Like A Guiding Star

Chapter 6

"Rain, do you want to repeat that? It sounded as if you said when the battle for Thurlian III is over that you want to return here." Sky says, looking at Rain in amazement.

"I mean, I do. Don't you?" Rain asks.

"Of course not, why would I?" Sky says. Rain doesn't miss how his gaze travels to P'Pai when he says this.

"Well then you'll have to resign as my guard because I am coming back." Rain says stubbornly.

"Rain, your uncle might have something to say about that." Sky says.

"I am of age." Rain says, "he can't legally keep me from my husband."

Sky's eyes widen at the word 'husband' He looks from Rain to P'Phayu across the room. "Rain, tell me you didn't."

"I mean we haven't had a public bonding ceremony, but we are bound." Rain puts emphasis on the word leaving little doubt what he means.

Rain had known what he was declaring when he said the words, "Rain belongs to P'Phayu." Rain knew from his research thst in this world those words were as good as a marriage vow. When Rain had gone to P'Phayu last night he had done it with his eyes wide open. His uncle could get angry that he wasn't consulted, but he couldn't demand Rain stay on Thurlian III.

Sky starts to say something else but they are summoned in to see P'Pakin before he could.

Rain looks around while they are waiting for everyone to join them. "Oh, isn't Graph here?" He asks P'Pakin, "I wanted to thank him for helping yesterday."

"Graph was feeling a little tired this morning and elected to sleep in." P'Pakin says with a smirk. "I am also afraid we will not be able to return the outfit he wore last night."

Rain waves this off, "consider it a gift. I am glad that you liked it."

Rain goes to stand by P'Phayu and the alpha puts an arm around his waist. It feels so automatic and natural, but at the same time so good. Rain breathes in Phayu's scent and it helps to calm his nerves. He hopes P'Pakin is going to give him the help he needs, and thinks he will, but a nervous part of him isn't so sure.

"Prince Rain," Rain starts at hearing his title. Omegas here aren't usually referenced by titles except by servants and shop workers. P'Pakin continues, "Since our first meeting, I have wanted to help with your plight, but the decision hasn't been mine alone. Even an alpha is subject to the will of the people they rule and their advisors."
Rain begins to feel disappointment well within him. Is the alpha trying to let him down gently?

"Our advisors tend to look at how the situation will benefit our clan, as they should. That is their job." P'Pakin says. "Luckily a mutually beneficial solution was presented by you. Our planet has no shortage of talented crafters but never have we seen such beautiful fabrics and colors as what was presented in your fashion show. If our clan had exclusive rights to import these our advisors will agree to vote yet to give you, your army."

Rain sags in relief against P'Phayu at these words.

P'Pai stands up next. "My parents have already agreed to follow P'Pakin's lead in this. Being a smaller clan there aren't as many people that will need to be convinced. As a note they are also interested in this clear metal you showed us. Betronoir, was it?"

Rain is surprised at this, "I thought it was useless next to your dragon hide?"

"For armor, yes." P'Pai says. "They are more interested in how it can be used in building. Mother desires an indoor garden that can be made to bloom all year around, but the architects of our country have struggled with anything durable enough, but that will let enough sunlight in and be as big as she desires. She wants the gardens to be large enough for everyone to visit who wants to. This metal of yours might provide an elegant solution."