Stars Series

Chapter 1

1

Ignoring the sweat that dripped into his eyes, he put up his left forearm to block the punch from the Tamplian. That left his ribs exposed, which caused a grunt as the leg of the Tamplian connected with his side. He stepped over with his right foot, then swept his left under the feet of his opponent. The hologram of the Tamplian flickered and then disappeared. Aiden scowled at the early termination of the computer program, then spun around at the sound of applause.

“Very impressive, brother mine,” was the comment that belonged to the man that walked out of the shadows.

He was tall, even by human standards, dressed in the jumpsuit he usually wore, with a dark blue cloak that signified he was a member of the Royal Family of Dulsar. His dark hair was cut short around his head, which served to set off his high, sharp cheekbones, wide forehead, strong chin, and a nose slightly larger than it should be. Eyes dark enough to make less confident people shrink away, took in the flushed, sweaty face and rapid breathing of his brother.

“Had you not interrupted the program, I would have finished him off,” Aiden complained.

“And add another kill to your computer login? These holograms aren’t the actual being.”

“I know.”

“Then why do you insist on spending hours here every day fighting what isn’t real?”

Aiden took a step towards his brother. “So I’ll be prepared should I ever encounter one that seems less than friendly.” The beginning of a scowl on Aiden’s face was cut short as his brother took the towel from his shoulder and tossed it at Aiden.

“That attitude, and the hours you’ve logged here, might assist you in remaining alive until help arrives,” Marcus teased and closed the distance between them so he could tousle Aiden’s hair.

Aiden ducked, stepped to the side, and flicked the towel to snap at the part of his brother that spent too many hours in a chair as he attended meeting after meeting. Dancing out of reach as Marcus turned to grab the towel away from him, Aiden wiped his face, then looked steadily at the man before him.

Marcus was his half-brother, their father marrying Aiden’s mother after Viona, Marcus’s mother, died in a hovercraft accident. Ceily was raised a Princess on Maseve, married Levon Tranlish, King of Dulsar, and gave birth to Aiden. Though Marcus was older, Aiden would inherit the throne should anything happen to Levon or Ceily, since he was the product of their union. Heirs could only inherit if both parents were alive. This ensured offspring didn’t murder their parents in an effort to gain control of the throne. Instead of being bitter, Marcus supported Aiden and was relieved he would not be the one to make the final decisions for Dulsar when the time came for his father and stepmother to retire.

“Are you not the least curious as to why I’ve interrupted your practice?” Marcus asked.

Aiden’s smile slipped away as he became serious. “You have news?”

“Yes. Actually, today is a good day for news. I just wish the news was good.”

Aiden’s dark brows drew together. “Cease speaking in riddles and tell me what you know.”

Marcus clasped his hands behind his back and paced three steps in each direction in front of Aiden. Pursing his lips and staring at the floor in front of him, he sifted through what was most important.

“There’s word that Bustera, the city on Rondian, has contracted the virus.” Marcus paused while Aiden expressed his anger with a few creative expletives. “It’s been reported that Vancurelian ships were seen in Rondian’s orbit.”

“How did they arrive there so quickly?”

“Perhaps they were in that sector,” Marcus offered and shrugged his shoulders.

“Is there any way to verify their proximity to Rondian, where they were traveling to before their appearance?”

“They’ve refused membership in the Alliance, so the only reports we have are those that are broadcasted from pilots who were denied access to the planet’s surface. Perhaps I can turn over a few rocks and see if any Vancurelians come crawling out,” Marcus offered.

“Thank you. What else?”

“There are several business ventures awaiting your audience.”

Aiden waved that away and swiped again at the sweat on his face. “There are always business contracts wanting my approval.” He narrowed his eyes at Marcus. “Is that all?”

Marcus turned and faced Aiden, then crossed his arms over his chest. Aiden, Prince of Dulsar, didn’t cover his look of expectancy very well. He wore his hair long, and instead of being straight, like their father’s, it had a wave, like Ceily’s. The warm brown eyes and softer features also came from Aiden’s mother. Where Marcus’s face was hard angles and lines, Aiden, who had the same strong jaw and wide forehead, had a nose more proportionate and softer lines. For all Aiden’s airs about not caring that the date of his union was drawing closer, Marcus believed he was looking forward to the ceremony, and what occurs after.

“There is a communication from Suma. The bride’s parent continues to plan the ceremony and festivities, but the progress is slow.”

“Why? I would think the bride-to-be would be consumed with preparations.”

“She probably would be, if she were on-planet more.”

“What do you mean?” Aiden asked and took a step towards Marcus.

“Apparently, she has her own starship and departs from her home planet for weeks at a time. If she continues this pattern, you won’t have to be concerned about being nagged ceaselessly.”

“Off-planet? Why does a Princess leave her home, and when such an important time draws near?”

Marcus shrugged. “Perhaps she has a few men concealed in various places and is attempting to solidify details for visiting privileges after the ceremony.”

He was quick, but not quick enough. Aiden lowered his shoulder and tackled Marcus around the waist. They both tumbled to the floor. Aiden maneuvered himself on top of Marcus, who was belly down, pulling his brother’s arm up behind his back as Marcus turned his face to one side so he could breathe.

“Trust me, brother mine, my bride will have no reason, or opportunity, to take her favors elsewhere. I plan to keep her more than satisfied. Now, take it back.” Aiden dug his knee a bit more into his brother’s kidney.

“Give,” Marcus mumbled.

Aiden released him and stood up. Marcus rolled onto his back and stared at his brother.

“Either you’ve been logging more hours than I thought, or your love for this woman has quickened your reflexes.”

Aiden stretched out his hand in an offer to help Marcus to his feet. Marcus eyed it suspiciously.

“How can I love a woman I’ve never met? Perhaps my archaic belief in fidelity took offense to your suggestion.”

Marcus gripped the offered hand and was hauled upright. They stood, facing each other, centimeters apart. He tipped up the corner of his mouth. “Ah, you’ve been using the Media Room to research what occurs after the ceremony and are anxious to experiment with certain techniques.”

Aiden chuckled and shook his head.

“Using the Holograph Room for the purpose of s****l fantasies, though not unheard of, is a fair introduction to the wonders of the female form,” Marcus continued.

Aiden threw his head back and laughed, the sound bouncing off the metal walls increased the volume. “The wonders of the female form are many, indeed. The sights, sounds, smells. The tastes. One wonders if the exploration and discovery will ever become boring.” Aiden slapped his stunned brother companionably on the back as he made his way to the exit.

Marcus blinked rapidly to bring himself out of his stupor. “Wait a minute. How would you know about ‘exploration and discovery’? Have you been holding out on me?” Marcus turned to see his brother pass through the doorway and down the corridor, a chuckle echoing in his wake. “Aiden!”