The halter style gown I chose for dinner was a mixture of silver chains and black lace. It was low cut in the back with a modest V-neck in the front, which exposed the silver chain of my moonstone necklace. The chain looked like it was part of the dress. The skirt was layers of diaphanous lace which skimmed the top of my shoes, with a short lining, so my legs were covered but visible. Jean-Luc asked Deanna Troi to help me style my hair; remember I live on a desert planet and most times wear a veil to protect my fair skin. My hair is usually in a sloppy bun under the veil, so I am not versed in current hairstyles. Deanna braided my hair in multiple plaits and then piled them into an intricate pattern on top of my head, she left a few small tendrils down in the back. She secured everything with small silver pins, which sparkled like stars in my reddish blond hair. Black sandals with a low kitten heel completed my look. I wore minimal make-up, which showed the sprinkling of freckles over my nose and cheeks.
Jean-Luc arrived to escort me to the dinner in his dress uniform. He looked so dashing and so uncomfortable, I suppressed a chuckle as I went into the hallway to join him for our walk.
"You look amazing." He breathed as I took his elbow.
"And you look very handsome," I replied as I gave him a quick peck on the cheek "and very uncomfortable," I whispered.
"Yes." He pulled at his collar, "you know how I hate this kind of thing."
"I know, but at least we will each have an interesting dinner companion," I winked.
"That we will."
It only took us a few minutes to arrive at the formal dining hall where the members of the conference and their staff (people like Tlok and I) were meeting for the formal dinner to kick off the conference. As we walked into the room Jean-Luc placed his hand on my back, steering me toward the windows where most of his command staff were standing. As I was giving Deanna a hug to thank her again for helping me with my hair that evening, I felt Spock enter the room. I mentally anchored myself to stay where I was, I found I was missing him, and that was certainly new and unexpected. I wanted to turn and see his reaction to my attire, to ascertain if he even noticed I was there. Spock and Jean-Luc instructed me to make sure I was noticed, drawing subtle attention to myself, it was a way of reading emotions without intruding on thoughts. A warm ripple ran down my spine, causing a small shutter, Spock noticed I was there. Jean-Luc touched my elbow.
"Excuse me for a moment, everyone, Grace would you care for a drink?"
"Carrot-orange juice," I replied. When he was far enough away, I would have to turn around, I did and called out to Jean-Luc. "On second thought, just water will be fine."
My gaze swept the room and locked on to Spock. He was about ten feet from me speaking to the Andorian Ambassador. He was mostly in profile from where I stood, looking so regal and handsome. My breath caught for a moment, at the realization that my feelings for Spock were changing. I forced myself to turn away. I should not get caught fawning over any male, though he was my mate, especially while I was 'dating' my former lover. Jean-Luc returned with our drinks as Tlok and the Federation Ambassador joined us.
"You look lovely this evening," Ambassador Riax exclaimed. Riax is a female trill with a male symbiont. She is more than my boss, she as one unit was more like a set of parents, though I am thirty now. The Ambassador has been in the Diplomatic Corp as long as I could remember. When I first met the Ambassador, I was only nine, Riax the symbiont was in a male host, Mejohm, who I called 'Uncle'. He raised me on Vulcan after my parent's died so I did not have to jet around the galaxy with Tessy. When I was about twenty, 'Uncle' died of natural causes and Riax joined to Lusu, who became the Federation Ambassador on Vulcan just a few years ago. Sometimes when we're alone I still call her 'Uncle'.
"Thank you, Ambassador," I nodded.
"You really are a human, under all those Vulcan layers you normally wear," Tlok added. I rolled my eyes at him. I was about to make a witty retort when the gong indicated it was time for guests to find their seats. It was arranged that I would be seated with Jean-Luc and his command staff, near the side of the room where I could survey almost everyone. Spock was seated across the room where I could see him when I looked up, but it would not be obvious I was glancing at him. While the first course was being served, Spock looked up at the same time and our eyes locked.
"You look beautiful this evening." Spock's voice echoed in my mind.
I blushed and looked away. Jean-Luc touched my hand.
"Are you okay?" he asked quietly.
