by Myra Nour
"Yes, once we travel to Arrak, we'll have the marriage ceremony and repeat the binding ceremony."
"Oh.” She stared at his loving face. So much to think about. Ryja's home was another world. It would be exciting but also sort of scary.
"What about my friends?"
"Hmm.” He furrowed his brow. “You want to bring them to the marriage
ceremony?"
"No,” she shook her head. “I'd like to say goodbye to them, tell them what has happened to me. I don't want Brenna and Sarah to think I've been kidnapped, or that I'm lying dead in a ditch somewhere."
"Of course."
"You're not going to wipe out their memories, are you?"
"No.” He wrapped his arms around her. “You can say goodbye, and I'll even go with you.” His eyes twinkled. “Who would believe them anyway, if they do tell anyone?"
"That's true.” She hugged him back. “Thank you. I know Sarah and her husband will be pleased that my wish came true. Brenna is going to be harder to convince since she didn't know about the River Goddess."
"Interesting concept. I remember when you told me about this Goddess a few weeks ago. But you conveniently left out your own wish.” He caught her eyes, smiling. “There are planets where magic is as real as your science."
"I can't wait to explore them with you."
Picking up her hand, he kissed the back. “It will be fun.” He was staring at her and said, “Your eyes sparkle as beautifully as the Cronoss gems on your wrist."
Amber blushed. She was happy he liked her eyes so much, and even happier with the wedding bracelet.
She glanced over his shoulder. Good, Mica had not left the room.
"Ryja, do you know on Earth it's a custom for the man to give his betrothed a gift?” She was fudging some, but for a good cause.
"This is not enough.” He fingered her bracelet.
"Oh, of course. It's just the beloved tries to please his fiance by giving her something she really desires."
"And what could that be?” His brow wrinkled. “I've given you my heart, my body.” He spread his arms. “My ship."
She was his too. Her body, her heart, and even her will. She had to giggle though at his confused look. “I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."
Ryja wrapped her in his embrace again. “Anything you want, if it's possible, I'll get it for you."
She ran her fingers lightly over his exposed chest where the V of his shirt opened. He shivered. Ryja was very ticklish. “I'd like you to take Mica to see his girlfriend."
"Has he been cajoling you?"
"Of course not.” She glanced at the android. He was listening intently and trying to act like he wasn't. “Mica's my friend, and I know how much it would mean to him."
"Are you aware that he has manipulative skills in his programming."
Amber pushed out of his arms. “That is cruel and thoughtless.” Tears gathered in her eyes.
"Sweetheart, I'm sorry."
Ryja's face was stricken, probably with guilt, but enough that she calmed down. He reached for her and she resisted momentarily, but then let him draw into his arms again.
"If it means that much to you, I'll take him.” She was watching Mica while Ryja spoke. He was fiddling with dials on a panel, but he was facing them.
"Mica is my friend too. We've been together ten years."
Though Mica's eyes were down, at Ryja's words, he looked up. There was a glimmer in his brilliant eyes. Was it the light or did android's cry?
"But you owe me big for this.” He grinned.
"I don't have any money on me.” She giggled at his contagious smile.
"I'll think of something."
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THE END
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