"I can't believe our children are married," Beka lifted her head from Tyr's shoulder to look up at him. They were swaying gently to the music being played at the reception.
The wedding ceremony had been short and simple. In the end, Alexandra had opted for less pomp and circumstance. The ceremony itself had been performed by one of Alexandra's colleagues from the university. Since Arktos had a large Nietzschean population, most marriages were approved by family and pride matriarchs and recorded. Human and other species in the Nietzschean Empire were allowed to follow whatever customs and traditions they desired. There was no registry for those marriages required within the Empire. Marriage, itself, was a private matter in the Empire, not an official governmental one. Any kind of contract or legal expectations related to a marriage had to be spelled out in official legal contracts and recorded with the appropriate authorities. Should Alexandra choose to take Kindred's name, official identification documents would need to be completed and recorded. At this point, it appeared that Alexandra would be keeping her own name.
"I never imagined my son and your children would meet and get to know one another," Tyr shook his head as he looked in the direction of his daughter and Beka's son. They were laughing and talking with their guests. "Your son and my daughter ever meeting never entered my thoughts as a possibility."
"Speaking of your son," Beka looked around the terrace. "I honestly believed he would put someone before himself and actually show up for the wedding."
"Beka," Tyr began in a resigned tone.
"Perhaps not having him here was a blessing," Beka continued when Tyr looked down at her. "Alexandra and Kindred were actually the focus of their wedding day instead of the Nietzschean Emperor. The universe works in mysterious ways."
"It does," Tyr leaned and brushed his lip lightly over Beka's. "Never in a million years, did I think you and I would ever be together."
"Neither did I," Beka murmured as she gazed into his eyes. Her lips pressed lightly back against his. "Remember the first time we danced?"
"I do," Tyr replied as the corners of his lips turned up into a smile. "It was right after a gigantic, mythical space creature tried to eat us - to some truly horrendous music supplied by Harper."
"It was so stiff and awkward," Beka laughed softly as she thought back to that time that seemed like a lifetime ago.
"It was," Tyr agreed as he though back to that time. It had surprised him when Beka had asked him to join her in a celebratory dance.
"Hey Anasazi," Leydon's voice broke into their conversation. The slow swaying stopped as both Tyr and Beka looked over at the intruder. Leydon gestured to Beka. "How about letting the father of the groom dance with the mother of the groom?"
Tyr looked to Beka who nodded.
"Thanks," Leydon slipped into Tyr's place as Tyr departed the dance floor.
"So," Leydon started as he slipped his hand to Beka's waist and took her hand in his. They started to sway to the music as Leydon looked around the dancefloor.
"So?" Beka asked as her eyes traveled around them as well.
"I get the feeling that this thing between you and Anasazi is working out for you," Leydon replied as he looked at her.
"It is," Beka replied as her eyes searched Leydon's. After twenty years of marriage is seemed odd to be talking to him about her new life and new husband.
"The two families seem to be getting along okay now," Leydon continued. "I would have thought after their first visit here that the Emperor would have no use for either of our children. Imagine my surprise that Tamerlane took time out of his busy schedule to come to my kid's wedding."
"What do you mean?" Beka stopped moving as she gave Leydon a questioning look. "Tamerlane didn't attend the wedding. And quite frankly I am relieved that he didn't show."
"He was here," Leydon gestured toward the upper level of the palace. "He didn't cause a commotion by actually coming to sit with the rest of the guests. But I am almost certain I saw him up on the upper balcony earlier this evening. Not to mention the increased security since yesterday."
"Increased security?" Beka looked around the area.
"You are getting sloppy in your retirement," Leydon replied as he started to turn them slowly when they started dancing once more. "When we got back from town last night, there were half a dozen extra guards on site. If it were for Tyr, it would have been in place the entire time we have been here. It wasn't."
"Not to mention," Leydon waited for Beka to look back at him. "Ter disappeared for about fifteen minutes last night. Left me sitting on the terrace all by myself. When she came back, she was vague about where she had been. Supposedly escorting guests to their rooms. I know when my daughter is leaving out information."
"Our daughter definitely leaves out information when it is beneficial to her," Beka replied as she looked around the dancefloor. Earlier she had seen Terra dancing with Nathaniel, Bart and several other young men. Terra appeared to be enjoying herself as she mingled with the crowd. Many of the younger people in attendance were friends and acquaintances from University. Now, Beka did not see her daughter anywhere. Then again, it was early in the reception and the terrace was filled with people celebrating Kindred and Alexandra's marriage. Beka could only assume the celebration would continue as long as the food appeared and the drinks flowed.
"So," Leydon's voice drew Beka's attention back to him. "Why don't you tell me all about my new daughter-in-law?"
Beka gazed up at Leydon for a long moment before beginning to tell him all the things she believed he needed to know about Alexandra.
