Chapter Thirteen
He remembered that day when the doctor had treated her. And he had waited at her side as she lay there, sleeping. She still looked pale and thin. As he bent down and kissed her, her eyes fluttered open.
“Aurzac?” she whispered with an incredulous look in her eyes. “I thought I had lost you.” Her breath hitched and she heaved a sigh.
“Oh, Renaya, I am so sorry,” he said gently, taking her in his arms. His lips found hers.
“Don’t you ever leave me like that again!” she sobbed into his chest.
He tightened his arms around her and buried his nose in her hair, taking in her sweet scent.
“I didn’t know Shanra would go to this extent. But you don’t have to worry about her anymore.”
“Oh, Aurzac. Please forgive me. I... I love you...” she whispered, looking up into his stormy gray eyes.
“Shh, Renaya. You don’t have to apologize. It’s my fault that I left you like that.”
He cupped her face in his hands and looked deep into her dark eyes.
“I promise you, except for battle, you will come with me anywhere I go. I'll show you all the incredible places out there. And I will love you in a way that only you will remember, and kiss you in every place I take you. Centuries later, even if you forget everything else, you will still remember my taste like wine in your mouth, my scent on your skin like perfume. And then you will know what it means to be loved by a Durlan Warrior.” He kissed her deeply, sealing his promise.
***
One week later, Lord Aurzac was training his troops vigorously. The Council agreed to help him with re-enforcements, sending in more troops for training. His on-ground battle army had expanded. He had a good chance of destroying the Zorg and making them leave the planet, now that the planet was gradually healing. The trees were growing along the once barren wasteland. Rivers flowed with bubbling water and crops flourished. The towns and cities were becoming better places to live. The poor people now had the opportunity to earn a sensible living. As his training session ended, he went to check in on Renaya. It had been a week since her rescue and she had recovered fast.
They shared a room now. He went inside and saw her reading. He smiled and felt a tug at his heart. She wanted to learn his tongue and had been making good progress. She was very intelligent, he had observed. She looked up and saw him, closed the book and ran into his arms. He kissed her passionately, with an urgency that made her want more. Long after they pulled apart, he still held her close.
“Renaya, my love. How do you feel?” he asked, his voice gentle.
“I’m fine,” she smiled, beaming up at him. “You worry too much.”
“Only for you, my love. Sadly, I have to leave for battle,” he said. “But guess what? Dr. Aldon just told me he has found a way to slow down the human aging process. It will prolong your lifespan just like mine.”
“So I could live as long as you do?” Renaya asked.
“Probably. And I will make sure that you are happy all of the years we spend together.”
“Thank you. Come back safe, Aurzac,” Renaya said with genuine concern. “I don’t want to lose you again.”
“I will be alright. You learn the Argarian tongue while I'm gone,” he smiled, warmth radiating from his eyes.
“And you come back in one piece,” Renaya said as she pressed her lips to his.
He tucked one free strand of hair behind her ear and bent in to claim her mouth.
They kissed deeply, one last time. He held her for a long time and then left for battle.
***
The ground battle between the Zorg and the Argarians raged for weeks. Swords clashed, bodies severed and blood spilled. In the space battle, Aurzac’s army held off the Zorg from further invasion. Lasers and explosions lit up the night sky. The Argarians wished the war would end. Many more days passed before the Zorg retreated. Trobbut went into hiding and finally Terrgius found the long awaited peace.
***
The day began with the preparations for the King's coronation and the subsequent marriage feast. The palace was alive with the many guests and the decorations being set up.
Renaya had butterflies in her tummy. She had been trying out outfits for the ceremony with the help of Ayana for days. She finally chose an exquisite green gown with a train. The veil was made of gossamer net.
“You must hurry, My Lady,” Ayana said.
“I know, I am just so nervous,” Renaya said. She couldn’t stop giggling.
“You look beautiful, My Lady. I can assure you that. Lord Aurzac won’t be able to take his eyes off of you.”
“Now you flatter me,” Renaya smiled.
***
The ceremony took place in the palace garden. The thrones of the King and Queen were placed in a stunning pavilion decorated with white flowers. A long buffet table was set on the left side of the pavilion. More chairs and oval tables were placed in the garden. Soon, guests started to gather. The ceremony began as violins and a cello played beautiful music that filled the summer air.
Renaya stood, ready to walk down the aisle. A carpet of ivory rose petals led to the pavilion. The green silk dress clung to her figure. Her shoulders were bare. The veil was draped across her neck and trailed behind. She wore the Aramith around her neck. Her hair was done in a messy bun with an intricate gold tiara that partially covered her forehead, giving her an ethereal look. She wore gold heels that matched the sophisticated thread work on the bodice of her dress. The music reminded her of a piece from Bach’s symphonies. She loved it. Feeling elated she walked down toward the pavilion where her King awaited. Her breath stopped as she saw the handsome man, dressed in simple gray pants and a white shirt. He wore his warrior’s crest on his arm. She reached the top of the pavilion and stood beside him. His look told her that he was equally mesmerized by her beauty.
The Elder pronounced their oaths as they repeated after him. He put the crown on Lord Aurzac’s head, declaring him King of Durlan Warriors. He then pronounced Renaya Queen and gave Aurzac a ring that he put on her finger. They bowed and held hands.
The crowd cheered and applauded as they sat on their thrones. Renaya understood now that she was destined to be here on this planet, in another universe, married to an alien warrior. Later she would find out that she was admired as the most beautiful Queen in the history of Durlan Warlords.
*****
THE END