“Rumors?” Cal frowned. This was the first he’d heard of any rumors, and his office was generally the clearinghouse for all things informational.
“Word seems to have gotten out about the Vanfians knowing of our existence.”
“How?” Cal was incredulous. “There can’t be a leak. We’re the only ones who know about it.”
Marek nodded. “If there’s a leak, it isn’t coming from us. Which makes me think there is a more nefarious source.”
Cal could think of only two. The Seekers or Kange himself. And although the Seekers might seek to destabilize them by any means that they could, this seemed a rather strange attempt for them to make when they were so divided themselves.
“It’s got to be Kange.”
“That’s what I think as well.” Marek stared into his face. “Someone has to confirm it, though.”
Cal raised his hands. “Don’t look at me. I’ve got a honeymoon planned, and I won’t give that up, even for the security of the whole galaxy.”
Marek shook his head, laughing. “Okay, okay. I knew it was a bit much to ask. You will help me plan the mission, though.”
“Of course.”
Cal excused himself to dress, and when he returned to the main room, he found his other brothers in attendance. Even Juston, whom he hadn’t seen in days.
His brother’s look was pure frustration, masking what could only be a forlornness in his demeanor. His return to Mars must not have gone as plan.
“Good to see you again, brother,” Cal said, putting his hand on Juston’s shoulder. “How is our mutual acquaintance?”
“I wouldn’t know.” His voice was like gravel. “She wasn’t there when I got back, and I haven’t been able to find her. She’s gone, disappeared into darkness.”
Cal knew his words held a double meaning and his heart broke for his brother. To find love and almost immediately lose it was a pain beyond imagining.
“Thanks for being here. I know how hard this must be for you.”
Juston nodded. “I’m happy you found Gemmaline. And that you get to keep her.”
It was time to head to the ceremony grounds, and the brothers filed out to load into the customary coaches.
“How antiquated is this?” Nojan grumbled. “Sviene-drawn carriages. Who does this anymore?”
“Royal family members do,” Marek growled in response, “when their queen orders them to.”
Several of the brothers laughed as they approached the ornate vehicles, drawn by twin lizards that stood nine feet tall. Cal climbed in, distracted. He’d been without Gemma for an hour now. How much longer would it be before he saw his beloved again?
The carriage rolled through the streets nearby the palace until it reached the central pavilion. Along the way, the streets were thronged with onlookers. Royal weddings always drew a crowd, and this one was especially well attended.
Cal waved at the people, his smile wide. He was beginning to get into the spirit of things.
Today represents the joining of two powerful forces and the addition of Gemma to the royal family. It should be celebrated with as much pomp and finery as possible, he thought.
Then he thought he couldn’t wait for it to be over.
By the time he finally saw his bride again, he was obsessed with the idea of getting her alone. Of spending hours making love to her supple body until she was too exhausted to continue. Then falling asleep with her in his arms, only to wake up and do it all over again.
Then she appeared, looking so graceful in a blush-pink gown that draped her curves in a way that made him quiver inside. She was beyond beautiful. Exquisite. Sublime. There were no adjectives appropriate enough in his language to describe how devastatingly perfect his Gemmaline was.
When she finally reached his side, he was shaking. He didn’t know how he’d make it through the ceremony without kissing her.
Marek began, and Cal tried to listen, but he was lost in Gemma’s big blue eyes.How did I get here?he asked himself in a daze.How did I end up with this flawless beauty pledging to spend the rest of her life with me? Could anyone in the universe be this lucky?
He was so lost in her eyes that Marek had to prompt him twice to repeat his vows. And then he heard her voice, like a thousand tiny bells tinkling in perfect harmony, and was lost once more.
