***

Christina was very aware of the shift in her relationship with Captain Porter… Bette.  Bette had met her in flame and rather than be consumed by it had transformed it into a gift they now shared.  She had always thought that humans were frail.  She never understood how her grandsire had conceived her father with her fragile grandmere. 

She was stronger than Bette yet she felt safer in her care than if she had a legion of Romulan warriors by her side.  Bette stood a few feet from her yet she enveloped her …parted from me yet never parted… the Vulcan words of commitment sprang into her mind. 

In shock she turned and saw her in all her glory.  She stood in her own Royal garb, legs spread, breasts forward, a ceremonial scabbard at her side pure Alpha female.  She saw the honey shoulders bared before her eyes, the cool hands that held her fevered shoulders before they warmed and moved over her.  Touching her most intimate places, stroking her until she cried out in pleasure so deep the universe stood still before it exploded. 

“Commander Kennard?”  When the ebony eyes met hers there was a flicker of concern.  For the briefest of moments she let Bette see her desire before she shifted into the impassive Vulcan. 

“Captain” she answered. 

“The Director seems to be at a loss to explain how we can achieve the departure of the Princess without the Royal Consort.”

“Captain cursory review of Antarean Royal transport gives us several viable options.  I took the opportunity to review the data banks in our chambers after refreshing myself to familiarize myself with the protocols.”

“Go on Ms. Kennard.”  Bette loved her cool efficiency. 

“There are many precedents for the Royal Consort to ‘ride shotgun’ while the Princess is in transit.  In fact it is the preferred scenario. Historically the Princess is most vulnerable when returning to Court to assume the throne.  Many an alliance has been forged through the overtaking of the Royal Vessel in this symbolic journey for millennia now.”

Porter could not contain the smirk that lit her features at this turn of phrase.  The Royal Vessel overtaken was just too rich. 

“While the Royal Vessel is under my protection she will not be overtaken, symbolically or any other way.” Porter declared with the echo of an oath being sworn.  Christiana heard it and her heart soared. 

The sentry announced the arrival of the Royal Guard and its Commander.

“It is customary for the Royal Consort to invite the Commander of the Guard to enter.”  Katrina said mildly.

Bette opened the door and the Princess strode in. 

It took Serena all of five seconds to notice the difference in her Royal Consort.  She wore the relaxed look of a woman loved well.  She sought the source of that achievement meeting hazel eyes like her own.

“Princess” Kennard nodded slightly under her gaze.  Then she met her eyes unapologetic and the Princess steamed. 

“Commander Kennard you will play the role of Commander of the Guard while I assume my rightful place for the homegoing ceremonies.  My Royal Consort of course will be by my side.”  She emphasized the possessive pronoun. 

“If I may Princess” Captain Porter turned on her considerable charm.  “I think that Ms. Williams would be a better choice to Command your Guard.  She is a security specialist and Commander Kennard dressed as one of your attendants  could be used more effectively as a decoy should anyone breach security in transit no one could ascertain who in fact is the Princess.”

Though she did not like having her will challenged she nodded with respect for Captain Porter’s thoughtfulness. 

“As you wish, Consort” she smiled indulgently.  “It is your right to control these areas.”  She turned to her cousin.  “Katrina review the day with me as I dress.”

                                                                        ****