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

Yusra took his arm and guided him through the common revelers, even blacker in the darkness. They were people from the city who had been invited to the ceremony as an honor. Every now and then they were stopped by yet another well-wisher, with the princess occasionally translating for those who didn't know Stellaran. I know I'll be looking forward to finding out how awkward it will be, John said, smiling a little. I hope the ceremony isn't until our backs heal, though. Traditionally the ceremony isn't set until our skin is mostly healed through natural means, Yusra informed him, but considering the nature of this particular marriage, Betelgeuse is home to the best nanoengineers in the system, and the fruits of their labors are commonly used in medical practice. The healing process can be artificially sped up if need be. Of course, the popular legend is that the endorphins released by love-making eases the pain and speeds the process. Officially the happy couple stay chased between the scarification ceremony and their wedding, but it is almost a rite of passage to ignore what is official. Especially the night of the scarification. She smiled mischievously but left him to think about it. It was going to be a long night for both of them, and she had others to comfort her if she was not his taste, as he most certainly was not hers. He would do, of course...but not as her first choice. Of course, there are many women in the palace as well as about town. Traditionally men are who they always have been, even when engaged. She shrugged. It was merely a fact of life. Tell me, though... her fiance said cautiously, are there any other traditions I should be aware of? Well... She weighed her options carefully. No, it was better to tell him now. Neither of them wanted this, and surely mzungu could be reasonable about such things, imprurience not withstanding? It is tradition for royalty to take more than one spouse. Of course there are complicated ranking systems and so forth, 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. She had to think, after all, of her own alliances here at home. Congratulations, Yuyu. Bomani had approached almost stealthily and bowed deeply, addressing his princess in familiar Betelgeusean as he kissed her hand tenderly. You conducted yourself as the most fearsome queen the Pleiades has ever known. She smiled fondly as he straightened and placed a hand on his cheek. This is Bomani, she addressed John in Stellaran more out of courtesy than anything, knowing already that he at least had a cursory understanding of Pleiadan if not specifically the familiar form of the Betelgeusean dialect. My bodyguard and very dear friend. We have known one another for many years. Yusra didn't bother trying to hide their familiarity as she squeezed his shoulder fondly and he took his place a few steps behind her. Your brother is expecting you, your Highness, he reminded her quietly. She sighed and rolled her eyes. God of course, she groaned before tugging at John's arm. Come, she instructed, the night isn't over yet. She led the way briskly through several arches, Bomani always a few feet behind, until through one archway they emerged at the top of an enormous flight of stairs which descended several stories into a courtyard where several hundred lighter-skinned nobles and aristocrats began cheering the moment they appeared. Gargantuan screens, one on each wall of the courtyard including one directly above the stairs, projected their faces and occasionally replays of the private ceremony. Yusra's smile appeared instantly and she waved to the crowd, occasionally pressing her fingers to her lips as a sign of thanks. When the first note rang out over the speakers, attention turned to the other side of the courtyard at the top of an identical set of steps. Adjatay appeared, dressed in his absolute finest, on a platform from beneath the top landing and Yusra laughed, partly hiding her face in her hand. She had a very good idea of what came next. 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.