Author's Chapter Notes:

Okay I'm not very happy with this chapter, it seems rushed to me. I can't think of it any other way right now so I hope you guys won't mind it. Thanks for all the reads and reviews. I'm glad people are enjoying this.

Spock fidgeted with his hands as their ship neared docking. He would never admit it but he was nervous. He had been told by his maid, Valeris, that his future bondmate was extremely stubborn and he was not sure that they would like him.

Luckily Valeris had helped him look his very best for the occasion. Fine white linen robes hung around his slender frame and a brilliant diamond choker circled his neck. He even let her put a bit of makeup on him. The Vulcan prince brought his hand up to his immaculately combed hair and tried smoothing it down further before adjusting a slightly off center circlet. He needed everything to be perfect.

Valeris knocked on the door before entering and taking a bow, "Spock, we have landed. It is time to disembark." Spock nodded at her, "Thank you, Valeris." He followed her out of his quarters and down to the offloading area.

Walking down the ramp, Spock's eyes could not help but widen. This place was so…Green! There were simply trees everywhere. Spock stood in wonder for a moment, "Fascinating…" He murmured. He could definitely see why this planet was valuable to his father. There must be so much water here.

"Spock, we really must hurry. They are waiting for us at the palace." Valeris urged from beside him. He snapped out of his daze and nodded, letting her lead to the large aircar that would take them the short distance to the palace. Spock did his best to keep still in the vehicle, gazing out the window for a distraction. The scenery zipping by was…pleasant, he thought. Yes, he wouldn't mind visiting here every once in a while.

A slight shudder of the vehicle notified them that they had arrived. Spock exited behind the messenger who ran ahead to tell the Emperor of their arrival. A few gifts was unloaded from the second transport that had accompanied them. Spock pondered if these were adequate to charm his betrothed. He would have no problem accepting them himself but what of a human? He did not know how they would react in the slightest. He supposed he would just have to accept it. There was no turning back now.

The messenger motioned him forward. Spock straightened his back and moved toward the door, the Vulcans that held the gifts tailing behind him. He entered the massive hall filled with humans waiting to see what a Vulcan prince looked like. There were three figures sitting on bejewelled thrones. The female grinned very widely and whispered to the man sitting in the middle, whom he thought to be the Emperor, she seemed excited.

This…couldn't be the one he was marrying. She was much older than he had expected. She was beautiful and regal looking but he had expected a young daughter. He had little time to ponder this as he approached the throne and was reminded of his manners.

The prince bowed low to the Emperor who quickly motioned for him to rise again. Spock kept his face stoic and addressed his soon to be father-in-law in what English he had learned in the past few months, "My family and I thank you for letting me visit. It is a…great honor, sir." Spock praised himself inwardly; he had practiced very hard to be able to speak properly and was thankful it didn't all leave him.

He watched the Emperor who had broken into a radiant smile. "It's our pleasure, Spock. Now, may I please present to you your betrothed," He motioned for the figure to his right to stand but there was no movement. The Emperor blushed and forced Jim from where he sat to meet his future husband. "My son, James Tiberius Kirk, heir to Earth's throne." Spock sucked in a sharp breath. He didn't know how he had missed him before. James wore a beautiful robe styled after the clothes of his people and a golden circlet framed his exotic features beautifully. His golden locks were obviously from his parents but seemed to shine with a brighter radiance. Then there were those eyes. They were rimmed with redness but the sheer blue seemed to hold all the water there was on this planet.

Spock stopped staring for a moment to clear his throat, "You are…male. I will admit this was…unexpected."

James rolled his eyes, "Are you kidding me? You mean they didn't tell you?"

The Vulcan shook his head, "No. However it is not a…unwelcome surprise. You will be accepted into the House of Surak without question."

"Well maybe I don't want to be in the House of Surak." He said turning his head away to reveal the scratches on his face from the day previous.

"That is enough Jim! We've discussed this already. You must be polite!"

Spock raised his hand, "It is quite alright Emperor. I have been informed of James' reluctance. It is not unusual." He paused for a moment, "He is injured. Will he be able to make the journey to my home planet?"

"Yes, he'll be fine. His doctor has assured me." The Emperor responded.

Spock nodded, "Good. In that case, I wish to…continue. I have brought gifts." James' head perked up at the mention of gifts and he directed his attention to Spock again, obviously curious. This pleased Spock and he motioned for one of the servants with a smaller gift to come forward. "For , I bring this necklace," The servant opened a box to reveal a glittering silver necklace with finely cut gems, "It has been made special by our…personal jeweller."

Winona grinned widely and allowed the servant to put the necklace on her. "Thank you. It is beautiful." She praised, looking down at her new gift.

Spock nodded and continued, "For the Emperor, a villa on my home world. In case your highness ever chooses to visit." A servant came forward with a picture and handed it to the Emperor who nodded in approval.

"For James," He began, hoping the gifts he brought would please him, "Robes of the finest…quality available." Shimmering purple robes were brought forth and set at the human's feet. He didn't seem too impressed so Spock moved along, "A sword crafted by Sakkhet, our finest craftsman." James accepted the sword and looked at it appraisingly. The hilt was finely detailed and had precious stones embedded in it. James shrugged and sheathed the weapon, seeing what was next.

Spock wanted to present the last gift himself. He grabbed the leash handed to him by the servant and walked forward, "Finally, I give to you, my personal hunting cat, T'Prya. May she serve you well." James' eyes went wide and he staggered back for a moment. The cat was huge, at least five feet from the shoulders. He never knew they had such things on Vulcan, he hadn't looked in to the animals too much.

"She's not going to…Eat me right?"

Spock's eyes shone with amusement, "No James. She is quite tame. She will not harm you."

He offered the leash to his fiancé who grasped it hesitantly. "Okay this is kind of awesome." James almost smiled as he reached out to touch the cat's head but quickly steeled himself. He didn't want to get married and he wouldn't be bought with these gifts. "Thanks I guess. Uh…here. Take these back and I'll use them later or something." He handed the gifts over to one of the Vulcan servants who left to put them back in the cargo transport.

"Well then, I think a party is in order; in honor of your engagement!" Announced the Emperor, "Jane, please escort these two to James' quarters to prepare for the banquet. You may take them to the ballroom in half an hour. Thank you."

The two were brought up to Jim's quarters, an awkward tension filling the space between them. Spock hoped Jim would set aside his attitude, just for a few days. Maybe he could convince him there could be a fruitful relationship between them.

Chapter End Notes:

Ooh, love is in the air. I made Spock stumble on a few words because it doesn't make a whole lot of sense for him to be fluent in English just yet but he's getting there. Spock is a smart guy after all. If there's anything you'd like to see in the next chapter I'm totally up for suggestions. Thanks for reading!