Maybe the weirdos on thatAncient AliensTV show have more merit than I thought.
Ke’ain grabs one of the lush folded towels and drapes it over my shoulders. He rubs my biceps through the towel to dry me.
“Human skin holds onto so much water compared to mine,” he muses lovingly. He pushes the towel up to my hair and jostles my strands a bit too roughly. “And your mane, it stays wet forever. I should have had them bring a heater, Opal. I’m sorry I’ve been so inconsiderate.”
“Are you kidding me, Ke’ain?” I laugh. “You are one of the most considerate beings I’ve ever met. Like honestly, you’ve just beenveryconsiderate, twice, so cool your jets,Sharkboy.”
“I suppose I should just consider that a term of endearment at this point?” Ke’ain chuckles.
I make a mental note to never tell him about Lavagirl. I don’t want to encourage any cringe nicknames on my end.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t better prepared for what just happened.” My voice is muffled as he continues to rub the towel over my head.
“No, I should have taken more time to explain things to you. Or at the very least had the attendants explain things to you.” He pulls the towel from my face and grabs the smaller gown from its dress form.
I spin around, giving him my arm as he holds the robe open. I slide it into the sleeve and wiggle into its warmth. It’s incredibly structured, and its balloon shape has me feeling a bit like a Fabergé egg, but it’s so warm I don’t mind.
Hell, after fornicating in an alien church, there’s not much I mind anymore.
Ke’ain dons his own robe, placing the headpiece on his white hair. For as silly as I’m sure I look, he looks entirely regal.
“Are you ready to greet your kingdom, Opal?” he says, taking my hand and placing it into the crook of his elbow.
I nod as we make our way toward the frosted glass doors, the chatter of the crowd behind them.
“Do you think they’ll like me?” I ask, suddenly nervous to see the people I’ll be responsible for. My palms feel clammy on the scratchy fabric of Ke’ain’s robe.
“They’ll respect you, as their queen. That’s what you need from them, because I’ll give you all the love you’ll need.”
He’s right.I feel like I can do anything with this man’s unconditional love. I hope I can give him back even a fraction of what he’s given me.
I step forward and push open the doors.
It’s like stepping into a different reality as I cross the threshold. Thousands of fi’len and other aliens fill my field of vision. They wave banners of emerald and gold. Aliens of all shapes, sizes and colors smile and cheer…No, not aliens, my people.
My public.
My family.
For the first time since my parents died, I feel like I’mhome.
?KE’AIN
We’re rushed into my silver cruiser by the king’s guard at the conclusion of our royal procession. Opal is finally my wife, myqueen.
Despite our miscommunication, of which I’m sure we will have many more, she followed through her portion of the ceremony perfectly. Humans seem so private with their affections; I imagine she must have had to be very brave to share her love so publicly.
The ancient crowns of the Sontafrul 6 monarchy adorn our heads. Opal’s petite form swims in her ceremonial garb—the antique robe made for my ancestors' larger bodies.
I look at her now, sitting next to me in the same cruiser I first saw her in—she beams with pride, with love, with a regalness I’ve not seen from my paramour before.
“Are you happy?” I ask as she settles her shoulders into the plush upholstery of the cruiser's seats.
She places her small pink palm on my thigh and nuzzles my head into her side.
“I haven’t been this happy in a long time,” she says, her eyelids heavy.
“I’m glad we’ve secured your place here, Opal. Things might become treacherous as we plan our assault on the Deenz.”
