A/N Lonzy/Jem next followed by idk what :P the final couple count is 75- meaning another 24 to go :P and that's just het couples! o.O anyway on to the story! R&R Enjoy

I've never met him, never seen his face, never heard his voice; I know nothing about him. And yet somehow I manage to be hopelessly in love with him. I can imagine him perfectly and he's everything I want. At least I hope he is. Most queens would be horrified at the idea of an arranged mate but somehow I know everything will work out. I hope. I hope, I hope, I hope.

"Cass, what are you doing out here? They'll be here any moment!" My guard stands behind me, speaking as if I'm his best friend. Alonzo has always been my favorite companion and I tell him everything, and now is no exception.

"What if he doesn't like me? Or what if he's horrible?" I cling to him desperately, sudden fear attacking my resolve.

"Just smile and pretend it's alright, and everything will be. Now let's go!" He grabs my paw, pulling me behind him down to the clearing, in a most undignified manner. Stopping abruptly we let's go, ushering me forward to stand behind my father Deuteronomy.

I take a deep breath as I hear the gates to the junkyard scream open. Bringing a bright smile to my face I wait and watch, trying not to shake with impatience. And then he's there, at the end of the procession, the last to enter. The Stray Prince.

His fur is neatly brushed, and he wears a silver collar with a black emblem. It matches his striking fur, and serious face. When he speaks it is soft yet commanding and I'm drawn to the sound. He's better than what I imagined.

"Munkustrap…" the name sounds harsh and imposing when I say it, but has a completely different sound with a whisper. I bow low at his approach, and look up to see him smile. He takes my paw and kisses it quickly. I look away.

They all fall in step behind Munk and my father, heading towards the larger clearing for the celebration. My Mating. Everlasting Cat, how strange a thought. I stare as they leave, unable to breathe. I race after him, thinking I'd follow him to the ends of the earth.

He talks quietly with my father, and I hear my name. He gives a half-smile glancing back at me, as I catch the words Deuteronomy mutters, "stunning and impossible". I blush, falling farther back.

"Alonzo! What do you think of him?"

My friendgives a non-commital shrug, "He seems well enough...Cassie-"

"What do you think he thinks of me? Only one way to find out isn't there? I'm so glad I don't have to fake a smile now!" I run forward again, slowing to a dignified pace before speaking up. I look directly at Munnk's deep green eyes, smirking.

"Would you care to dance?" I audaciously hold out my paw, waiting.

"Certainly." Munk stands lithely and leads me to the dance floor. He moves with slow but easy movements, nothing impressive, but graceful all the same.

"It's not exactly my place to say…but I'm glad for this alliance."

"Really? And what makes you say that? Not many would be happy to be put in your situation." He sounds concerned yet relieved, a swift change from the confident Prince.

I frown slightly, trying to think of how to explain it. I certainly can't say I love him…because as much as I want to, as much as I hoped it wouldn't be true, he's still a stranger to me. A kind, handsome, wonderful stranger, it's true. And someone that obviously cares about my happiness if he asks questions like that. And I'm dying to get to know him...but for now I settle on answering him.

"Well…by becoming your mate, I keep my people safer; guarantee them stability and a strong leader…and I'm pleased to help even in that small way."

Now he really grins. "You're as brilliant as you are beautiful."

I laugh happily thinking, this is someone I could fall for.