Sci Fi Sunday - Reality Check Continues

Hello and Happy Sci Fi Sunday to you! Today we have more of Reality Check to offer you - can two men find love on a planet far far away when they appear to be so very different? Or are they more similar than they realize, at least in matters of the heart?  Don't forget to check out Sui Lynn's blog, 2 Cents, as well as our joint blog - Backdoor Divas!

As you'll recall from the last episode, Reno was supposed to come to the royal palace to pretend to court Kay's sister, Luci. But a family emergency has kept him at home, and Kay has come to find his beloved and see what the problem is.....

Reality Check

Chapter Five

Fear skitters across my spine. My Kay is here? Oh Guardian, we had an appointment. A chance to be together and I’ve blown it already. He’s a prince and certainly not the kind to take to being stood up lightly. Jaou places a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

I marshal  my thoughts into some semblance of order. “Please go check on Dorian and I’ll go talk to Kay. I’ll try and get him into my rooms before Mother sees that he’s here.”

“Are you sure, Reno?” Jaou nervously shifts from foot to foot.

“I’m sure. If she’s out there too, I’ll be sure and get you. Now go check on Dorian!” I point in the direction of the door as an incentive.

“Fine!” Jaou stomps off in high dudgeon, but I can’t worry about him right now. I’ve other concerns.

He must be here to tell me what I can do with my suit. I can feel depression setting into my soul, I can’t… I won’t let him get away. He’s just going to have to deal with my familial obligations. I mean, I know he’s a bit selfish, but surely he’ll see reason? It’s my brother’s life… I couldn’t just leave Dorian. I had to save him… Surely…

I know, I’m procrastinating. There’s no way of knowing what he’ll say unless I let him in. What choice do I have? I surely can’t leave him standing just outside my door.

I walk down the short hall and slide the door to the side in order to admit my love. The sight which meets my eyes is both terrifying and awe-inspiring at the same time. Kay’s beauty and dishevelment are all rolled up into one lovely but grimy mess. His clothing, obviously once regal and probably quite expensive, is now dirtied and rather the worse for wear. Dust streaks his face, giving it an odd off-balance appearance, but he counters it by being so glorious it’s all I can do not to wrap him in my arms and spirit him away.

“My Prince, Welcome to my home.” Without thinking of what I do, I drop to one knee quickly before him, then regain my feet.

                                                             §§§§§

Am I foolish for thinking a serious question deserves an actual answer? Or did I hallucinate seeing someone at all, and am I simply addressing my question into thin air? Or perhaps I’ve hit my head harder than I imagined, though right now I can’t actually remember doing so. Does that make me dizzy, then?  Yes, that must be it, I’m dizzy with desire. Desire to see my Reno.

As if some provident god has heard my wish, the thin-ass door, which a mere kick would send sprawling without much trouble, opens, and I see him standing before me. My first thought is thank the stars I’m in the right place. The second one is please kiss me before I die.

I stumble toward him. Stumble being the operative word, as I seem to have lost the ability to walk. My legs have suddenly gone numb, and every muscle in my body aches. I feel like a damn baby, trying to take his first steps. The point is I’m going down, even as I reach my arms toward him. “Reno! You’re here!” Then the world goes momentarily black...

                                                                     §§§§§

Sandplats!! He’s falling! I make a quick and well-coordinated grab for him even as he heads in a definite downward spiral, and gather him into my arms just before he crumples to the floor. What can have happened to my princeling! I hold him against me, relishing the sensation of having him in my arms once more. His forehead seems a bit warm, and he appears flushed... Where’s Swy? Why isn’t he looking after him? I’m going to have to have words with my prince’s bodyguard. This is most definitely conduct unbecoming, and nothing I will tolerate. Not when his personage is so important to me.  I bend down and slip an arm beneath his legs, lifting him, enfolding him into myself, holding him tight against my chest. I really do need to get him out of here before Mother sees that he’s here.

I nudge the door; it slides gently closed. I turn and dash down the corridor with my prince snuggled against my chest like the treasure he is.

“What could’ve happened to you, my Prince?” I mumble into his ear. I push the door to my rooms open with my foot, making sure they close behind me before I take a seat on the bed, my Kay in my arms. I brush back the hair from his face. Only then do I realize what he’s done since last I’ve seen him. He’s colored his tresses the most beautiful hues—violets and blues that are most becoming with his gray eyes. If they would just open…

                                                                        
“Kay, my prince...” I gently brush my lips against his. How I ache for him.

                                                                         §§§§§

I hear his voice: it’s him, it’s Reno. I know I’m not imagining that. It’s his arms that hold me, his lap I’m resting so very comfortably in that I almost—but not quite—forget my aches and pains, the ones I’ve gained on my tortuous journey. A journey I shall most certainly have to tell him about in great lengths.

I make the effort to open my eyes, even though I feel that to do so might lead to a blinding headache, but no, it’s alright. Reno’s here. He’s here, but he looks so worried. Why? Is something wrong? Please don’t let anything be wrong.

His kiss. It’s his kiss I feel, how wonderful his lips, they give me life.

“I waited for you,” I murmur, my tongue feeling thick in my mouth for some reason. “You were supposed to come, to court me. I mean Luci. But you didn’t... and I was afraid...” I’ve never admitted fear to anyone in my life before, and yet I spill my heart’s contents as easily as a news reader might slip out the scandals of the day—without hesitation. I trust him, I love him, what else is there to say? “I was afraid you’d.... changed your mind.”

There. I’ve just admitted my biggest fear to Reno. Bared my soul to him. And right now, I just want to curl up against him, and never move. Ever.

                                                                §§§§§

He must have some story to tell, and I want to hear all the details but my first thoughts are to apologize to him for being so lacking , in manners and in punctuality, and in anything else I’m guilty of by not appearing when I was scheduled to be there for him.“I’m so sorry, Kay. I meant to be there... We meant to be there. But you see we’ve run into a bit of an emergency. My brother’s been hurt. Jaou and I were needed to help resuscitate him. Jaou’s in the garden with Dorian now.” I tremble slightly, not from fear of losing my brother... but from the proximity of this hot sexy man I’m holding in my arms. I want nothing more than to ravish his lips but he’s so delicate, I don’t want to hurt him. I lean in and gently kiss him, moaning into his open mouth as I slip my tongue between his lips, tasting my princeling.

