So, something completely different…I'm struggling with writer's block and I'm hoping that if I write something new, it will get my juices flowing. I saw something on one of the many group's walls and it intrigued me, The Twi-Sci-Fi/Fantasy Contest. I've always been interested in Star Trek and science fiction. Even before Twilight, it caught my attention. I even wrote some Star Trek: Deep Space Nine fic, but never posted it. Anyhow, the idea that I had couldn't really lend itself to a one-shot. I decided to make it full-length fic (or novella…whichever it turns out to be).
Now, none of this mine. I'm not Stephenie Meyer, nor do I claim to be. I just like to play with her characters because they make me forget about my life for a while. I also do not own Star Trek, which the space aspects of the story is loosely based off of. Everything else…is mine.
Thank you to everyone who stuck with me with this. I know that the long hiatus in the middle was not ideal, but I couldn't focus on this and my mother's illness. She helped me write the rest of this story, sitting on my shoulder and cheering me on. I'm thankful for her love and support as well as your words of encouragement as I wrote those. For those of you who celebrate, Happy Thanksgiving! Once this is submitted, I will mark it as complete. Hugs to all of you!
Chapter Twenty-Five: Epilogue
EPOV
Twenty-Five Years Later …
"Thank you, Emperor," said Governor Ru'bio, the son of Governor Ru'bia, from the city of Fl'aag. "We appreciate the additional desalinization units for the hydroponic gardens."
"The gardens have produced so many fresh fruit and vegetables for the desert regions surrounding Fl'aag. Plus, your researchers have helped the Federation fine-tune their hydroponic techniques, as well," I smiled, shaking Governor Ru'bio's hand. "How is your father?"
"He's the same," Ru'bio frowned. "His illness is not improving, but not getting any worse, either."
"Let him know that Empress Nirabelle and I are thinking about him," I said, putting a hand on Ru'bio's shoulder. "Your father was a wonderful man. Ygrin'ne syndrome is a cruel and horrific disease." Ygrin'ne syndrome was a crippling, debilitating syndrome that attacked a Cygnarian's mind. It was similar to Alzheimer's from years ago on Earth, but it was faster moving and also impacted the victim's motor functions as well. Within a year of his diagnosis, Ru'bia was confined to a wheelchair and barely able to say a few words. Even with the most advanced medicine of the Federation, there was absolutely nothing we could do to help him or any other sufferers of Ygrin'ne syndrome. Rose was working with Kunnan and the doctors on Forx to figure out a cure, or at least a viable treatment.
However, it didn't seem promising. The genetic coding for the syndrome was very complex and wouldn't respond to any standard treatments. They were exploring some not-so-standard options.
"Thank you again, Emperor," Governor Ru'bio smiled, getting up from the seat across from me. I nodded and watched as he left. I got up from my desk, walking to the window. I ran my hand through my thick hair, still bronze-colored hair. I was almost fifty-six but didn't look a day over thirty. The medication that Kunnan gave me once a month worked wonders. I was stronger than before, in the best shape of my life. I rarely got sick and when I did, I recuperated quickly thanks to the injection and my carbon-infused bones.
It was bittersweet, though. I was seemingly ageless while my parents were growing older, as were my friends and fellow colleagues. The three comforts were knowing that my sister was also receiving the same injections as me, my beautiful and wonderful children whom I loved and that I was able to spend my life with my mate, my one and only love, Nirabelle.
My Bella.
My sweet Fíorghrá.
"Emperor," called the deep male voice of my envoy, D'Metri's brother, Qu'ille. "The Empress has asked you to join her in the suite."
"Tell her that I have one more meeting. Ambassador J'ran is supposed to contact me …" The computer console beeped on my desk. I chuckled quietly. "Now, from Earth. I'll be fifteen minutes."
"Understood, sir," Qu'ille nodded, bowing as he left.
I sat down, turning on my computer. "J'ran! How are you doing?" I asked, seeing his smiling face.
"I'm good. Very good," he answered. "I have news for you. Some bad. Some good."
"Well, let me hear the bad news first," I said, almost afraid to hear what he had to say.
"The Saratoga was traveling past the Gamella'an system. They checked Gamel III for any sort of humanoid life signs. There weren't any. They assembled an away team to check. The team found the remains of Caius about ten kilometers from his camp. He had been dead for some time, being crushed by a fallen tree during a storm."
"Have you informed Counselor Marcusi?" I asked, saddened for the death of the brother of one of my closest friends and most-trusted advisors.
"I'll contact him after I finish my discussion with you," J'ran said, his face grim.
"No. No, I'll do it. Marcusi deserves to hear this from me and from Nirabelle," I muttered. I blew out a breath, looking back at him. "Now, the good news?"
"I've met a mate," he blushed, his spots glowing. "A Turulian/Human woman. Her name is T'Paal."
"When did this happen?" I asked, grinning happily for my friend.
"We met at an embassy function. She is a part of the science directorate on the Turulian home world. She came to Earth to work with the Galaxy Fleet science division on a recent discovery in the outskirts of the Beta Quadrant. We met and it was almost subtle. We were talking over our meals and this warmth filled my belly, traveling outward until my spots began to glow brightly. T'Paal asked what it was and I explained to her about the phenomenon of imprinting. She was intrigued. We continued to talk and then it hit her. It took all of my strength to stop her from kissing me." He chuckled, his spots burning just underneath his skin's surface. "We took a shuttle to a city in the desert. Las Wages?"
"Las Vegas," I laughed. "You got married in Las Vegas?"
"We found a temple …"
"Chapel," I snickered. "They're called chapels."
"Chapel, temple, whatever!" J'ran grumbled, arching a brow at me. "Are you going to let me finish my story?"
"I'm sorry. I just find this to be hysterical," I said, barely containing my laughter.
"Anyway, T'Paal and I found a Turulian chapel in one of the smaller hotels. The priest performed a beautiful combination of a Turulian and Cygnarian ceremony. Of course, we'll have the full ceremonies on our own worlds, in front of our families and friends, but we are, for all intents and purposes, mated," J'ran smirked.
"Wow! Congratulations, J'ran. This is better than good news. This is great!" I beamed. "When are you coming back to Forx so we can give you a mating ceremony?"
"In two Earth years. That's why we flew to Las Vegas," J'ran explained. "This project that T'Paal is working on is keeping her here for two years, with the possibility of flying out to the Beta Quadrant to collect more samples. We couldn't wait that long to mate. We are both older and felt the effects slowly, but once they hit, it was overwhelming. We would not have lasted very long before we would have started to fail. One of the Cygnarian Federation delegates acted as one of my witnesses, while T'Paal's sister, T'Mienne, acted as hers."
