Shuttle Endeavour touched down at the designated landing spot on planet Cerise. The door opened and Jupiter stepped unto a beautifully blue afternoon, with three pale moons hanging in the sky. Less formal than her first visit, she and the other members of her party are dressed in standard issue Aegis Crewmen Uniforms, since everything they own was burnt along with their home. Waiting to greet them is Mr. Malidictes, Kalique's vassal and most trusted advisor. "Your Majesty," he said, "I'm very glad to see that you're safe."
"Thank you, Mr. Malidictes," Jupiter greeted him warmly. "I wish this meeting was under better circumstances. Please, let me introduce you to my family. Caine, you know already."
"Mr. Wise."
Caine nodded his head in return. "And Bob, of course," she continued.
"Sir," Bob bowed.
"This is my mother, Mrs. Aleksa Jones."
"How do you do," Aleksa replied, desperately holding back her surprise at seeing a bird-man.
"And my Aunt, Ninotchka Bolotnikov."
"It's very nice to meet you," she said, her gaze permanently fixed in wide-eyed shock.
"It's a pleasure to make your family's acquaintance," Malidictes expressed. "Please, follow me, if you would. Her Highness will be joining you shortly."
The group walked in formation as Bob instructed, with Jupiter leading, Caine following, himself, and the family. "Nothing has changed in six months," Jupiter spoke, eyeing these ever-beautiful surroundings.
"Nothing much ever changes on Cerise—per Her Highness's orders. It took centuries to create what you see, and nothing is done, that isn't to my ladyship's specifications."
Following her hostess's vassal, Jupiter traveled with her cortege along a pathway of exotic flowers in varying shades of carmine. "I'll say this for Kalique, she knows exactly what she wants."
"The same can be said for every member of the Abrasax family, including yourself, your ladyship."
Understanding his meaning, Jupiter glanced back at Caine. "We apologize for dropping on your doorstep, unexpectedly."
"Given the circumstances, your visit is both reasonable and necessary." Malidictes led the group through the wide balcony halls of his ladyship's castle. Arriving at their destination, he opened the double doors and presented to them, an exquisite dining room. Red-stained parquet flooring showcased a trio of French doors that opened onto a terrace. Beyond it lies a hanging garden of red roses, overlooking a descending waterfall of lilac. The fully mirrored walls complemented the centerpiece of the room, a long dining table, with place cards displaying each of their names. A seating arrangement that reflects their everyday home life. Here, however, placed Kalique at the head of this table.
"This room is quite grand," Ninotchka expressed.
"Well... Kalique rarely does anything small," Jupiter said. "It will all make sense when you meet her."
"Her Highness will be with you momentarily," Malidictes informed them. "I hope your stay with us, will be a pleasant one."
"Yes. Thank you Mr. Malidictes."
"Your Majesty." He bowed, then turned to leave the room.
Aleksa waited for the door to close, then stated, "Bob, that gentleman who greeted us... is a bird-man."
"Yes. Mr. Malidictes is a Splice."
"Like Caine?" Ninotchka asked.
"Yes. However, he is part Owl. Prized for his excellent decision-making skills and sage advice. Which is why he's the perfect advisor for her highness."
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A Royal Privilege: A Jupiter Ascending Fan-Fiction: Book 3
FanfictionSix months have passed since Caine and Jupiter settled down at the farmhouse as an unassuming married couple. Yet there are still some unhappy about their union and seek to destroy all they've built--together. Can this unlikely couple survive what's...