It feels like it’s been forever since I last sampled those lips and tasted his sweet hot mouth. “If it wasn’t for my brother being at death’s door, I’d have been at your side, I swear it. Now tell me, my beauty, what has befallen you since last we met? Why do I find you here and in this alarming condition? And where is that miserable Swy?”

 What do you think of Reality Check so far? What would you like to see happen? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear from you!

Have a great week and we'll see you next week!

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie and Sui

Sci Fi Sunday - Reality Check Continues

Good morning and welcome to another edition of Sci Fi Sunday! Today we have another excerpt from our continuing saga of the planet known as Reality Check, and our heroes, Reno and Kay. Sui Lynn and I hope that you're enjoying this weekly feature, and our story - feel free to comment! 

Reality Check

Reality Check

I feel as if I’m about to lose my ever-loving princely mind. I’ve never in my life felt anything quite like this before, although I’m not sure where this submissiveness is coming from. My royal ego is screaming who ordered this nonsense, but I tell it hush, staring into those beautiful golden eyes, losing myself in them. So beautiful.

He kisses me ever so gently, and sweeps me up into his arms, and I know this has never happened to me before. I’ve always been the one to be in charge, to call the shots. But there is just something about this Reno that’s getting to me. He’s careful to hold the back of my skirt closed in order to prevent a draft. Our lips remain locked, as we head off to paradise and… and what the blazes is this? My sister and her escort have suddenly arrived, pushing their way through the branches, joining us under the tree.

I’m not quite sure which of them is the most surprised, Luci or the brother. He looks at Reno and demands, “Where do you think you’re going and in all the guardian’s hells what are you doing?

Before he can say a word, my sister has opened her big mouth, and proceeds to really embarrass me.  “Kay, I knew that you… I mean, I’ve always known that you … prefer men… but knowing it and seeing it are like two different things, and omigosh, that is just so incredibly sexy.” She takes a breath, and I watch as she swallows—hopefully her tongue—but no such luck. “What are you…  I mean where are you….” She gets tangled in her words, then gives up. “Oh good lord, stop that for a minute and help get me out of this predicament!” Then the child stamps her foot.

Reno looks at me. “What, does it run in the family?” I can’t help but blush.

Okay, I have to think, have to think, have to think, but my head is just swimming so much it’s hard. The more my sister talks, the more that I feel reality set in and I wriggle in Reno’s arms so much that I suddenly find myself on the ground. A rather indelicate “Oomph” escapes my lips, nothing more.

Reno drops to his knees besides me. Oh dear, I’m actually in the grass, aren’t I? He’s apologizing to me for dropping me, I wish I were still in his arms.

Reno’s brother is yelling now. “What are you going to tell Mother? She’s going to have your ass for this… and mine too!”

Luci feels the need to speak, apparently, did no one ever tell her that women should be seen and not heard? “Oh why is life so horrible?” she wails in her overly dramatic fashion. “Look, no offense to you,” she addresses Reno directly, “but I don’t want to marry you. It’s again… against my… um, principles of virginity.”

My jaw drops to the ground—which at this point isn’t all that far—but I pull myself together and recover my aplomb, rather admirably if I do say so myself. Let’s just take a breath here, shall we? I turn my attention to Reno, where I’ve wanted it to be this entire time, and I nuzzle his neck lightly, inhaling his delightfully sensuous fragrance.

Suddenly, as if from nowhere, a thick arm encircles Reno’s lovely throat, and a deep voice warns, “Back away from the Prince, very slowly. Perhaps I shall let you live.” It’s a newcomer to the party. Swyddogh, of course. Where the hell has he been?

Things begin to move in slow motion, as Reno grabs Swy’s arm, shielding my body with his own, and his brother grabs for his dagger. But it’s not there. Reno slowly rises, then throws an elbow back into his assailant’s ribs and with a lurch he throws my bodyguard over both our heads. He ends up lying before me, on his back, looking up into my eyes, as Reno smugly comments, “If this is the best you’ve got, your highness, you need better.”

His brother grabs for Reno’s arm. “We’d better be going. That’s his bodyguard you just assaulted, Reno. Plus we need to discuss what the hell we’re going to do.”

At the same time, both Luci and I cry out, “NOOOOOOOOOO!” Panic stricken, I  gaze up into Reno’s lovely eyes and comment regretfully, “I’ve got better, I was going to show you.”  I feel like both Luci and I are coming undone. I hope someone here has a calm head, ‘cause it’s not us.

The brother—what is his blasted name?—throws up his hands. “Okay, everybody calm down. We can’t talk about this here and Prince Cailean, you need to do something about this guy that’s growling at us. Is there someplace we can all go, somewhere away from the crowd?

Humph. Peasant. I give him one of my superior prince looks. “That, for your information, is my bodyguard and valet, Swyddogh. Where I go he goes. Well, within reason.” I whisper this last to Reno, as if to reassure him that there will not be three in the pleasure bed. “We may go inside, there are rooms in the palace where we will not be disturbed. Swy will make sure of that.”

Swyddogh nods, but I notice he gives Reno a wary look. Reno nods back, and now we’re all headed toward the palace. Reno gently helps me to my feet.  He wraps his arm around my waist, and kisses my temple; I lean against him, so very drawn to him that I would be inside his skin if I could, but the best I can manage at this moment is to be by his side. “So what are we going to tell them, my prince? I want you… I’m assuming you want me. But where do we go from  here, my beautiful princeling?”

My urge to be with Reno is very strong, I find that I’m unable and unwilling to separate from him. This passion is overruling every bit of judgment I possess, although some might say that isn’t very much, but those people are just jealous. This is an unusual position that I find myself in. Never before with the other men I have been with have I found myself in this position. I’ve always called the shots, always made the rules. But now I feel like I’m up in a tree, waiting for a large bird to carry me away—in other words, I have no idea what to do. “I do want to be with you,” I admit to him with unaccustomed candor, surprising even myself. “We have to… that is, we will… do something to ensure that we can be together.” I feel more sure of myself, even as I speak. “Yes, we shall be together.”

