The morning sun was strong on the rooftop veranda overlooking the city of Palladia, and Ivy stretched, letting a secret smile tweak the corner of her mouth.

“Well, someone looks like the cat that ate the canary this fine morning,” Henley said, coming up to the breakfast table. “Or maybe it was the pussy that got eaten instead.” She snorted, reaching for a muffin before sliding into a tufted wicker chair.

“You’re awful.” Ivy smirked. “Correct, but still awful. Vander may insist on my not leaving the palace or its grounds, but I get to say when he gets to leave our bed and trust me, I worked that boy raw.”

Hen peeled back the paper wrapper on her chocolate muffin and took a bite. “Something tells me the man wasn’t complaining.”

Ivy winked, getting herself a plate.

Chewing, Henley watched Ivy choose her food. “You know, we’ve had breakfast out here every day for a week. The weather is amazing. Kind of makes me feel bad Vander has you under prenatal house arrest. No offense.”

“None taken. You were right. It’s not as bad as I first thought. That book Karis gave me is no joke, plus last night, I dreamed about my gowns.” Ivy actually giggled. “I know it sounds really girly, and if it were you, you’d probably get married in SWAT gear, but truthfully, I’m looking forward to playing queen for a day.”

Hen plopped another chocolate chunk into her mouth. “Try queen for life, plus you always have Vander to make your toes curl.”

“True.” Ivy looked out at the city below and the warrior guard running drills inside the palace gates. “Hey, you do realize Gerri basically gave you the all clear to sample the hotties on this planet, and I agree. You need to get out and do it, Hen. Literally. Do it. Riley’s fighting her own insecurities, but you? Girl, you need to strap in and saddle up. Though my guess is the only ride you’re really interested in taking involves a certain Chief of Security.” She smirked at her friend.

Gerri walked in from the arched entrance at the top of the stairs from the courtyard. “And what are we talking about this bright and cheery morning?”

“Same topic we were talking about last night, apparently,” Henley answered. “Sex Savages 101. Galaxan style.”

“Morning,” Riley said, wincing as she walked from the portico into the sun. “Holy shit, that’s bright.” Shielding her eyes, she squinted, making her way toward the table. “One of you needs to put me out of my misery, or at least tell me there’s coffee.”

Gerri poured her a cup from the silver pot and then handed it to her. “Didn’t I warn you girls about the effect of too much Sidaii wine?”

Riley moaned. “Gerri, please. Not now.”

“Ri’s always been a lightweight.” Henley chuckled, buttering another muffin. “Me? Let’s just say I learned to pace myself after the hangover I had when we first got here.”

“Shut up, Hen.” Riley winced, again.

Gerri stirred her cup of coffee, watching the three girls. “It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day. The sky is clear, both Galaxan suns are shining, and it’s the perfect time for us to get the party ball rolling, and for me to do what I do best.”

Riley held her mug like a lifeline, eyeing the matchmaker over the steaming rim. “I may be hungover, but I recognize that sly look. It’s the same look you had on your face when we first arrived in this galaxy. What’re you up to, Gerri?” Inside she held her breath, one thought keeping her lungs locked.

“That depends.” The matchmaker lifted one delicate shoulder. “What time are you meeting Jag?”

Riley coughed. Oh, man, Gerri went there, and she wasn’t sure if she should cringe or squeal like a teenager who landed the hot quarterback.

Ivy sat up. “See? Sneaky!” Chewing, she pointed half a donut at Gerri. “And fast. Riley doesn’t stand a chance.”

Plucking a fat strawberry from the fruit basket on the table, Gerri’s smile spread. “Well, weren’t you just wishing your friends had mates of their own?”

Both Henley and Riley turned to gape at Ivy, mouths open.

“Yes, but I never said…” Stunned, Ivy glanced between her friends before turning a wide-eyed gaze to Gerri. “There’s no way you could possibly know that unless you’re some kind of mind reader.”

