Celestial Love (34 page)

“Yes, in time.  Father is healthy and Mark is more intelligent than he lets on.  He will balk at first but when he settles in and realizes there’s no other choice, he’ll do an excellent job.”

“What will you do?” Evan asked
, and he could immediately tell he had hit a sore spot.

“Honestly, I have no idea and that terr
ifies me,” Bryan admitted, actually feeling a bit relieved to let it out.  “All my life I’ve been preparing for something that now won’t happen.  All my skills and training seem useless.  Oh, Kalea mentioned that I would be a member of the Advisory Board and I’m sure she’ll ask my advice from time to time and others will try to use me for that very reason but that isn’t a life its…I don’t know I mean it’s part of life but it isn’t a full life.”

“Not many people get this opport
unity,” Evan said taking his last bite.

“Opportunity?”
Bryan questioned, letting his disbelief resonate in that one word.

“Yes, opportunity,” Evan replied and then leaned forward to explain.  “All your life
you’ve been told what you would be.  You were never given the opportunity to decide for yourself.  There are numerous areas of life that you’ve never experienced because it wasn’t to be part of your life.  Now it can be, or at least you can consider if you want it to be.  You can discover what YOU like and don’t like - based solely on your opinion, and no one else’s.  Some things might be similar to what you have already been trained in, while others might be completely opposite, like farming or animal husbandry.”  Evan smiled and Bryan laughed at just the thought of himself caring for animals when most of his life he had only ever seen them in holograms.

As the possibilities began to filter into his mind
, Bryan began to realize that Evan was right.  He had never considered being anything but King of Saxionias.  Now he needed to decide who he was going to be.

“What about Kalea?”
he asked.  “What will she expect?”

“I’m not sure, you’ll have to ask her
, but I suspect she would be supportive of most things.  You just need to consider her and your future children so as not to put them at risk,” Evan answered.

“
Why would I need to consider the children?” Bryan asked surprised the subject had come up again.

“One day your marriage will be complete and in the natural course of things you and Kalea will most likely have children,” Evan answered trying not to smirk.

“Well, yes, but naturally the child rearing will mostly be Kalea’s responsibility, won’t it?”  Bryan realized how that sounded and tried again. “I mean I don’t really have any experience with children.  Although that does bring up another concern, how long until Kalea becomes queen?  I’m sure after she is queen she will have a lot less time for children.” Bryan wondered about the demands on her time that both being queen and being a mother would require.

“It won’t be easy, but I’m sure you two will work something out.  I will admit though, we men do have it easier in that area of life.  Oh, we probably shouldn’t, but we do have a tendency to leave most of the child rearing to the mothers and focus more on our careers.  Children sure do take up a lot of time.”

“Which brings me back to how much time do we have - I mean until Kalea is queen?” Bryan asked again, realizing he kept getting redirected on this question but really needing an answer.

“No one knows exactly.  There
are several factors.  One is if any of the members of the Royal Council should suddenly die.  It wouldn’t matter which one because to keep the balance, each family must be represented in their generation – Kalea and the others of her generation would step in at that point.  The second factor would be the mental capacity of each of the members of the Royal Council.  If one should begin to fail, again the power would shift to Kalea’s generation.  There’s also the readiness of Kalea’s generation to assume power. For example if they were but children, other laws come in to play.  Thankfully, that isn’t the case. Personally, I think Kalea is mature enough and ready but I’m not so sure about the others.  But then I’ve been gone a while.

“I think the important thing to remember here is that the Holy One is in control.  Kalea may become
queen tomorrow or in twenty years but whenever it is, it will be the right time,” Evan said with confidence.

“Of course, it just seems such an important event and I know so little about it.  On
Saxionias, I would have had the option of assuming the throne when I reached 35 years of age or I could wait until my Father died.  It was mostly dependent on us, whereas with Kalea, I just didn’t know and no one really wanted to talk about it.”

Standing Evan said, “That’s because you asked Douglas.”

“How did you know?” Bryan asked a bit surprised.

“Because Douglas had the unfortunate experience of taking the throne after our Mother died unexpectedly.  He was only 3
0 and hadn’t planned on being king until he was much older.  There were a lot of things he still wanted to do, but didn’t get the opportunity to.  He never likes to think of how the crown will be passed to Kalea.  He doesn’t want her to have to wear it too soon - simply because he wants her to chase her dreams.”