I think to glance at my sister and his brother. They seem rather cozy. Too cozy maybe. But perhaps that might work out to our advantage.

Reno gives me a bemused glance.  “I can see those wheels turning.” I smile enigmatically.

We enter the palace through a less used entrance, and down a hall, around a corner and into the library, Reno leading the way. Swy takes up a position just outside the door, once we enter the room. A large wooden desk sits in the middle of the room, while along each wall are floor to ceiling book shelves; our privacy is ensured by the complete lack of  windows. Good thinking on Reno’s part. He leads me to the desk and leans against it, pulling me in between his thighs. Luci and whatshisname take a seat on the leather sofa across from the desk, my sister sitting far too close for my taste.

“What are you thinking?” Reno whispers to me.

I glare at the two on the sofa, but return my attention and focus it upon Reno. “Well, I was thinking that my parents have given permission for you to court my sister, is that not so?”

Reno nods.

“So,” I continue, “there’ll be no problem with you coming to the palace on a regular basis. To see my sister.” Although I emphasize sister, I mean me, of course. “My sister cannot possibly see you without a chaperone. It wouldn’t be proper to do so. Therefore, I shall be her chaperone. And you must have one as well, in order to preserve propriety. Perhaps your brother?” I think he’s beginning to get a feel for the scheme now. I mark a trail along his jaw with my lips, losing myself in the moment. I hear my sister giggling, but I choose to ignore her.

“Mmm, you have a devious mind, I like that. Okay, so I come and visit, bringing Jaou with me. We do whatever it is we have planned in the eyes of your parents and then each go on our own ways?” I hear Reno’s moan as those kisses send shivers through his body that I can feel, and I suspect are responsible for making his cock stand up tall and proud as well.

. 
“That’s brilliant,” the brother pipes up.  Jaou, I have to try to remember that. “As long as it’s okay with you, Luci. I wouldn’t dream of overstepping myself. I would be most honored to be able to spend time with one as lovely as you.” Oh brother.

I dart a glance at my sister, she’s blushing.

“I would be very  happy  to spend time with someone as handsome as you, Jaou.” She gives me a look, sees my unhappy scowl, and quickly attempts to forestall anything on my part.  “Knock it off, Kay! I’m not a child anymore! I grew up while you were away at school!”

I guess she did. A lot has happened in four years. Hell, a lot has happened here, in just a very short time. I feel as though my whole life has been turned upside down, but in a very pleasant way.

I continue to kiss Reno, the soft flesh beneath his chin, and down his neck. My hand seems to have a mind of its own; it tries to insinuate itself beneath Reno’s skirt. It’s probably just as well that we’re not in a really good position to do this, since there are witnesses in the room, one of whom is my baby sister.

“I think that’s a wonderful plan,” he agrees.

No one asks the obvious question—if a wedding date is set, what then? That seems too distant an eventuality to worry about at the moment. For right now, these arrangements are more than satisfactory. 

§§§§§

“Of course it’s a wonderful plan, my princeling, you thought of it,” I tease him, whispering my taunts into his ear, for him alone to hear. “But it’s such a beautiful mind to hide such deviousness.”

“So everything is settled then, yes?” Jaou asks. “We have a plan. So who’s going to make nice with the crowd?”

As if he isn’t listening to anyone but me, my sweet prince whispers to me, “When will I be able to have you?” He touches me, mesmerized by me, his fingers trailing through the layers and multicolor of my hair. I know part of it’s the pheromones but not all. Not all.

“You know I don’t want to leave, I want to stay, but there’s no way we can do this tonight. We’ll come back soon. Maybe we can arrange to go riding in the country, or on a picnic? Would you like that, my little princeling? Then I’ll have you all to myself.” I kiss his temple, and each eye, and then the tip of his perky little nose, before I settle on devouring his lips. I nibble hungrily at his lower lip until I hear a small whimper escape them.

“Picnic and riding,” my brother affirms, “Yes, that sounds good. We can make that work.”

“You like that, my princeling?” I ask again.

Before Kay can reply either in the affirmative or otherwise, a snort is heard coming from the direction of the couch. A very unladylike snort, especially for a princess. All heads turn toward her, and Kay glowers.

“Kay ride? Make me laugh!” She snorts again. “I don’t think he knows one end of a horse from the other.” She continues to giggle, while my prince grows redder and redder, attempting to hide his face against my chest. I find it cute, although I suspect what his sister has said to be the truth, hence his embarrassment.

“You don’t ride? Never?” I give my brother a dismayed look. How can someone live in this world and not know how to ride a horse? Vehicles have become scarce in recent years as it has become ever harder to get parts with which to repair them. Horses, bicycles and carriages have become the primary mode of transportation. How can my little princeling not know how to ride?  “Well, if you truly don’t know, I guess I’ll just have to teach you.”
Now it’s Jaou’s turn to snort. “You teach? Yeah, right. Remember when you tried to teach me how to ride a bike last year. You damn near got me killed telling me to ride alongside of the river. You never told me how to stop. I damn near went off the cliff into the water.”

“But I like my little princeling,” I counter snarkily. “You were just being a pain in the ass. You’d been asking me for months, harping at me every time I turned around, begging me to teach you.”

Having lost this argument with me, my brother turns to the girl who sits beside him. “Do you ride, Luci?” Suddenly, he sounds shy. What’s up with that? I’ll have to give him shit for that. Except then he’d probably kid me about Kay. Maybe not such a good idea.

Luci offers him a demure yet provocative smile. “I ride very well, thank you.” Her tone leaves little doubt as to what she thinks of her brother’s lack of equestrianship. “I would love to ride with you, Jaou, and show you how well I ride.”

Kay begins to squawk, his feathers having been ruffled. “I don’t think I like the sound of that,  young lady!”

She sticks her tongue out at him, and links her arm inside of Jaou’s, snuggling closer to him, perhaps partially with the intention of pissing her brother off, but most apparently because of an attraction to my brother. Her flirting and wanton looks melt my concerns for my brother’s feelings in this scheme.

