"Congratulations, your highness, on your happy engagement."

Jim's buddy was enjoying his discomfort a little too much.

"How did you find out?" the prince muttered. "It's not official yet."

"I didn't see you on the news, partying in your clubs, so I asked your step father if you'd died."

Leonard McCoy was Jim's doctor and closest friend. He was a sarcastic, rather grumpy Southerner who wasn't afraid to tell Jim off when he did something stupid. The Prince greatly appreciated having a real friend who didn't grovel and flatter all the time, much as Bones aggravated him.

He had met Leonard, or Bones as he called him, three years ago after he got into a nasty accident and needed a private doctor to live at the palace for a while.

He had met Jim in the stables and they had gone out for a horseback ride, which was Jim's favorite method of relaxing in a non-scandalous manner. Bones was riding a spirited brown mare, and Jim was on his powerful black stallion, Khan. Bones had once joked, "shouldn't the prince ride a white horse, like the fairy tales say?"

Jim snorted. "I'm nobody's hero, Bones. Besides, Khan is far superior to any other mount I've had. Aren't you, buddy?"

Khan had stamped his hoof and neighed majestically, as if in agreement.

Now Jim was spilling his woes about his sudden engagement. "I'm gonna marry a Vulcan, Bones, a VULCAN. Me. Married. How will I survive?"

He flailed his free hand wildly, desperation showing on his face. Bones grinned at him unsympathetically.

"Drama Queen. Marriage ain't gonna kill ya. In fact, a Vulcan wife might be good for you. Help you learn to balance your emotions with logic. It's something a future ruler oughta know." He looked at Jim pointedly.

"But I saw what it did to you, how awful it is when it doesn't work out!", Jim protested.

Bones sighed. "Don't go using my mistake to say ALL marriage is bad, Jim. That's a cop out. Spock's not likely to scream obscenities at you in a fight or get irrational and make ridiculous accusations. You just have to keep working at it. Don't ever just assume anything, Jim. Be there for her. Try to understand her. That's where I failed. Who knows, maybe you'll end up as happy as the Queen and Pike."

"I doubt it. They're disgustingly happy," Jim muttered to himself. But he thought about these words as Khan trotted smoothly along the trail.

He wasn't surprised at the tabloid speculation on his sudden absence from his usual hang out spots and clubs. Rumors flew wildly: he was dying of an incurable disease, Winona had lost her patience and locked him away, he had an affair with a mob boss's daughter and was on a hit list, or he was on drugs and had been forced into rehab.

Jim was used to the crazy publicity that came with being a Prince, but now he just laughed. The truth was truly stranger than fiction. But They couldn't give an official announcement until the match was deemed suitable by the Vulcan test. So the theories got crazier.

The day before the Vulcans were scheduled to arrive, Jim and his personal valet picked out his suit for the grand meeting. Sulu had great taste and he and Jim usually were in agreement on most selections. Today, Sulu had laid out several different options and allowed the prince to make his choice. Jim rubbed the back of his head thoughtfully as he examined the suits in front of him.

"Pinstripes are out. Reminds me too much of long, boring council meetings." He indicated the ensemble on the far left.

"The grey one's not bad, but the dark blue with the orange tie is my favorite." He picked it up and ran his fingers over it. "Different from the norm, but distinguished. I've been told it brings out my eyes. What do you say, Sulu?"

"Good choice, your highness," the valet agreed. "I've been told the queen favors it as well."

"Let's hope Spock favors it too, not that she'd ever show it." Jim said to himself when Hikaru went to rummage for some accessories.

"I find myself illogically uneasy, Mother." Spock was standing in her night dress, looking out the window of their hotel room. Her dark hair was unbound and flowed over her slender shoulders. She was calm outwardly, but her eyes showed her inward nerves. Amanda stood and gently wrapped an arm around her daughter.

"It's not illogical at all. Possible marriage is a big deal, especially under these circumstances."

"You believe the Iowans will accept me as a mate for their prince, despite my heritage?"

"Yes, I do," she assured her daughter, "Queen Winona and I have been friends a long time and she won't tolerate disrespect for other species and cultures. She raised her sons the same way. If Jim drags his feet, it's because he's nervous about marriage itself, not because he doesn't like your ears."

Spock sighed and pondered that for a minute. "That is very helpful, mother, I believe I will meditate on it now. Good night."

"Good night, Spock," Amanda replied, looking after her lovingly.

Winona, Jim, and Chris stood inside the formal reception room of the palace, waiting the arrival of their guests. Jim was queasy with nerves and he was trying hard not to fidget.

"Take a deep breath, Jim, before you pass out," came a voice from behind him.

"Bones!" he exclaimed, whirling around, "how did you get allowed in here?" Bones chuckled. He was dressed up as well.

"I convinced the Queen I would be good moral support. Also, to drag you back here by the scruff of your neck if you try to run."

He crossed his arms over his chest, giving Jim an intimidating stare. Jim made a face.

"I don't know whether to hug you or denounce you as a traitor. You're supposed to have my back."

"I do, and it's in your best interests to stay put and meet your fiancé."

"I knew I liked you for a reason, Leonard," beamed the Queen, winking at Jim's dismay.

They turned around at the sound of the doors opening. Scotty the butler/sometimes doorman announced the arrival of Lord Sarek and Lady Amanda and their daughter, Lady Spock. Jim jumped to attention as three figures entered the room, wearing elaborate robes. He recognized Sarek and guessed that the smiling woman at his side was Amanda. There was much bowing and formal greeting between the two couples and then Jim found himself facing Spock.

She was clad in a gorgeous dark green dress with gold accents and long drapy sleeves. Her hair wasn't as elaborate as the photo, but pinned in a braided bun. Spock's neat bangs just stopped above her slanted eyebrows and yep, there were the pointed ears. And those dark eyes...Closing his gaping jaw, Jim recovered himself and offered a bow.

"Welcome to Iowa, Lady Spock." She bobbed her head in a quick curtesy.

"It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Prince James."