Celestial Mates Complete Series Box Set (Books 1-5) (Alien SciFi Romance)

by C. J. Scarlett

As they approached, the older man stepped forward. “Welcome Imperial Prince Mamoru and Imperial Princess Maiko. The Krylon home world has been eagerly awaiting your arrival. There are but few royal lines left in the verse; to meet another is a great honor.”

  Mamoru responded smoothly. “The Japanese imperial house was honored to receive your invitation. My sister and I were pleased to be selected as the emissaries to visit your world.”

  The older man’s eyes landed on Maiko. “My dear child, you are even lovelier than we imagined. Allow me to present my son, the imperial prince Oracha.”

  Maiko couldn’t help the involuntary flinch. Mamoru’s hand came out to her arm and he grasped it gently in a show of support. If the emperor noticed, he didn’t show it.

  “And of course, this is Lord Rold, our most valued imperial advisor.”

  Withdrawing his hand, Mamoru spoke again. He was always so smooth and put together. Maiko envied him, particularly at times like this. The man seemed as at ease on an alien world as he was directing the affairs of court on Earth. He was a natural born leader.

  “We are pleased to make the acquaintance of the imperial prince and the honorable Lord Rold. In appreciation for your generous hospitality, my imperial father has sent you a gift of one hundred of our loveliest females. They are intended to be brides for your warriors and other high-ranking dignitaries.”

  With a sweeping gesture of his hand, the females stepped forward. Maiko watched the older man’s eyes grow large. He seemed truly awed to see so many women all at once. Then she remembered Krylon women were kind of crazy and fought with each other all the time. It might not be the number of females so much as them being calm that had him so impressed.

  “What an unexpected bounty. We gratefully accept the new brides. Come, we have prepared a banquet in your honor.”

  Maiko found herself relieved beyond measure that she had been spared the necessity of making a speech. She had one memorized, but public speaking simply wasn’t her strong suit. The palace was huge and beautiful. They were taken straight into a spacious dining hall and settled at a table.

  CHAPTER 2

  ~ MAIKO ~

  MAIKO MUSIC MIX SONG TWO

  Refreshments were brought first, in the form of an intoxicating beverage in a strangely shaped glass. The liquid had a deep royal-blue hue. It was a color not associated with drinks on Earth. A few moments later, entertainers filed into the room, dancing to soft music. It was strange to see exotic alien females with tentacles for hands undulating to the notes of a stringed instrument. It made her wonder if the Krylons had researched Earth and tried to approximate some ancient style to display for them.

  It was clear the Krylon considered dining more than merely consuming food. Maiko liked that they were given a settling-in period before expecting her to eat strange food. She was also pleased the emperor had sat them all around the same end of the long table so they could converse with one another. She relaxed and let the conversation flow around her.

  Lord Rold spoke quietly during a lull in the conversation. “I am given to understand you had no ill effects from the multi-language bacteria.”

  Maiko schooled her expression into one of politeness. “It was flawlessness. Thank you for asking about our health. I have heard the first woman who took it lost her ability to speak her native tongue.”

  “Thankfully, we have perfected the process.”

  “I have always been interested in studying different cultures. It is wonderful to be able to effortlessly speak so many alien tongues.”

  “You have a lovely accent.”

  The imperial prince interjected. “I noticed you reacted strangely to my name. Do you mind if I ask why?”

  Panic rose in the pit of Maiko’s stomach and her body froze up. Mamoru’s hand came out to cover hers.

  “Your name sounds similar to the word in our tongue for a particular mythical monster. The Orochi was an eight-headed serpent who demanded virgin sacrifices in our ancient myths.”

  The emperor smiled indulgently. “I dare say that is more than enough to give a young lady a start.”

  Maiko immediately attempted to make amends. “You have my profound apologies, imperial prince. It wasn’t my intention to offend you.”

  “Females are weak and humans are weaker still. I am not offended.”

  His father frowned at his snide jab. “Females are the light of our life. You are on the Krylon home world. This is the one place in the verse where females can do no wrong.”