I see surprise on my brother’s face, and I suspect he’s feeling rather on top of the world as he draws her hand to his lips for a light kiss. Then he leans over and gently brushes his lips across her hair, chastely. He clutches her arm to his chest. “I’m glad you ride so well. We’ll be able to show these two how it’s done.” He chuckles, taking pleasure at Kay’s reddening face. I shall have to chastise him for that, later.

“Don’t worry, I’m an excellent teacher,” I whisper into Kay’s ear reassuringly. My tongue outlines the outer edge of that same ear, I feel Kay’s breathing catch at my touch. “I’m sure you’ll be riding soon… and not just horses.”

Kay’s face goes from embarrassed red to plumb purple at Jaou’s apparent familiarity with his sister. He makes a move as if to spring at him, but I hold him back with my arms. I soothe him, petting and nuzzling into his hair until he’s calm and makes no further attempt to jump on Jaou. He continues to glance hostilely at Jaou, in his best haughty prince manner. I’m getting used to it; he means no harm, really. And he’s so pretty when he feels powerful.

“Now, little princeling,” I soothe him, “he meant nothing by it… but I did.” I run my hand over his chest, grazing a pert nipple under the fabric, which elicits a hiss from Kay. “I wish we didn’t have to….” Voices outside the door interrupt and four heads swivel towards the door.

There are two voices. One is belligerent, while the other refuses to budge, until at last the first voice recedes into the distance, and Kay’s man pops his head through the door.

“Begging  your pardon, your highness, but one of Princess Liusaidh’s so-called suitors is nosing about, seeking her highness. Perhaps it would be best if no one was found here. Better safe than sorry.”

Kay sighs, but he does not disagree. “Very well,” he says, “we’ll be right out. He turns to me, and the look he gives me is very soulful, as if he is pouring out his heart to me. “I must see you again. Soon,” he pleads. My heart aches to have to leave and I can’t imagine how I’m going to find the strength to let him move away from me.

I card through his short dark hair, and look deeply into those soft silver eyes, which can be soft as down one moment, and hard as steel the next. “I need to see you too,” I assure him. “We’ll be together… soon.”  I lean in and Kay turns in my arms, and now we are chest to chest, our lips locked together in a soul touching kiss. As if we are trying to pass a wealth of feelings and assurances between us in a short moment of time. When we look up, Jaou and Luci have risen from the sofa and are gazing into one another’s eyes with a longing only matched by our own. With a reluctant sigh, we approach them.

I offer Princess Liusaidh my arm. “Shall we?”

“Let the farce begin,” Jaou says softly.

to be continued

Be sure to join us at our blogs - you can find Sui at 2 Cents, and Julie at Full Moon Dreaming

What do you think of the story so far? Any comments, suggestions, questions? We'd love to hear from you!

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie and Sui

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Sci Fi Sunday - Reality Check Continues

Good morning and welcome to another Sci Fi Sunday! Today we are offering you another chapter in our joint sci fi venture, entitled Reality Check. We hope you enjoy it!

Reality Check

The reception is an unqualified success. There is no doubt that I am the belle of the ball!

People have come from all over the planet just to welcome me home. And why not? I’ve been gone for four long years. I’m very pleased to see them all, even if some of them have come with what I consider to be dishonorable intentions—that is, the wooing of my baby sister. She’s too young to be thinking in terms of marriage yet. She’s barely gotten into long skirts, for crying out loud. Give her a chance to grow up first before you marry her off, Mother. What’s the rush? She has time. I’m the heir, after all. And even I am not ready to be wed.

Everyone’s very happy to see me, and I am showered with compliments and accolades and hugs. And compliments on my ensemble. I haven’t been hugged this much since I left home. I’m here to tell you this is one touchy feely planet. I’m not surprised, though. They all love me—I’m their darling crown prince. And I’m without question the most beautiful person here.

There is only one blemish that mars the beauty of my homecoming, and he’s here too, unfortunately. Orm Schlangeleben. My father’s vizier and personal adviser. I consider him no better than a wart upon my father’s hand—just about as attractive, and with a similar personality. A nastier man I never met. He has a nose large enough to bathe a small child in, and all of the charm of a sexually transmitted disease. Why my father cannot see that there is something wrong with him, I do not know. When I am king, I shall certainly dispense with the bastard’s services. Not that I am anxious for that to happen any time soon, but waiting for my father to see the truth about this man seems to be a losing proposition. I only wish he’d listen to me about him, but of course he doesn’t, for Father knows best.

The reception encompasses several of the public rooms of the palace, in order to accommodate the large number of guests that are attending. But it’s nothing that the staff can’t handle. They’re trained to do just this sort of thing—receptions, grand dinners, affairs of state. Sometimes at a moment’s notice.  Only the best for the Royal family, don’t you know? Off-world visitors may be scarcer now than they once were, but there are plenty of people that come from the other cities on-planet. Even on days when there is nothing particularly grand going on, people float in and out of the palace for other reasons—seeking to have boons granted, wishes fulfilled, quests blessed. The usual.

My parents hold court in their throne room, which doubles tonight as a ballroom. The dancing will begin here soon. I look forward to that greatly. I’ve managed to get in some dancing while away at university, but not near enough. And I miss the native dances of our people. There is something so very elegant in the movements, something so very majestic—the steps are ingrained in me from childhood, back to the days when my mother was my first dance partner. I know that I was an apt pupil. I can hear the royal orchestra playing even now. Some things never change, praise the stars.

The Blommervermogens have been the ruling family on Rhealliticzk since long before I was born. My father’s father was king, and his father before him, and so on for generations. The current reign of King Liefde and Queen Kærlighed has been an enlightened and popular one. My parents are a very loving and handsome couple. Luci and I have never lacked for anything, especially their love. I hope to be as blessed when it is my turn to rule, and that the people love me even half as well as them.

I feel a rumbling in my intestines, and it occurs to me that in the excitement of preparing for this event, I have neglected to eat. Well, that is easily remedied. I follow my nose in the direction of the heavenly aromas which emanate from the dining hall. Relief for my hunger is but a few steps away!

