Asteron

ASTERON

" T here has been a match, sire," Phinade says with a flourish I'm not sure trusting my fate to an algorithm deserves.

"What happens now?"

"We are to proceed to the Starlight Brides hub where you will be wed."

"What?" The word comes out as a roar. "I need to have my wedding here, in front of all the clans. They need to see it."

"You can still have the wedding on Xnos, your majesty," Phinade says, clearly biting back a sigh because he is talking to his king. "But the Starlight Brides program insists on confirmation you have taken your bride in matrimony before she is released from their care. It is one of their rules." He waves his arm loftily in the air.

I want to say a lot of swear words about rules, especially ones which have me marrying blind to the first creature who will have me in order to save my planet from descending into chaos.

"Fine," I growl under my breath. "Ready my imperial star cruiser."

It takes less than two nova-hours to reach the Starlight Brides space station, which is currently orbiting a lush moon, filled with forests and pastures. I'm filled with the desire to run and run, like I did with my fellow Xnossans, back when I could be a warrior prince and not a besieged king.

Curses rage in my breast against my father for dying suddenly and without having made any provision for me to take over because the stubborn bull wouldn't accept he'd have to cede power someday.

With Phinade at my hocks, we step onto the Starlight Brides station. I admit that, while it lacks the grandeur of my palace, it is pleasant enough a place for my bride to be waiting. An airy crystal atrium has decent height and a view of the stars. It's filled with uniformed staff who also seem to know what they are doing.

"Ah, King ." One of the senior staff members, a serene Kraken greets me with a short, sharp bow. "I am Piet, your assigned Starlight Brides officer."

"I'm here for my bride." I pull myself up to my full height and shift my shoulders as a show of strength. "I want her now."

"If you'd be good enough to follow me, your highness, there are some final preparations she is undertaking, and I require your mark on a few finalities."

I want to get this over with. Get the damnable female back to Xnos and do what I have to do, all while I keep juggling all the clans and all the contracts and all the negotiations to keep my planet together.

"As you wish, but make it quick," I reply, doing my best to keep my heart rate under control.

I'm led into a side room off the crystalline atrium, offered a seat which I refuse, and handed screen after screen to review. They're filled with rules. My jaw cracks.

"I presume you have read all of these?" I fire at Phinade.

"Yes, sire."

"Anything I should know?"

"It is all standard galactic text, sire. The fee is…reasonable."

"Fine," I growl and press my ring to the end screen. "Now can I take my bride?"

Piet hides a smile. "You understand, so many of our prospective husbands are anxious to meet their brides, but we have to go through the process. The last thing we want is to discover some…incompatibility."

I swallow down my impatience. It is absolutely right and honorable the program ensures all parties are willing in such circumstances.

"I understand. Your attention to detail is commendable," I rumble, shaking out my hide and attempting to shake off this feeling of…nervousness?

I haven't been nervous about anything since I was a bullock. Meeting a female, even one chosen for me, should not be of any more concern than sparring with one of my warriors.

"Then, your highness, it is time to meet your bride."