"Do you want me to tell Bella?" I asked.
"No. I'll tell her. Bella is like a daughter to me. She should hear this type of news from me," J'ran nodded. "I'll call her once we get back from our moon honey."
"Honeymoon," I laughed.
"English is filled too many colorful words," J'ran scoffed. "I'll talk to you soon. Give my love to your mate and to my grandchildren."
"I will, J'ran. Congratulations," I said, ending the subspace call. I got up from my desk, scrubbing my face. Turning on my heel, I left my office, sealing the door with my retinal scan. I walked through the palace to the massive suite that I shared with my beautiful mate and our five children. Okay, technically, it was four children. Our oldest son, Charel, was preparing to leave for Galaxy Fleet Academy to follow in Charanel's footsteps.
My brother was returning to Forx to pick up his nephew aboard his ship, the Cigno. Charanel was the newest Galaxy Fleet captain, given the most state-of-the-art vessel in the fleet. It was a combination of Galaxy Fleet design and Cygnarian propulsion, which had revolutionized jump drive technology. Maximum velocity for ships that had retrofit with the new designs had increased to jump factor twelve, utilizing half of the antimatter and deuterium in a standard jump core.
I was excited for my son, but wary of sending him so far away. Though, my mate was more anxious than me. I knew what to expect for Galaxy Fleet training since I had been to the academy. Bella hated that Charel was leaving, but understood his call to duty. He was very much like me in that regard. I had prepared him for the rigors of training, acting as an adjunct professor of the academy, as I had done numerous times before for all of the recruits that lived on Forx, but it was obviously different with the recruit being my oldest son.
I remembered when Bella gave birth to him. He was so small and helpless, a far cry from the strong man who was now heading to Seattle in a few short days.
"Keep pushing, Empress," Kunnan urged. "You've almost passed the head."
"I'm so tired," she wailed, her face red and drawn from her nearly thirty hour labor. "I can't. I just can't. He's too big!"
"My Bella, you can do this. You are so strong," I whispered, crouching down next to her and taking her sweaty face in my hands. "I love you and I love our son. Use me for your strength."
She cried, tears falling down her cheeks. She pulled me behind her on the bed. I threaded my fingers with hers as I pulled her legs back. Kunnan nodded as Bella began to bear down with the next contraction. I mentally told her how proud I was of her and how strong she was. I also described the moment when I found out I was going to be a father to her. From my mental cheerleading, Bella grunted and pushed out our first-born son. Charel Anthony, the crowned prince of Forx, came into this world, screaming loudly and weighing 4.4 kg. His hair was a shock of bronze and his eyes were the most brilliant, verdant green. He had the spots of his mother, traveling down the length of his body and subtly pointed ears.
"Go to him," Bella whispered, her voice impossibly exhausted. "See if he is okay."
"I don't want to leave you," I murmured, kissing her lips.
"Go, ti'ane," she urged. I nodded, kissing her once again and walking to the tiny bassinet where Tal, Kunnan's mate, was working on cleaning up the rigors of birth off my child.
"Here, Emperor," Tal said, taking the squirming bundle and placing it into my arms. "Congratulations, Papa."
"Thank you," I whispered. Charel stopped his squirming, blinking up at me. He cooed, snuggling into my chest. A small sob erupted from my lips. My son recognized me. I had made it a nightly ritual to speak to Bella's growing belly. I would tell our baby all about what we did during the day and saying how much I loved them both. Bella thought it was silly, but she indulgently let me do it. She got to carry our son – feeling him inside of her belly, protecting and caring for him within her body - but I wanted in on that bond, too. It was her body, her heartbeat and her voice he'd recognize immediately. Because of my crazy ritual, my son recognized my voice as someone who loved and adored him, from the moment of his conception. He felt safe enough to snuggle in my arms and I would do anything to protect him. I lifted him to my lips, pressing his fuzzy head to my mouth. "I love you, Charel. I'm so happy to meet you."
Despite my happiness, I was freaking out. I was now responsible for another being. This child would look up to me for everything. Was I going to fuck up? Shit! I just thought about the word fuck while I was holding my kid. I'm going to be a horrible father. What if I drop him? Oh, GOD!
Edward, stop fussing and bring our son to me, Bella thought to me, her mental voice drained, but happy and teasing. I walked carefully, clutching my son to my chest. I reached my mate, handing him to her. She began crying, cradling him to her body. "Edward, he is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
"He looks exactly like you, Fíorghrá," I murmured, sitting next to two of them. Bella lowered her hospital gown, maneuvering Charel to her breast. I watched as Bella fed our baby, finally feeling a sense of completion and absolute joy. "Thank you, my love. For everything. I never knew I could love someone as much as I love both of you."
"I love you, too," Bella whispered, running her finger down Charel's cheek.
"I'm scared, though," I confessed. "He's so tiny."
"He is stronger than he looks, but he will have his amazing father to take care of him," Bella replied, smiling up at me. Her eyes were tired, but the contentment and love she had for our child was pouring off her.
"And a wonderful, beautiful, loving mother, too," I breathed, brushing my lips with hers. "Thank you, my Fíorghrá."
"Papa, Momma is looking for you," my oldest son chuckled. Charel was now as tall as me with broad shoulders, a crooked smile and piercing green eyes. He was twenty-three years old, wanting to complete his schooling in Forx since he was the crowned prince and heir apparent to the throne. He attended university, receiving high honors in diplomacy, politics and interstellar business. "Were you stressing about my departure to Earth, Papa?"
"No. Just remembering when you were born, Charel," I answered, blushing slightly. My son arched a brow. I shared a partial telepathic bond with my children. They could register my emotions and very strong thoughts, but the connection was nowhere as clear as what I had with my Bella. "Okay, I was stressing about your leaving for Earth."
"Papa, I will be fine. Ambassador J'ran will be on Earth," Charel explained as we walked back to our suite. Charel was staying in what used to be the old emperor suite. He was an adult and deserved to live on his own. He loved his family, but his two youngest siblings were very young.
And very loud.
They were our six year old twins and they had two volumes – loud and louder. As soon as I opened the door, Norelle and Lianel, my adorable fraternal twins, screamed when they saw me. "DADDY!"
"Twin Terrors," I yelled back as they both ran up to me, jumping into my arms and using my body as their own personal jungle gym. By the time Bella walked out, Norelle was in my arms and Lianel was hanging off my back.