A magnificent buffet has been set up which contains some of the finest foods our world has to offer. And yes, many are my favorites, as I had anticipated.  I smile regally at everyone I meet along my path, my eyes affixed upon the feast before me. I still manage to offer them my usual blessing—the one reserved for the Royal Family. Two fingers, pointing toward my eyes, then toward the subject. This is to indicate that we are always watching out for our people. There is also a single blessing, involving but one finger, the middle one in fact, held alone and held high, to indicate the pride of the Blommervermogens. That one is my favorite.

Oh my.  I see some of the roast hens I’ve been dying for. I know these have been chosen with me in mind. The chef has prepared them just the way I like them, with the multi-colored feathers arranged like a luscious rainbow around the bird, for dipping purposes, presented with a small dish containing a piquant sauce for dipping. My mouth is already watering at the sight. I could command one of the servants to make a plate for me—all I need do is snap my fingers and say it and it will be done—but since I’m already standing here, and since I really don’t want to wait,  I think I’ll help myself, just this once, and….

Hel-lo! What the hell? Just as I reach for one of the delicate little birds, I find myself yanked unceremoniously away from the table, hand poised in mid-air.  I stumble after the interloper, one hand going automatically to my beret, which is in danger of falling from my head, the other to my skirt.   I think I’ve probably just given everyone in my immediate vicinity a quick peep at the royal jewels, as my skirt flips up for a second. Maybe two or three, even. I know, I can feel the sudden breeze upon my nether regions. There’s only me underneath, you know, in all my glory. Now I’m sure that the guests’ll be salivating for more than the food.

Damn, but Luci’s gotten strong. When did that happen? By the time I regain my balance, and manage to find some of my lost dignity, we’re already in the ballroom, and people are staring at us. What has she done to me? Is my hair out of place or what? Is my make-up gone awry? I’m torn between snapping at my sister or examining whatever damage she’s done to my appearance. I opt for the latter.

Swyddogh hastens to my side—apparently she took him by surprise as well—and I quickly take stock of my looks in the mirror he produces for my use.  I turn my head first one way, then the other, smoothing my hair back as I do so. At least my make-up isn’t smudged, as I’m not carrying my extra with me and I’d hate to return to my room to fix my face, but I will if I have to. Everything seems to be in place, luckily, and I smile at my reflection. I nod to Swyddogh and he returns the mirror to its place of concealment.

Now to find out the reason for this imposition.

“What was the meaning of that!” I expostulate, my stomach growling, lending its support to my righteous indignation. But I stop in mid-complaint as I take a good hard look at my sister. She’s wearing a long gold gown which flows all the way to the floor, and her red-gold hair is woven into delicate plaits which frame her heart-shaped face, and the pale rose hat she is wearing is incredibly cute, decorated with small blue stones which gleam as they catch the gaslight. My stomach does a back flip as I realize that I’m going to have to watch out for her, very carefully, lest she be stolen away from us. My little sister has truly grown up.

“Kay!” she whines, clutching at my arm, digging her nails into my wrist. “Stay with me, please! I don’t want to be courted. Not yet!”

“Very well,” I grumble, my dreams of food dissipating in view of the tears which threaten to mar my sister’s beauty. Some homecoming. I can’t even eat. But Luci needs me, so I can hardly complain, now can I?

At least not here and now.

“Just what is it you want me to do, Luci?” I sigh.

“Just stay with me and meet the suitors that are here to meet me. Hopefully there won’t be too many of them. You know men better than I do, brother. Look them over and help me determine which are worthy men and which are no better than Klytemnestrian saarbuckets!”

To say I am shocked by my sister’s language is an understatement, but before I get a chance to ask her where the doogle blazes she learned those words, Swyddogh is digging his elbow into my side, so I have to pause and glare at him instead.

“Your parents are beckoning, your royal highness,” he whispers discreetly, and I withdraw my anger quickly. This is one of the things that I have him around for, to keep me on my toes and to remind me of where I should be.

“Thanks, Swy.” I glance toward the thrones, where Father and Mother sit. Father does indeed have a finger crooked toward us.  “Come, Luci.” This time I’m leading her, as we hasten across the room.

And now we stand. And stand. And stand. While a parade of idiots present themselves in all their borrowed finery and ogle my sister. It’s all I can do to keep from punching each and every one in his stupid face. But I can say without hesitation that none of them are worthy of the honor of courting my beloved little sister.

It is closer to the time of the dance, now, I can feel it—the music is reverberating through my feet. We must at least find Luci a suitable partner. I have been aware for some time now that some of the locals have been included as guests for this occasion. Two of them are staring at us now, rather openly, from across the room.

There can only be one reason for that. I preen at the knowledge of my attractiveness. As they begin to move toward us, I know instinctively what their purpose is. Now the question remains, what will my answer be? Will I actually dance with one of the locals? Or shall I turn him down? I can’t help but smirk, as I debate my decision.

§§§§

“Okay Reno, remember you are here to attract her. Keep your mind on her and I think everything will be fine,” Jaou whispers in my ear as we look over the throng of people from the balcony.

“I know why we are here, Jaou,” I snipe back at him. My scent must be drifting onto the crowd, heads are beginning to turn as I knew they would. After having spent the day basking in the light of the guardian there is no way I wouldn’t be attractive even to these animals. Yet dressed up in their finery, many of them are attractive—in their own way. I nod discreetly at a few people I work with in the castle as they realize who Jaou and I are. The office of Interspecies Cooperation may be a farce as far as most people on both sides are concerned, but at least we try to keep relations smooth and communications open.

“Let’s make our way towards the throne. The Princess is there and we can make her acquaintance and our respects to the Royal Family at the same time,” Jaou suggests. It’s a good idea and although I’m reluctant, we might as well get this over with right up front. I let Jaou lead me down the stairs and we venture towards the Royal family, who are greeting the line of their guests.

I hear the orchestra playing in the distance. Oh great, dancing. I’ll probably have to dance with her. It’s not that I can’t dance, I’ve been known to be rather light on my feet, but the only female I’ve ever danced with would be my mother. I suppose dancing with her won’t be much different than dancing with anyone else, as long as it isn’t a slow dance where I’m required to hold her close. Gods, what is my mother thinking. There’s no way I can be with a woman, the very idea repulses me.

