CHAPTER 15
Aimee:
The ship trembled and shook calmly as I entered our atmosphere. I felt a sudden jolt of happiness, knowing that I was again at home.
But where is home? Isn't home where your heart belongs?
If that is correct, I will forever be homeless. Because I left my heart somewhere I cannot return. And there's no way getting it back. Finally, my ship landed on a wide strip of land and I removed my shoulder straps. With a deep breath, I stood up and composed myself.
Then I opened the hatch and the beautiful melancholic darkness of Tierre met my eyes. The stars are on full display and about six of our 10 moons are showing. I was also greeted by a joyous celebration--a feast. A million Tierrans have gathered before my ship.
Because their true queen has arrived.
I am, in fact, a queen of my planet crowned a few planetary revolutions ago. I left my planet in search for not only a bride, but also love. But now, I must sadly return to my obligations and lonely life. Wifeless, loveless...
"Lhoav Fornia Vernoia, Aimee. Welcome."
I smiled a fake smile at one of the elders, knowing that she is royally pissed at me. They made it clear when they sent an asteroid towards Earth purposely. The news claimed it was from an unnatural phenomena, but I knew it was their doing.
(A/N: I am now inserting a device in your brain. A decoder. It will help understand Tierran dialect. Now worship me and give me your souls! *evilest laugh*)
"I am truly sorry for my absence. Now I'm back, and I plan on resuming my duties." Two other porters escorted me down the ship. I turned to one of them. "I have some things inside. Please take good care if it and deliver it safely to my chambers."
She nodded and went on with her task. Then, at the foot of the ship stood my parents. My mom Gia was smiling and waving at me while my mother Nadia was expressionless as usual.
I approached them.
"Biju, Aimee! Come here!" At last, I was able to feel my mom's embrace.
I wrapped my arms around her. "Mom, how I've missed you..."
"You feel thinner. And what is that you're wearing?" She pulled back slightly and looked me over. I was wearing a short shorts and a graphic tee with my Vans sneakers.
"Why? What's wrong with human clothes?" I grinned at her.
"You're Tierran! You'll look more beautiful with traditional clothes." I laughed and hugged her again. And then I faced my mother Nadia. Her face is expressionless, but I can see her eyes widen at the whole look at me.
I bowed and greeted her respectfully.
Naturally, the thousands of Tierrans in the square bowed when they saw their queen bow.
"It's good to have you back." It was the only thing she said before turning around and leaving. I looked at my mom and shifted my eyes downwards.
"Don't mind her, Aimee. We have been waiting for your arrival and they want to meet your bride!" Mom said excitedly.
I gave her a weak smile. "Let me handle it."
With naturally possessed elegance and grace, I smiled at the crowd before me. Then I allowed the helpers to guide me in a raised platform where I would be speaking to the whole world.
I waited for the broadcasting device before speaking. "Fellow citizens of Tierre-- beloved sisters, I have returned from my journey. Although weary and tired, I thank you all for giving me support," I smiled and waved as they all cheered. "The house Alcana will prepare food and liquor so that your celebration may continue. Again, I thank you all. Enjoy your evening."
With a final wave, I left the platform and entered our vehicle to teleport me inside the house.
Despite its immense size, only 30% of our planet is occupied by Tierrans and other foreign species. We have a low population, only about 100 million. Another 30% is used for agricultural purposes while the rest is used for test experiments and science.
I closed my eyes and laid my head back on my seat while the vehicle kept moving.
"You look sad, biju. Aren't you glad to be home?" Mom asked from my side.
"I am glad, mom. I just tired" I sighed. "How is Fructuosè ?" I changed the topic.
"She is dying to see you! Many times I had to hold her back from coming after you because she missed you."
I just chuckled.
"And you will marry her in a fortnight." I frowned when I heard mother's voice.
"Stop trying to force her on me. We're like sisters," I opened my eyes and looked at her intensely. "My heart solely belongs to Luna."
Mother clamped up and sat properly. Then she ignored me.
"Mother always listens to you. You're like her sanity," I teased Mom in a whisper and she blushed like a teenager.
"She has to. She married me." But then, she looked at mother longingly.
We finally arrived inside our home and stepped down from the vehicle and was met by our helpers. I greeted them warmly. I was surprised when someone tackled me on the ground with a hug.
"Aimee-lin. How I've missed you!"
Even though my back hurt, I laughed and tried to pry Fructuosè off me. "Jaja, get off me. You're heavy."
She hugged me for a few more moments before sitting up, still straddling me.
"You've gotten weak! You've been abstinent for a few weeks, haven't you?" She teased.
I grinned and kissed her lips lightly before standing up, taking her with me. "I've missed you too, Jaja."
After a few more light banters, a helper told us that my parents and the frosez were waiting for us to a meal. I went to our dining hall and sat down on the head chair after I greeted each and every one of the elders with Fructuosè near me.
"My, my. You two do look nice as a couple."
I just politely smiled.
"On behalf of the frosez, I welcome you back, queen Aimee." Heelan, the eldest of the elders said.
"Thank you." I replied. "Let's eat, shall we?"
Throughout our meal, I just picked on my meal.
"So, Queen Aimee, I don't see any human with you. Are going to finally marry my daughter?" Aanklo remarked. She is Fructuosè mother and she's also an elder.
I swallowed hard and drank some juice. "I am still thinking about that."
She was about to say something back when one of our helpers burst through the opening of our dining hall.
"Queen Aimee! Your p...package! It-... It's..."
My eyes widened in understanding. I excused myself as quickly as I can and ran to my chambers. I pushed myself to run as fast as I could.
Finally, I burst through my hatch to find a lump stirring on my bed. I sighed and sat down gently, waiting for her to wake up. Then, when both eyes opened and revealed chocolate brown eyes focusing on me, I smiled.
"Welcome to Tierre, my love."