Charel was rolling his eyes, sitting down next to his sister, Riannelle. She was reading an Earth novel that she had discovered in my Federation database. Riannelle was nineteen years old and our quiet, angelic child. She also acted as peacemaker between all of our children, the voice of reason. She was most like my mate, calm and deliberate. She was also the exact replica of Bella, except her eyes were a brilliant green. Riannelle was studying anthropology, archeology and exobiology. However, she was a romantic, wanting to be swept away like Bella and me. We were looking for an imprint for her, but no one sparked our internal sensor for our daughter.
Charel had an imprint, a beautiful girl from Ch'ich. They obviously hadn't met, but once Charel was done with his schooling at the academy, we'd arrange for them to meet. Until then, Charel received a similar injection to Bella's contraceptive to allow him to interact with non-familial females without initiating the mating bond. However, since he had an imprint, it was unlikely he'd imprint with another.
N'essie was our middle daughter. She was thirteen and a trouble maker. She was going through the Cygnarian version of adolescence and was moody and cranky. On top of that, she was struggling with her school work. N'essie was incredibly smart, but was often bored with the lessons. As a result, she acted out inappropriately. Bella and I tried to tutor her privately. Her teenage surliness came out in droves when we did that. She enjoyed school for the social aspect, but she didn't get much out of the lessons.
"I was wondering where you were," Bella said, her hands on her hips. "I asked Qu'ille to get you a half hour ago. As a family, we have to attend the opening of the new children's museum this evening."
"I had forgotten," I apologized. "I'm so sorry, my love. I had a meeting with Governor Ru'bio and then a subspace communication with Ambassador J'ran. Our conversation went on longer than I anticipated."
"It's okay. It gave me time to convince N'essie to join us," Bella said, kissing my lips sweetly. "She got into trouble in school again. She's been suspended for cheating on a calculus test."
"That doesn't make any sense. Calculus is simple for N'essie," I growled.
"No, she was providing her friend, Shyra, with the answers," Bella muttered, her lips pursed. "The teacher caught her as she was sending the answers to Shyra's tablet. Both girls were suspended for five days."
"There has to be more that we can do," I snarled, glaring at my middle daughter as she slunk into the suite. She was dressed demurely in a navy blue shift dress. Her face was impassive, a touch sad. Her blue eyes were dim and her face pale. She knew she made a mistake. "Once we get back from this opening, we need to have a long discussion with her, Bella."
"I agree," Bella nodded succinctly. She looked at me. "You need to change." I looked down at my casual attire and again at Bella's finery. Wrinkling my nose, I walked to the bedroom and put on some more appropriate clothing for this opening. Once I was dressed in a navy blue suit coat, a pair of grey dress pants, and my royal sash with the Cygnarian crest at my hip, I joined my family in the main living space. Bella was trying to smooth Lianel's hair since the poor boy had inherited my crazy cowlicks. As much as I loved watching her with her children, I just loved her.
My mate, my only love, my star crossed Fíorghrá.
Her body had changed from four pregnancies. She was still slender but her body had a softness to it. Her hair was in soft curls, pinned at the nape of her neck with her circlet weaved into the rich chocolate brown tresses. Her eyes no longer held the sadness of the loss of her parents nor the stress of the Alliance/Alphan threat. Our biggest concerns now were for our children. Even Forx was thriving in a way it never had before since we signed the treaty with the Alliance. "Daddy! We're twins!" Lianel chirped, hopping off the couch before Bella could fix his hair. He was wearing his own mini version of my attire. It was quite adorable.
"We are, Lianel. Even down to our crazy manes," I snickered, ruffling his hair and placing his circlet around his head.
"Edward, it was almost flat," Bella groaned.
"It's a fruitless endeavor, Nirabelle. This will never be tamed. Right, Lianel?" I asked. My youngest son nodded, running his hands through his hair and finding his sister. Bella barked out a laugh.
We gathered our children, heading out to the new children's museum, overlooking the Renien Ocean and even extending past the shore for activities involving the water. The museum's administrator greeted us and we went over the activities for the opening. Once the press and the various children arrived, we announced the museum open. We took holos with various children and families and answered questions from the press. After a few hours, we were done and heading back to the palace. Riannelle and Charel went to his quarters, packing for his departure for Earth. Lianel and Norelle were taken by their nanny to eat a snack before their afternoon lessons. N'essie was waiting for her punishment.
It was a conversation I did not want to have.
"N'essie, have a seat," Bella said, her voice hard.
She sat down, her hands folded in her lap. She was worrying her lip and fighting back tears. "I'm sorry, Momma," she whispered. "Shyra didn't understand what we were being tested on, so figured I'd help her. Our teacher caught me as I was sending her the answer to number three, confiscating my tablet. And the teacher is so boring! I know all of this stuff! You and Papa have taught me so much, going there is …"
"We know that you are frustrated with school, N'essie," Bella said, her eyes narrow.
"This goes beyond frustration, Bella," I chided. "For a child as advanced as N'essie, she needs a more rigorous curriculum. Am I right?" N'essie nodded, twisting her ioti stone bracelet."What interests you?"
"What Charel studies," N'essie answered, looking up at me with almost hopeful eyes. "I want to go to Galaxy Fleet Academy, like him! Like you!"
"N'essie," Bella frowned. "I don't think that would be appropriate."
My daughter had also adopted my temper. Her spots sizzled and she stood up. "How so, MOTHER?" she snarled. "Is it because I'm a girl? Only men can fight in wars? Or do I need to remind you that you killed Jakob and Vruk?! Or is it because I'm a princess?"
"N'essie, do not use that tone with your mother," I snapped back. My daughter turned to me, glaring at me with contempt. Ugh, teenagers. Was I that bad? "Go to your room. We'll discuss this and talk to you when you've calmed down." With a huff, N'essie stomped away. She slammed the door to her room, causing a vase to fall onto the ground, shattering into a million pieces. I huffed as I sat back, pinching my nose. "I liked her better when she was a baby, unable to sass back."
"Little children, little problems. Big children, bigger problems," Bella grumbled. "I don't want her going to Galaxy Fleet Academy. She's only thirteen!"
"She won't go to the academy now. She has to complete secondary school before she'd be accepted," I explained. Bella growled. "Though, she has every right to go to the academy as Charel. Why do you want to deny her that?"
"Because she's just a baby! A girl! I don't want her to …" Bella yelled, leaning forward.
"Fíorghrá, can I make a suggestion without getting screamed at?" I whispered, kneeling before my mate. "I think that N'essie needs more than what we can provide, in the way of schooling. She loves the social aspect of school, but is bored because she already knows the material. I think that N'essie would thrive aboard a starship."
"I don't want to have her leave," Bella cried.
