Karis poured a glass of Sidaii wine and lifted it to her lips. She tapped the fine-cut crystal with her finger, thinking.

“Well?” Ivy asked.

Fragrant blossoms and fruit trees surrounded the wide grassy area at the center of the courtyard. This was the main hub of the castle, and from where she sat with her friends, they could watch the comings and goings of almost everyone.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you set this up just to keep tabs on castle hook-ups,” Henley joked, holding her glass out to Karis for a top off. “I mean seriously, Ivy, what’s better than wine and people watching with your girls, right?”

Riley hurried in and slipped into a chair at the table. “Sorry, I’m late,” she murmured, running an awkward palm over her springy curls.

“Ri?” Ivy asked, turning her full attention to her friend. “Why are you so out of breath?”

Grabbing a glass of wine, Riley took a deep sip, avoiding eye contact with anyone. “I got lost, okay? This place is still a maze.”

“Lost?” Henley smirked. “More like tangled up in the towels with Jag.”

Karis perched on the end of her chair, one eyebrow raised. “Towels? Were you two at the hot spring in the Royal Gardens?”

Henley grinned. “Close. Try the linen closet on the second floor.”

Heat skimmed across Riley’s chest as she shot Henley a dirty look. This palace was worse than a reality TV show when it came to gossip. Either that or she was completely transparent when it came to Jag. God help her, the man made her nipples ache.

With an exhale, she put her half-empty tumbler on the glass table. “I was not, Henley, aka smarty-miss-thinks-she-knows-it-all. Besides, that was yesterday. And for the record, Jag said it wasn’t him in the closet.”

“Now, now,” Karis’s lips curved up, “Jag may be a horn dog, but he’s only interested in sniffing the opposite sex. No closets necessary for that boy.”

Riley’s mouth dropped. “What? Wait…no! That’s not what I meant.”

“Sorry, honey.” Karis grinned behind her hand. “You walked right into that one.”

Frowning, Riley snatched a plate and snagged two small sandwiches and a handful of chips before sitting back with a huff. “You people need a new hobby. Seriously.”

“She’s right.” Ivy exhaled, plopping a bunch of grapes onto the plate on her lap. “Cabin fever’s got us razzing each other. This so-called picnic was Vander’s idea of a fix. If he thinks flowers and trees and castle gossip are going to placate the situation, he’s got another thing coming.”

“Come on, Vee. It’s not as bad as you’re making it out to be. The palace parklands are enormous. I bet we could day-trip and never leave the grounds,” Henley countered. “Besides, we already have a hobby. You and your wedding slash coronation.”

Ivy shot her friend a look. “My point exactly, Hen. I want to be involved in planning my own wedding. I should be able to go into the city and see my options, up close and personal. Not have them brought to me like I’m some sort of…of…” she bit off the last of her sentence.

“Like what?” Henley laughed. “Some sort of queen? Honey, face it. That’s what you are. Get used to it.”

Karis looked at the young queen and her friends. “I don’t blame you, sweetheart, but you have to remember that Vander is doing this to protect you. He came very close to losing you not that long ago. His inner xenos claimed you, so even if he sympathized with you feeling trapped, his inner animal would never allow you to wander free. The worry and fear are still very fresh. Plus, he’s a Galaxan warrior.” She shrugged. “They’re used to getting their way. But we forgive them easily enough. Especially since they’re so pretty to look at.”

“Yeah, well,” Ivy humphed, “I can’t help it. I feel like a bird in a gilded cage.”

Karis nodded. “I know, and the fact Vander wants to roll these two very separate events into one large celebration only adds to the stress, but I have to say it isn’t a surprise. What surprises me is that he’s leaving the event planning up to us. Normally the crown has a legion of organizers for large scale events. The Lord Chamberlain usually coordinates everything, but since Maddox is currently making his home in the dungeon, I guess all bets are off.”

“That’s why we called you, Karis,” Henley said with a nod. “Between the three of us, we haven’t a clue how to pull off a royal wedding and coronation. There’s no monarchy where we come from. We gave the British crown the royal heave hoe in 1776. Not that you’d know anything about our history with Mad King George or his royal crazy.”

Karis chuckled. “Don’t be so sure. You forget I’ve known our resident matchmaker forever, and as it happens, I love Earth gossip. Gerri brings me magazines and newspapers from time to time, so I know all about Earth’s royals and their drama, especially the Brits.” She put her glass down. “Speaking of Gerri, aren’t we going to wait for her before we start planning?”

