Thursday, July 23rd, The Year 2220

Talise Jaleh / Brooke's POV

Thankfully, we didn't have any more drama yesterday at our engagement lunch.

Today is wedding dress fitting day. And, thankfully, I don't have to leave the castle.

"Tristi, don't you have somewhere else to be? You can't see me in my wedding dress."

"Why not? I have already seen you naked. We have Dalis, and you're pregnant with our second child."

"Hush. That's different. I want you to be surprised."

"If I see it today, then on our wedding day, I would definitely be surprised."

"Oh my gosh, you are so special. Don't you have a suit fitting?"

We walked towards the huge fitting room that I have in the castle.

"Yes, he does. Leave Talise alone so we can get started," Queen Nerina says. "You are still old enough for me to give you a beating."

I couldn't help but snicker.

"I'll see everyone later." After leaning down to kiss me, Tristi walked away to his suit fitting.

"Thanks, Nerina. He was not budging before I came here." It feels so weird not calling her Queen Nerina.

"You're welcome, sweetie. How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling great. Junior is a well-behaved little boy in my belly today. I was able to get plenty of rest last night."

"That is great. Everyone is here, so how about you get fitted first for your dresses. You will have a dress for the ceremony. Then, a dress for your introduction to the citizens of Paerus. And, lastly, a dress for the reception."

Oh, my goodness! Well, this is what comes with marrying a prince who is about to be the king of a planet.

*************

It took us most of the day for the dress fitting for the whole bridal party. Thankfully, we had several food breaks in between the fittings. Even after that, I am starving.

Karael is carrying Dalis for me as we walk towards the dining room. As soon as she saw her daddy, she wanted to get down. Is today the day Dalis will start walking?

Nope. Not today. Dalis got on the floor and crawled to her daddy.

"How's my little princess?" Dalis had the biggest smile on her face when Tristi started tickling her.

"How is my future queen?"

I sat down first before answering his question. "I'm super hungry. We had food breaks in between trying on dresses, but that wasn't enough. I'm eating more being pregnant with Junior than I did with Dalis. The dress fitting went well. I picked out my dresses and dresses for my bridal party. How about you?"

"We are ready for the big day. And, your ship is ready to be christened. When would you like to do it?"

"Can I do it the first week of August? My body needs a break."

"Of course. I'll have it scheduled for you. Let's eat."

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Saturday, August 1st, The Year 2220

I feel like I'm getting married today with this dress I'm wearing.

After Karael helped me finish getting dressed, we left my dressing room to meet up with Tristian.

"My queen, you look amazing."

"Thank you. Question - do I always have to wear white outfits? I'm not the purest person, you know? I will wear white for our wedding."

"No, you don't always have to wear white. When attending royal events, white is the preferred color. If you want to change that, I will be okay with that."

"Can I really do that? I don't want to overstep my boundaries."

"Sweetheart, you're not overstepping your boundaries. You are about to become the Queen of Paerus. My parents loved how assertive you were at the engagement lunch, changing the policy of allowing personal servants at royal events. They even questioned themselves about that. As King and Queen, we wouldn't have anyone to answer back to, not even the royal court. Now, as for making changes for the citizens of the planet, that is where we can be held accountable. Any changes made will not only affect us but them as well."

"Okay. I understand. Later today, I would like to change the policy on the colors that can be worn to royal events."

"We can leave now. Dalis is with your parents in our transportation to the spaceport."

"Okay."

********

I was about to pass out as we pulled up to the spaceport.

"That humongous ship is mine?!"

"Yes, it is. There are also several smaller ships aboard as well. Let's go christen it."

We stepped out of our cruiser and walked over to a podium near my ship. There was a group of citizens and media waiting for us. I squeezed Tristian's hand tight then I began to speak.

"Thank you, citizens, of Paerus, and the media, for attending this special occasion. I say special occasion because I have never had or seen a more beautiful ship than what is behind me. I'm not going into a long story of my life, but I am finally back on my home planet and surrounded by the most amazing group of family amd friends. And, I can't forget about you, the citizens. I am looking forward to doing all that I can to make Paerus a safe and peaceful planet."