"Not leave, but spend some time with Uncle Charanel and Aunt Lizzie and their brood," I said, arching a brow. "She can attend school aboard the Cigno. Plus, she can see how a starship is run and see if that is the life she wants."
"I don't want her to think that we're just sending her away," Bella sniffled.
"She won't. Obviously, she will need to be punished for cheating, but in the long run, she will grow and mature," I explained. "Living on a starship was part of the reason why I was the youngest captain in the fleet. I finished my secondary schooling early. Let's consider it before we send her back to that school in the city."
"I do not want to make a decision right now," Bella said. "Can we think about it?"
"Charanel will not be here for another two weeks, Bella," I said, pulling her onto my lap. "We have that long before we have to make a decision." I nuzzled her cheek. "I spoke with J'ran before I came home."
"How's he doing?" Bella asked. "How is he enjoying his assignment on Earth?"
I chuckled. "He is definitely enjoying it. However, he did contact me about Caius."
"Oh?" Bella responded, arching a brow.
"They found his body on the planet. He was crushed by a tree," I murmured.
"Has J'ran told Marcusi?" Bella asked, looking at me. Her face was tight and her eyes cold. She was not upset at the death of one of the many traitors that had sold Forx out to the Alliance.
"He asked that we do it," I answered. "I think that hearing his brother is dead from us is the most humane thing to do."
"Is it sad that I don't care that Caius is dead?" she whispered, her hands clenched into rigid claws.
"It's not sad, Bella. You disagreed with the Assembly of Nobles' decision for exile," I said. "The man had sold out your people to the Alliance. Because he showed mercy to his brother, he got to live out his life. However, his end justified the means. He was still sentenced to death and his death was much more gruesome." Bella smirked evilly, snorting indelicately. "For now, let's enjoy our time with our children and tell Marcusi and Didyme about Caius's death tomorrow."
"That sounds like a plan," Bella sighed, putting her head on my shoulder and melting against my side.
xx STAR CROSSED xx
The following day, we went to Ch'ich to our summer home for a final vacation before Charel was to leave with Charanel to Earth. We also had to meet up with Marcusi and Didyme to tell Marcusi about his brother's death. While we were in Ch'ich, our kids were spending time with Aunt Rose and Uncle Emmett and their two children. They had purchased a small cottage on the shores of the Ch'ichian Sea. They were enjoying some shore leave. Rose was the captain of a science research vessel and Emmett was her chief engineer.
We left our kids with them and we transported to Marcusi and Didyme's home on the other side of the town. Bella rang the chime. Didyme answered. She smiled happily. "Emperor! Empress! What a pleasant surprise," she sang, allowing us into their modest home. "If I had known that you were coming, I would have made some tala root tea. I know that you both enjoy it so."
"That's okay, Didyme," I replied, kissing her cheek. "We're not staying long. Is Marcusi here?"
"He's in the back, gardening," Didyme said, guiding us out to the massive floral and herb garden in the backyard of their property. "Since he retired, this has become his new obsession. I wake up every morning with a bouquet of gorgeous flowers on my nightstand. It's all very romantic."
"Will you garden and give me bouquets of flowers when we retire?" Bella giggled, sliding her arms around me.
"I kill things. I had a plant in my quarters that my mother gave me when I was first promoted to lieutenant commander. Within a day, the plant shriveled up and died," I explained.
"A day?" Didyme teased.
"Okay, it was more like two weeks, but it was crazy aboard that ship," I shrugged. "Regardless, I do not handle living things well."
"Your children would beg to differ, Emperor," Marcusi laughed, walking toward us and wiping his hands on a towel that hung from his belt. "I think you did well with them."
"Kids are different," I chuckled. "Plus, Bella took care of them since I was terrified of them when they were babies. I didn't want to drop them on their heads or something." Though, N'essie as a teenager is pretty scary, too.
This is quite true, Bella giggled. "And Edward was amazing with our children. He was a very hands-on father. But, children are a little more resilient than a potted plant. They cry when they are hungry, unhappy and needed a change."
"Can I get you something to drink? Some snacks?" Marcusi asked, sitting down on the chaise lounge.
"No, thank you," Bella replied. "Marcusi, Ambassador J'ran contacted Edward a couple of days ago."
"How is he doing? Enjoying his assignment as Federation Ambassador?" Marcusi asked, sipping some water.
"Very much so. However, we received some information regarding your brother," I frowned.
"He's dead, isn't he?" Marcusi muttered, his face paling and his eyes deadening. "When did it happen? Was he in pain?"
"The Saratoga was running a routine mission, flying close to the Gamella'an system. They checked Gamel III for any humanoid life signs and didn't find any. They assembled an away team, searching for Caius. They found him crushed underneath a tree from a storm," I told him. "From the condition of his remains, it had been over a year since he died."
"Did he suffer?" Marcusi asked, his voice quiet and impossibly sad.
"I don't know, but from the extent of the injuries, he died instantly," I explained, handing him a tablet with the autopsy results from the Saratoga. "Charanel has the remains aboard the Cigno if you want to perform the H'aaruune."
"No. My brother was exiled from this world and should not allowed his final rest. Liannette and Norex didn't receive the H'aaruune. Neither should Caius. He acted against our world, sold us out to the Alliance. The Assembly of Nobles granted him leniency, but I have not, nor will I ever, forgive him," Marcusi said, his voice tight. He stood up, running his hands down his legs. "I have some kinka flowers that need my attention. If you'll excuse me." He turned on his heel, walking away from us.
"I'm so sorry, Didyme," I murmured. "If there is anything that you need …"
"It's not your fault. I'm surprised that Caius lasted as long as he did," Didyme sighed, running her fingers through her hair. "Marcusi already grieved his brother after we dropped him off at that moon. However, knowing that Caius is truly gone, my mate is grieving all over again. He will be fine, in time."
"If Marcusi changes his mind about providing Caius with the H'aaruune, we will do everything in our power to accommodate him," Bella said, taking Didyme's hand.
"Unlikely, but thank you," Didyme said, hugging my mate. "Now, I'm going to check on Marcusi."
"We'll see ourselves out," I said, helping Bella to her feet. Didyme gave me a kiss on my cheek before she walked into the garden, following the same path as her mate.
We spent the next few days in Ch'ich with Rose, Emmett and their children. Bella and I discussed our concerns about N'essie with Emmett and Rose. After sharing our concerns with them, they both agreed with me that N'essie might get more out of a Federation school aboard a starship. Bella was still unconvinced, afraid that N'essie would interpret our decision to have her spend time with Charanel would be us abandoning her.
