Oh no, Poppy had a feeling this had taken a turn for theworse. Judging by Wheaton’s face, he could see the problem stirring as well.
“We are staying together, Hannah. I am not sure if the Councilcan rematch you, but you will not be matched to Wheaton,” Poppy said with afinality that she hoped was convincing to Hannah.
Smiling at Wheaton, Hannah batted her eyelashes. “So, Poppy,you’re staying in another apartment while Wheaton and I stay here?” she asked.
Uh-oh. Poppy could see the wheels turning in Hannah’s prettyhead and had a very bad feeling about this chick. She should have fought harderto be able to stay with Wheaton or have all of them moved to a biggerapartment. Poppy felt slightly nauseous at the thought of leaving him alonewith Blondie.
“Yes, I’ll be staying in another apartment but will keep youcompany during the day while Wheaton is attending to Council business.” Poppysmiled, figuring that keeping an eye on Hannah would be probably be a goodthing.
“Oh, no need to worry yourself about me. Councilor Demascussaid that I would be welcome at the Council meetings with Wheaton so I couldadjust to the politics of the Phaetons as a politician’s wife.” She smiledback, waving her hand to dismiss Poppy’s suggestion.
Yep, definitely keep her close. Poppy’s instinctswere screaming at her that this whole situation with Demascus and a “politicalbride” seemed like too much of a setup but their hands were tied. Beside her,she saw Wheaton clenching his jaw again. Clearly he wasn’t too happy with thesituation either. Hopefully this time would fly by and they’d be able to getHannah home sooner rather than later.
Wheaton couldn’t stop the helplessness that came across hisface. Hoping that Poppy kept faith in him and their union, he knew he had nochoice but to follow the Council edict.
The door chimed, interrupting their tense moment. Letting goof Poppy’s hand to answer it, he opened it to see Dathrow ready to escort Poppyto her new apartment. Panic rising in his chest, Wheaton wanted to shut thedoor in Dathrow’s face and whisk Poppy away from everything.
“Poppy, I am here to walk you to your new quarters. They areclose to my own so I can be of assistance if Wheaton is not available.” Dathrownodded to Wheaton, letting him know that he would be there to help Poppy ifneeded.
“Dathrow, is it? My name is Hannah. We appreciate youescorting Poppy to her new home. I am sure Wheaton and I have much to discuss.”Hannah smiled sweetly at Wheaton and walked closer to his side.
Poppy decided in that moment if she had to witness Hannahhit on Wheaton she might pull out every strand of her Barbie-like hair.Councilor Kain had been smart to see beforehand that the two women would havenever been able to cohabitate. He had probably foreseen murder charges when herealized that Hannah was already in their apartment. Walking over to Wheaton,she then gave him a quick hug and kiss. He took comfort in her short embraceand seemed to relax.
“Don’t forget to come and say good night to me before you goto bed.” She leaned into him even more and gave him another quick kiss.
Tugging on her hair, he smiled sadly. “I will miss you, myPoppy,” he whispered softly, meaning every word he said.
Eyes watering, she turned toward Dathrow. Standing with hisarms crossed over his chest, he eyed Hannah with obvious distaste.
“Let’s hit the road, Jack.” When Dathrow gave her aquestioning look she simply shook her head, not in the mood to explain it was afigure of speech.
Walking through the door and hearing it swoosh closed behindher, the distance between her and Wheaton seemed to grow in miles with eachstep. Her room was not too far away really, even though the walk felt like amile. Dathrow was silent as he guided her down the hallway, making her peerover at him.
“Everything will be okay, right?” she asked the somber manbeside her.
“Poppy, I want to talk to you but would prefer we do itwhere we cannot be monitored,” he said in a quiet voice that made her stomachturn.
Reaching the door to what she assumed was her new quarters,she waited for him to open it while she held her small bag of personal items.Once inside, she noticed that it was almost identical to Wheaton’s apartmentsbut seemed much colder. Apparently Wheaton himself warmed the space that shehad called home, she thought sadly.
Dathrow gestured to the kitchen area. “Would you like me tofix you something to drink? You have had a hard day and I could ask for thesweet tea you normally consume.”
Poppy shook her head, “No thanks, but help yourself.” Sheleaned her elbows on the counter. “What did you need to say that you couldn’ttell me in the hall?” she asked apprehensively.
“I have heard rumblings about Wheaton’s new bride. The newsthat I have heard may not be easy for you to hear,” he muttered while slowlystirring the cup of tea he had fixed for himself.
His behavior was making Poppy very nervous. Dathrow wasgenerally someone who didn’t show any emotion and she noticed he seemed toonervous to continue.
“And?” she prompted when he didn’t go on.
“From what I gather, the human Hannah is Wheaton’s perfectpolitical match,” he said with a grimace as if unsure his statement would hurther feelings.
Poppy admitted that it did sting hearing the words out loud.She had already seen the polished woman was someone a politician would be proudto have on his arm.
“Thorne secretly pulled her profile from the bridal matchand he was impressed with her past political career. She is very accomplishedand we were surprised that she gave up her career on Earth for a bridal match.It seems almost too perfect though. Thorne suspects Demascus had a hand in thematch somehow but we were unable to find out how.” He paused and added, “If wecan find out he was able to influence the match, we can end the trial periodearly and hold a tribunal to make him accountable for his