  Oracha interjected matter-of-factly. “My father is correct. They can scream, throw things, and even ignore members of the imperial family in favor of those once removed from the throne. There are absolutely no rules for women on this world. Every slight is immediately forgiven.”

  Looking up into the prince’s eyes, she inquired brazenly. “Does the same hold true for imperial princes?”

  “Certainly not, our slights are noticed and discussed around the dinner table.”

  Taking a sip of her beverage, she replied quietly. “In that case, I am astounded you are still speaking.”

  Rold’s bland expression turned to one of slight alarm. He whispered quietly. “She is insinuating your belligerent tone will be talked about long after the words leave your lips.”

  Tossing his napkin down, Oracha glared at her. “I know what the clever little female is implying. We both have the same mother, which makes us experts at understanding sarcasm.”

  Maiko moved gracefully to her feet. “If it is permissible, I wish to rest.”

  The older man’s face fell for a brief second before he recovered his polished veneer. “If it is what you wish. We have rooms prepared for you. I will have a selection of food sent to you shortly.”

  Mamoru stood as well. Maiko motioned him back down, commenting dryly. “I have your warriors for escort. Stay and enjoy your male-dominated conversation. I will be fine.”

  The look on his face told her he wasn’t impressed with her snarky behavior. Turning, she followed the assistant towards the doorway. Upon reaching it, a Krylon female stepped into the room, blocking her path.

  “You dare to come into my palace? Get out. This is my territory.”

  The woman reached out, giving her a shove backwards. Maiko barely managed to stay on her feet in the heavy robes. Folding her arms over her chest, the statuesque woman stood glaring at her. There was no need for anyone to explain who this was. Only one imperial princess still resided at the palace. Her name was Lalona and she was reputed to be as crazy as they come. Whatever affliction ate away at the Krylon women was visited twice over in this one and her mother.

  In an instant, Mamoru was at her side. Maiko pressed her lips together, looking around the room for the males who should be managing the situation. The emperor stood with a son on each side. His arms were spread, forbidding his sons to move forward. Why would he do that? Was this a test? If so, was it meant to test her or her brother?

  A sense of dread rose up in her gut when she saw Mamoru removing the long, thick, silk ribbon binding his scabbard to his waist. Knowing her duty all too well, she stepped forward, bowing slightly as she held out both hands. He spared her a stern look as he laid his katana across her palms. Her fingers closed around the despised weapon and she stepped silently back.

  The princess was now yelling at him, but she went still as death when he took a step towards her. Her pretty pewter skin paled slightly. He frightened her. Grabbing her with one large hand, her brother tied one wrist, knotting the other tightly to it. Bending, he brought them both to the floor as he continued twining and knotting the long silk ribbon around her slight form. When he was finished, he rose, bringing her up into his arms. Turning on his heel, he strolled over to the imperial family. Rather than addressing the emperor, he held out the wigging woman to Oracha.

  “See to your blood. I will not have her hands upon my sister again.”

  Taking his sister into his arms, Oracha’s facial expression was so thoroughly confused, it was almost c
omical. “What do you call this?”

  “Outsiders call it shibari. It means to decoratively tie something, in this case a troublesome female. Among our people, we use hojōjutsu to bind prisoners differently based on considerations such as social status, seriousness of their offense, and even consideration for their gender. Your sister is of royal blood. It is inappropriate for me to have my hands upon her imperial person any more than necessary. The bindings are soft and she was tied with knots that do not cause pain or leave marks on her precious skin. Our people show such respect, even to our adversaries.”

  Maiko watched as her brother reached out and stoked the back of his knuckles against the woman’s cheek. “If you cannot control your female, I will.”

  “What in the verse does that mean?”

  “If she comes at us again, I will bind her in a more erotic fashion. The kinbaku will calm her inner fire while my hands and lips seduce her precious body. Once that happens, you will no longer have any claim to her. What was once yours will become mine.”