It’s started of course, the murmuring and whispering of voices as Jaou and I make our way across the floor. The crowd parts before us like water before the prow of a boat. All eyes turn to us as we approach. Even guests waiting in line to pay their respects step back and allow us to proceed before them. Actually I wouldn’t have minded waiting at the back of the line for our turn, but my brother grabs my elbow and as the others step back, he propels me forward. I keep my eyes downcast. I don’t need to make eye contact with anyone other than the Royal family. I don’t want anyone to misinterpret my glance and think that the state I’m currently in is for them.

“Well, well. The little princeling is home and all dressed up. He sure makes a pretty picture, too bad he doesn’t have a brain behind all that plumage,” Jaou whispers for my ears only. At the foot of the dais, I take a deep breath and finally raise my eyes, locking them not on the Princess, but the Prince. Jaou wasn’t kidding, he is quite attractive and I can see that he’s completely aware of his beauty. Having chosen white, he stands out not only from the crowd but from every other guest in the hall. To my amazed eyes, none look more beautiful. Unfortunately I’m not for him. He—even though he is rather conceited—would’ve been far preferable to the young woman at his side.

She’s a beautiful young woman, to be sure. Her golden gown sets off her appearance quite regally, her long red tresses have been arranged beautifully. Were it not for her brother, and my predilections for men, she would be the belle of the ball.

“Isn’t she beautiful, brother?” Jaou whispers as we wait for the two men before us to speak their piece. My brother should have been mother’s choice for this pretty princess, as he does prefer females, unlike me. So why me, I can’t help but wonder again.

“I suppose so,” I whisper back, barely able to glance at her, after dragging my eyes away from the Princeling. Then it’s our turn. Jaou, being my second speaks for me. We bow in synch with one another and with all the grace our father has taught us.

“Greetings King Liefde and Queen Kaerlighed, from the court of the First Mother Fatinalalinalea Sameeleon. I am the first son, Jaouseptanetah Sameeleon and this is my brother and third son, Renophoatien Sameeleon. At your service.” Jaou formally greets them. “We are here to celebrate your son’s return and to request that my brother be given formal permission to pay court to your daughter.”

to be continued

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Until next time, take care!


♥ Julie and Sui

Welcome to Sci Fi Sunday!

It's Sci Fi Sunday and that means it's time for Reality Check!

This is a free story that July Lynn Hayes and myself, Sui Lynn, are working on. We hope you enjoy it as we've been having a blast putting it together. So check us out on Sundays for the next update to the M/M Sci Fi Romance. We give you the second installment of chapter one:

Reality Check 

Chapter One - 07/17/11

So much seems to have changed since I took my leave of Rhealliticzk four years ago. I can’t quite put my finger on what it is, but it’s different. And not in a good way.

The shuttle that brought me down from the spaceliner was cramped and vile and it stank to the heavens of something very earthy and very offensive. The gods alone know what was last crammed into that tight space before I was. I’m not even sure I want to know. I would hardly even deign to allow that thing the designation of shuttle—it was more like a capsule of doom. I’m grateful that it didn’t burn up on entry into the planet’s atmosphere.

And talk about a faulty guidance system! Instead of taking me to the royal reception area, where my loved ones awaited my arrival, I found myself outside of the very city limits of New Harmony itself. I would have commandeered a horse and carriage to take me home, was I able to find one. But these natives have a propensity for making themselves scarce just when you find a use for them. Terribly inconvenient of them, to say the least.

So we walked! I can scare believe it, but I actually had to walk the vast distance into the city, miles and miles and miles of hard road, all the way to the Palace. Swyddogh offered to carry me part of the way, and I actually considered his offer, but decided it would not do. No dignity in the crown prince being carried like an infant, or a sack of rotten grindershoots being taken out for disposal. Definite lack of dignity and all that.

I am so happy to be back in my own room. That, at least, has remained the same. On my entry to the palace, I hasten there, deciding that I have to take care of my needs first, I can meet my parents later, and for that purpose I send for a basin of warm water, instructing that it be infused with specific scented oils. My feet are soaking in it now. I’m sitting at the end of my bed, wiggling my toes, as blessed relief steals through me.

A rustle of fabric, a slight scent of wildflowers, the sound of a hurried step. All my senses are now attuned toward the door and the figure that has so blithely entered my room without bothering to knock, or even allowing me the chance to give permission to enter my sanctuary, which is most unmannerly. Swyddogh’s hand goes to his weapon automatically—even here in the palace, one must be careful. Four years abroad has definitely taught me that much. But when I see who my visitor is, I wave to him to stand down as she is definitely not a threat.

“Liusaidh!” I cry out in delight, careful not to use the abhorred form of Lulu and mentally patting my back at my ability to remember that. I hold my arms out in welcome. I can’t move to greet her for obvious reasons, so naturally she must come to me. “How is my darling little sister?”

Little is what she isn’t, I discover, as she glides toward the bed—my goodness, where did she learn to move like that, it’s so… so adult. Yes, she’s in full length skirts now, the short skirts of childhood gone forever. Her hair is a lot longer than I remember, and it’s done in some intricate fashion, a flower tucked behind each ear. While her dark purple skirt is loose and flowing, her jacket fits her more closely, as is the custom among the women of our society. Not the native population, of course, they are practically heathens.

What’s this I see in her ear? Is that an earring? She’s gotten a piercing? My goodness, things have certainly changed. Not that I’m surprised that our parents have allowed that. They are very liberal spirits, I know. I got my first one when I was younger than she. I’ve been debating getting one in my private regions, but so far I haven’t managed to come to a decision regarding that.

She hikes up her skirts when she reaches me and before I can say yea or nay, she clambers over my footbath and straddles my lap, and then she throws her arms around me and begins to wail. Right beside my ear, no less! She has quite the pair of lungs for a young lady. I wince as I attempt to hold her to a more tolerable decibel level.

“What on earth is wrong?” I attempt to soothe her, rubbing her back in small circles, making clucking noises, murmuring her name—everything I can think of to do to calm a lady in distress. Something I have little experience with, I might add, other than with the members of my own family. She presses her forehead against mine, her blue eyes looking deeply disturbed and dangerously dewy.

“They want to marry me off, Kay! They’re deciding on my Fate even as we speak, brother!”