As the audience that gathered began clapping, I was given a bottle of wine. Tristian walked with me over to the massive ship. After counting to three, I hit my ship with the bottle. I was protected from the glass that shattered. Everyone began to clap as we boarded the ship. We then took a ride on an elevator. Once we stepped off the elevator, I followed Tristian to wherever we were going.

"Let's go to the bridge of the ship. I'll introduce you to your crew."

Tristian and I walked to the bridge. "How many levels are on the ship?"

"There are eight levels on the ship. The eighth level is the port for the smaller ships. The sixth and seventh levels are where engineering and the other main parts are to keep the ship running in tip-top shape. Levels four and five are living quarters for everyone aboard the ship. The second and third levels are where the dining area, game rooms, gym, etc., are on the ship. The main level has a medical office, your quarters, and rooms for your servants. I will give you a tour."

We entered a spacious bridge. There were eight individuals - four women and four men. As we entered, they all stood up from their chairs and curtsied us.

"Prince Tristian and Lady Talise, welcome aboard your ship. I am Arael, and standing to my left is Malaliel. We are the captains of your ship. Around the bridge, we have Irin and Amriel. The four gentlemen are Grigori, Maro, Paschar, and Tabbris. Irin, Grigori, and Maro are in charge of navigation. Maro, Paschar, and Tabbris are in charge of communications. So, if you ever need to contact the Prince or make an announcement to everyone on the ship, feel free to come to the bridge."

"It's nice to meet everyone. And, thank you for being the crew. I want to apologize in advance if I get your names wrong. Or, ever forget. And, you don't have curtsy. I appreciate it."

"Lady Talise, you are the future queen of Paerus. It is our duty to show you the respect you deserve," Arael says.

"Sweetheart, Arael and Malaliel were the captains aboard my ship that helped me rescue you."

"Thank you so much for coming to rescue me. "

"You're welcome, Lady Talise. Enjoy your tour of the ship, and congratulations on your pregnancy."

"Thank you. Tristian, before we go on the tour, I need something to eat. And, where is my daughter?"

"We should stop and get something to eat because of the long tour. Dalis is with your parents in the dining area. Let's make our way there now."

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Monday, September 21st, The Year 2220

I can't believe how fast time has gone by. I'm now six months pregnant with little Tristian. He hasn't kicked me once. Although, I do have late-night food cravings. My baby boy will be here with us in three months.

Dalis can now walk. And, she can talk. I found it strange she could do that at such a young age. Tristi told me that is normal for a Paerus child.

We just finished picking out a list of things we wanted for our wedding - cake, food, music, decorations, etc. The wedding is right around the corner. I can't stop thinking about what if Tristian wasn't able to rescue me?

"What's wrong, love? You spaced out on me. Are you okay?"

"We will be getting married shortly and will have two children in December. I was thinking of the dreadful possibility that what if you didn't rescue me? I would still be on that awful planet."

"There are times I thought about that too. All that matters is that we are together now. Let's go get Dalis and enjoy lunch with the family."

"Okay."

Dalis was in her room taking a nap. So, Tristi and I walked to her room. Well, she was taking a nap. Dalis was playing with some of her toys as we entered her room. She has the most adorable giggle ever.

"Dalis?"

She looked up from her toys, got up off the floor, and walked our way. Tristi picked her up, and we took the secret passageway to the dining room.

My parents, along with the king, queen, my brothers, sisters, Divis, Caspian, and Neris were sitting in the dining room.

"How did wedding planning go?" My mom asked that as we took our seats.

"It went great. Everything is set for our wedding. Now, our day needs to hurry up. I am so ready."

"Honey, you will love your wedding day. Royal weddings are the biggest events to be held in Paerus. It will be an all-day event. Because you are pregnant, we will make sure you take as many breaks as necessary. Just let Tristian know."

"Thanks, Nerina."

"I overheard an interesting conversation recently."

"What happened, Divis?" Everyone focused their attention to what he was about to say.

"I overheard my parents say that I am not their birth child, and I have a brother."

The king and queen started choking on their food. Uh-oh, I have a feeling about what Divis is about to say.

"You and Talise have something in common. If they aren't your parents, then who is? And, who is your brother?" Tristi asked Divis.

Here it comes.

"The king and queen are my parents, and Tristian, you are my brother."

There it is. Lunch just became very interesting.

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Spaceship picture is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / TsuneoMP