Karis burst out laughing. “Oh, honey. When it comes to hook-ups in the long term, Gerri Wilder is more than psychic. She’s practically a savant!”

Nibbling the top of her berry, Gerri smiled. “Let’s just say I have a feeling about a certain friend and a certain prince. I don’t matchmake unless someone asks, and your wishing came through my antennae loud and clear.” She shrugged. “You asked, and now I plan to deliver.”

“Who? I know you’ve been dogging Riley, but if you’ve seen me in your crystal ball, fess up!” Henley leaned forward in her seat. “And don’t hedge. I know you well enough to know you wouldn’t say boo unless you had someone in mind. C’mon, mistress matchmaker, give.”

“Give?” Ivy laughed. “If my silent wish qualifies as a matchmaking pitch, then I guess that means Hen wants Damen with nothing but a big red bow on his fine ass!”

Gerri laughed, chewing the rest of her strawberry. “It’s complicated, Henley. I haven’t worked out the details, yet.” She tapped the side of her head. “But I will.” She swung a hand out toward the courtyard. “Galaxa is a buffet full of possibilities. Each tall and gorgeous and more delicious than the other, not to mention fully packed and ready to stand and deliver and make you shiver.

“Believe me,” she continued. “There’s nothing I’d like more than to see you and Riley settled with mates that make your heart burst and your legs weak.” She paused. “Especially with your proverbial dry spell, though for the life of me, I can’t figure why. I’ve said it before. You three are exactly the type to make Galaxan men trip over their erections. Beautiful inside and out with curves that kill. Still, I want to make sure whoever I choose can make it rain for you. The wetter the better… in fact, dripping wet and begging for more.”

Henley fake shivered. “Bring it on!”

“I’m trying, girl.” Gerri grinned, tapping the side of her head again. “But you’ve got to let me work.”

Riley cocked her head, eyeing the older woman. “Ivy wanting us to have our own toe-curling cavemen is one thing, but what does my meeting Jag have to do with any of this? I thought we agreed not to play match up this go around? Plus, if you’re thinking he’s a possibility for me simply because we flirt from time to time, then you’re wrong. I am so not his type and vice versa.” Her voice cracked on that last part and Ivy smirked. Even she heard how lame that sounded.

“Time to time, my ass.” Ivy dug into the center of a buttery croissant. “You were drooling at the man from behind your wine glass last night.”

“Pfft.” Riley lifted her chin, trying to convince herself as much as everyone else. “That was the Sidaii talking. Not me.”

Before Ivy could argue, Karis walked up to the table with two older Galaxan women in tow. “Ivy, these are the dressers I mentioned yesterday. They’re here to talk with you about ideas for your gowns.”

“Your Majesty,” the dressers replied in stereo, both dipping into a curtsy.

All eyes turned, and Ivy coughed at the formality of it all. “Uhm, please don’t do that, and I’d prefer you call me Ivy.”

“Ma’am?” one of the dressers questioned.

Karis waved a dismissive hand. “Her Majesty doesn’t like to stand on ceremony. Only when protocol demands.” She winked at Ivy, silently encouraging more.

“Uhm, yes, I suppose we could work here in the sunshine. I have a few ideas already. After breakfast, then?” Ivy coughed again, ignoring the amused look from Henley.

“Very good, Your Majesty,” one of the dressers acknowledged. “We will wait for your summons downstairs.”

Karis nodded to them as they left before shifting her gaze to the others. “Riley, what are your plans for today? Do you have appointments, or do you need a few suggestions to start?”

“Uhm—” Ri stuttered.

Gerri smirked, sharing a look with Karis. “That’s the third uhm uttered at this table in the last five minutes. Methinks our girls are a little out of their element.”

“You think?” Henley replied. “We’re not ambivalent, just unsure how to proceed.”

