“Excuse me?” Poppy said at the exact same time that Wheatonyelled, “What?”
“We have explained that your match was incorrect and Ibelieve you were notified that another bride had been matched to your profile.The Council took the initiative and brought her up to start her trial periodimmediately, which is in agreement with the contract you signed whenfilling out your profile for the warrior pool. According to our paperwork, youare required to serve out a trial period with the bridal match that the systemhas generated. The system has given you another bride and you are expected toentertain her.”
With this statement sitting like a lead weight in herstomach, Poppy sat back in her chair with her palm now sweating in Wheaton’shand.
“Well, send her back. I do not want her and it does notmatter what the matching system says.” Wheaton said this to the Council, butPoppy could tell it was also directed to her.
Apparently Demascus wasn’t finished raining on her parade,because his next statement made her cringe on the inside.
“She is your match in every way. She is in politics. She isalso very beautiful.” This was followed by a sneer in Poppy’s direction. “Sheunderstands how important your place on the Council is and she is highlyeducated. Her sexual compatibility also scored near identical to your ownprofile regarding your preferences. From what we have gathered this match is afar more appropriate one.”
As if he had just won the battle, Demascus crossed his armsover his skinny middle and leaned back in his chair.
“I will repeat myself again so the entire Council can hearme since apparently you did not the first time,” Wheaton said in a voice thatwiped the smile off Mr. Smarmy’s face. “My union to Poppy will stand. It willalso be finalized with the bride contract as soon as we are able to file thepaperwork.” Pulling on Poppy’s hand for her to stand, he tugged her up.
“We are done here. Council members, hopefully you can getthis new woman back to Earth with no problems and we will hear no more aboutthis. I can understand if any of the other warriors are having problems withtheir matches but mine is perfect and I will complete it.” Starting toward thedoor, he stopped when Demascus spoke out again.
“Your correct bride is unable to go back to Earth. Our shipis moving toward the home world and you are aware that a shuttle cannot makethat distance. Per your signed agreement, of which I have a copy here”—he laida sheet of paper on the table in front of Wheaton—“you are required to startyour trial period with your new bride, whose name is Hannah Talbot. Soundsfitting for a Council member’s mate, does it not? Much more dignified than‘Poppy’,” Demascus stated, as if he had won the lottery.
Kain slid the paper in front of him and quickly glanced atthe paragraphs that Demascus had indicated. Poppy felt sick that her luck inbeing able to stay with Wheaton had also inadvertently resulted in the other“bride” not being able to leave.
“This does state you are required to adhere to the PhaetonCode according to this contract,” he said to Wheaton. Regarding them withunderstanding eyes, he then said, “If you insist on us recognizing the validityof your signature on one document then we must do the same to another. I amsorry, Wheaton.” His sad smile showed Poppy he was indeed regretful for whathe’d had to point out.
“Your new bride will be taken to your quarters and youshould start getting to know your new wife. Furthermore, during this trialperiod, you cannot bind to another,” Demascus decided to tack on.
“I don’t want her anywhere near me. I am sure she is awonderful woman but she is not my bride.”
Wheaton looked as if he couldn’t believe what a mess thiswas turning out to be. He reached for Poppy again to pull her into his side.
Poppy hugged him back, trying to reassure him without words.
“So we both live with you? I don’t understand what has tohappen now.” Poppy felt her eyes sting as if she were about to cry. The lastthing she wanted to do was shed tears in front of a man who seemed to takepleasure in other people’s pain.
“I believe the Council will agree with me that you need tospend the same amount of time with Hannah that you did with Poppy to be fairregarding the situation.” Demascus glared around and received some grudgingnods from the other Council members. “We can find other quarters for your firsthuman while you get acquainted with your true bride.”
“Poppy does not leave my side.” Wheaton moved to make athreatening step toward Demascus, as though he could strangle the man.
“Councilor Wheaton!” Kain interrupted his advance. “Iunderstand your frustration but do you want two women in your quarters? Itmight be painful for Poppy to see you interact with your matched bride. I wouldlike to spare her that.” Addressing Poppy, he continued, “We can find temporaryquarters for you until you are able to rejoin Wheaton, and you will be in noway kept from him. I simply doubt keeping you in the same living space as thenew female would be wise.”
Swallowing hard so she didn’t choke, she said to the kindwarrior, “Yes, I see how that would probably not be a good idea. Can Wheaton andI have a moment to discuss this? We came in here with the thought that we wouldbe going home together.”
The handsome warrior smiled at her softly and said, “Ofcourse. We will clear the Council room and give you a few moments.” Leaningforward he said softly, “I believe Demascus has already moved this new womaninto Wheaton’s rooms, so I will make arrangements for your new quarters whileyou speak.”
As the room emptied, Poppy noticed that more than half thewarriors were giving her understanding looks while some seemed to completelyignore her. Demascus walked out with a satisfied swagger, seemingly happy withthe chaos he’d been able to cause in the span of a few minutes.
As the door slid quietly shut, Poppy gazed up at Wheaton’sface.