Rose, Emmett and their children left the day before we were to depart for the Imperial City. They received orders from Galaxy Fleet to assist in an outbreak of L'Davian flu on Rigel VII. We left the following day, no closer to a decision about N'essie and growing concern about Marcusi. He had ignored our communiqués since that day we told him about Caius. We knew it would be a matter of time before he got over the news, but we were still concerned.
Once we got back to the palace, Charanel contacted us and said that he was three days away. Charel worked on finishing up packing. Riannelle helped her brother. They were close and his impending departure was causing her distress. N'essie was also helping Charel pack his belongings, asking him a million and one questions about the academy. Upon hearing her insistent questions, Bella and I decided that it would be beneficial for her to spend a year on the Cigno. Charanel, Elizabeth and the countless Galaxy Fleet officers would give N'essie an education she would not soon forget and one that would pique her intellect.
Three days flew by and before we knew it, Captain Charanel beamed down to the Imperial Palace. Elizabeth and their three children, Isabella, Edward, and Nira'elle, beamed down as well, along with two other welcomed guests, Maralice and Jasper. My parents, who had retired to Port'ange'les, were also in the Imperial Palace, anxious to see their daughter, son-in-law and their gaggle of grandchildren. There were hugs, kisses and tears all around as we reconnected.
My parents took the younger kids to the newly opened children's museum while Charanel pulled me and Bella into my office. His expression was grim, a far cry from the laughing, jovial man who had beamed down in the throne room. "I've missed you both and this place," Charanel breathed, looking out the window. "This last mission prior to my promotion was …"
"What was wrong?" Bella asked, standing next to her brother.
"You know the peace treaty you signed with the Alliance?" Charanel questioned. "With the help of the Federation, we relocated all of the remaining Alphans. It was one of the first missions I was assigned to once I received my first deep space assignment. The doctors tried to help them with their radiation poisoning, but it was to no avail. We just found out that the Alphans are officially extinct. Additionally, the Alliance has completely crumbled. The Remans have shut their borders, becoming completely xenophobic. However, I was on one of the first ships that came to check on the distress call sent out by the Alphan colony. They were all dead, almost disintegrating before our eyes. It was one of the most horrific things I'd seen."
"All of the Alphans are dead?" I muttered.
"Yes," Charanel answered. "They were decaying where they lay. It was so sad."
"In a way, I'm sad, too. The Alphans were just pawns in the whole Alliance struggle," Bella sighed. "The Remans pushed them too far, too fast and it ended up killing them. However, I'm glad that it's truly over. Despite the peace treaty and the relocation of the Alphans, I was always afraid that they would want to finish what they started so long ago."
"Even with all of the help of Galaxy Fleet Medical and all of their advancements in radiation poisoning, the cellular decay was too great. The doctors helped prolong their lives, but in reality, it just made their suffering that much worse," Charanel said, taking my mate into his arms. "Regardless of that outcome, I'm happy to be home and with my family for a few days before I take my nephew back to Earth so he can start his own Galaxy Fleet adventure."
"He's very excited," Bella said. "I don't want him to go, but every child needs to leave the nest."
"You felt the same way when I went away to the academy," Charanel snickered, walking to the couch and sitting down. "N'essie, though, told me that she is in deep trouble for cheating? What happened?"
"That girl is going to give me grey hair," I grumbled. I looked at Charanel and he hadn't aged a bit. His physique was sculpted and chiseled, but he still looked like the man I met twenty-five years ago, but his eyes held a sparkle - the man who was developmentally delayed and couldn't function without the help of Maralice or Nirabelle. Now, he was a captain of the fastest ship in the fleet, making every one of us so proud. "Anyhow, after a long discussion, we'd like to have N'essie spend some time with you and Elizabeth aboard the Cigno. I know that you are able to bring families along with you and that you have a school."
"We'd love to have her. N'essie will get an amazing education. She also complained about how everything was too easy at school," Charanel chuckled. "We're going on an extended mission after we return to Earth. We'll be charting and exploring a distant portion of the Arugulis sector. We will be back in a little over a year. Will N'essie be able to handle being separated from you for that long?"
"The Arugulis sector is a four month journey from here?" I asked. Charanel nodded. "Worse comes to worse, we could take the Cygnarus out of mothballs and come get her. Though, I doubt we will. N'essie has expressed an interest in joining Galaxy Fleet."
"She told me that, too," Charanel snorted.
"What hasn't she told you?" I laughed.
"What can I say? I'm the cool uncle," he bellowed.
xx STAR CROSSED xx
One Year Later …
Charel was enrolled in Galaxy Fleet Academy. N'essie eagerly stayed with Uncle Charanel and Aunt Elizabeth while Riannelle enrolled in university on Forx. Maralice and Jasper officially decided to leave Galaxy Fleet and retired to Ch'ich, purchasing a cottage next to Rosalie and Emmett's vacation home. Lianel and Norelle were starting school in a few months, finally able to attend the primary school.
The year went by slowly while Charel attended Galaxy Fleet Academy. Every couple of weeks we'd hear from him and from N'essie via subspace communications. It wasn't the same as having them both under our roof, but we knew they were safe, happy and healthy.
Thankfully, N'essie got her head on straight and found her niche in the world. She loved medicine. She worked with the nurses and doctors aboard the Cigno, making the decision to enroll in Galaxy Fleet Medical School on the Solari home world once she finished her academy training. It gave her a renewed purpose and focus for when she returned to Forx. We also decided to get her private, advanced tutors once she got back home. The sooner she completed her studies, the faster she'd begin her medical career.
On its way back from the Arugulis sector, the Cigno picked up Charel and ferried him back to Forx. My son brought along his roommate, a human named William, since his parents had died in the Dominion War. They had become close friends since they were both first year cadets that were older than the usual students. William had to work his way through his schooling since he was doing everything on his own and Charel had been adamant on completing his schooling on Forx before starting his Galaxy Fleet career.
Bella was pacing the throne room, anxious to see her two absent children. She hated being so far away from both of them, but understood why Charel wanted to serve the Federation and our need to help N'essie with the help of the 'cool uncle.' "Bella, relax. Charanel contacted us and they are a few hours away. Are you going to pace for a few hours?"
"Maybe," she said, twisting her diamond ring that I had given her in Seattle. "I just miss my babies."
"I've missed them, too," I said, taking her hand and guiding her to my throne. I held her on my lap, kissing her neck. Her body shuddered when my lips came in contact with her skin. We could enjoy some time to ourselves, Bella. Practice making more babies.
"Stop," she said breathlessly, glaring at me but the fire behind her eyes was unmistakable. How do you know how to make me unbelievably turned on with one look, one touch?
