Thread: The Space Between The Stars (A Corsair/Mim Adventure)

Yusra had a muschevious gleam in her eye as she explained yhe celebrations and customs around the scarification ritual. Particularly the custom honored by ignoring the custom. I think I would be able to rise to the occasion, he replied dryly. It would need to be discrete, of course, as we would both need to be aware of our positions. But its not uncommon for similar traditions in Hyades to be honored in the breach. He caught her eyes, and a touch of humor danced on his expression. I believe I will be able to adequately perform my duty to the satisfaction of all. His back twinged just then, and he winced. Tell me, though... are there any other traditions I should be aware of? Well... She fell silent for a minute, considering. It is tradition for royalty to take more than one spouse. Really? It wasnt shock in his voice, not really. More curiousity than anything. Of course there are complicated ranking systems and so forth, she continued, and interstellar alliances such as this are rare for our people, but I imagine it would not be a surprise, nor terribly scandalous for either one of us to take another. Or others, plural. Scandalous, he said carefully, trying not to give offense, is very much in the eye of the beholder. He bit his lip, choosing his next words. Within the Commonwealth, particularly among the nobility, it is not uncommon to have lovers. My father the king has one, and he spends more time with her than with my mother the Queen, who is kept from loneliness by His Grace the Duke of Altaminte. But they maintain a careful fiction of a happy marriage, so all is well. He was conscious of her expression, a sort of horrified fascination, as he spoke. My people accept this, where they would not accept polygamy. He glanced at her, offering an apologetic smile. They see such things as primitive holdovers from the early Colonial Era, when plural relations were necessary to deepen the gene pool. The apologetic smile twisted into a frown. If we are to rule both nations, we would need to carefull consider the impact any such actions would have. Congratulations, Yuyu. The speaker was a well-built man seemingly carved from ebony, muscles well-displayed by his ceremonial garb. His body language as he kissed Yusras hands spoke volumes, telling John more than the words he uttered in rapid Betelgeusian, faster than the prince could entirely follow. It was congratulatory, he knew that. Yusra smiled fondly, touching the mans cheek. This is Bomani, my bodyguard and very dear friend. More than that, John suspected. We have known one another for many years. It is my privilege, John said, bowing and then regretting it. Philip came up alongside him at that moment. And this is my dear friend, brother, and guard, Sir Philip Trip. At your service, Phil said, sizing Bomani up as he bowed. Bomani murmured somethin to Yusra which drew a sound of exasperation from her, then fell in behind her. Philip matched him, flanking his own brother as the four descended into a a courtyard full of people, all of whom cheered and stomped and shouted at the sight of their princess. John followed her example, waving and acknowledging the crowd as they made their way to the low tables on the raised platform beneath the screens. The cheering redoubled as they carefully took their seats, and then again as the king appeared. Of course, she groaned. My brother, the prince formerly known as an artist. And narcissistic as hell. I imagine he thinks this is an engagement present. The screens focused on King Adjatay instead, occasionally glimpsing back at the couple for their reaction. When we are on the screen again, she muttered, I'm afraid you must gather all of your courage and kiss me like you're in love with me. Before he could respond, their images filled the screen. There was a bare moment of hesitation as he realized the fact, and then he leaned towards the princess. His hand touched her cheek as their lips met, and the flavor of her lips was reminiscent of the taste of her fingers when hed met her on New Zion - subtle alien spices, and a hint of ciconut, and warmth. His thumb stroked her cheekbone as his palm caressed her face before cupping the back of her head. Her lips parted and he deepened the kiss, tongue seeking entrance and then sliding over hers as he tasted more of her. When he drew back, the crowd erupted in jubilation. I may have found the courage, he whispered with a grin.