5:00 pm
After the lengthy meeting, the council and military leaders filed out of the room. A mix of satisfaction and grumbling could be seen from the men and women leaving. Cyborg and Beast Boy sat back eyeing the Prince who had his arm curled around Starfire's waist.
There was nothing on this guy's record, but I guess we can't account for character in official files. Cyborg grit his teeth. I should've known. He turned his gaze to Nightwing. He had gotten to watch him grow over the years and sharpen his skills and instincts. Still, it's annoying when he's right. Seeing his leader's intuition in action is always astounding, no matter how the evidence piles up otherwise he is somehow always right.
"Nightwing." Said man tore his eyes from his former partner, giving his full attention to Cyborg. "Beast Boy has something he needs to report." The slight wandering of his eyes gave an indication to what it was about.
"Sure, let's get ready for the festival." The team rose from their seats, obvious tension among them. "Starefire," His breath hitched in his throat when her big green eyes turned to him. "We're going to get ready for the festival. We'll meet you there?" He couldn't help the soft smile that she brought out of him.
"Of course! Please save a dance for me, Nightwing." Prince Karras took her hand and guided her into his arms. She looked up at him questioning his actions and then noticed the highly annoyed look peeking through her friend's face.
"We must ready ourselves for the festival. We shall meet you there, Nightwing." The smirk on the prince's face really didn't sit right with him. "Allow me to escort you to your quarters, my dear." Her fingers relaxed against his chest causing a fire to rise within the young hero.
"Oh, okay. I suppose I shall meet you later." She waved a final goodbye to her friends before being whisked away. Richard watched her go and didn't look away until she had completely disappeared from view.
"What is it you need to report, Beast Boy?" A concerned look was exchanged between the boys.
"We should talk in private. Don't want anyone overhearing us. It could start something." Cyborg's words piqued an interest within him.
"Okay, let's go."
Koriand'r and Karras made their way to the Grand Ruler suite, stopping to greet anyone in the hallways. At the sight of her door the princess felt a small sense of relief go through her.
"Thank you for walking me to my room Prince Karras." She went to enter but was stopped by her companion. He pulled her hand to spin her around.
"Princess Koriand'r, I know it has been a while since we have known each other, but please allow me to assist you in serving our people. I understand it is our duty to be together, but we mustn't treat it as a prison sentence, rather as an opportunity to learn of a life-long partner." He didn't beg for the impossible or pressure her to be something more, he was willing to go into everything as partners and nothing more until she was ready.
"Thank you, Karras. As my betrothed you have my complete faith and loyalty, I expect the same from you. I wish to enter our union as any other couple would on our planet. I do hope to stray away from this idea that our marriage is strictly political. I have hopes of a true relationship blooming between us." Her hands crept to his shoulders, hope flooding her system. Maybe it was finally time for her to have the things she wanted, even if it wasn't with who she was expecting. "I shall meet you at the festival." She planted a light kiss on his cheek before disappearing behind her door. Karras watched her go, placing his fingertips where she had kissed.
"We have many things to discuss Taryia." The woman appeared from around the corner, eyeing her superior.
"I feel as though I know what you are going to say." She crossed her arms in front of her chest trying to hide herself as much as she could.
"Even still," He placed his arms around her and held her snugly. "Let's discuss things." He led her back to his room intent on having everything worked out tonight.
—
"What's this about?" Nightwing asked as he began unbuttoning his shirt. He hated wearing formal clothes and never got used to it even with so much time spent in the Wayne family.
"So when I was trying to find that prince guy I couldn't because everyone here has pretty similar features and I had never met him so I couldn't sniff him out." Beast Boy was rambling, moving his hands wildly in the air. Nightwing sent him an annoyed look urging him to get to the point. "Well I watched this couple in their room taking a bath together and they had just finished, ya know, doing stuff so I left really quickly after that."
"Beast Boy, please, what is the point of this?" Raven asked, clearly annoyed.