“No,” Ivy shook her head. “I spoke with Gerri yesterday. I asked her to come straight away, but she’s staying on Nova Aurora with my cousin Cassandra. Since Vander won’t let me travel unless absolutely necessary, I can’t be there to help plan the baby’s naming day. Gerri’s acting as my proxy for the time being. I’m sure she’ll be back for our festivities and return with us to Nova for the baby’s actual day. Is that a problem?”

Karis shook her head. “No, it’s just the timing in which Vander wants this done is a little close. Traditionally, a royal wedding would take place first, and then the coronation would be held a month or two later. There is a lot of protocol to cover and Gerri knows our ways. I could use the help.”

Riley looked up from scribbling in her notebook. “If Gerri’s not around for us to team up, then we’ll have to get someone else. What about one of your ladies in waiting, Ivy? I’ve already started making lists that need to get done. Guest list, caterer, entertainment, etc.”

Karis glanced across the courtyard, letting her gaze fall on Jag as he crossed through the doors from the main hall. A mischievous grin spread on her face.

“I think I have a better idea,” she said, sparing a glance for Riley. “Since Vander wants this done pronto, but is too busy with Damen to be involved, why not have the next best thing?”

“The next best thing?” Ivy questioned.

“I couldn’t agree more,” a feminine voice said from the steps beneath the portico leading in from the royal apartment.

“Gerri!” Ivy said with a surprised grin, but then her smile faded. “Is everything okay with Cassie? The baby?”

The elegant matchmaker put her overnight bag down with a nod, her silver hair framing the fine bone structure of her face. “Everything’s fine, honey, but when I spoke with Karis and heard what Vander wants planned, I got on the next transport.” She moved to give Ivy a quick kiss. “I’ll stay to help get things started—” she paused with a wink, “and then head back to Nova.”

Gerri straightened, stepping back to look between Henley and Riley. “And how is everyone else?”

“Stir-crazy, if you really want to know,” Henley replied, giving a chin pop toward Ivy. “Her Majesty is…bored.”

“I am not.” Ivy sniffed. “I’m…I’m…restless. There’s a difference.”

Karis grinned. “Well, we’re working on that. Planning this party should help keep our frowny face queen busy.” She paused, gesturing to Gerri. “Since you can’t stay and take one of the girls in hand with the arrangements, I thought Jag might help.” She turned a hand toward the prince standing across the courtyard. “Like I said, why not the next best thing? To be honest, Jag could use a project to keep him occupied and out of trouble. He’s been edgy since getting back from rescuing Ivy. I know my boy. He’s a good man, but he wasn’t raised in the shadow of the throne with duty and responsibility shoved down his throat at every turn.”

As if on cue, he looked up and a gorgeous smile spread across his lips. He lifted a hand to wave and Riley’s breath audibly caught in her throat. Her hand moved to her stomach and she swallowed.

“Oh, hello.” Henley chuckled. “Someone’s radar just got a blip.”

“Shut up, Hen,” Riley murmured, half paying attention. “He’s Harry.”

Gerri looked at the girl, amused. “Who, dear?”

Just looking at the man made Riley’s stomach jump. Jag was bad boy shifter with a killer smile that made her panties wet whenever he turned his blue gaze her way. Her mouth went dry. God, it ought to be illegal to be that good looking.

She pulled her eyes from across the courtyard with a cough. “Jag. He’s like Prince Harry—you know, from England?” she added quickly for Karis’s benefit. “Harry’s brother William is the one in line for the crown, so Harry got to be the playboy for a while.” She snuck another peek at the man, watching as he watched her from a distance. “Like Jag.”

Gerri pursed her lips and shared a look with Karis. With a nod, she reached for a glass of wine and raised it in salute. “I think Jag is the perfect person to help put together a plan of attack. What’s next?”

“Henley, you’re no-nonsense,” Karis continued Gerri’s line of thinking, “so you should be with me and Gerri arranging the guest list. You know, who sits with whom and so forth. Political allies and enemies and such need a strategic touch.” Her gaze shifted to Riley. “You, sweetheart, can drag Jag around town. Since you already started a bunch of lists, your job is just that—food, entertainment, decorations, etc. If anyone knows where to find a good time, it’s Jag.”

“And what am I supposed to do while everyone is running around planning my wedding? Sit and look pretty?” Ivy huffed.

Gerri slid an arm around Ivy’s shoulders, pressing a kiss to the side of her head. “No, dear. You get to design your gowns and delegate everything else.”

“Design my gowns?” Ivy replied, surprised. “I’m not a fashionista, Gerri. I can barely thread a needle let alone dream up a design from scratch.”

