Now that I’ve released the prisoners and returned them safely back to their home planet, I feel as if an enormous weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Looking down, I read over the speech I had typed up and printed out.

I took a deep breath, adjusted my bow tie on my expensive tuxedo suit. With my head held high and shoulders tall, I walked into the grand ballroom of the palace.

When I entered into the spotlight on the stage, I was immediately greeted by the roaring cheer of the crowd in front of me. I beamed with emotion and pride that I was the ruler of this phenomenal planet of good-doing, easy-living people.

I placed my hands up to gesture for the noise to subside. I caught a glimpse of my beautiful bride-to-be at the front and center of the crowd, made up of my beloved friends and family members.

She was now an intricately, ensconced part of my life, and right now I was enjoying the gracious and welcoming standing ovation that was currently being given for me. She was right there with them, clapping her hands with powerful exuberance.

“Thank you, dear friends and family, for gathering here with us on this exquisite summer evening. As you know, I will marry Cindy Jameson tomorrow.” I pointed in her direction with pride, and she stood up and gave a wave to the crowd behind her. Her perfect white teeth were shining through her smile.

“I can’t wait for the festivities to begin. I appreciate every one of you for your support during my transition as your leader. As most of you probably already know, I have released every prisoner that was held captive here on Cardalph. I plan to move this planet in a new direction, full of love, light, and freedom. Thank you again for being a part of our journey.”

I gave a little bow and the crowd erupted into cheers once again. After some wine and dancing, along with playful and lively chatter with our guests, I began to feel the pangs of hunger. I went to the buffet where there was a lavish spread of food for every palate placed upon tables with servants ready to place whatever you desired onto your plate.

The wedding planner I had hired had gone above and beyond any expectation, Cindy and I had ever imagined. As one of the servers placed some of the delicious and fresh-looking shrimp and lobster onto my plate as I requested, I felt someone tap me on the shoulder.

I turned around to see who it was. “Drozalia! What a pleasant surprise to see you here.” I gave her a hug with my free arm.

Drozalia gave me a tiny half-smile. “Togtulir, is it possible that I may speak to you in private?”

“In private?” I looked around, curious as to why she would want to speak to me in private. Especially, after our last encounter at my house when I had told her to stay away from Cindy. I was even more astounded that she had the guts to show up at a party where Cindy would be fully visible, meeting and greeting our guests.

“It won’t take long, I promise.” She placed a hand on my arm suggestively. I looked down at it and she removed it hastily.

“Uh, I guess so. Well, actually, why don’t we find a spot to sit down and I can eat my dinner. I’m kind of starving right now.” I shrugged at her sheepishly.

“That’s fine,” she responded quietly and looked around. I assumed to determine whether Cindy was within eye or earshot of hearing our conversation. I wasn’t sure if she had come tonight to anger me and to make Cindy jealous, but I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt since I had grown up so close to her.

We went and sat down at an empty table. I began popping shrimp into my mouth like they were candy. I had not eaten all day due to nerves about this night before the wedding tomorrow. I wanted to make sure everything was perfect for Cindy, and now I knew that her dreams had been fully delivered.

“So, what are you up to lately, Drozalia?” I tried to tread lightly with her at first.

“Oh, nothing much. Just helping daddy at the company every once in a while, you know. Same old. Same old.” She smiled and scratched her lip.

I nodded and swallowed a bite of food. “That sounds good. I’m pleased to hear that you are doing well and that you had the courage to come here tonight.”

Drozalia’s eyes darkened at my comment. “Oh, I meant nothing harmful by that Drozalia, you must know.” I raised a hand as if to let her know I was not out to spit fire at her in any way, certainly not on the night before my wedding.

“I came here tonight to say goodbye, Togtulir.” Her facial features became sad, tired.

“Goodbye? I don’t quite understand.”

She sighed with the weight of a million tons on her shoulders. “Togtulir, it’s no surprise now to you that I’ve been in love with you for my entire life. You never saw me as anything more than a friend, and I understand that now. I have even made my peace with that. But I cannot sit idly by and watch you marry another woman. The thought simply breaks me to my core.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, but I also understand and respect your decision. I appreciate your honesty and your dignified way of handling this and being so calm and peaceful. I know that it must be hard for you.” I felt sympathy for Drozalia in that moment. I touched her hand warmly and began to stand up, so I could go converse with other family members who had traveled far distances to be here for the wedding.

“Togtulir, uh, I’m not actually finished. Please, sit back down.”

Growing impatient, I did as she asked, but looked around to make sure that there was no hint of suspicion rising from anyone around us.

“I’m just going to come out and say it. I’m leaving Cardalph, Togtulir. I’m leaving in a shuttle going to Belklin in the morning.

I started at Drozalia in disbelief. Belklin was a nearby planet to the left of Cardalph. You could get there by shuttle in about twelve hours. Due to their laws on neighboring planets, not many people were able to visit the planet unless they were given permission for a job there.

“How are you being allowed to enter?”

“My father actually does business with a man there. He needed a personal assistant. Enter Drozalia.” She pointed to herself and grimaced as if it surprised even her that she was going to work for someone.

“Drozalia, this is bittersweet. On one hand, I’m very proud of you. On the other hand, I know I’ll miss you. You’ve been a part of my life since I was little.”

“I’ll miss you too, Togtulir. I wish you a lifetime of happiness. I have confidence in your ability to rule Cardalph with a lot of grace and kindness. It’s just too painful to watch you marry another woman.”

She placed her hand on my cheek and for a moment, I felt paralyzed at her show of affection. “Goodbye, Togtulir,” she whispered into my ear and stood up in a flash. Before I knew what happened she had disappeared into the crowd of people and was gone.

When I looked up, Cindy was staring at me in her lovely silver gown that accented her blue skin perfectly. She walked over to me with confusion furrowing her brow.

“What was that about?”

“Nothing, darling. Drozalia was saying goodbye to me. She’s leaving in the morning for a job on another planet.”

“Oh. Are you all right?”

I gazed up at my amazing wife to be. It was her nature to be concerned for others before herself, and that’s why I loved her so much. “Yes, I’m just perfect.” I picked her up by her hips and spun her around. The bottom of her gown flowed as we twirled and laughed together. We were going to ride this current of life together and I couldn’t wait to get started.