Chapter 6

Venus

Icouldn't believe I just alienated the entire elite of Sylvar in less than one hour. And yet, I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that this was the right course of action. Truth be told, I wanted to bitchslap most of them. I had seen self-righteous and entitled before, but these people were taking it to another level. And there was nothing I enjoyed more than knocking divas down a notch or two.

However, the intensity of the protectiveness I felt towards Atlas confused me. I didn't know him, but I recognized a person who had grown so numb to constant abuse they started to believe it was their normal lot in life. And that whipped my mama bear genes into a frenzy.

The look of wonder and the depth of emotions he felt when the chrysalis called him seriously turned me upside down. I'd seen that same expression during some of my most gut-wrenching charity work when people who had lost all hope realized someone out there actually cared.

"This is an unsuitable pairing," Ajustus said, reclaiming everyone's attention. "An off-worlder and an Achromatic cannot possibly be our Prism's guardians."

Nothing could describe how much that male irritated the living hell out of me. I didn't know what he hid behind that loincloth of his, but my foot was itching something fierce to make its acquaintance.

"Once again, I remind you that the decision is mine to make. Xarin confirmed my choice. These are your laws. Are you challenging the will of the Prism to impose your own wishes?" I asked with a dare in my voice.

The fool had the decency of looking unnerved while the crowd muttered disapprovingly at him. For a reason I couldn't explain, the impressed glimmer in Atlas's eyes stroked my ego in the most pleasant fashion. Kayog, who had in a way initiated this whole mess, was standing by with this obnoxiously mischievous spark in his silver eyes.

To my shock, instead of begrudgingly conceding, the Chancellor doubled down.

"How can I not?" Ajustus replied with defiance. "Xarin was abducted. He spent at least two weeks under the control of ill-intentioned off-worlders. How do we know that he is the one speaking? How do we know that these strange and inexplicable choices aren't the result of external influences seeking to destroy us?"

As much as I hated to admit it, this wasn't an unreasonable concern. The way Atlas flinched, and judging by the troubled expressions that descended over the other people present, his comment struck a nerve.

I nodded in concession. "It's a fair question, Chancellor Ajustus. But I challenge it as being unfounded. Yes, the Prism was abducted, but his abductors did not want him found. Xarin calling me is the only reason they got arrested. And I can assure you that the sentence they will face will be horrendous. Violating the Prime Directive is a serious enough crime, but abduction and people trafficking—especially a minor—yields the most severe punishment permissible by law in the sector where the criminals were apprehended. They got caught in a sector ruled by the Obosians. There will be no mercy."

"Be that as it may, it doesn't mean they haven't damaged the Prism," Ajustus argued with a mulish expression. "We don't know what happened with them or during the time he was with you for that matter."

"You dare?!" Atlas exclaimed, taking a menacing step towards the Chancellor.

By the gasps his actions prompted, I suspected no one ever addressed Ajustus in that fashion, least of all an Achromatic. Strangely enough, while I was a big girl and loved fighting my own battles, seeing him surge to my defense that the Chancellor would dare imply I might have brainwashed Xarin in the short time he was with me tickled me pink.

"It's okay, Atlas," I said in a soothing tone before turning a cold gaze towards Ajustus. "I will let slide your underlying insult, Chancellor. This day has been fraught with emotions, and I understand how upset you are by things not going the way you thought they would. But remember that I'm not here by choice. I have a life, a career, friends, and family that this entire situation is tearing me away from. I thought I would be on my way home by now. But your Prism has chosen me, and I recognize that this is bigger than me and my little life."

I turned to look at the chrysalis. The shimmering waves that had faded after Atlas had removed his hand from its surface manifested themselves as if to acknowledge me. That further reinforced my determination as I glanced back at the Prometheans.

"When this whole mess began, I couldn't understand why he chose me, why I was being forced to put my life on hold for the next four months. Now I understand. I don't know any of you or your culture, but I know people and their motivations," I said, my tone hardening. "Xarin chose me as his Prima—the person sworn to look after his best interests—and that's what I will do."

I pointed an angry finger towards the chrysalis while making eye contact with as many of the suitors I had turned down as possible.

"In the past hour, not a single one of the potential candidates I spoke to expressed even once what you would do for him. You all bragged about yourselves, about the number of colors you can manipulate, and your influence. The most offensive part was that every last one of you concluded with an attempt to bribe me with what you could do for me. This isn't about you or me. It's about the Prism!"