"It's a gift," I snickered, maneuvering her on my lap so I could kiss her freely. However, our brief make out session was interrupted by the giggles and laughter of Lianel and Norelle, running in from their day at school. Our oldest daughter was following behind them along with her handmaiden, Jerasse's daughter, Melora, who had been born a few months prior to Riannelle. It was a welcome distraction since I was moments away from dragging my mate to our quarters and spending the next few hours worshipping her body. We'd only grown more insatiable for each other as the years went by. Bella, however, was back on the contraceptive medication since carrying twins had wreaked havoc on her body. If we wanted more children, it would have to wait a couple of years.
We weren't discounting having more, but right now we were happy with our family and having them all under the same roof.
Lianel, Norelle and I played on the grounds of the palace while Bella and Riannelle sat in the sun. It was an idyllic moment, happy and amazing. Time seemed to fly by as we spent time bonding as a family. Before I knew it, my communicator was chirping and Charanel was contacting me. Bella heard the chirp of my communicator, running to me and swiping the brooch from my shirt. She began yammering to her brother while I tried to calm down my twins, who were excited to see their uncle and older siblings. However, my mate was more excited than both of them combined. I could feel her excitement and joy at being reunited with Charel and N'essie after being separated for a little over a year.
Within an hour, we were all waiting in the throne room. Bella was practically vibrating with anticipation while Lianel and Norelle were skipping around their older sister. Riannelle was smiling at her younger siblings indulgently, but was just as excited to see her older brother and younger sister. The familiar glow of the transporter lit up the throne room with five transporter beams. Once their patterns solidified, Bella was rushing to Charel and N'essie, pulling them into her arms. She was crying with joy, kissing them happily and prattling in Cygnarian how much she loved them and missed them.
However, it was the jolt I felt in my heart that caught my attention. I looked at my oldest daughter. Her eyes were wide as she looked at the tall, fit, dark-haired man that had beamed down with our family. I presumed it was William, Charel's roommate. He dropped his bag and started walking toward her. The lust emanating from both of them was filling the room. Riannelle's spots were glowing brilliantly as she floated toward the young man who was seemingly her imprint.
"William?" I smiled, holding out my hand. "Welcome to Forx, son!"
He blinked, his trance breaking. "Emperor Cullen, it's an honor to meet you," he said, shaking my hand. He looked over my shoulder at my daughter. Elizabeth and Charanel were whispering to her, explaining what was happening to her. He gulped, looking back at me. "Thank you for opening up your home to me during our vacation."
"It's nothing, William," I said, taking him outside and guiding him to the old playground that had been designed for Charanel. We sat down on a bench. "Please, call me Edward."
"It might take time, sir," he chuckled nervously. "You're a bit of a legend at Galaxy Fleet Headquarters and one of the many reasons why I joined." He gulped again, looking back toward the palace. "Um, sir, this may sound strange, but why can I hear your oldest daughter's voice in my head?"
"Did Charel tell you about the phenomenon of imprinting?" I asked.
"Briefly. He said that he has a mate here on the planet, but that they haven't met yet since it would begin the mating bond," William said, squirming in his seat. "Wait a minute. Are you saying …?"
"It would appear so," I said, snickering quietly. "Welcome to the family, William."
He blushed, his violet eyes glowing brightly, obviously reacting to Riannelle and her need to complete the mating bond. "It's completely overwhelming, sir."
"Describe what you're feeling, William," I murmured. He went on to describe exactly what I felt when I first saw Bella on the view screen almost twenty-seven years ago. Riannelle and William were te'atée imprinted mates. The strongest bond between two people in all of Cygnari society. Bella, we've adopted a new son, I thought to my love.
I know. I felt it. It hit me like a ton of rocks, she said, her voice happy and wistful at the same time. We'll have to begin planning a mating ceremony, ti'ane. The sooner the better. Riannelle is feeling the te'atée bond. She wants nothing more than to kiss William and … She trailed off and her imagination taking over.
I wrinkled my nose. Ugh, I don't need to imagine my DAUGHTER doing that. I'm scarred, Bella. Scarred!
"So, let me get this straight. Riannelle and I are destined to be together?" William asked, breaking my conversation with Bella. "She's my mate?"
"She's your te'atée mate," I said. "It's far rarer than traditional imprinting. Riannelle's mother and I, we are also te'atée mates. Our connection was explosive and the need to bond was overwhelming. Within three weeks of meeting face-to-face, we had our mating ceremony. That was twenty-seven years ago and our connection has only grown since then. The love I feel for her – it's indescribable, honestly. Right now, you're experiencing the chemical reaction of that bond, but you will need to be mated soon."
"Oh, God," he whimpered, thrusting his hands into his hair. "What about Galaxy Fleet?"
"You can still be a functioning member of Galaxy Fleet and be mated," I snorted. "Look at Captain Charanel. He's mated to my sister. I know it seems sudden and overwhelming and exciting, but in time, it's the most wonderful feeling in the world. I wouldn't trade it for anything."
"I can understand that," William murmured, smiling softly. "Can … can I talk to her?"
"You can, but you must not kiss. That truly initiates the mating bond," I explained, guiding him back to the throne room. Riannelle was sitting on her mother's throne, speaking quietly to Bella and sharing her joy at finding her mate. William and I stopped at the edge of the raised dais of the thrones. Riannelle looked up, her spots glowing brightly and her face lighting up with love for the young man standing in front of her. "This is William, Riannelle."
"He's my roommate," Charel said, walking over to his friend, draping his arm over his shoulders. "And apparently, your mate."
They stared at each other for an age, seemingly communicating mentally. Riannelle stood up, gliding down to him and taking his hand. She pressed it to her cheek. "Ti'ane," she whispered.
"My love," William murmured back. They started to move forward, but we pulled them apart before they could kiss. Riannelle scowled as Bella guided her away along with N'essie and Elizabeth. Charel and Charanel helped William to the guest quarters while I wrangled the twins to be with Melora, Riannelle's handmaiden. She also acted as nanny for the twins.
Our happy reunion had turned into an interstellar match making fiasco. I was overjoyed that my daughter had found her mate and a te'atée mate at that, but it was sad at the same time. My little girl was now growing up, becoming a woman. Shaking my head, I walked into our suite and helped my own mate, sister and N'essie calm down Riannelle. She was desperate to begin the mating bond. My quiet, sweet daughter was infatuated and desperate for her imprint. Kunnan was called in and she was given a mild sedative. I carried her to her bedroom and we spoke to N'essie as she told us about her time aboard the Cigno. Our middle daughter was lost in the shuffle with all that happened and I felt overwhelmingly guilty, as did Bella.