"Yes, it is warm in here." I fanned my face with my hand for a moment, trying to will away the color on my cheeks. "How are you enjoying your salad?" I asked to change the subject.
"It is quite delicious." He replied as Deanna handed him the bread basket to be passed. "What is really going on Grace?"
"All these people, it is hard to narrow in," I replied, which was a true statement, not what he was asking me but a true statement.
"Just enjoy dinner, you and Deanna can read the group later, there will be more time for networking once the meal is complete."
"Excellent idea." I took the basket from Jean-Luc and passed it to Riker who was seated on my other side. He gave me one of his beaming smiles which made me laugh as I caught a stray thought, how beautiful he realized I was, but he was really thinking about Deanna. I tightened up my mental shield and enjoyed my food. I glanced at my husband a bit later, but he was speaking with the attentive young Romulan female seated next to him. I could sense her frustration at capturing his attention for only a few moments at a time. She was beginning to feel affection for him, and for that I felt sorry for her, knowing what I knew, that he was attached to another, myself.
When dinner was complete, there was indeed time for networking; Deanna Troi, and I began to work the room. I wove through the assembled crowd with Jean-Luc, being introduced to those I did not know and renewing acquaintances with those I did, I arranged that Deanna and Riker did the same on the other half. In our networking, Jean-Luc and I purposefully wound our way to Spock and his Romulan companion.
"Good evening, Captain Picard," Spock nodded as we stopped in front of him. "Ms. Slattery." He turned to the young Romulan standing next to him, "this is Suneena. She is the adjunct assistant to Senator Mamom."
Jean-Luc extended his hand to Suneena, she shook it and then extended her hand to me. As I took her hand, I dropped my mental shielding enough to pull stronger feelings from her. She was very uncomfortable with Jean-Luc standing so near, she was afraid he might recognize her from his time on Romulus. She was hoping we would move on soon, she wanted a few more moments with Spock alone and for some reason, she did not like me. I dropped her hand and touched Spock's arm, "May I speak privately with you Ambassador Spock?" I questioned.
"Of course," he turned to Suneena, "excuse me while I speak with my assistant." He placed his hand on my lower back, my skin warmed with his touch, another new experience for me. Spock guided me toward the windows near one of the benches.
"You wished to speak with me?" he dropped his hand, as we reached the window. The sudden disconnect was unnerving.
"I must apologize," I admitted.
"Apologize?" he questioned.
"Your comment at dinner," I started, "you caught me off guard."
"I did not mean to offend."
"I was not offended,"I bit my lip, a nervous habit, "I feel bad I did not reply."
"You do look beautiful this evening. Remember we have no secrets; I heard your thought as you contemplated while I spoke with the Andorian ambassador."
I blushed again, "no secrets."I paused, lowering my voice and turning toward the window so no one could read my lips. "Your dinner companion is afraid of mine; she was hoping Jean-Luc and I would move on soon."
"Fascinating."
"She also has affection for you," I stated, turning to look directly into his eyes. "She is frustrated by her inability to get more exclusive time with you." I spotted Jean-Luc heading in our direction. "Thank you for speaking with me Ambassador Spock."
"Of course, Ms. Slattery." He nodded to Jean-Luc. "If you will excuse me." And with that, he was gone.
"Shall we continue our networking," Jean-Luc asked extending his elbow.
"Of course."
Before leaving to have a short meeting with Deanna and Jean-Luc, I turned, feigning a stumble. I glanced at Spock once more, he was standing at the windows, pointing out something in the stars to Suneena, and I felt jealousy. "Good night."I sent to him.
"Rest well."
"I don't trust her or like her," I mumbled to myself as Jean-Luc and I entered my quarters, waiting for Troi and Riker to join us.
"Is it because she is a Romulan or because of her close proximity to Spock?" Jean-Luc questioned.
"Both." I kicked off my shoes and moved to sit on the couch. "Is that terrible? I just met her, and yet I was jealous."
Jean-Luc followed me; he took off his jacket before sitting next to me. "It is not terrible. Is there something else about her?"
"Yes, I will wait until Deanna and Will arrive so they will know why I am suspicious, that does not have to do with her feelings for Spock."