They were silent for a few moments as they walked
, and Bryan didn’t even notice that they were headed back to his suite until they had almost arrived and he saw Kyle standing guard.  Looking to Evan, Bryan asked, “Is it getting late?”

“Not really, but I need to finish up a few things in my own quarters and I thought you might want time alone to think,” Evan answered with a shrug.

“Yes,” Bryan said reflectively.  “I think that’s just what I need.  Thank you for your company and advice today.”  Reaching out, he shook hands with Evan and then watched him turn and walk away.

Entering his room, Bryan found his Bible and got comfortable in a nearby chair.  Searching the scriptures
, he did something he had only really done once before – seek the Lord’s will for his life.  Last time, he was led to give up the life he expected in order to save his home world.  Now, he was looking for the next step.

“Lord all my life I
just assumed that it was Your will for me to be King of Saxionias.  I never asked and I’m ashamed of that.  Please Lord, show me what Your will is.  You showed me that I was to be Kalea’s husband and I obeyed.  Now please show me what You want me to do from here?” Bryan earnestly whispered.  Several hours later Bryan hadn’t physically moved but he knew he had traveled a great deal in his heart.  Searching, he called upon the Lord to forgive him of his sins and to remove any obstacles in his spirit that hindered their relationship.  He felt exposed but also cleansed.

No immed
iate answer came but he was filled with a sense of peace.  Peace that assured him that God had a plan for his life and in time it would be made plain.  He also felt the true importance of getting to know Kalea and the challenge of winning her heart.  Taking another moment to intentionally leave the outcome in the Lord’s hands, he began working on a plan.  Unwrapping and savoring one of the milk caramels, he decided he needed to ask Evan if he knew how to contact the confectioner so he could place a standing order.

19

Kalea needed a break
. The logistics of this situation were completely out of hand.  Although she needed the crew her father had sent, she couldn’t house any of them on the ship until Gilbert and Benjamin finished with the security measures.  Finding enough housing had been challenging but now as more supplies arrived they had to find secure storage on the space port for them also. 

This morning they had discussed the situation at length and Gilbert felt that by the day after tomorrow he would have enough security in place to allow the new crew aboard.  All supplies would have to be checked repeatedly before being allowed on board.  Gilbert insisted that Danielson, Jackson and Pierce be the ones to do the checking.  That left Franklin and Kalea’s new “assistant” Beth sharing the responsibility of shadowing her. 

Since the first transport of crewmen arrived Gilbert and Benjamin had been working practically nonstop.  Franklin had also been spending as much time as possible talking with the crew after Beth traded shifts with him. 

“Franklin why are you so tired?” Kalea asked as she left the shuttle bay.

Silence filled the space as she waited for him to finish yawing before he could answer.  Lowering his hand from his mouth he said, “I’ve been verifying the identities of each crew member that has arrived so far.  I’ve also been catching up on the news.” Franklin answered.

Kalea was silent for a moment and then said, “When you are certain they are who they say they are, let me know. 
I’ll have them move supplies to the proper storage areas aboard ship.  The rest can wait until the remainder of the security measures are in effect.”

“Yes,
Your Highness.” Franklin answered.

Part of her was thankful that they all cared so much.  Another part was very frustrated that everything was taking so much longer than expected.  They had been here for three days and the crew for two.  The space port had no more available housing until they could move the crew aboard ship and the port commander was expressing his concern, which she thankfully only knew about second hand as Gilbert had provided Uncle Evan with an opportunity to help by having him be their contact liaison.  If she wasn’t mistaken Uncle Evan was more than happy to help. He seemed to actually be having fun keeping the man away from the ship.

Distracted by her thoughts of Franklin and the crew she was nearly to their suite before she noticed Bryan trying to share with her.

‘What are you doing
?’ she asked.

‘Listening.’

‘Listening to what?’ Kalea wondered.

‘You.  I was wondering how you were doing
but I didn’t want to interrupt?’ Bryan explained.

‘So what did you hear?’
she asked, curious as to how he would interpret what he might be sensing.

‘
Frustration seems to be the primary feeling.’

‘I’d say you’re listening skills are very good.’