While Riannelle slept, we spoke with N'essie and told her our plans for her. She readily agreed to work with a private tutor. Within two years, she'd be ready to attend the academy and then begin her medical training. As they were talking, Charel came in after he got William settled into the guest cottage on the far end of the palace. They would be sharing the cottage. William was sleeping at the moment, exhausted from the emotional excitement of the day and from the long journey from Earth.
For the first time in ages, we had a family dinner with everyone at the table. The only absence was William. He was still tired from his journey, supposedly. Bella had put in a call to Marcusi, asking him to come up to read their bond. He agreed to come up in a day with Didyme to reunite with our family. He'd been distant since we told him about Caius, but we'd slowly been healing our friendship. However, we needed to know if we had to begin planning a mating ceremony for William and Riannelle. Based on their behaviors, my guess was probably affirmative.
Marcusi and Didyme arrived early the next morning. We were all sitting down for our breakfast when they arrived. Riannelle was sitting in between Bella and Charel while William was across the table next to Charanel. Marcusi smirked and his eyes lit up excitedly. His reaction confirmed what we believed. They were truly te'atée mates and their mating ceremony would be planned almost immediately.
After breakfast, Charel took William on a tour of the Imperial City. N'essie, Riannelle and Elizabeth decided to go shopping while Charanel went up to the Cigno to oversee some repairs to the plasma reactors. Bella and I met with Marcusi in Bella's office, anxious to hear his interpretations of what he saw between Riannelle and William. I sat down on the couch. Bella decided to sit on my lap, twining her fingers with mine. "What's the verdict, Marcusi?" I asked.
"They are definitely bonded and almost as strongly as you two were," Marcusi said, sipping his tala root tea. "You need to arrange for the ceremony to happen quickly. William looked pale and he was forlorn from being so far away from his mate."
"How long, Marcusi?" Bella asked, her fingers gripping mine.
"A week, maybe two? If you don't do it before then, they will both start to fail," Marcusi said, smiling sadly at us.
"Then, it looks like we have a lot to do," I said, nodding determinedly. "Do you think that Maralice can help us? She pulled together our mating ceremony."
"I'll give her a call," Bella beamed, hopping up off my lap. She kissed Marcusi on the cheek, going to make her communiqués.
"You should give them an opportunity to get to know each other. Obviously, they will need to be supervised. Riannelle is very young, as is William. You and Bella met while you were older and could control your urges," Marcusi said. "I am happy for you. A new generation of Cygnarian royalty is coming into their own."
"Thank you, Marcusi. I can't believe that Riannelle has imprinted," I chuckled nervously.
"They grow up fast. It seems like yesterday that I was holding Riannelle in my arms as a baby," Marcusi said.
"Can you perform their mating ceremony, Marcusi?" I asked.
"I'd be honored, Emperor," Marcusi beamed. I hugged him tightly, happy that he would be there as my daughter would take the next step in her life.
xx STAR CROSSED xx
A week went by and William and Riannelle had chaperoned dates, getting to know one and another. Her mating ceremony was planned with the help of Elizabeth, Maralice and my mother. In addition to their dates, Riannelle was fitted for her mating ceremony dress, a beautiful replica of the gown that Bella wore at our mating ceremony. It was bittersweet seeing Riannelle wearing that dress. She looked gorgeous, as gorgeous as Bella did at our ceremony, but she would always be my little girl.
The morning of Riannelle's mating ceremony dawned rainy and dreary, but the promise of sun in the afternoon. I was getting dressed, feeling wistful about what was happening this afternoon. Bella walked up behind me, wrapping her arms around my waist. "You seem sad, ti'ane," she whispered, pressing her cheek between my shoulder blades.
"Not sad," I argued weakly.
Liar, Bella quipped. I turned around, giving Bella scowl. "I know that you are upset at the ceremony happening. It seemed like yesterday that she was running around like Norelle. Unlike Charel's imprint, we had no time to get used to the idea of them being mated. Now? We've pulled together a mating ceremony for Riannelle and William in just over week. We love our daughter, our children, but they are getting older. Charel will be mated in a couple of years. All of our children will find their happiness. This is the first one of at least five mating ceremonies."
"I just thought I'd have more time," I sighed. "I'm happy that Riannelle found someone who will love her as much as I love you, but she'll always be my little girl."
"As she will be mine, but now she belongs to another," Bella murmured, kissing my jaw. "But, we loved her first. We were there for all of her firsts – her first steps, her first words, her first smile – now, we will be there for her mating ceremony. We loved her first, but William will love her always."
"So will we," I breathed, kissing her sweet, pink lips. We kissed for a few more minutes before I was kicked out of the palace. I went to the guest cottage where William, Charel and Charanel were getting ready for the mating ceremony. William was nervously pacing the length of the guest cottage. I was familiar to what he was dealing with. After his thirteenth pass of the cottage, I ushered him outside.
"I'm so nervous, sir," William said, his eyes wide. "Excited, but nervous. It seems so fast, but I love her so much already."
"It's the wonderful thing about imprinting," I explained, rubbing his back. "Being a human mated to a Cygnarian – in your case, a half Cygnarian – it's overwhelming. When I first heard Bella's voice in my head …"
"Bella?" William asked, smirking.
"Empress Nirabelle's nickname. She asked me to call her that," I blushed, my ears becoming hot. "Anyway, when I first heard her in my head, I thought I was going crazy. Then, I realized that it was her and my heart took off. I knew I had to do everything to protect her, love her, mate with her."
"Captain Charanel said that what we experienced was a hundred times deeper than what a normal Cygnarian feels?" William murmured, rubbing his heart.
"Our connection with our mates goes deeper inside. Even though Bella is in the center of the palace, I can feel her, in here. Her voice is ringing clearly in my head. I can feel the love she has for me, surrounding me like a warm bubble of happiness," I breathed. I adore you, my only love.
I know you do. I can feel it, she purred back. I love you so much, Edward. Ti-ane mahnu te-atée sa-ahari. I can't tell you enough what you mean to me.
"You're speaking to her, aren't you?" William asked.
"I just had to tell her that I adored her with all of my heart," I said, my smile widening. "What we're experiencing is very rare. Your connection, being a te'atée mate, has only happened three times before. That's why we rallied to pull together this ceremony for you. I know that you are struggling."
"It's like I can't breathe. Touching her, holding her hand, it helps, but …" he trailed off.
"I understand, but as her father, I'm struggling with knowing what will happen tonight," I snorted.
"Oh! I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to … Shit! You must hate me," he grumbled, thrusting his hands into his hair, only to find the circlet atop his head. He tugged it out, letting it dangle between his fingers.
