Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Wedding Countdown

The three women stood with arms locked—looking out the window—down toward the center courtyard of the castle. They were in Lauren and Daxter's bedroom because it was big enough for the three of them and their bridesmaids. Along with two or three dozen more women, if they wanted to include them. Plus, the bathroom was big enough for a harem. Literally.

This would allow them to all get ready together, or as the mood struck. They had hours yet. The wedding was set to take place just before the sunset. And it was early morning.

"Daxter told me the center courtyard is used to meet shopkeepers or disgruntled subjects. Either Dax or his dad, the king, would settle disputes between citizens. It is certainly big enough for all the tables and guests. And if it rains, we can easily move everything indoors," Lauren promised.

Makayla laughed. "It hasn't rained since we stepped foot on this planet. But I guess better safe than sorry."

"I think it will be beautiful. I like the timing. One of my favorite things about this planet is the incredible sunsets. And Lauren says the view from the courtyard is unbelievable," Kaitlyn added.

"Yes, it is beautiful, and once the sun goes down, it cools off. So, we can dance or visit in our big dresses... without sweating to death." Lauren turned away from the window. "They've already got the lanterns up and are starting on the flowers. So, everything is going according to schedule. Let's try on dresses!"

Kait agreed, "Let's do one at a time, so all our attention is focused on the one in the dress. Makayla first. She's the oldest."

Kait and Lauren waited for Makayla to return from the bathroom. Several of the girls from Earth were in there, helping slide the dresses on, doing nails, soaking in the hot tub... Kayla had brought in some of the champagne she had stored away for the wedding. The booze was in the bathroom.

Just because the three who were getting married couldn't drink because of their pregnancies, didn't mean the rest had to go without. The first dress Makayla tried on was perfect. Lauren went with her second choice. And Kaitlyn... didn't like any of hers.

She sighed. "What I like is the top of the first one, because Viktal's eyes will pop right out of his head when he sees me in it. But I hate that tight skirt. On the second dress, I love the ballroom gown skirt, but hate the prissy top."

Makayla nodded. "So cut off the top of the first one and put it on the skirt you like."

Kaitlyn gasped. "Each one of those dresses cost thousands of dollars. I can't just rip them apart."

Her sister snorted. "You aren't going to rip them. And they aren't going back. Someone will use every bit of those dresses. Just make the dress that you like. Daxter said he had seamstresses who could make simple changes. I think that is simple enough."

Lauren snorted. "We don't sew. We have no idea how difficult it would be. But I bet they can do it. I'll go get the three ladies I've met."

Right after they turned the two dresses over to the castle seamstress, Tallie came in with Clikastav. "She's so tired. Can she have a nap in here, or do you want me to take her back to our room?"

Kait smiled. "Here's good. Let's just make a nest of blankets between the bed and the wall. Hi, Ceely, are you okay?"

Ceely smiled and rubbed her eyes. "I'm good. I like the dresses and the food." She grinned.

She was about as tall as a ten-year-old human. She had long, thin limbs, and a stork-like body covered with white down feathers. Her long, beak-like face was filled with small teeth, both above and below. They all worried about the young child. At only five years old, she wasn't mature enough to have wings. Ceely had been stolen from her mother's nest by the Siloth.

Five seconds after Tallie made her nest, Ceely was asleep. Sighing, she turned to the three women. "My parents have been trying to find her mother, but they haven't had any luck. I'll go see them tomorrow in the med bay and ask if they've had any news. I think I am going to take the ship and some of the men, and we are going to try and find her mom."

Kaitlyn sighed. "I think that is a great idea if you have a clear direction. Take what your parents know and maybe talk to Falcon. Right, Kayla? He might be able to help."

Kayla nodded. "Yes. I agree. She needs her mom. We can love her, and care for her... but hell... is she even eating the right things? Is there something we should be teaching her, and not doing it will screw her up for the rest of her life?"

"Ceely's situation is bothering all of us. Day after tomorrow, let's have a conference with everyone. Tallie will have talked to her parents and gotten an update, and we can decide where to go from here." Lauren suggested.

"Good idea." Tallie watched Kayla walk around the room in her dress for a moment. "What are you going to wear for shoes?"

There was no question what they'd wear for shoes. Cowboy boots all the way. They did debate if they wanted to wear the bright shiny new ones—or the ones they'd worn for years. The ones Makayla brought them when she came to rescue Kaitlyn and Lauren from the Siloth.

In the end, Lauren said, "It could be our something old. The new is the dress... right? The old will be our boots. Now we just need to find something borrowed and something blue."

Tallie asked, "What do you need? What is that old and new?"

Kaitlyn grinned. "It's an Earth wedding thing. A centuries-long tradition that began in order to ward off evil spirits, and as a promise for good luck and fertility to the newlyweds. No one does it for the evil spirits anymore, and we've already aced the fertility part," she giggled and placed her hand on her stomach. "But it would be nice to do the rest if we can figure it out. The poem goes—Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe—"

Frowning, Tallie asked, "What is a six... that last part?"

Kayla twirled in her dress. "I love this. I'm going to take it off for hair and makeup, so I don't get anything on it. A sixpence is a small coin. Money. If we were home, we'd use a penny. I don't think we have anything for that, or the blue and borrowed part. I'm sorry girls."

Tallie shook her head. "No... I am the bridesmaid. Kaitlyn told me that my job was to help with anything the brides need on the wedding day. I got ready early, just so I could help you. It doesn't matter if anyone sees me in my outfit. I am not a bride. Give me a minute."

She turned and dashed through the door... and was gone.