Jim took an early morning flight in his plane the next day. He reveled in the thrill of soaring above his country, being free from the constraints of earth and guiding his precious craft through complicated maneuvers that would have horrified his mother. He was very fond of Khan and all, but sometimes he needed the breathtaking excitement of aerial joyrides. He went up at six and returned just before seven, red-cheeked and exhilarated.

He made it to breakfast on time, though Pike still leveled him a suspicious stare. Jim shot him an innocent look and began devouring his eggs and bacon, like a good hungry prince.

"You're unbelievable, Jim," muttered Bones. "Going up in that flying death trap at the crack of dawn when you're on the verge of engagement.

"Relax, Bones. It's not like it's my wedding day. It was too gorgeous of a morning to NOT go up." He patted his friend on the back.

"Crazy kid." Bones shook his head. "You get along with Spock alright?"

Jim swallowed his mouthful and answered carefully, keeping his face neutral. "Yes, I did, Bones. It would be hard to NOT get along with her. Vulcan's don't get into fights."

"By the way you were looking at her, you were more than just 'getting along'", put in Pike, smugly.

"I saw it too," Winona added, "my Jimmy's smitten, and no wonder. Spock looked lovely last night."

Jim closed his eyes and counted to ten, praying for patience. "Yes, okay. I liked her, Mom. You happy, now?"

"Almost, Jim," she said, eyes twinkling at her son. "As soon as you're happily married, I'll kick up my heels for joy."

"I'll join you," Pike added cheerfully. Jim turned red and left the table, groaning at his aggravating relatives. He and Spock were still getting to know each other. It was much too soon to be all mushy-gooey about it. He hid in seclusion until Spock and her parents arrived.

She was looking perfectly proper again, this time in a more simple brown dress. Lady Amanda was beside herself with excitement and nerves.

"Shall we commence with the test?", asked the Ambassador, cutting to the chase.

"Yes, sir," Jim agreed firmly. He was curious and hopeful and nervous at the same time.

They went into a quiet room, with a no disturbance order to the staff. Sarek had the two of them sit down side by side, close enough for their shoulders to touch. Sarek stood in front of them and gave Jim a warning.

"I will proceed with the meld now. Please indicate if it causes pain or distress."

He placed a hand on Spock's face, then on Jim's.

Jim felt a gentle flood of strange emotions and he seemed to see a rainbow of colors swirling around inside his brain. So that was Spock's feelings, he thought. They were quite similar to his own: nervous, and hopeful, and excited all at once. "

"Is that you, Spock?", he thought.

"Yes, Prince James."He heard her reply as clearly as if she had spoken. Whoa.

"That was pretty neat", he thought to himself.

"Indeed. A sloppy mind meld would be detrimental to both parties," Spock replied. He was about to explain he didn't mean literally neat, when he felt a wave of amusement. So there was that sense of humor Pike had referred to.

"Oh, ho, Spock, you're sneaky funny." He thought back to her. "I'm feeling really good about this."

The brush of her mind against his was pleasant and rather soothing.

"As am I. I do believe we are mentally suited for each other," She replied. Jim hoped they were also suited in another way, but he wasn't going to think THAT right now. Didn't want to irritate Sarek or scare Spock.

His head felt rather empty suddenly as Sarek ended the meld and took his hands away. Jim stared rather blankly for a minute, then blinked. Everyone was looking at them anxiously.

"Are you okay, Jim?" Winona asked worriedly. "Yeah. I'm fine," he managed. "That was incredible. What do you think, Ambassador?"

Sarek looked as close to pleased as was possible. "Your minds are compatible. Unusually so. You were reaching for each other as soon as I began the meld. I believe it is logical that the betrothal should go forward as planned."

Amanda and Winona embraced, almost squealing with delight at the results. They then proceeded to give the same treatment to their offspring.

Jim looked at Spock in amusement. She was blushing prettily and looked downright adorable. He hoped she'd still be okay married to him once she discovered his many faults.

Pike clapped him on the back. "Congratulations, son. Guess we've got a wedding to plan."

"Yep," muttered Jim, "but first we've got to survive the announcement and media frenzy. They're going to go nuts and probably drag up every stupid thing I've done."

Jim wasn't very fond of the press and it was well known.

"I don't want them going after Spock, Dad." He looked over at her with concern. Pike nodded in understanding.

"Don't, worry, Jim. They won't get near her. Your mother's figured out how to manage it."

Jim felt a little better. Even the most sleazy reporters didn't dare rile up Winona.

After dinner, Jim took his new fiancé out to the stables to see the horses. Chekov was grooming the queen's favorite mare as they passed through.

"How's Gwen today, Pavel?" Jim called to the young stable boy. Chekov really was skilled with the animals and the royals all trusted him with their mounts. The young lad turned around eagerly.

"Excellent, your highness! She is in top condition for the next ride."

"Good to hear that, Chekov. Khan behaving himself today?"

"He was feisty as usual, but a good hard gallop worked off his high spirits."

Chekov was the only person besides Jim whom Khan would allow to ride him: he was a most particular beast.

Jim led Spock to the black horses stall. "This is my stallion, Khan", he introduced proudly. "Comes from really good Arabian stock, and he knows it. Don't you, Khan?"

He stroked his horse's nose fondly.

"He is very striking indeed, your highness," answered Spock, "I do not believe I have seen an equine of such magnificent stature. I hope he was not the cause of your prior accident."

Jim laughed. "No, he wasn't. Completely unrelated. My accident was caused by my own poor choices."

He made a face, letting out a sigh. "No more of this 'your highness' stuff at least in private, Spock. Since we're going to get married, you have every right to call me Jim."

Spock tilted her head as if considering this.

"Very well, then, Jim," she said at last. One side of her mouth quirked up. Jim took that as a good sign.