‘So what do you do when you’re frustrated?’ Bryan asked.

Unconsciously she stopped in the hallway for a moment to think of an answer.  Franklin glanced around and then just waited. 
‘At home I have a few different activities that help, but I’m not sure what I’ll do here.  The workout I normally do would require my full security detail and they are all very busy.  I don’t want to take them away from all the other important things they are doing.  I don’t know enough about the space port to know what else would be available,’ Kalea answered as she resumed walking and entered their suite.  Bryan was sitting in the same chair he’d eaten breakfast in and Kalea wondered what he’d done all day.

“S
o at home what other types of things do you do?” Bryan asked aloud now that he could see her.

Kalea glanced around and noted that none of
their security detail where actually in the suite.  Franklin must have decided the area was secure.  “It depends on my mood.  Sometimes I fly off in my shuttle and just race across the sky.  I’ve been known to practice my self-defense skills or just walk the garden until the Holy One can reach past my emotions and restore my peace.  Other times I take a long soak in a hot bath.  Unfortunately, today is more of a self-defense day but I don’t have anywhere to practice.”

Bryan smiled as he stood, “I saw the
perfect place today while I explored the space port.”  Taking in her outfit he continued, “You might want to change into something more comfortable.”

“Where are we going?”

“Do you trust me?” Bryan asked, and Kalea could feel the double meaning behind his words.

“I’m learning to,” she answered honestly as she slipped into her room to change.

Minutes later Bryan led them out the door and toward the main commerce area of the space port – with their faithful shadows in tow.

“Will talking about it help?” Bryan asked as they walked.

“Not right now,” Kalea answered.  “I don’t really want to think about it anymore today.”

“A
re you hungry?  We could get something to eat first or…later.”

“Later.”

With that short answer Bryan stopped asking questions and wondered how she would respond to their destination.  She might think it was too childish but he secretly hoped she’d love it.

“Sinc
e you said you would normally workout or do self-defense training I thought this might be a good compromise,” Bryan said as he stopped before a youth activity center.  Seeing her puzzled expression he explained.  “They have a holographic target range.  You can set the target type, skill level and weapon of your choice.  I’m told it’s very realistic.”

Kalea smiled.
She had done this with friends several times at University and loved it, though she never mentioned it to her family, and hoped her security detail hadn’t either.  “Sounds fun; I could stand to blow something up right now.”

Smiling, they both went in and paid to play.  Bryan learned that they could play either as a team or against one another.  “Which would you prefer?” he asked K
alea.

“How about we play independently first and then once I get the feel for it we can play as a team?”

“Sure, that sounds fine,” Bryan said as he turned back to the attendant who nodded and set up the cubicles. 

Bryan entered the black one and Kalea chose the red.  They were side by side and Bryan was glad.  The attendant then handed him
his weapon of choice, an imitation Smith & Wesson Revolver.  He hadn’t thought the weapons would be this archaic but since all the “weapons of choice” were from that era he didn’t complain.  After thinking about it for a moment he wondered if the reason for it was because they didn’t want children playing with the more modern weapons as it might lead to firearm violence and an unhealthy view of the very real danger weapons pose.

Sliding the helmet on, Bryan was soon lost in the game.  He was disappointed in his performance at first but soon adjusted to the limitations of the ancient weapon.  By the end of the second game he felt confident that he wouldn’t embarrass himself in front of Kalea.

When it was time to compete together their helmets worked as two-way communicators.  They didn’t need it but decided to use it anyway.  Kalea let Bryan take point, and together they worked their way through the virtual jungle looking for enemy forces.  It wasn’t long until Bryan realized that Kalea not only had played this game before, she was really good at it too.

After the game he said, “You didn’t ment
ion that you’d done this before,” hinting that she should have.

“It’s been a while, and I didn’t want you to have
high expectations.  Like I said, I just wanted to blow something up,” Kalea said with a shrug as if it wasn’t important.

“Did you ever train with more modern weapons?” Bryan asked casually as they returned to their suite for dinner
, having decided to eat in.

“Yes,” Kalea said softly and then via the link.  ‘We don’t talk about it but we are all trained in every aspect of self-defense
, firearms and other weapons starting in our early teens.  Remember, in my culture violence is considered failure.  Ideally, I would never need to know how to physically defend myself but my family knows how far from the ideal reality really is, even if we don’t openly acknowledge it.’