“They? Who are they?” I’m only asking to get her to focus, because the answer to the question is obvious. 

Our parents, who else?

She doesn’t dignify my stupidity with an answer.

“Tonight there will be men who will be looking at me like I’m some sort of a prize to compete for. You know the look I mean.”

Not really, but I let that pass.

“Don’t you want to get married?” I’m trying to be diplomatic and help her to see the practicality of the matter. Mostly I want her to calm down and quit bouncing on me. It’s not very pleasant.

“I do, Kay, I do! But only after I fall in love. You do believe in love, don’t you, brother?” Her sniffling lessens a bit, which is a good sign. She takes my face in her hands and continues the ocular exploration. “Don’t you want to find the perfect man for you? And not settle for anyone less?”

Well, of course. But it isn’t that easy, not when you’re a prince. I’m actually lucky that I haven’t been married off already, seeing as I’m the heir to the throne and all that. I’m also pretty damn lucky that my parents aren’t the pushy sort or I would be by now.

“You know they love you, right?”

“Yes,” she whimpers, rubbing her cheek against mine. I shift my feet in the tub; damn water’s getting cold.

“Then trust them. Besides, it takes a while for those negotiations to take place. It doesn’t happen overnight. So, let’s just enjoy the reception and have some fun, Luci?” The new nickname has slipped out, but she doesn’t object. So Luci it is. “I tell you what, you point out the suitors that offend you and I’ll make them feel so ridiculous they’ll never dare to bring up the subject of marriage with you ever again!”

Liusaidh giggles and I relax. The crisis is over. At least for now. I hold her a little longer, but I’m already thinking ahead to the reception, and what I intend to wear.

After my sister leaves to attend to her toilette, I begin my own. I look through every item in my wardrobe twice. My bed is piled high with the discards that I have deemed not good enough and I’m getting damned aggravated. If I had time, I’d go shopping, but I don’t. Good thing I picked up a few things off-planet, even if I didn’t get the chance to wear them there. I’ll make up for that now.

I finally settle on white, because I look good in it. Okay, I look good in every color, but I have to choose something, so white it is tonight. A satin skirt, with a royal blue lining. The skirt is longer in back than in front, which becomes a showcase for my legs. Did I mention that I have nice legs? I select a lovely pair of silver sandals for my poor sore feet, which I lace up my legs.

I choose my jacket to match the lining—double breasted with silver buttons. However, I leave it unbuttoned, the better to show off my gold belt, from which my ruby encrusted dagger hangs. I have no idea how to use it, but it flashes prettily in the sun. And it makes me look good.

Okay, now for the adornment. I sort through my jewelry critically—if I wear too much, I’ll come off as some sort of cheap doxy, too little and I’ll appear to be poor and that won’t do at all. I settle on two bracelets on each arm, of assorted jewels. One ring on each hand. A sapphire stud in my ear. And a matching sapphire necklace with the royal emblem emblazoned on it.

Makeup for tonight consists of midnight blue eyeliner, and I outline my lips in pale coral. Just enough to whet the appetite. Atop my head, I wear a black beret. I cock it at a jaunty angle, admiring myself in the mirror which Swyddogh holds. I am so very beautiful and I know it.

Time to meet my adoring public! Though the heavens alone know whom my parents have put on the guest list. They have a propensity to be strange sometimes. It wouldn’t surprise me to see some of the locals there. The wealthier ones, anyway. For balance or something. And because some of them work for us.

I have to make a grand entrance, of course. The reception is being held in the palace, for convenience sake.  Where else? I decide to arrive fashionably late, ignoring the dozen or so times my sister knocks at my door demanding to know if I am ready or not. I tell her to go on ahead, I’ll be there.

I know what I’m doing.

Finally, when I’ve decided that I’ve pushed the outer limits of etiquette and propriety to the limit, I nod to Swyddogh.  He goes ahead of me to tell the royal hooterers to do their thing. And as they trumpet the news to the assemblage, I begin my descent down the long curved staircase which will take me into the Grand 

Foyer, and thence to the Grand Ballroom.

I smile to myself at the knowledge that I am indeed the fairest one of them all.

§§§§§

The guardian is well past zenith when I decide I’ve basked in the glory long enough to put some color into my hair. It will have to be enough because I’ve certainly preened enough for one day. My father appears with a mirror as I begin to get ready to leave the gardens. I push past him without even glancing at the glass. As if I really care what I look like. This is all in preparation for a girl of all things! I’m being made to preen for a female! I can’t believe this horrendous turn of events. My only consolation will be that where there are eligible females, there will most certainly be males, and maybe some in similar circumstances to my own. Which will mean as long as the Princess doesn’t find me acceptable, there might be a male who will.

Those thoughts improve my spirits markedly. Now I have to come up with a way to put off the little poppet without being too obvious and getting my mother insulted. Not an easy thing to do. My first thought is to dress as casually as possible, but as I enter my room, I find that clothes have already been laid out for me. It’s a rather complicated mess of material and cinches in the human style, very fashionable from what I’ve seen of late at the castle. If it were any other occasion, I’d be thrilled to receive such a garment. I sigh, looking down at it in complete resignation.  I’ll have to think of something else.

I head for the bathing rooms. The cool scented waters will soothe my mood at the very least. As I enter, I see Jaou relaxing in his recuperative bath and I smile. The guardian was kind and his color is good and strong. There are even a few streaks of gold and red in his hair, Jaou would be in good form to attend the reception if I can convince him to come with me.

“Jaou, I am happy to see you, brother.” I walk over and give him a warm hug. Even if he is denied the chance to attend at my side, I am still very fond of Jaou. It has upset me more than I care to think that he’s gotten ill in the wastes. People don’t always recover from visits to the wastes. “How are you feeling?”

“Much better. The waste is growing at a phenomenal rate. I truly fear for the sentinel trees. So many of them are sickening.” Jaou’s eyes are clearly troubled with what he has seen.

“I must admit I’m concerned greatly, brother. But I’m more concerned for your health. I was very worried when Father told me you’d gone to check on the trees. The waste is no place for any Rhealliticzkian to be. You are lucky the guardian has been able to restore your health.”

