They stopped for the night. Gamor built a small fire with his hands, but it wasn't very good. Andalites were never good with their clumsy hands.
The night wasn't very cold, which was a good thing since the princess was accustomed to her bed with covers. The moons were all shining brightly and the few stars that could be seen accented the sky's beauty.
Gamor? Aimale asked suddenly as they lay there under the dark blanket of atmosphere.
Yes, princess?
Please, call me Aimale. Do you think I'm beautiful? The question was a test. If he said yes, he was just like any other Andalite male that was interested in her. If he said no, it was negotiable. And if he said that it didn't matter, then she would know if she was truly in love or if it was an odd attraction of some kind.
Yes, prin- excuse me, Aimale.
Disappointed, the princess closed her eyes and wished he had responded in another way. I see.
You are equally inwardly and outwardly beautiful. I do not know you, but I see in your eyes that you are the kindest soul to walk this world.
Aimale smiled inwardly. Maybe this was love! Maybe it was meant to be! Maybe…
Then we shall never return to my palace, she said.
Pardon? Gamor sat up and looked at her in surprise.
No, we shall never return, she said. I have found all I need to find. You are beautiful, too, Gamor. You are the most beautiful creature I've ever seen, both of this world and not. You will make a fine husband.
I will, he replied. I can make you happy, and I would. If only I could. We could never-
I am the princess, I will have what I want, she replied. Then, softer, …and I want you.
~*~
Days later, King Monaro-Sajaku-Sulthrol wondered at where his only daughter might be. He called his son Amron to him.
Yes, father, Amron said. I received a message that you requested an audience with me?
Yes. Do you have news of Aimale?
No, father.
She has been gone for some time now. I want you to find her.
Amron looked up in surprise. Father? I belong on the battlefield. I am a war prince. Place me in a fighter ship against an army of Yeerks and I will succeed, but how could you place me on my hooves to run a useless errand?
Useless? Do you consider the jewel of all creatures useless?
Of course not, father. All I mean is, I am not talented at scouting. You may use a servant for that. But me… I couldn't do it. I need to fight.
You will. I suspect that she has been abducted. I want her to return to me unharmed. You'll understand if I send you now?
Yes, father. I will do as you ask.
Good, then. Begin at Pumi. I have a great suspicion that something lurks there that does not belong. Kill whoever has her.
Yes, father.
~*~
Gamor and Aimale walked peacefully through the open pasture, smiling at each other through their eyes and loving the moment together. Gamor's parents had been thrilled at the news that they were getting married. However, they were a little disappointed that Aimale was not returning home, so Gamor would never be a king. But still they were happy that their son had found such happiness, and grateful for a beautiful daughter-in-law.
Suddenly, out sprang Amron. He leapt onto Gamor and was about to kill him when Aimale charged at him and knocked Amron off of Gamor. They ended up as a heap on the grass.
Aimale! Amron snapped. What are you doing??
I have mind to ask you the same! she replied. How could you… what is this?
I was sent to kill him.
You wouldn't dare! I love him dearly, and if you touch him-
Amron kicked her away and went back to battle Gamor. By this time he'd stood and gotten ready for a fight that he knew he'd loose. After all, Amron was a trained war prince, and he had no hope to win this fight. But he still would, he would die for his Aimale.
They began tail-blade-to-tail-blade, and in the same instant whipped them back into fighting stance. Gamor struck, but Amron had been well prepared. He dodged it and sliced a clean cut through Gamor's leg. It fell.
Aimale wailed out in sorrow. This had to stop!
She ran in between them and struck at her brother. He responded by striking himself, and neatly sliced her tail off.
Returning his attention to where it belonged, Amron faced Gamor and cut his throat before he had the chance to respond.
Aimale wailed once again and fell to the ground, devastated. Gamor's death was more painful than her own shame at loosing her tail blade. She watched in horror as he fell to the ground, defeated. He never really even had much of a chance. Amron was far too good… too trained. Gamor had never been violent. The few days she'd been with him she learned a lot about him. But it hardly seemed to matter anymore… he was dead. This was the end.
How dare you! she said. You shame your sister! Royalty! And then you kill the innocent without so much as an explanation!
It was orders, he replied. As for you, young sister, you deserved the shame that you have received. How dare you interfere with my royal orders! Don't talk to me about royalty, I'm twice as much as you will ever be!
You… you horrible creature! Taking lives… you're addicted to it! I don't know why father encourages you!
It brings victory, Amron replied. The Andalites need victory. Now get up, let's go home.
I will go nowhere with you! she spat. Have I experienced the greatest paradise I will ever feel, fallen into a deep love and strayed into a dream, only to stand at last amazed at my own brother's strength and skill at murdering loved ones? You-
I told you to get up. Now do so.
I will not! Never!
Amron kicked her hard with one of his legs. I will beat you to death if you refuse to cooperate! Now stand!
I will lay here forever, in endless sorrow. If you do not kill me first.
I hold no pity for you, sister. This is your last chance. Arise.
Aimale closed her four deep green eyes. Do what you must, and I will do what I must.
Amron glared at her, frustrated. Fine, then! Lay here forever and wallow in self pity, instead of going back to a palace filled with precious gems and a family that loves you! With that, he turned his back on her and left.
And Aimale still lays in a remote area somewhere, crying in endless sorrow…