‘I see,’ Bryan answered.  ‘I’m glad your
father is such a practical man.’

‘
It doesn’t bother you that I’m trained in weapons and self-defense?’ Kalea asked as they turned the last corner before arriving at their suite.

“Bother me?
No,” Bryan answered aloud, perplexed by why she thought it would.

“Even though I’m…good?
” She asked again.

“No!”  Remembering Evan’s comment about other men being intimidated by her confidence and skill he decided to explain.  “Actually it is a bit of a comfort.  I know our security details are the best
, but the truth is, no one is perfect.  I see this as just another level of security, not to mention practicing together, like today, is quite fun.  It’s always good to be challenged.”

Kalea nodded but didn’t comment.  She had worked out h
er frustration and she knew Bryan was telling her the truth but she was still a bit surprised by his reaction. 

Later that evening
Kalea rolled over and tried to get comfortable.  Try as she might, sleep just wouldn’t come.  Finally she got out her copy of the Ancient Writings and read the same passage again and again until her thoughts had stilled enough to comprehend what she was reading.  She then focused on the Holy One.

“Forgive me,” Kalea whispered as she opened her heart.  “Forgive my pride in trying to do everything myself.  Today could have been easier if I had listened to
Your leading and not tried to solve all the problems alone.  How many times will I have to learn this same lesson?  I thought I was doing better, but I guess that was my pride again.”

Peace and forgiveness replaced the anxiety in her mind and the tension in her shoulders.  “Thank You
, Holy One, for never leaving me, and for Your unending mercy.”  For several moments Kalea just reveled in the peace and love that filled her heart.  Then as she felt herself begin to doze she said, “I wonder how long until Bryan actually knows me and loves me…for me?”

Certain
her mind would begin to churn again at the thought; Kalea was pleasantly surprised to simply lay this secret burden down, allowing peace to claim her, she slept soundly all night.

~

Bryan was just finishing breakfast with Kalea the next morning when Benjamin sought entry.  Allowing him in, Bryan was surprised by his intense expression.

“What is it
?” Bryan asked.

“I just received word from
King Alexandros.  He was outraged when your shuttle arrived with Leo in it and not you. He’s even more furious that you haven’t answered his message.  He contacted King Douglas and was informed of the situation, then he insisted that his message be hand delivered to you immediately…and that you respond.”

Benjamin didn’t add the “or else”
, but it was implied anyway. “Do you have the message?”

“Yes
, Sir.”  Benjamin handed over the data pad that he was holding and then said with an apology, “I have to encrypt your response and send it as soon as possible.”

“Wait outside and I will let you know when it’s ready,” Bryan said as he began
reading the message, ignoring Benjamin’s quick bow and departure. 

Bryan didn’t say a word but Kalea could feel his frustration level rising as he r
ead.  “Do you want to share?” Kalea asked.

“He demands my immediate return to Saxion
ias.  There was an attempt made to damage an air purification system for the Capital Complex.  The suspect claims that he was forced to do it by an Estar Beta spy.  He was later found to be lying.  Unfortunately he didn’t know the true identity of the individual who paid him.”

Running his hand through his hair he continued,
“Father is furious and says he needs my help to solve this latest conspiracy attempt to harm our alliance.” Bryan rubbed his hand down his face and then around the back of his neck as he tried to figure out the best way to answer his father.

“
Was the air system damaged?” Kalea asked.

“
He didn’t say exactly.  I get the impression that they were able to prevent serious damage but maybe not all.  I hate it when he only gives me partial information.”

“
I’ll talk with Gilbert and see if anything can be done to speed up our departure, but to be honest, I don’t see how the ship can be ready sooner than next Third Day.

“And
I don’t see him being satisfied with that,” Bryan admitted.

“
Would you want to go ahead in a different ship?” Kalea asked.

Bryan considered it for a moment and then shook his head no.  He felt led to stay and travel with Kalea.  The Lord had made it clear that she needed to be his priority right now. 
“No, I’ll let him know our expected departure date and that we are working hard to expedite the situation, but that there is little hope.  He will just have to make do without me until we get there.  It’s not like there is much I could really do anyway.  He just wants a sounding board he can trust.”