  The entire room was rendered speechless. Gee whiz, it wasn’t like her brother to go one step too far, much less a dozen. This wasn’t the time for him to begin coloring outside the lines. Knowing Mamoru wouldn’t appreciate her speaking, she slid the katana slightly from its scabbard and clicked it back in loud enough to be heard. Her brother turned on his heel and came to her side. They both headed out of the room in lockstep, as the assistant scurried to get in front of them.

  Saying nothing all the way to her room, she thought over her brother’s behavior. Soon, they were safely ensconced in her room with only their own entourage in attendance.

  She stood in the center of the room with her arms out as her ladies pealed layer after layer of formalwear from her body. When she was down to her innermost white slip, she struggled into a regular kimono and allowed them to tie the three belts in place.

  She eased down onto a cushion at a low table beside her brother as her women scurried about, bringing green tea. The big warrior had removed his armor and seemed to relax as he introspected. Before she could ask the question bearing on her mind, he spoke. “Don’t ask, because I don’t know what possessed me to react as I did. Perhaps it was the way the prince spoke to you. He’s a pompous, overbearing little prick and I do not like him.”

  “That makes two of us. Since he doesn’t seem particularly fascinated by us either, I don’t see any reason to seek him out.”

  Her brother’s eyes popped open and he gazed down at her. “Agreed. With any luck, he’ll simply ignore us.”

  Smiling at her older brother’s optimism, she declared enthusiastically. “We’re here for the sunshine and to see my friends. Can we send Rose a message now? I thought she would be among the greeting party.”

  Nodding indulgently, he responded. “As did I. If she’s close, maybe she can visit.”

  Voice prompting the holographic display, Rose’s face came up, concern etched onto her youthful face. “Why are you already in your rooms? I thought they were throwing a small intimate ‘get to know the imperial family’ kind of dinner.”

  Laughing, Maiko responded glibly. “We’re making a mess of things. The imperial prince hates me. We already smarted off to each other. The imperial princess yelled at me and almost shoved me down. Let’s see, what else happened. Oh yea, Mamoru tied the Krylon princess up in silk ribbons and threatened to seduce her if she bothered us again.”

  Rose’s eyes enlarged as she screeched. “He did what? Hell’s bell, Maiko. I’m on my way. Do not say another word to anyone until I get there.”

  Grinning excitedly, she shouted a moment before the screen went blank. “I’ll wait up. Don’t forget to bring Jen.”

  “If pretty girls are coming, I should get changed into something more suitable.”

  “They’re both married.” As he headed for the door, a dark thought flew into her mind. “You leave the angry princess alone, Mamoru. I’m not joking.”

  A wave of his hand over his shoulder as he disappeared through the doorway, was all she got in reply. Maiko pulled out her earphones and dove into her favorite relaxing mix as she scanned through one of the books on ancient Krylonian customs. The aliens were a fascinating species, their bratty imperial family notwithstanding. Maiko looked forward to seeing some of the local city.

  CHAPTER 3

  ~ ORACHA ~

  MAIKO MUSIC MIX SONG THREE

  His father was beside himself. Oracha listened to him rant as the older man paced back and forth. The prince had bigger problems at the moment, like attempting to figure out how to remove the knotted ribbon from his sister’s body. She’d insisted he not cut it. It occurred to him to think she wanted it for a trophy from the human prince. She definitely appeared more excited than angry about getting tied up by him.

  “None of this would have happened if you had not insulted the Earth princess. We could still be having an enjoyable evening.”

  “She’s small and weak. The poor little thing could barely drag around her own gown. Why should I submit to her?”

  “Humans have other qualities to recommend them, my son. Surely you are not totally bereft of the ability to see the advantage in having a stable female of imperial blood.”

  An excited feminine voice spoke. “If humans are so great, why isn’t her brother bonded? Answer me that.”

  Ignoring his sister, he continued to pluck away at the bindings. “She knows nothing about me and hates me already.”

