” Henley asked, put off.
Riley poured herself a large glass, keeping the bottle for herself. Liquid courage? Damn straight. “Hey, you get to play political musical chairs while I have to spend every waking moment with Prince Pussywagon. This bottle is now mine.”
“Ooh, the girl’s got it bad.” Henley grinned. “What do you think, Gerri?”
Riley sat with a huff. “And I’ll thank you to leave Gerri out of it. Haven’t we got enough going on to rehash her delusions of me and Jag?” She forced herself to keep her expression cool, though just the idea of rolling around with that sexy lion made her panties wet.
“Leave Riley be.” Karis chuckled. “So, she’s a little shy around Jag. Compared to you two sex savages, it’s nice to see a little decorum around here.” She lifted her glass to point to Ivy and Hen.
Henley sniffed. “Sex savages? Ivy’s the one who’s knocked up. As for me, I’m having the time of my life in the Palladia. I may not have had sex in a while, but I have all the toys I need. Riley’s the one who’s the dry spell diva.”
“Why, for heaven’s sake?” Gerri shook her head. “This place is a smorgasbord of hot man flesh. Besides, Riley, you already know what you want. Do you need me to walk you to the table and shove a plate in your hand? Matching perfect mates is what I do best. You need to start following my directions and you’ll finally get rid of all that sexual frustration you’re living with!”
“Gerri Wilder, you old whore!” Henley laughed. “Preach, sista!”
Ivy reached out her hand for someone to help her up. “All this talk about food and sex is making me hungry. I need to find Vander and have my own smorgasbord, complete with dinner in bed followed by my own personal hot piece of man flesh for dessert.” She winced. “Jesus, God! I certainly hope Galaxan midwives have a few more tricks up their sleeves than what we have at home. This baby is already huge, and I’ve got months to go.”
Ivy rubbed the small of her back but caught a soft smile on Karis’s face. “What?”
“Your baby is half Galaxan,” she shrugged, “with a handsome, freakishly large man for a father. He’s going to be perfect, and you, my dear, are going to be an amazing mother.” Karis pulled Ivy into a hug. “And I can’t wait to be a…a…” She didn’t finish her sentence. Instead she stepped back with a small shrug. “Doesn’t matter.”
Ivy held tightly to the older woman’s hand. “Of course, it matters, and you are going to be a terrific grandma.”
Karis’s beautiful face broke in a wide smile. “I’d never presume to overstep myself, but you don’t know how happy I am to hear you say that.” She shrugged again. “Of course, there are members of the royal court who will argue and whisper that it’s not right, but if you’re good, then I’m good.”
“On that note, let’s open another bottle of wine and let our mother-to-be go so she can get her freak on before she’s too big to enjoy the ride,” Henley replied, taking the bottle from Riley’s hand.
“See?” Karis teased, giving Ivy’s cheek a peck. “Sex savages. All of you.”
4
The morning sun was strong on the rooftop veranda overlooking the city of Palladia, and Ivy stretched, letting a secret smile tweak the corner of her mouth.
“Well, someone looks like the cat that ate the canary this fine morning,” Henley said, coming up to the breakfast table. “Or maybe it was the pussy that got eaten instead.” She snorted, reaching for a muffin before sliding into a tufted wicker chair.
“You’re awful.” Ivy smirked. “Correct, but still awful. Vander may insist on my not leaving the palace or its grounds, but I get to say when he gets to leave our bed and trust me, I worked that boy raw.”
Hen peeled back the paper wrapper on her chocolate muffin and took a bite. “Something tells me the man wasn’t complaining.”
Ivy winked, getting herself a plate.
Chewing, Henley watched Ivy choose her food. “You know, we’ve had breakfast out here every day for a week. The weather is amazing. Kind of makes me feel bad Vander has you under prenatal house arrest. No offense.”
“None taken. You were right. It’s not as bad as I first thought. That book Karis gave me is no joke, plus last night, I dreamed about my gowns.” Ivy actually giggled. “I know it sounds really girly, and if it were you, you’d probably get married in SWAT gear, but truthfully, I’m looking forward to playing queen for a day.”
Hen plopped another chocolate chunk into her mouth. “Try queen for life, plus you always have Vander to make your toes curl.”
“True.” Ivy looked out at the city below and the warrior guard running drills inside the palace gates. “Hey, you do realize Gerri basically gave you the all clear to sample the hotties on this planet, and I agree. You need to get out and do it, Hen. Literally. Do it. Riley’s fighting her own insecurities, but you? Girl, you need to strap in and saddle up. Though my guess is the only ride you’re really interested in taking involves a certain Chief of Security.” She smirked at her friend.