While many of them looked offended to be thus called out, a surprisingly large number of others actually seemed embarrassed. It was all the more revealing that they appeared shocked to realize what disappointing behavior they displayed. It struck me then that they were so blinded by their culture of ostentation and bragging that they had lost themselves in it.

"Atlas didn't ask for anything that would benefit him or attempt to seize the opportunity to elevate himself. He only worried about Xarin's welfare. So of course I pick him over any other. Therefore, unless your laws somehow make him ineligible, then my choice is made. That is assuming Atlas consents…" I added, suddenly feeling a little less certain.

My innards twisted when Atlas hesitated. The prospect that he might reject me and the Prism had cold shivers running down my spine. I meant every word I just spoke and genuinely couldn't think of a single other candidate present in this room I could even tolerate the possibility of being married to for the next four months.

"It is not my place to reject the tremendous honor both you and the Prism are bestowing upon me," Atlas said carefully in a delightfully masculine voice laced with uncertainty. "However, I am merely a Black Guard. Despite being the High Commander, I reside in the barracks. Such accommodations are not suitable for an honored guest such as you, and even less for the blessed one."

The way his scales darkened and the embarrassed expression on his face made me want to give him a hug and tell him everything would be okay.

"See? He is unfit to shoulder such a responsibility," Ajustus immediately interjected.

It took every ounce of my willpower not to give him a roundhouse kick straight to the chest. In my entire life, I had never met someone I despised as much as that chancellor—and I had met my fair share of morons.

"His fitness is obviously not in question since your own Prism expressed his approval of him," Kayog intervened in a reasonable tone. "The accommodation issues seem like a very minor one that is easily resolved. After all, when the Shimli Survivors were returned home, my beloved Linsea had nothing but praises about the lovely guest house you put at her disposal during her short stay while ironing out diplomatic matters with your Senate. Surely you have another such dwelling that could be provided to the Prima, her mate, and the Prism for the four months until his hatching?" Kayog added, gesturing in turn at me, Atlas, and then the chrysalis.

"That sounds like a brilliant idea," I said, fighting the urge to laugh at the dismayed expression on the Chancellor's face.

"That is indeed a perfect solution," said the purple-winged male who had previously stated that I should simply become a Promethean when Ajustus challenged the fact that I was an off-worlder.

"This is madness," Ajustus muttered, looking around the crowd in search of support.

"No, Ajustus," the purple male said, his tone and stare hardening. "It is the will of the Prism. Tread carefully my friend, your behavior is starting to sound treasonous."

The Chancellor visibly paled, especially in light of the condemnation visible in many eyes staring him down.

"I am merely trying to protect our savior," he argued feebly.

"Your arguments were heard and dismissed," the purple male said sternly. "Xarin has chosen his Prima, and she has chosen her mate. Let us end these proceedings before any of us commits the irreparable. Razus Atlas, do you have further concerns or hesitations regarding this union?"

"No, Senator Cassius. This addresses the only issue I foresaw in my ability to protect the Prima and the Prism," Atlas said in a firm and confident voice.

I liked that.

"Then it sounds like everything is settled!" Kayog said with enthusiasm, as if he was oblivious to the general dismay that reigned in the room.

The wretch finds all of this amusing.

I couldn't even be annoyed with him. Over the few times I met the Temern, I'd come to realize a real brat hid beneath that polished and respectable mature male exterior.

"As the UPO does not require a union between Venus and Atlas, you may simply proceed with your basic contractual wedding which, as I understand it, merely requires a signature from both parties," Kayog said.

"That is correct," replied the purple male Atlas referred to as Senator Cassius.

He gestured to someone. I realized the male approaching had been part of the attendants who had not sought to be one of my suitors. He was older, with orange wings. He placed a piece of parchment on the table in front of me. I glanced at it with a horrified expression.

While no advanced civilization used paper anymore, it didn't shock me that a primitive species would have physical contracts such as this one. But I had no clue what the words etched on it said.

"Ah yes!" Kayog intervened. "The Promethean alphabet has not yet been fully integrated in the translation device. The UPO's linguistics department is diligently working on it. It should only be a matter of days."

"I can translate it for you," Atlas offered.