  “She liked your brother well enough. If you had bothered to make polite conversation, she would have warmed to you. From now on, refrain from speaking and follow Rold’s lead.”

  Rold took a step back. “Do not involve me in your imperial arguments. I am but a commoner.”

  Oracha muttered loud enough to be heard. “Stop acting like you aren’t the son my father actually wanted. An imperial prince should be diplomatic, calm, and polite. It is unfortunate he ended up with me instead. Hell, I even like you better.”

  His father’s voice cut in sharply. “I never stated I like Rold better. This is a spiteful, petty conversation designed to pull it off point.”

  The grinning prankster snorted a laugh as he finally slipped the first knot. “It almost worked, though.”

  Rold snickered. Somehow it took the edge off their disagreement.

  “Laugh it up, boys. The imperial house is falling apart and all I get are clever jokes from you two.”

  Ambassador Teric’s smooth voice cut into their conversation. “I did not credit my lovely bride’s report as being accurate. The human prince bound our princess? This means war with the humans.”

  The emperor frowned. “Let us not overreact, Ambassador Teric.”

  Rose stepped from behind her husband. “He hog tied her?” She stepped forward and sighed. Shaking her head dismissively, she spoke. “He’s simply flirting with her. I have seen images of this type of rope work before.”

  The princess frowned. “Rose? Is that you? Come help untie me. Tell me more of this human mating ritual. It intrigues me.”

  Running over to help with the knots, she murmured. “Quiet, princess. This isn’t a conversation for mixed company.”

  It took a few moments but once she was free, the women went to the far side of the room. Oracha saw animated conversation and the waving of hands. Rose grabbed the ribbon, looped it, and laid her fist in the loop, swinging it slowly back and forth. Whatever she said must have been shocking because his sister’s eyes widened. She grabbed her ribbon up and skittered away in the direction of the human prince.

  “Ora, pay attention. We are talking to you.”

  Turning to his father and the ambassador, he saw they were looking at him strangely.

  Ambassador Teric spoke. “Do you even want a human mate?”

  “They’re all the rage right now and every Krylon wants one. That means I should fall right into line, right?”

  “Stop being belligerent and answer the man.”

  Knowing he was truly pushing hi
s father’s limits, he answered honestly. “She did not present herself properly, nor did she ask me to accept her as my mate.”

  The ambassador’s mate spoke up from behind him. “Of course she didn’t. No one has even suggested such a match to her. Maiko is young and innocent. If you’re expecting her to jump into your lap because you’re a prince, you can forget it. She’d like nothing better than to marry into obscurity and finally get a little peace.”

  Suddenly Oracha was all kinds of interested. “She does not wish me for my title?”

  “Hell no, she honestly thinks she’s here for a visit.”

  Glancing at Rold, he stepped closer to his father. “I think the human princess is interesting. I wish more time to evaluate if she is suitable to be our future empress.”

  His words were met with nods of approval all around. Teric’s mate slipped away to see the new princess as he began discussing Rold’s gift.

  “Prince Korban will land tomorrow with a special bride for Lord Rold. They say she is beautiful beyond all compare and fascinated by the imperial house.”

  Oracha spoke up on his brother’s behalf. “He does not need a bride intent on bonding him for his proximity to the throne.”

  Teric bowed his head slightly in agreement. “This was my thought as well. I requested Korban’s bride look into this woman. The Lady Selene was quite thorough. I got back a surprisingly detailed report.”

  “Do tell.”

  “It appears the female was a vocalist, until tragedy struck Earth. She volunteered to be a bride, hoping for a better life and a family. She saw a clip from my wedding showing Lord Rold playing with the children. It is said she has spoken of little else besides meeting him.”

  “I couldn’t have looked very dignified giving human pigly back rides.”

  “They are called piggy back rides, and I agree. I think she was touched by your joyful expression playing with the human children.”

  Rold mumbled thoughtfully. “I will meet her and we will see what comes of it.”

  “I have brought a holographic vid of her performing at a wedding on Sylon. Would you like to see it?”