"She has feelings for him?"
"Yes," I frowned, "I do not know if they are genuine, but she feels something for him, and I did not want to probe any deeper where we were." The door chimed, "come."
Deanna and Will entered. "Do you want to sit here or at the table," I asked.
"You look quite comfy; we will sit over there." They both stated.
"So, I have found one that bears some watching," I began. "Suneena, one of the Romulan delegation. She is an assistant, but assistants should never be overlooked or underestimated, look at me." My companions nodded in agreement.
"What specifically bothered you about this Romulan?" Riker asked.
"She's afraid of Jean-Luc, she's trying hard to hide something, and she does not like me." I gave him smirk, "also she has feelings for my husband."
"Husband?" Riker asked, giving Jean-Luc and me a strange look.
"Sorry Number One, I thought you were briefed." Jean-Luc paused, "Grace is now Ambassador Spock's wife. Long story short, as my 'girlfriend' Grace is relatively safe, as Spock's wife, she is not. So, the deception."
"That's why we stopped at Vulcan before we arrived here," Riker stated. "I agree with Captain Picard; you are safer if no one knows of your association with the Ambassador."
"How do you feel about this Grace?" Deanna interjected, I felt her genuine concern for me, "has anyone asked you?"
"Yes, I was asked, I do not like it," I stated plainly, "however, I see the logic in it."
"Counselor Troi, did you get any readings?" Jean-Luc asked.
"The only ones to be cautious of are the Romulans. I think they are all hiding something, and they are curious about Ambassador Spock's health." She stated plainly, "and most of the Klingons in attendance are angry, but that is part of being Klingon." She smiled.
"What about Ambassador Spock's health were they concerned about," I asked, suddenly concerned myself. "Is there something I should contact him about?"
Deanna patted my hand, "they are curious that he seems so robust and healthy; as if they were expecting a different outcome. I don't get more than that."
I glanced at Jean-Luc and then back at Deanna and Riker, "thank you for helping this evening with my hair and working the crowd Deanna."
"It was a pleasure." Deanna stood up and Riker followed. "We all have an early morning, good night Captain, Grace."
"Good night Grace, Picard," Riker stated. "See you tomorrow."
"Good night, "Jean-Luc and I replied at the same time as we both stood up.
"Well, I should be going too," Jean-Luc slung his jacket over his shoulder, "we must keep up appearances." He paused, "if you need a break, you are welcome to the Enterprise at any time."
"I will be fine," I rubbed my forehead before beginning to pull the pins holding my hair. I walked to the door with him, a few of the braids were loose and falling around my neck. Once we reached the doorway Jean-Luc kissed my hand as a group of attendees passed.
"Good night Grace." He hugged me quickly.
"Good night Jean-Luc," I replied, then he was gone, and I was alone.
Spock's hand touched my face, "Grainne." He whispered. His other hand grazed the skin of my collar bone, I shuddered, the sexual energy emanating from his hands flowed through me and began to pool in my chest beneath the moonstone, his fingers grazed my breast as he picked up the pendant, "wear my gift always," the stone slipped from his hand. His hand slid down my arm, grazing my wrist, pausing, I could hear our heartbeats synchronizing. "Close your eyes." I gladly complied, soon I felt a warm breath at my wrist, a gentle kiss. His hand traveled up my arm stopping at my throat, another gentle caress followed by another kiss, the burning increased, my breathing became shallow. He kissed both eyelids, then traveled down to my lips. The kiss was passionate and full of emotion, I wasn't sure whose. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he gently lowered his body onto mine as we became one…
I woke, startled, aroused and alone. So, it was just a dream. I pulled on my robe and went to sit on the couch, I sat cross-legged and concentrated on Spock. As he felt my inquiry, I sensed him sit up straighter, I pictured a rather stately eyebrow rising.
"Grainne?"He asked through our bond."Should you not be resting?"
"A rather intense dream awoke me,"I replied, trying to ascertain if Spock was experiencing the same dream.
"I have been awake,"he stated, obviously understanding my statement."Perhaps some meditation would help you rest."
"Perhaps,"I yawned."Thank you."
"Sleep well."