"IT WAS HIM! Prince Karras was the guy in the tub with the other chick all over her NAKED. Kissing all over her and everything! I didn't know it was him when I saw them because he was all wet so his hair isn't curly or anything. But he definitely had a notable freckle near his eyebrow and when I saw him at the meeting hall I KNEW his scent and his mark. It was him I swear!" Beast Boy was breathing heavily once he was finished. A deafening silence enveloped the team as they processed what was just said. Raven bit her lip as she looked at the dark haired boy.
Him being right about Karras doesn't mean I was wrong about his stupid feelings. I'm sure that won't even cross his mind now. A scowl made its way to the girl's face as she watched the wicked smirk spread across his face.
"I knew it." Slightly annoyed looks were exchanged between the other members. "We'll have to wait to tell Starfire. Today is about her and we can't, in good faith, cause a scene during the events of her coronation. Cyborg, are we okay to stay on Tameran for an extra few days?" The man in question contemplated this. They had a couple of honorary Titans cover Jump while they were away, but staying longer could be asking for too much.
"I can send a transmission to the Tower and have Aqualad and Speedy cover for us a while longer. If we're staying longer than two weeks we'll need to rotate some Titans for coverage." Cyborg was already submitting the transmission through the communicator in his arm, assuming the team would be here for the full two weeks.
"Perfect, that gives us enough time to be here for the post-coronation activities and several days after to get a chance to tell her. We will ride this out until she has been crowned and then find time later. Right now, let's change for the festival. She's waiting for us." It was like taking down an extra hard opponent but better. The satisfaction Nightwing felt in the moment compared to nothing else. I am always right.
—
6:00 pm
The festival was loud and bright. Tamaraneans from all over came to celebrate the coronation of the rightful heir to the throne. Live music was being played across the palace grounds and couples danced freely under the setting sun. Nightwing watched from above, settled on a large rock formation. He positions himself strategically to overlook the majority of the grounds and slightly into Starfire's suite. He could see Raven and Beast Boy walking around the crowds, stopping at trinkets being sold. Cyborg was chatting with Galfore near the entrance to the palace, waiting for their girl to arrive. The light in the Grand Ruler's suite had been off for quite some time now indicating that she would be making her appearance soon. As if on cue, the crowds erupted into joyous cheers as the door to the main entrance creaked open. Koriand'r entered the festivities with a huge smile on her face, which caused Nightwing to smile in return. She changed into a deep green two piece suit. The top was standard but deep green, covering her neck, no sleeves, and stopping just below her ribs. The shorts were high waisted and ended mid-thigh with a sheer silver skirt with an open front belted around her. Her thigh-high silver boots and arm bracers had purple gems embedded in them. The color inversion was rare and served to differentiate her among the crowd. She took flight, her skirt dancing behind her as she gently floated across the grounds hoping to see each and every individual there. Her hands reached down to graze across her friends fingertips as they cheered for her. Once her glowing green eyes found him, she raced over to him. Her hand was extended to him, as it was in many of their battles and practice routines, inviting him to take flight with her. A smirk spread across his face as he extended his arm directly above him, catching her forearm in his hand and holding tightly. Her speed increased as he found her other arm to brace himself with. Seeing the people celebrate her made him realize just how much she must appreciate being home. Their eyes shone with admiration and trust, the same as he did when he looked at her. How could he ever ask her to leave this behind?
"Come Richard, let us join my people in the celebration." She smiled down at him. Hearing his real name come from her so naturally brought a light tickle in his heart. She brought them down to the center of the crowd gathered at the main entrance. The people flooded to her side, excited to finally see her again after so long. She motioned for the music to continue, assuring her people that all was well and she, and her brother, would be here for the foreseeable future. Hearing it confirmed from her lips was like a sharp knife to the chest, no matter how happy he would be for her it still hurt seeing her go.
