Star Crossed Teaser

Sliding on my ring, the same ring that was worn by Emperor Charel, I walked out of my bathroom and to the crumbling remains of the Imperial Palace. My mate was standing in the throne room, looking ethereal in her flowy white gown. Her hair was pulled back into a low bun. Centered on her head was a circlet with an amur stone, denoting the loss of a close family member. I walked over to her, enfolding her into my arms. “My love,” I whispered.

“Ti’ane,” she purred, sliding her hands up my chest. I pressed my forehead to hers and we began the H’aaruune. The memorial for N’essie was big, with crowds lining the streets. The H’aaruune for D’Metri and the other casualties of war was massive, being broadcast on every comm channel on the planet and with hordes of people lining along the streets and in the Imperial City. Everyone wanted to remember and honor the people who died on that day.

Fathers.

Mothers.

Sisters and brothers.

Sons and daughters.

All loved ones.

Honoring every one who died for the freedom of the Cygnarian people and putting an end to Alliance threat.

We walked slowly through the streets of the Imperial City, hand in hand. It was dead silent, save for a few sniffles. Arriving at the cliff face, Bella walked over to D’Metri’s parents and siblings, offering them words of comfort and kindness. I did the same. D’Metri’s mother, Heid’i, hugged me and said that her son was proud to be my envoy. She pressed something into my hand. It was the Imperial Crest that he always wore. “Please take this, Emperor. This was given to D’Metri by Emperor Charel and I knew he wanted you to have it returned.”

I went to open my mouth, but my mate came over to me. “It is an honor to receive such a gift. Thank you,” Bella said. She took the crest and pinned it to my shoulder, just below my communicator. I know you wanted to say ‘no thank you’ but to Heid’i, but it’s a sign of respect to take a token from the family of the deceased. The fact that she is giving us the Imperial Crest that D’Metri wore for all of his adult life says a lot.

I understand, Bella. Thank you, I murmured mentally. “Thank you, Heid’i, for such a cherished gift. I will wear it. Always.”

She gave me a watery smile, stepping back into the crowd. Marcusi stepped forward and he performed the H’aaruune Ne’irite. It seemed like the entire planet was speaking in concert with Marcusi. My heart was pumping deep within my chest and I was overwhelmed by sadness for the loss of my friend. Bella’s hand found mine as we stood on the edge of the cliff. Tears fell freely from my eyes, an emptiness spreading through my body.

Marcusi handed us the lantern, his own eyes shimmering with tears. I lit it and we whispered the final part of the funeral prayer. Raising our hands, the lantern floated off the edge and bounced innocently over the water. We stayed on the edge of the cliffs overlooking the Renien Ocean for several hours, watching the lanterns. With the last light flickering out, nearly five hours later, we went back to the smaller guest house next to the Imperial Palace. 

Bella's H'aaruune dress

Edward's H'aaruune suit

The cliffs overlooking the Renien Ocean

Public Service Announcement

Sooooo ...

Yeah, I'm the assistant director of the fall play. We're doing Cinderella. Our performances are getting close. As in, like, the week after next. I wanted to touch base with all of you to inform you about updates during my 'hell week.'

They won't be happening.

I won't get home until after nine at night. I'll barely have enough time to shower and get ready for work for the next day.

I will be updating this week and here's the schedule:

Monday, Oct. 26 ~ Buying Love Chapter Fourteen and Under Construction Teaser (perviness galore!)
Tuesday, Oct. 27 ~ Buying Love Teaser
Wednesday, Oct. 28 ~ Under Construction Chapter Eight
Thursday, Oct. 29 ~ Star Crossed Teaser
Friday, Oct. 30 ~ Buying Love Chapter Fifteen and Under Construction Teaser
Saturday, Oct. 31st ~ Buying Love Teaser
Sunday, Nov. 1st ~ Under Construction Chapter Nine
Monday Nov. 2nd - Sunday Nov. 8th ~ NO UPDATES OR TEASERS
Monday Nov. 9th ~ Posting schedule to resume, like normal.

Clear as mud? Yeah?

Long and short of it, I won't be posting anything during the first week in November. My life is just too hectic. I will try to get some writing in, but we'll see. Thank you, everyone, for reading. I truly appreciate your support in my hobby.

Hugs!

Josie "Tufano79"

Star Crossed Update

Star Crossed Chapter Twenty-Two Update on FicPad

Star Crossed Chapter Twenty-Two Update on TWCS

Star Crossed Chapter Twenty-Two Update on AO3

Star Crossed Chapter Twenty-Two Update on FFn

When I woke up, I was covered by my mate. He was curled around me with his head pressed between my breasts. The pain that had riddled him for the past week was gone from his visage. He looked so much younger. His mind was calm and his body was relaxed against me. I ran my fingers through his soft, coppery hair. He sighed, tightening his arms around my body. However, his stomach was grumbling. With my enhanced hearing, I could hear the angry snarls of his belly.

Ti’ane, you keep sleeping and I’ll make you some breakfast, I thought to him and kissed his forehead, wriggling out of his hold. He grumbled, curling around the pillow. I put on a pair of loose-fitting pants and one of Edward’s shirts, walking to the kitchen in the house.

