Though I’ve yet to see my bride completely as her lace veil hides her from me, my heart pounds with anticipation, and I have no doubt I will find her amazing to look at. Her hand is shaking as she places the black wedding band on my finger.

Electric sparks run through my hand at her touch. I place the ring I have for her on her slender finger, one that belonged to my great-great grandmother, and then I’m told I may kiss my bride as the contract has been read out loud and each of us has answered yes to everything and signed the document.

I steady myself to see her in the flesh. I’ve heard her voice and find it fascinating, soft and light, yet so much strength behind it. She has to be an amazing woman.

I ease up the lace veil and there, I find her. Her face holds so much beauty it makes my heart ache.

This woman is now my wife!

“Hello,” I say as I gaze at her.

“Hello,” she says. Her red lips are left parted just a little.

This is her very first kiss, from what I’ve been told. I’m a stranger to her, and I know this has to be frightening for the poor thing. I ease my hand to grasp the back of her neck.

Her deep blue eyes flash with panic for just an instant. I cannot breathe, I cannot think. Our lips touch, and I can vaguely hear cheers from the crowd. My head is going light, and her body is leaning into mine.

I wrap my arms around her and can’t seem to take my mouth away from hers. I gently push my tongue through her lips and find she tastes honey. Her hands run down my back, sending waves of heat through me.

Finally, the man who officiated the ceremony lays his hand on my shoulder as he clears his throat. Reluctantly I pull my mouth away from hers but still hold her tight in my arms.

I can feel her heart pounding against my chest as I look down at her. She looks into my eyes, and I see their blue has darkened to the color of a stormy sea.

The man’s voice makes us look at him as he places his other hand on her shoulder. “I introduce to you the prince and princess of the Euthenia Nebula.”

I run my hands down her arms, taking one hand in mine. I turn toward the crowd and look at her with a smile. As I hold up our clasped hands, the crowd goes insane with cheers.

The entire room darkens as the lights go out, and fireworks fill the night sky overhead as the domed roof has been pushed back. It’s all surreal and gorgeous, but it’s her who fills my thoughts.

Can there really be love at first sight?

She has to be all the things I thought she was. Kind, nurturing, sweet.

I take her hand and bring it to my lips. Then I pull her to me, wrapping my arm around her waist. Leaning in, I whisper, “I am very pleased with you, Kataline.”

With a turn of her head, she smiles. “I have to admit I’m pleased with you as well.”

I emit a low growl. “I cannot wait to take you to our marital bed after the festivities.”

A blush pinks her cheeks even more, and her long, dark eyelashes flutter against them. “Words are escaping me, sir. And I’ll have you know that’s not an easy thing to do to me.” Her eyes meet mine. “Is this a sign of things to come? Are you prone to such indecency?”

“Not until you came along I wasn’t.” I run my hand down a bit and playfully smack her on the ass.

Her eyes go wide, and her hand covers her mouth. She hisses behind it, “Scoundrel!”

“I just might be one,” I say with a laugh.

Is it possible for her to affect me so quickly?

The fireworks end and some band starts playing a slow song. I take her in my arms and dance her up the aisle and to a private room I’ve been told to take her to so we can take a small break before we attend all the festivities planned for this auspicious occasion.

Once alone I can finally take her all in. I am so happy I took this award the Earthlings gave. Though happy is too shallow a word for how I’m feeling at this moment, on the first day of the rest of our lives.