"Relax, William," I chuckled, rubbing his back.
"Liam. My family used to call me Liam," he said, looking up at me sheepishly. "Not that I have much family left."
"Liam, you're a part of our family," I replied, moving closer to him. "I know that your parents died in the Dominion War shortly after they had you. You stayed with the counselor until the ship you were aboard made it back to Earth. You lived with your grandparents until they died and then got yourself emancipated at the age of fifteen."
"My life sucked until I was able to join the academy," Liam snorted derisively. "Life on Earth isn't all roses and butterflies if you don't know the right people."
"Were you hurt?" I asked, saddened about Liam's life.
"A few times, but my landlord in Omaha took me under his wing to stop it," Liam shrugged. "It was his letter of recommendation that my enrolled into the academy where I met Charel and the rest is history."
"What happened to your landlord?" I asked.
"He died of a brain aneurysm. The medical facility didn't have the neurological implants that could save him. I held his hand while he struggled for his last breath," Liam smiled sadly. "He made me promise to go to the academy and make a better life for myself. I know I'm not great son-in-law material …"
"No, you are. You adore my daughter and that's all I ask," I said, taking his hand. "I know that you came into our lives a week ago, but you are now a part of our family, Liam. Until you die, you will be mated to Riannelle and loved by everyone in her family, including me." Liam bit back tears, throwing his arms around my neck. I didn't know the pain he endured, but I could be a father figure to him.
"Papa? We're getting ready to head down to the sanctuary," Charel said. My son's brow furrowed and he pushed a thought to me. He needed that, Papa. It's been too long since he's felt a father's love. I'm willing to share.
Charel and I were able to converse mentally, but it was a lot of work for the both of us. It was due in part to him being our first born of a te'atée bonded couple. It was something special that we were able to share. Only I could speak to him and him to me.
I released Liam, wiping his face. "Let's get you cleaned up and get you mated to Riannelle. The first kiss will seal your bond."
"I can't wait," he breathed.
The ceremony itself was attended by all of the Assembly of Nobles, their families and nearby Federation dignitaries. I waited for Riannelle in the small tent at the entrance to the forest where the sanctuary was located. My daughter and Bella arrived. N'essie was standing as Riannelle's witness. They were all dressed in shades of blue. Tears pricked my eyes when I saw how much Riannelle looked like Bella on our mating ceremony day. Bella stood by me, holding my hand as I tried to get my emotions under control. When Maralice informed us that it was time, Bella and I stood on either side of Riannelle, guiding her down the aisle to be mated with Liam.
I couldn't tell you what happened at the ceremony. The only thing I knew for certain was when Riannelle and Liam kissed, her spots glowed the most brilliant white, enfolding both of them in warmth. They ran down the aisle, taking a few moments to lose themselves in their love before the official holos were taken.
My parents came up to us, happiness pouring off them. My mom hugged Bella, caressing her hair and murmuring quietly. Dad gave me a wry grin. "It's hard, isn't it?"
"I had no idea," I laughed nervously. "But, I'm happy for them. Liam is a good man and will take care of Riannelle."
"Just wait until you start having grandchildren," Dad snickered. "Then it will really be a shock to your system."
"Fuck," I moaned quietly, my eyes widening.
Now would not be an appropriate time to do that, ti'ane, Bella giggled mentally. "Carlisle, Riannelle is on the contraceptive medication so she could focus on her studies. It'll be a while before she will have children."
Oh, thank GOD! I mentally screamed. Bella gave me a secretive grin, wrapping her arms around my waist. I kissed her temple. "We probably should head to the palace and check to see if the reception is ready."
Walking back to the throne room, which had been completely redecorated for the reception for Riannelle and Liam, we made sure that the meals were prepared and the final details attended to. The guests arrived, with Riannelle and Liam seated on the raised dais in the center of the room, just in front of the thrones where Bella and I were seated. Our other children were on either side, at elegantly appointed tables. Charel was taking care of Lianel while N'essie was helping Norelle. Our two youngest children were staying through the nari cake dessert and Melora would help them to bed. Norelle was okay with it, but Lianel wanted to dance. He loved dancing and did his own variation of it as often as he could.
My youngest son had two left feet.
Dinner was served and we all stuffed ourselves with the delicious Cygnari cuisine, with a few Terran dishes thrown in for Liam. Riannelle was adamant on including his favorite foods. Bella and Maralice eagerly complied, knowing that I still struggled with some Cygnari dishes and I'd lived on the planet for over a quarter of a century. Their food was too spicy and my human stomach had a hard time digesting it.
After dinner, Riannelle and Liam cut the cake, sharing a human custom of feeding each other tiny morsels of the nari cake. When Liam teased Riannelle, her spots glowed purple and I bit back a growl. "She's mated, Edward. It's inevitable," Bella snickered.
"I know, I know," I snarled. "It doesn't mean I have to like it." They finished feeding each other the cake. It was whisked away and they smoothly glided out to the center of the dance floor. Another human custom that my mate had insisted on, dancing at the reception. I was glad for that. It meant that they had to keep their distance just a few hours longer before …
Don't focus on that, Edward. You'll never want to have sex again, I grumbled to myself. Bella snickered next to me, moving to stand in front of me. I slid my arms around her waist, gazing at my daughter dance in the arms of her beloved.
"It appears we've come full circle, ti'ane," Bella murmured as we watched our daughter dance with her new te'atée mate. She was glowing ethereally, smiling happily at Liam. They were in so much love, happy and complete. "Who would have thought that Charel bringing home his roommate would end up with another te'atée imprinting?"
I tightened my arms around her waist, nuzzling her neck. "It was destined, Fíorghrá," I whispered. "Just like us, they were star crossed lovers who wouldn't let the light years keep them apart."
"Star crossed lovers?" Bella asked, turning in my arms. She was smiling adoringly up at me.
"Like us," I smiled, my finger trailing down her spots. She purred and shuddered in my arms. I lifted her chin up gently, dropping a tender kiss to her waiting lips. She eagerly returned my kiss, sliding her tongue into my mouth. "I pray that Liam and Riannelle will have an ounce of the happiness that we share, my love."
Seeing them together, looking at each other like we do, I know they will, Bella thought to me, her fingers tangling in my hair. "They may be star crossed lovers, but we were the first. You are my ti'ane, forever and always."
"We were the first star crossed te'atée lovers and our love will transcend the stars, my Fíorghrá," I smiled. We kissed again, turning back to the young couple that affirmed their love in front of our friends and family. I held my mate closely, knowing that we got our happily ever after, as will our children.
Because our fate was destined and our paths had crossed, among the stars.
Fin