“You’re up early,” Charanel said from his perch next to the breakfast bar. I jumped, my hand flying to my chest. “Sorry, Sissy. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“No, it’s okay,” I chuckled. “You’re up early, too.”

“Headache,” he said, wrinkling his nose. “I’m drinking some tea that Rose suggested. I didn’t want to keep taking the medications for the headaches. This tea is homeopathic and seems to do the trick.” He sipped his tea, making a face. “It does the trick, but it tastes like snir.”

“It smells interesting,” I replied, wrinkling my nose.

“Interesting as in disgusting,” Charanel snorted.  I nodded in agreement. “How’s Edward?”

“Edward’s sleeping, but his stomach sounds like it’s about to eat itself,” I said, searching through the refrigeration unit for something to make for him. “We had this meal on the holodeck of the Volvo and I wonder if I can recreate it.”

Den'aalie

Den'aalie Prison

Garlic Butter Sauce (NUM!)

Cheesy Garlic Bread

Chopped Salad

Stuffed Pizza

Beer

Star Crossed Teaser

By nightfall, Edward had encouraged me to soak in the bathtub while he prepared us some dinner. I didn’t want to be away from him, but spending all day in bed and the litany of tears and sadness, the idea of a long bath felt ideal. After an hour in the tub, I dressed in one of Edward’s shirts and nothing else, walking down to the kitchen. Edward was also freshly washed, obviously having taken a shower in the downstairs bathroom. Edward had made something called pizza and garlic bread. “With as emotional as the past few weeks has been, comfort food cures all ills,” he said, slicing up the pizza. “This was my go-to for comfort food when I wanted to forget all of the shittiness of the world. There was a pizzeria in Seattle, Serious Pie, which made my favorite pizza. I did my best to recreate it here. I even made garlic butter dipping sauce.”

“Sounds heavenly and smells even better,” I said, sitting down at the breakfast bar. “And what’s this?”

“It’s an Earth alcoholic beverage. It’s called beer,” Edward said, putting a glass of amber carbonated liquid in front of me. “It’s the only thing that goes with pizza. If you don’t like it, thought, I’ll get you whatever you want.”

I reached for the glass and took a tentative sip. I expected it to taste sweet, but it wasn’t. There was a sweetness in the after taste, but the flavor that exploded on my tongue was almost sour. It wasn’t unpleasant. After a second sip, I found myself enjoying it more. “This is good.”

“Excellent. While I finish up the pizza, enjoy some of the cheesy garlic bread. We’ve got about ten minutes until I can pull out the pizza from the oven,” he smiled, moving back to the large bowl filled with various greens, vegetables and some more cheese.

“Ti’ane, thank you for being there for me yesterday and today,” I whispered, nibbling on the cheesy garlic bread. “Your support and love has made this most difficult time a lot easier.”

“Bella, I’d do anything for you. I’m so sorry that it was a member of your family that informed Alliance of your father’s whereabouts, ultimately causing his death,” he frowned, tossing some more veggies into the bowl. “Please take some solace that Liannette and Caius will pay, ultimately, for their crimes. The Alliance has vowed to not come to Cygnari space and from what my father has told me, may not be in existence for very much longer.”

“I think my father chose you for me,” I smiled sadly. “You are exactly what he would have wanted for me. Someone strong, smart, handsome, funny and an effective, amazing leader.”

“I’m all that and I love you more than my own life,” Edward said, taking my hand in his. “I can’t wait to start the next phase in our relationship, Nirabelle. I want to put this ugliness of the war and the battles behind us. I want only good things for you, for me, for our people.”

“You have no idea what it means to me to hear you say that,” I breathed, looking up into his vibrant green depths.

“What? That I love you?” he asked, his mouth quirking up into a crooked grin.

My favorite grin.

I leaned forward kissing his lips, giggling quietly. “I do love hearing that, but hearing you call the Cygnarian people as our people,” I explained, tracing my fingers along his pink lips. He kissed me again, growling deeply from inside. I moaned and deepened our kiss. I was growing more aroused and I wanted to beg him to take me on the counter when the oven beeped. We broke apart, panting heavily. “To be continued, ti’ane?”

“Oh yes,” he smirked, turning to take out the pizza. He set it atop the stove and let it rest while he finished assembling the salad. A few moments later, he cut me a slice and we ate our meal in a comfortable silence, speaking mentally and teasing each other sexually with our minds. Once dinner was done, we worked to clean up the kitchen and placed the leftovers into the refrigeration unit. As I was washing the dishes, Edward slid behind me and his arms wrapped around my waist. “You are a tease, Empress.”

“So are you. Walking around without a shirt on,” I giggled, pressing body back to his bare torso. 

Star Crossed Teaser

A few moments later, the hover car landed outside of the De’naalie Prison. Jasper was waiting outside of the prison along with Carlisle. Maralice was off to the side, tapping on her tablet and looking very agitated. What’s wrong with her? Edward asked.

I shrugged, confused as to why she was so upset. The door opened and we all clambered out of the hover car, greeting Jasper and Carlisle. Maralice walked over to us and slid her tablet into her satchel. “Is everything okay, Maralice?” I asked.