Gerri walked in from the arched entrance at the top of the stairs from the courtyard. “And what are we talking about this bright and cheery morning?”
“Same topic we were talking about last night, apparently,” Henley answered. “Sex Savages 101. Galaxan style.”
“Morning,” Riley said, wincing as she walked from the portico into the sun. “Holy shit, that’s bright.” Shielding her eyes, she squinted, making her way toward the table. “One of you needs to put me out of my misery, or at least tell me there’s coffee.”
Gerri poured her a cup from the silver pot and then handed it to her. “Didn’t I warn you girls about the effect of too much Sidaii wine?”
Riley moaned. “Gerri, please. Not now.”
“Ri’s always been a lightweight.” Henley chuckled, buttering another muffin. “Me? Let’s just say I learned to pace myself after the hangover I had when we first got here.”
“Shut up, Hen.” Riley winced, again.
Gerri stirred her cup of coffee, watching the three girls. “It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day. The sky is clear, both Galaxan suns are shining, and it’s the perfect time for us to get the party ball rolling, and for me to do what I do best.”
Riley held her mug like a lifeline, eyeing the matchmaker over the steaming rim. “I may be hungover, but I recognize that sly look. It’s the same look you had on your face when we first arrived in this galaxy. What’re you up to, Gerri?” Inside she held her breath, one thought keeping her lungs locked.
“That depends.” The matchmaker lifted one delicate shoulder. “What time are you meeting Jag?”
Riley coughed. Oh, man, Gerri went there, and she wasn’t sure if she should cringe or squeal like a teenager who landed the hot quarterback.
Ivy sat up. “See? Sneaky!” Chewing, she pointed half a donut at Gerri. “And fast. Riley doesn’t stand a chance.”
Plucking a fat strawberry from the fruit basket on the table, Gerri’s smile spread. “Well, weren’t you just wishing your friends had mates of their own?”
Both Henley and Riley turned to gape at Ivy, mouths open.
“Yes, but I never said…” Stunned, Ivy glanced between her friends before turning a wide-eyed gaze to Gerri. “There’s no way you could possibly know that unless you’re some kind of mind reader.”
Karis burst out laughing. “Oh, honey. When it comes to hook-ups in the long term, Gerri Wilder is more than psychic. She’s practically a savant!”
Nibbling the top of her berry, Gerri smiled. “Let’s just say I have a feeling about a certain friend and a certain prince. I don’t matchmake unless someone asks, and your wishing came through my antennae loud and clear.” She shrugged. “You asked, and now I plan to deliver.”
“Who? I know you’ve been dogging Riley, but if you’ve seen me in your crystal ball, fess up!” Henley leaned forward in her seat. “And
don’t hedge. I know you well enough to know you wouldn’t say boo unless you had someone in mind. C’mon, mistress matchmaker, give.”
“Give?” Ivy laughed. “If my silent wish qualifies as a matchmaking pitch, then I guess that means Hen wants Damen with nothing but a big red bow on his fine ass!”
Gerri laughed, chewing the rest of her strawberry. “It’s complicated, Henley. I haven’t worked out the details, yet.” She tapped the side of her head. “But I will.” She swung a hand out toward the courtyard. “Galaxa is a buffet full of possibilities. Each tall and gorgeous and more delicious than the other, not to mention fully packed and ready to stand and deliver and make you shiver.
“Believe me,” she continued. “There’s nothing I’d like more than to see you and Riley settled with mates that make your heart burst and your legs weak.” She paused. “Especially with your proverbial dry spell, though for the life of me, I can’t figure why. I’ve said it before. You three are exactly the type to make Galaxan men trip over their erections. Beautiful inside and out with curves that kill. Still, I want to make sure whoever I choose can make it rain for you. The wetter the better… in fact, dripping wet and begging for more.”
Henley fake shivered. “Bring it on!”
“I’m trying, girl.” Gerri grinned, tapping the side of her head again. “But you’ve got to let me work.”
Riley cocked her head, eyeing the older woman. “Ivy wanting us to have our own toe-curling cavemen is one thing, but what does my meeting Jag have to do with any of this? I thought we agreed not to play match up this go around? Plus, if you’re thinking he’s a possibility for me simply because we flirt from time to time, then you’re wrong. I am so not his type and vice versa.” Her voice cracked on that last part and Ivy smirked. Even she heard how lame that sounded.
“Time to time, my ass.” Ivy dug into the center of a buttery croissant. “You were drooling at the man from behind your wine glass last night.”