I gave him a smile, suddenly feeling oddly timid at the thought he would be my husband, even though it would only be on paper—literally.

He quickly read through it for me, and it provided the answer to the various sections to be filled, namely my full name, age and place of birth, my parents name and all the usual stuff, which I wrote in Universal, and he translated in Promethean on the same line. We both signed—something I hadn't done in a long time as we usually just pressed our thumbs in the signature box of a digital contract.

For the strangest reason, my stomach fluttered when he put down the pen and straightened to look at me. I expected someone to say ‘You may kiss the bride' and for him to proceed.

"There, it is done," Senator Cassius said. "The contract will be held in the hall of records until its dissolution at the time of your choosing. You may take your bride and the Prism to the Silver Mansion. Considering your chroma, it is fitting."

"Thank you, Senator," Atlas replied respectfully before turning towards me.

The depth of the disappointment that coursed through me left me speechless. I should be relieved I hadn't been forced to kiss a complete stranger, one that was part bug at that. And yet, my throat felt terribly constricted. I wanted to believe that it was sadness that my wedding should have been so expedited, transactional, and lackluster. Even Serena's symbolic human wedding to Szaro had been better than this.

"Do you need a moment to say your goodbyes to Kayog?" Atlas asked in a soft voice, his scales darkening with embarrassment.

Good God, he's adorable!

"Yes, please," I replied in a slightly nervous tone.

He nodded and smiled. "I'll be here when you're ready."

Atlas gestured for the two guards who had stayed closest to him during this entire proceeding, and they went to stand near the Prism while speaking in hushed tones. The other guards ushered the rest of the crowd out of the Great Hall.

"Well, I guess I should thank you," I said semi-begrudgingly to the Temern.

He smiled, his eyes gleaming with a paternal expression. "You're welcome, Venus."

"I wish Linsea could have stayed until the end of this mess. Please extend to her my warmest regards," I said, suddenly feeling overwhelmed at the thought I'd be here all alone, surrounded by people clearly unhappy about my presence.

"I will, my dear. I promise. Linsea would have loved to be here, but other urgent matters called her away," he said in a sympathetic voice.

"When isn't it the case?" I asked in a teasing fashion.

He snorted with a nod, then glanced at Atlas over my shoulder before turning his silver gaze back towards me with a serious expression.

"Atlas is a very good male, Venus. You can be each other's rock, shelter, and light in the darkness. Rely on him, and let him rely on you," he said with a disturbing intensity.

"I will," I said in a serious tone. "It's weird. I don't know him, but I feel deeply that I can trust him."

"Of course, you do."

I tore my gaze away from Atlas to glance inquisitively at Kayog, intrigued by the way he said that.

"Why ‘of course?'" I asked.

The sound of thunderclap startled me. A short distance behind us, a black portal opened through which I could once more see the golden dragonkin.

"Because he's your perfect match," Kayog said, matter-of-factly. "And my ride home has arrived!"

I stiffened. "Perfect match? As in my soulmate?" I asked, shock and outrage audible in my voice.

"Yes, Venus. Atlas is your soulmate. Even when I don't try, I succeed," he said, shaking his head with a mix of amusement and disbelief. "It's something else being me."

"Wait, what? No!"

"Yes. And as you know, I'm never wrong," he said while patting my cheek affectionately. "Be happy, my dear. You deserve it."

Too stunned to react, I watched the Temern step through the portal, which collapsed behind him. I couldn't say how long I stood there, staring at the empty space before me. A dark shadow at the edge of my vision snapped me out of my daze. I turned to find Atlas towering over me. He was at least 6'4 and broad-shouldered, bigger than the average Promethean who tended to be on the lither side.

The commiserating expression on his face had my chest constricting.

"Do not be sad. I know this isn't the path or fate you wanted for yourself," he said in a gentle tone. "Know that you are not alone. On my honor, as Japhyr's Razus and as your mate, I swear to protect you and do everything in my power to keep you happy for the few months of your stay with us."

Another wave of emotion swelled within me, and I gave him a shaky smile. "Thank you, Atlas. I appreciate it."

"No, thank you, Prima, for the sacrifice you make for the welfare of my people. We are forever in your debt. Come, let's take you home."

I nodded. Side by side, the hovering platform of the Prism in tow, and his two Black Guards following, my soulmate and I exited the Great Hall on our way to what would be my new home for the foreseeable future.