A/N: I just realised you probably don't know what the first part of this story's summary is talking about. Well, it refers to the latter part of this story, somewhat of a different plot to the whole 'Elizabeth has to marry Briego' thing. But it does involve the Kiestans and yes, it takes place on Atlantis.

Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Chapter 3: Wish You Were Here

XXXXXXXXXX

'I want to go back,' John said, staring at the group gathered in the briefing room, daring anyone to challenge him. 'We can't leave Elizabeth there.'

'We agree, Major, but without a plan, it is risky.' Teyla was the voice of reason, as always, slipping into her natural leader's mode while John was so clearly incapable of thinking rationally. 'She would be guarded heavily, no doubt. If we are seen, after being warned not to return, she may be killed as-'

'Briego's trying to fulfil an ancient prophecy by marrying her. I don't think he'll go and have her killed-'

'Do not think you are the only one who cares for Dr. Weir,' Teyla snapped, her calm front giving way to the fear beneath. 'Are you willing to take that chance? Because I believe I am right when I say that none of us are.'

A quick glance around told John that Rodney, Aiden, Carson and Bates all agreed with Teyla, even though they remained stonily silent.

'No, I don't,' John muttered in defeat. His right leg was pumping up and down beneath the table, a nervous habit. 'I'm just scared for her.'

Teyla's harsh expression softened considerably and she reached over to squeeze his hand gently.

'We all are. But until we are sure of how we are able to reach her safely, I do not believe it is a good idea to visit Kiseta just yet.'

'What's this prophecy about, anyway?' Bates asked, frowning, but not the least bit fazed by the current emotional state of the group.

'There wasn't time for Syrella to elaborate,' Aiden said. 'But I hope-' He broke off, seeming horrified that he'd almost voiced that particular thought. Whatever it was, he didn't look as though he intended on finishing it.

'Hope what, Ford?' Rodney demanded, curious at the younger man's obvious discomfort.

'Tell us,' John said in a tired but firm tone. He too was wondering about what Aiden had been close to revealing.

'I hope,' Aiden began reluctantly, 'that to fulfil this prophecy'- he made quotation marks in the air- 'Dr. Weir doesn't have to . . . give Briego a kid.'

'Aiden!' Carson exclaimed, shocked by the idea.

Rodney had made a strangled sort of gasp which he quickly pretended hadn't come from him. Teyla and Bates sat, carefully expressionless, a skill both had in common. John looked sickened and he stood up abruptly, hands clenched by his side while Aiden watched him nervously.

'I don't even want to think about that possibility. We just need to get Elizabeth back as soon as we can.'

He stalked out, all too aware of their eyes on his back until he'd finally strode out of their line of sight. To imagine her in bed with that man, forced to bear him a child… he half-ran to the balcony, in desperate need of cold air to calm him down. Gripping the railing tightly, he fought the urge to empty the contents of his stomach. He hated her for putting herself in the position she was in, unfair as the thought was.

John didn't move until night fell and goosebumps skated up his arms. It was then he noticed no one had dared disturb him.

XXXXXXXXXX

The air was sweet, refreshing after her latest stay in that sticky room. Elizabeth tipped her head back to allow the sun's rays to warm her face, eyes closed in pleasure. She wanted to savour this moment while it lasted, before she was locked in her living quarters again. Apart from her visits to the dining room for meals, she was never allowed out and this opportunity to spend time outside had only arisen because of Syrella. The woman sat beside Elizabeth on the smooth lawn, immersed in her stitching. If Syrella hadn't pleaded with her father, Elizabeth was sure she would have been kept inside until she became Briego's bride and maybe even after. Something she still shuddered at.

'Are you happy out here?'

Elizabeth threw Syrella one of the first true smiles she's given in two days.

'Yes. Thank you.'

'I am glad. You do know that in three days, the moon will be full.'

Her smile fading, Elizabeth plucked a blade of grass, turning it between her fingers. It fluttered in the breeze, but she held on.

'I do. I can't say it doesn't terrify me.'

Syrella pushed her needle through her work, keeping it firmly in place for future use. Moving it aside, she watched Elizabeth fiddle with the grass.

'I am sorry there is nothing I can do to stop your marriage. Briego and my father are stubborn. They are intent on seeing it through, because of the prophecy.'

'What prophecy?' Elizabeth asked.

Looking unsure, Syrella didn't speak for a moment.

'Many years ago, my father's grandfather was told of a prediction, if you will, of a major event to happen on Kiseta. It said that 'one of our own' would marry a woman from the city of the Ancestors, a woman who would be the leader of a group who would arrive after the Ancestors had left. Or rather, it held a choice: if the marriage was to take place or at least if the bonding chains were worn'- she touched the silver bracelet on Elizabeth's arm- 'Kiseta would experience a great rise in influence and power among all those in the galaxy. But if no marriage was arranged, nothing would change.'

'And your family assumed it was me the prophecy spoke of,' Elizabeth said slowly. 'How can they be sure?'

'They cannot. But you fit the description, strong-willed, fiercely protective of those she loves, and that is enough for them. I believe you are the one too. However, the prophecy also said the first choice would lead to a harsh lesson being learnt and I fear by choosing this path, my family is leading Kiseta to its downfall.'

Elizabeth was strangely fascinated by this revelation. Now she knew the reason Briego had insisted she marry him. It wasn't for some indecent purpose, but so that his people would be recognised throughout the Pegasus Galaxy, though she didn't see how that worked out. She began to ask Syrella another question, when a familiar face caught her eye. Standing next to Korai by the house was Kolya, of the Genii.

'What's he doing here?' Elizabeth hissed. 'Are your people allies of the Genii?'

Syrella surveyed the man thoughtfully.

'If we are, I was not aware of it.'

Elizabeth lapsed into silence, looking back defiantly as Kolya gave her an exaggerated wave, obviously mocking her current situation.

'They are enemies of ours. Whatever your father and Kolya are discussing, I suspect it is do with my people.'

Not for the first time since her team had left, Elizabeth prayed they were safe and doing okay without her. She hoped against hope that they weren't planning a rescue mission because with the Genii now in the picture, she sensed it would only lead to trouble. A lot of it.