"Koriand'r" The princess turned, shocked at the voice of her former leader calling her by her true name. His hand was extended to her, a small smile on his face, invisible to everyone but her. "Would you like to dance?" If he couldn't be with her in the future, he would take advantage now. A furious blush spread across her cheeks before she quickly composed herself and took his hand. He pulled her into him, resting his hands on her waist while hers encircled his neck. Her waves contained in a high ponytail fluttered after her with every twirl they made. The little giggles that escaped her precious lips pulled at his heart and enclosed the world around them, all he could see was her. The softness of the festival lights bathed them, making them glow along with the stars. The lively music played by the native instruments of Tameran rang oddly in his ears, but he barely noticed.
"May I cut in?" Dick hadn't even noticed the man next to him until he spoke. Prince Karras appeared next to the couple, cutting in between them like an annoying child begging for their mothers attention. Nightwing gripped Starfire's waits firmly before faking a smile and passing her to him.
"No problem, we'll be waiting for you over there Star." He flashed her a reassuring look before resuming his emotional mask. I'll take this time to discuss some things with Galfore. The boy walked calmly towards his friends, being sure to check in on his partner often. If she were to emit any type of signal, he would be there in a second.
Starfire watched her friends retreating back, saddened at the loss of contact. She looked up at her new partner, his brown curls framed his face in an attractive way that brought out his green eyes. His smile was kind and soft, giving her a tiny sense of safety. She politely placed her hands on his shoulders, swaying in time with the music. She watched as her friend spoke to her caretaker and watched as they pulled him into the palace to talk.
"Koriand'r, you look as radiant as ever this evening. I do admire how your hair glows in the low light." He was so close she could feel his breath fan across her face.
"Thank you Karras. I appreciate your candor. I am most thankful you were able to attend. I understand you are still busy with the Southern State's preparation for the transition. There are many policies we must consider when merging our countries." She sounded so smart and sure of herself, he was impressed. For someone gone so long she had not forgotten a thing.
"Yes, that is true. We are mostly finished with any policy changes. All that is left is to announce them to the people, but they are fully aware of our union." A concerned look made its way to the Princess's face.
I wonder how our people really feel about being joined in this way.
"Are you certain? What proof do you have?" Galfore's voice boomed throughout the large room. Anger understandably emitting from his large form.
"My nose don't lie." Beast Boy said sadly.
"And what of Koriand'r? Have you told her?" His fatherly instinct were beginning to kick in.
"Not yet, we thought it best to wait until after the ceremonies." The older man nodded in agreement. It would be a disaster if the Grand Ruler were to lose her head.
"I do have one question. '' Galfore thought of his next words carefully. "What of you Nightwing? Did you think we would not notice your presence in Lady Koriand'r's room? Or her absence the night before you were to arrive?" Nightwing was taken aback, his breath hitched in his throat. The team looked at him questioningly.
"I-" He didn't expect to be exposed this way. "We are as much at fault as Karras." He balled his fists at his sides. He had never considered the political backlash she could face from their secret meetings. If the people find the ruling couple are a farce, it would bring an uproar from those against the union of the states. Nightwing was shaking with emotions at this point. He turned to Galfore and bowed deeply. "I deeply apologize. I didn't think about the consequences of my actions. I only wish for Koriand'r to be happy. I was being selfish." He grit his teeth. How could I be so careless? I should be protecting her, not causing problems.
"There is no harm done. We want the same things. Being selfish for the sake of another's happiness is not something I will punish. We must consider all options and decide on a course of action. I do agree this should be placed on hold until after the celebrations. For now, I must prepare for the feast. We shall be meeting in an hour at 9:00. We shall feast and then formally announce Koriand'r to the people as Grand Ruler at midnight." Galfore took his leave, no doubt going to catch a dance with Starfire before returning to his duties. Cyborg and Beast Boy exchanged mischievous grins before turning to face their leader, smug smiles filling their faces. Nightwing could tell the difference in Raven's emotionless stare, her own amusement glistening in her eyes.
"Shut up." He grit between his teeth, a small blush evident despite his mask. The boy's laugh echoed across the empty room. "Let's go before she starts to worry." He skulked out the door as the team followed light with a sense of small victory. Their leader does indeed feel embarrassment from time to time and it is often such a pleasure to see him this way.