Karis clapped once. “Fine, then. Problem fixed. Riley, your first stop should be food. All the best stalls will be in the market at noon or a little before then. They are the same farm vendors the palace uses, so they’ll be very accommodating. You can sample cheeses and bread, seasonal fruits as well, both fresh and dried, and make your decision from there. Whoever you choose, tell them enough for five hundred.”

“Five hundred?” Ivy balked. “I can see that for the coronation, but that’s way big for a wedding. After all, Vander already claimed me.”

Karis gave Ivy a steady look. “Any less and Vander would be seen as snubbing his people. Representatives from every corner of Galaxa will need to be included. I’ll brook no argument, Ivy. Vander is the king, not only of the Palladia, but all of Galaxa. It is what it is…now, Riley,” she continued, handing her a quick list. “These are the caterers I want you to visit besides the farm stalls. They represent the very best chefs and bakers in the city. The palace kitchens will handle the main courses, but Vander wants reinforcements just in case. As for the desserts, he’s looking for something extra special, so keep an eye out for the unique.”

“Well, at least there’s that.” Ivy rubbed her belly bump. “Vander knows mama loves cake, and with the way this baby is doing the mambo over a simple muffin, my guess is he or she does, too.”

Karis smiled, resting a hand on Ivy’s shoulder. “He, honey. My gut is telling me you’re carrying a little prince.”

“Speaking of little princes,” Riley asked. “Did anyone let Jag know he’s my royal food taster today?”

Nodding, Karis reached for a sweet roll, licking the sugar from her thumb. “Vander told him.”

“And?” Ri replied.

Karis shrugged, taking a bite. “Jag’s a Kasaval. He’ll do what’s required.”

“Required. Great.” At that, Riley frowned. “Why does that make me think I’ll have a gorgeous sourpuss scowling at me all day?” Excitement and panic warred in her chest.

“Honey, you make Jag sound like a surly teen. He’s not. He’s a warrior. Social planning may not be high on his list, but he knows how important this event is to the people. He’ll go because it’s his duty, but he’s also going to make sure nothing happens to you.”

Ivy exhaled. “Welcome to the gilded cage club, Riley.”

“Way to go helping, Vee,” Henley smirked, sparing a look for their friend. “Look at it this way, Ri. At least Jag’s pretty to look at. A warrior, yes, but also the world’s biggest flirt, and trust me, you could use the practice.”

Riley tossed a crumpled napkin at her. “Tell me something I don’t know. Jag is…he’s…he’s…”

“Dreamy,” the servant clearing the table said with a sigh.

All eyes turned, and the poor girl blushed ten shades of red. Ivy burst out laughing and even Karis smirked. “Leave my boy alone. He can’t help his sex appeal. It’s the Kasaval xenos. Their lion’s blood likes to roar.”

“From what I hear,” Henley added, “your boy gets around so much, he’s got shiny red ball syndrome. A cat chasing a red laser dot straight to the nearest female. Stalk. Pounce. Next.”

Riley rolled her eyes, but that didn’t cover the anxiety that she couldn’t pull this off without humiliating herself staring at Jag all day. “Great. Isn’t there anyone else that can help me today? This is important, and I don’t want to be…be…”

“Distracted?” Karis cut in with a raised eyebrow.

“No.” Ri exhaled. “I don’t want this to be messed up.”

“It won’t,” Karis assured softly. “Riley, your greatest strength is you notice everything. Details, big and small. You’ll be fine. Like you said. This is important, and Jag knows it, too.”

Gerri nodded. “Karis’s right. If anyone can manage Jag and his shiny balls, it’s you.”

Ivy spewed her tea, coughing and sputtering as she reached for a napkin. “Now there’s an image.”

“Quiet you.” Gerri turned, giving Riley a quick wink. “Don’t listen to Miss Pregger Pants. Have your breakfast and then get ready for the day. As for Jag? I’m never wrong, Riley. Opposites attract, so have fun and see where it takes you. Try him on for size. And trust me, that boy has size.”