Elait left Sophia sleeping in the bed as the pilots navigated through the star system towards Galaton. They would be home in just a few days. Warp drive could only be activated once every twenty-four hours and Sophia had used it at just the right moment. He had nothing but pure and utter respect for his mate and would allow her to fly spaceships whenever she wanted.

Sophia had proven a quick mind and a steady hand. If he could trust her with his life, he could definitely trust her with her own. He went to the meeting room and ran his hand over the holographic control dashboard, hailing his contact in the Draconian military.

A man's face came up on the screen, older than Elait by several hundred years and beginning to show the signs of age.

“Admiral,” Elait started. “This is Elait Purr, Air Prince of Galaton. I have had to leave my planet in order to save my bride from a Mulgor invasion on the transport route from Draconia. I am requesting assistance from the Draconian military to deal with this threat. More brides are on their way, and our trade routes are in danger.”

“I am afraid we cannot spare any vessels at this time,” the admiral said.

“What do you expect us to do?” Elait asked, irritated.

Draconia had insulted Galaton for far too long. They’d kept them out of the mating lottery for thirty years, causing the unrest on Galaton that he and the other princes were dealing with today. He was growing tired of their disrespect and indifference to his culture and his planet and his people.

“The state of Draconia is not accustomed to providing military assistance to planets that are not under her direct control.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I mean that if you were to convince the princes to give up power of Galaton to Draconia, I'm sure we could spare our military vessels in your defense, otherwise you will have to defend yourselves.”

“We have been allies for thousands of years,” Elait said through gritted teeth

“In that time, we have never provided military assistance and we have no reason to. We are trade partners and that is all. Galaton can be replaced. You use our mating lottery and don’t bother finding your own mate contracts. I wouldn't overstep my bounds if I were you,” the admiral said.

“Very well,” Elait said. We will mount our own defense. Galaton has always provided for itself and we will continue to do so. I only hope that the Mulgor invasion does not interfere with trade in the essential minerals Draconia requires from Galaton. Thank you for your time, Admiral,” Elait said.

Elait turned off the holographic screen, knowing that he had made his point. But he couldn't wait around for Draconia to help Galaton. He and the other princes would have to do something to take care of the planet themselves.

As the ship slowly piloted through the dark void of space, Elait contacted the other princes to give them an update of the situation. He brought up all three of their faces on the hologram and addressed them together.

“I have good news and bad news,” Elait said. “I have rescued my bride and she is an amazing woman. As for the bad news, the Draconian military refuses to send any help in repelling the Mulgor threat in the only safe route between Draconia and Galaton. How goes the defense of my land?” he asked.

“The Air Lands are well secured,” the Fire Prince said.

“That is good,” Elait said.

“What are we going to do about the other two brides?” the Earth Prince asked.

“Can we create new travel routes and send them the coordinates?” asked the Water Prince.

“Those are uncharted star systems. Our best course of action is to fight the Mulgor directly.”

“We will have to mount a defense on our own,” Elait said.

“Our brides are already on the way,” the Water Prince said.

“You can skirt around the Mulgor as I did with your cloaking shields up. But you will both need to leave quickly,” Elait said.

“Only one of us can be gone at a time,” said the Water Prince.

“The Earth Prince’s bride is several months behind the Water Prince’s bride. The Water Prince should go out first while the rest of us devise a plan to take down the motherships,” Elait said.

“That sounds like the best course of action,” said the Fire Prince.

When they were done and in agreement, Elait closed down the hologram of the other princes. All he wanted was to get back under the covers with his princess and feel her warm little body pressed against his.