“Not really,” she sighed. “Rose contacted me and said that Liannette tried to cut her wrist this morning. It wasn’t successful since she used a very dull blade. However, she has been sedated and will stay that way until you interrogate her.”

“Why does it matter?” Jasper asked. “She’s to be executed for her crimes.”

“We need to know about Marcusi. We need to know who killed Aro,” Edward replied. “Caius and Liannette are seemingly the only people who can answer those questions.”

“Well, Caius is being held in a cell and is waiting for us,” Carlisle said. “Shall we go inside?”

Edward nodded, taking my hand and guiding me into the massive prison. It was circular, made out of massive stones. Surrounding the prison were huge fences that were electrified, causing significant damage to any prisoner who would possibly escape. Inside of the prison, we were all scanned and escorted into small circular room. It was dark and dank, giving me horrific reminders of my stay aboard the Reman vessel in Jakob’s quarters.

Are you okay? Edward asked, his arm snaking around my waist. You’re trembling.

Memories. Bad memories, I answered, moving closer to my mate. I needed his warmth.

Show me, he breathed. I opened my mind, showing him my memories of being aboard the Reman ship and how this reminded me of those horrific memories. Edward enfolded me in his embrace, his hand massaging my neck. “You’re safe, my Fíorghrá,” he soothed. “You’ll never see them again.”

“I know,” I whispered, snuggling deeper into his arms.

The door on the far side of the room hissed open and a bedraggled Caius was led into the room by four very large armed guards. He wore a gray jumpsuit and his hair was filthy. The stench coming from him was nauseating, causing my stomach to roll. Caius was pushed onto a bench and locked into place by the largest of the guards. “Empress Nirabelle and Emperor Edward, the prisoner is at your disposal to answer any and all questions. If he does not reply, use this and he will change his tune.” He handed a long, thin rod.

“Will it cause permanent damage?” Edward asked, pressing the button. The end glowed a deep blue and the sizzle of electricity filled the air. Caius whimpered from his spot, trying to get away from the rod in my mate’s hand.

“Not really. He may lose the ability to control the muscles to prevent him from urinating himself,” the guard quipped, shooting an angry glare at Caius.

“You keep this,” Edward said, handing the rod back to the guard. “I will question the prisoner in my own fashion. I do not need to torture him.” The guard shrugged, leaving the room.

“Thank you, Emperor,” Caius simpered.

“Shut up, you sniveling little weasel,” Edward snapped. “I asked them to take that away since I may have too much fun with it. Besides, I’m curious if my carbon-infused bones would mean that I have become stronger. Can I break every bone in your face with one punch to your ugly nose?”

“From what Rose told me, that’s affirmative,” Jasper snickered.

De'naalie Prison

De'naalie, capitol of Port'ange'les Province

De'naalie Prison Restraint

Star Crossed Update

Star Crossed Update Chapter Twenty-One on FicPad

Star Crossed Update Chapter Twenty-One on TWCS

Star Crossed Update Chapter Twenty-One on AO3

Star Crossed Update Chapter Twenty-One on FFn

I glared at the door that was being pounded against with some sort of battering ram. The door was easily four meters high made out of solid pirna wood. They were heavy and durable, but obviously were struggling against the forces of the impacts that the Reman and Alphan soldiers were causing. The Imperial Guard was blocking the doorway and a great deal of Federation soldiers were transporting to our location. I could also hear distant phaser fire from the MACOs outside of the palace, but it seemed to not make any difference. The repetitive banging filled the throne room. The throne room was filled with over two hundred people, all ready to end this.

However, it did not feel like it was enough.

I was deeply concerned for our well-being and the likelihood of winning this ground assault. The Reman and Alphans had nothing to lose while we had so much to fight for.

The door nearly shattered with the final blow, crumbling to the ground. A swarm of Reman and Alphan soldiers ran into the throne room and the fight began in earnest. Phaser fire filled the throne room. I had mine set to the maximum setting, shooting as many Alphans and Remans as I could. Bella was using her own phaser, but she was not as successful since she was not comfortable with the particle weapon. Maralice moved closer to my mate, acting as her protector since she was better skilled with the phaser.

I also began moving toward my mate. I trusted Maralice, but she was so small. I had to protect my Bella from the melee. I used my phaser to shoot anything that wasn’t wearing an Imperial uniform or a Galaxy Fleet insignia. Alphans and Remans were dropping like flies from the weapons fire that was aimed at them.

However, because of the weapons fire, both the Alphans and Remans grew more frustrated and then began using their other weapons. The Remans used their scimitars while the Alphans wielded their bsh’tooks, attacking us with an animalistic ferocity that made me tremble with terror. They were becoming unhinged, knowing that they may not win this battle. We all fought for over two hours and the stream of attackers never seemed to stop. We were exhausted, sore and covered with bruises, singed uniforms and dripping with sweat. My mate was fighting a losing battle with the pains in her leg and she collapsed onto her knees, panting heavily. 

Damage in the Imperial City

Imperial Hideaway in Port'angel'es