“Please, Reno. I know my limits. I’m fine. Just a bit tired, and the guardian has fed my spirit. Heck, there are more colors in my hair today than I’ve carried since my blooming ceremony on my fifteenth birthday.” Jaou chuckles and watches as I add scented oils to the water and then pour some of the scented oils into Jaou’s recuperative bath.

“You do look quite attractive, my brother. You should come with me to the reception tonight, we’d make quite a sight. Besides, I haven’t gotten to spend any time with you lately and a party would be enjoyable with you at my side.” I ease into the bath. The cool soothing waters feel very refreshing after sunbathing in the guardian’s light for most of the day.

“I don’t know. I think you’ll be outshining all tonight my brother. You look… radiantly beautiful.” Jaou grins at me, rather smugly. “You’re sure to be able to have whatever belle you want tonight.”

“You know I’m not interested in any of the belles. I’m much more into beaus.” I laugh and splash water from my pool at my brother, who returns the favor and splashes back.

“Well, from what Mother has planned, you’d better be ready to entertain at least one belle at that party,” Jaou teases.

“Ugh… don’t remind me. The Princess of all people. I’m not even sure my pheromones will attract a female.”

“Well, if your pheromones don’t, you definitely look pretty enough, brother. Have you looked into the mirror? Your hair is full of blooming colors. The emerald green under-layer is there, but brother, I’ve never seen anyone with royal blue tones amongst the reds and golds. Your entire countenance is one of jewel tones. Mother will be pleased.”

“At least someone will.”

“Fine, I’ll go with you. Just quit pouting.” My brother laughs. “You’ll need a bodyguard with those colors proclaiming your intention to attract a companion.” Jaou steps out of the bathing pool. “The guardian hasn’t set yet. I’ll go sit in the gardens for a while and then join you in your rooms. The extra time I spend in basking will give me a bit more color and then you can help me choose an outfit for this party.”

“Thank you so much Jaou, you won’t regret this.”

“Then why am I already regretting it?” Jaou leaves the bathing room chuckling, leaving me to my musings and soaking.

Father enters the bathing room some time after Jaou has gone; he sits at the door.

“I don’t know if I can do this, Father.”

“We all do what we must. You will do no less, my son. I must say though, even if you are unsure, you look exceedingly beautiful.”

I stand and step from the pool; regardless of the task ahead, I do feel marvelous. I let the waters sluice down my body, the shiny deep viridian green of my skin surprises even me. My father hands me a towel and I pat myself dry. Glancing down, I notice the vibrant gold and royal blue of the petals that cover my sensitive pistils at the base of my cock. Even at rest with no others to attract, the colors practically thrum. Sorry buddy, you aren’t going to be getting the kind of attention you usually look for tonight, I think to myself and sigh, heading back to my room.

I begin to dress in the outfit my mother has procured for this event. I have to admit it’s quite exquisite, a caramel and red affair. Very dignified and pleasant, not ostentatious as much of the current fashion tends to be at the court. The shirt is a ruby red silk mesh that allows my skin to breathe and the viridian color to show through slightly. The kilt is a brushed linen pleated caramel with ruby threads embroidered throughout in the pattern of trees and leaves. It’s secured with onyx ties and buttons at my side. The jacket continues the theme, being brushed caramel with red embroidery and black buttons. If needed I can easily button the jacket if but I’ve decided to leave it open, as the evening is quite warm.

I eye my reflection critically in the mirror, pulling on the ruffled sleeves of my ruby shirt so they puff about my wrists. I secure the tight jacket cuffs with the onyx buttons, making the jacket swell a bit about my biceps. I look over at my dresser and choose a simple choker of amber, onyx and ruby beads for around my throat, while adding golden caps to my pointed ears, letting the onyx and amber beads dangling on golden threads cascade to the lobes. The kilt was a bit short for my taste, barely reaching halfway down my thighs in front but more than making up for it by hanging below my knees in the back. I secure a black leather belt with a black pouch with a golden clasp at my waist. I feel naked without my knife but as I am dressed to attract a companion, a weapon at my waist would be considered improper and could offend the royal household. Lastly I step into the offensive footwear mother has set out with the outfit. Usually I don’t have to wear shoes, not even at work, but for this formal reception they’ll be mandatory. Luckily they are just a light tan pair of sandals. I slide my foot into the leather and a ring wraps around my first toe. I tie the leather stays about my ankles to keep them from falling off.

I admire my reflection for a moment. I have to admit, I do look good. I pull my long hair back from my face and secure the long straight locks with a black band in what the humans call a ponytail. Having seen an actual pony’s tail, the reference is rather absurd in comparison to my multicolored hair in blues, reds, golds and emerald green, cascading from the top of my head to midway down my back. I can’t prevent my sigh of frustration as Jaou walks into my room. He’s dressed similarly, but his outfit of black and green only makes him appear pale.

“Are you sure you feel well enough to attend this farce?”

“Yes and knock it off, anyone would appear pale standing next to you tonight, my brother.”

“Mother got you a new outfit as well I see.” I mumble, stalling of course.

“Yes, it seems she assumed I would be the one to accompany you. Come on. Mother has had the horses called for and we need to go lest we be late.”

“Fine, let’s get this show on the road,” I grumble. Jaou pats me on the back and we walk out to face Mother’s inspection.

“You both look stunning. Reno, you will be the most beautiful man at the feast. Just remember why you are there. Attract the Princess and sweep her off her feet. I know you can do it, my beautiful son.”

“Yes, Mother,” I agree, even while my heart sinks.

She reaches up to my hair and pulls some of the emerald and blue strands loose to hang about my face. “Blue, I’d never have guessed you would bloom in royal blue,” she whispers, then turns to eye my brother critically.

“Come on Reno, let’s go.” Jaou grabs my bicep and pulls me out of the house to the black horses waiting for us. Sighing, I pull the back of the kilt between my legs and climb onto the rough woven cloth of the saddle. The two of us chirrup softly to the horses, turning their heads towards the palace.

The ride to the palace is thankfully short. Much longer and I’d have been wishing Mother would’ve called us a carriage. We enter the foyer and the footman announces our arrival to the throng of revelers as we enter.

Let the charade begin.