Gerri laughed. “No one expects you to drape a seamstress’s dummy, honey. You will work with a team of designers Karis will assign, and together they’ll create whatever kind of dress you want. As long as it includes the traditional elements befitting a Galaxan queen.”

“Exactly,” Karis added. “I have seen your great fashion sense in every outfit you’ve worn since you arrived and know you will come up with something amazing. In the meantime, you can give Riley a list of your favorite foods and the kind of entertainment you like so she has something to start with, and Jag and I will make sure they fit royal protocol. Besides, you’re going to need the quiet. You have studying to do.”

“Studying?” Ivy raised a brow.

Karis nodded. “A Galaxan coronation is mostly ritual, and there are certain things you must do and say, precisely. As for the wedding, Vander asked that we combine our ways with that of Earth, so not only will the wedding ceremony have Galaxan traditions, but you get to write your vows as well, as you would back home.”

“Well, that’s something, I guess,” Ivy replied. “Who’s going to walk me through the coronation rite? I want to make sure I get it right for Vander.”

Karis pulled a large book from a pouch under the table and handed it to Ivy. “This should help, but I’ll be the one to help you prepare. That’s another reason why I need Jag involved. I can’t be everything to everyone.”

“All righty then,” Ivy chuckled. “We’ll make a start first thing, but right now this baby wants a giant hot fudge sundae with a deli pickle on the side.”

Henley put her hands on her knees and pushed herself to stand, her long hair gleaming in the moonlight. “Hot fudge for you, wine for the rest of us.”

Reaching for the iridescent bottle, Hen lifted her glass, but Riley hip-checked her before she could pour a drop.

“Hey! Was that really necessary?” Henley asked, put off.

Riley poured herself a large glass, keeping the bottle for herself. Liquid courage? Damn straight. “Hey, you get to play political musical chairs while I have to spend every waking moment with Prince Pussywagon. This bottle is now mine.”

“Ooh, the girl’s got it bad.” Henley grinned. “What do you think, Gerri?”

Riley sat with a huff. “And I’ll thank you to leave Gerri out of it. Haven’t we got enough going on to rehash her delusions of me and Jag?” She forced herself to keep her expression cool, though just the idea of rolling around with that sexy lion made her panties wet.

“Leave Riley be.” Karis chuckled. “So, she’s a little shy around Jag. Compared to you two sex savages, it’s nice to see a little decorum around here.” She lifted her glass to point to Ivy and Hen.

Henley sniffed. “Sex savages? Ivy’s the one who’s knocked up. As for me, I’m having the time of my life in the Palladia. I may not have had sex in a while, but I have all the toys I need. Riley’s the one who’s the dry spell diva.”

“Why, for heaven’s sake?” Gerri shook her head. “This place is a smorgasbord of hot man flesh. Besides, Riley, you already know what you want. Do you need me to walk you to the table and shove a plate in your hand? Matching perfect mates is what I do best. You need to start following my directions and you’ll finally get rid of all that sexual frustration you’re living with!”

“Gerri Wilder, you old whore!” Henley laughed. “Preach, sista!”

Ivy reached out her hand for someone to help her up. “All this talk about food and sex is making me hungry. I need to find Vander and have my own smorgasbord, complete with dinner in bed followed by my own personal hot piece of man flesh for dessert.” She winced. “Jesus, God! I certainly hope Galaxan midwives have a few more tricks up their sleeves than what we have at home. This baby is already huge, and I’ve got months to go.”

Ivy rubbed the small of her back but caught a soft smile on Karis’s face. “What?”

“Your baby is half Galaxan,” she shrugged, “with a handsome, freakishly large man for a father. He’s going to be perfect, and you, my dear, are going to be an amazing mother.” Karis pulled Ivy into a hug. “And I can’t wait to be a…a…” She didn’t finish her sentence. Instead she stepped back with a small shrug. “Doesn’t matter.”

Ivy held tightly to the older woman’s hand. “Of course, it matters, and you are going to be a terrific grandma.”

Karis’s beautiful face broke in a wide smile. “I’d never presume to overstep myself, but you don’t know how happy I am to hear you say that.” She shrugged again. “Of course, there are members of the royal court who will argue and whisper that it’s not right, but if you’re good, then I’m good.”

“On that note, let’s open another bottle of wine and let our mother-to-be go so she can get her freak on before she’s too big to enjoy the ride,” Henley replied, taking the bottle from Riley’s hand.

“See?” Karis teased, giving Ivy’s cheek a peck. “Sex savages. All of you.”