Stars Series

Chapter 2

2

The palace the Royal Family of Dulsar called home was sizeable. Though there were only four of them, the wing that housed the living quarters had enough private chambers to accommodate a family of twenty. During celebrations or important summits, dignitaries often stayed in the now-vacant rooms. Some rooms were self-contained, having their own lavatories, sitting areas, and a Quick-Kitch, automated vending machines for meals not enjoyed in the Dining Hall.

In the opposite direction were offices, the Command Room, and Conference Center. In between were common areas that included the Holograph Room, an auditorium, a large atrium, and the Game Room. This area of the palace is where the domestic staff and Royal Guards had their own quarters.

Aiden, on his way back to his private chambers, paused outside the doorway of the Communications Room. This is where much of the communication between Dulsar and other planets, or spacecraft, took place. It wasn’t unusual for his mother to be here, but what was on the monitor caused Aiden to step into the room.

“I’m sure all will be well,” Ceily said calmly, but her wringing hands indicated her agitation.

“Yes, well, I think we should continue with the planning. Joining two Royal Families, on two different planets will require time and considerable resources.”

The face on the monitor had long red hair that hung in a thick braid over her shoulder. The gown was long-sleeved and off-white with some type of flower in pale blue. There were dark blue threads throughout the fabric that winked in the light as she moved. Her green eyes were set in a classically beautiful face and held concern. There were three earrings in her left ear, one in her right, a faint dusting of freckles across her small nose, and shimmering pink dye on her full lips.

“I quite agree. We each have our responsibilities. Shall we speak again in, say, a week’s time?” Ceily asked.

“That would be fine. Until then,” said the woman on the screen as she tipped her head to Ceily.

Aiden’s mother responded with a small smile a moment before the screen went black, then switched to a scene Aiden recognized as a field over the hill from the palace, and one of his mother’s favorite locations. As he moved further into the room, he caught Ceily’s eye.

She turned to face him, a smile turning up the corners of her mouth. “Aiden. Had I known you were here, I would have introduced you to Charlotte, the Empress of Suma, and the mother of your bride-to-be.”

Aiden crossed the room to stand before her, ignoring the other screens. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “That’s alright. I don’t exactly look my best,” he said and held his arms out as he looked down at his sweat-soaked tunic, loose trousers, cloth belt tied at his waist, and boots. He took the towel and pushed his long hair away from his face, then rested the towel around the back of his neck.

“You always look dashing,” Ceily said and placed her hand on his cheek. “Anyway, we’ve decided to continue with the plans,” she dropped her hand and resumed her wringing.

“Why wouldn’t the plans be continued?”

“Apparently, the Princess has taken an unexpected trek. But Charlotte remains certain her daughter will return well before the ceremony.”

She turned away and moved to a console where she collected her tablet. Most people owned one that fit in their palm. Ceily had one the size of a text. Between her committees, obligations concerning the ruling of Dulsar, and now the upcoming Royal Wedding, she always had it with her. She tapped the screen and scrolled down her various lists, then scowled as she realized the time.

Aiden’s face mirrored his mother’s, but for a different reason. “‘Unexpected trek’? Where?”

“Charlotte never mentioned the destination,” Ceily replied, distracted by her next appointment. “Excuse me, Aiden, I’m late for an Arts Committee meeting.” She stepped around her son and out the doorway.

Aiden stared up at the screen where the Empress of Suma had disappeared minutes before. It was four weeks before the arranged marriage between the Princess of Suma, for whom Aiden didn’t even have a name, and the Prince of Dulsar. Both planets, and their ruling families, were controlling members of the High Council that directed other members of the Alliance. The Council had thirteen seats, each one representing the head of the government of the thirteen original planets that formed the Alliance. Membership in the Alliance brought peace, increased trade, military protection, safe travel, and shared scientific, medical, and technological knowledge. There were over a hundred planets from various galaxies that now claimed membership, and several that were adjunct members. Alliance members often banded together to protect each other outside of Alliance space, but where a majority of ruling planets inhabited the charted universe, there was the Colonial Air Force. Usually, ruling families sent their descendants to the Academy, and most ended up spending at least two years in that service, seeing firsthand many of the races who are members of the Alliance, as well as observing and charting any new civilizations, offering assistance to recently established colonies, and attempting to squelch any uprising of adjunct races or conflicts within Alliance space.

Aiden had served in the Force, completed his university studies in politics, business, and languages, had accepted the responsibility of several aspects of ruling Dulsar, and the one event that created the most anxiety was his arranged marriage. He wasn’t informed about it until he started his advanced studies at the age of fourteen. His parents explained to him the importance of this merger for their families, and for the Alliance. Any time Aiden had begun to show interest in a female, he was reminded of the arrangement. It wasn’t with resentment that he viewed this marriage, but with a sense of duty. His parents had performed their task well. He was prepared for the ruling of Dulsar and the obligations that accompanied his station in regard to the Alliance High Council.

Suma’s ruling family are descendants from Earth, a small blue planet in a galaxy far from the Jax Sector, which contains both Dulsar and Suma. The humans who inhabited Earth were forced off-planet in order to survive. They had mined the soil and polluted the air and water. What habitat they hadn’t destroyed with their structures and machines, they accomplished with weapons. The civilization had nearly made itself as extinct as most of its flora and fauna on more than one occasion. The last time they had warred with themselves, a small percentage of that world’s population managed to escape off-planet. Some settled on Suma, some on other planets.

The Royal Line on Dulsar has on record a settlement date, including those who were aboard the starship that landed and colonized the planet. It was unclear as to where they originated, but most believed the colonists were the last survivors of Earth. Through the centuries, Dulsar had progressed in technology and military strength. Suma had advanced in medicine, communication, and the arts. The marriage between the Royal Houses would include a greater sharing of both planets’ strengths.

And in four weeks’ time, the Princess of Suma, who appears to be temporarily missing, will be his wife, in every facet, including Queen of Dulsar and co-chair of the Alliance High Council. For obvious reasons, pictures of the Princess were not to be found in any database. Should she be identified and abducted before the wedding, any number of races opposing the Alliance would immediately have control of that vital planet. Aiden sighed and hoped she was well guarded on her unexpected trip.