Free Protector of the Realm by Gun Brooke Page B

but found she clung to the hand nevertheless. No matter how she distrusted the commodore, right now, she was her only solution.
    The judge began the ancient ritual. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to join these two women in a civil partnership, the bond acknowledged and revered by the Supreme Constellations and all its inhabitants. They have agreed to form a family unit, forsaking all others and staying true to each other until life expires.”
    Kellen listened to the strange words, unable to take them in, aware only of the sound of her thundering heart. She was about to commit to a stranger, someone who’d hauled her in like a common space thug. To spend five years in this woman’s presence, acting to the world like her spouse, seemed undoable. Her throat constricting, Kellen held on to Rae’s hand with ice-cold fingers. She wanted to yell to the friendly judge to stop, it was all a mistake and they could find another way. But it was too late for objections. It was time to repeat their vows.
    “Rae Jacelon, do you take Kellen O’Dal, to cherish and care for, as long as you both shall live?”
    “I do.”
    “Kellen O’Dal, do you take Rae Jacelon, to cherish and care for, as long as you both shall live?”
    Kellen flinched, her voice betraying her. Rae squeezed her hand and forced her to focus.
    “I do.”
    “You have now, in the presence of these witnesses, agreed to the terms of matrimony. By the power vested in me by the Supreme Constellations Council, I hereby declare you partners in life. You are now responsible for each other and obligated to pursue mutual happiness. All worldly assets are now your common property. You may embrace.”
    Startled, Kellen turned to Rae, who smiled. “It’s tradition.” She leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on Kellen’s cheek. “Now you.”
    Oddly comforted by the small caress, Kellen allowed the feeling of Rae’s lips on her skin to warm her just like kisses from loved ones had done in the past. Finally able to take an unlabored breath, Kellen turned her head and kissed Rae’s cheek.
    “Congratulations to the both of you.” Commander Todd said. “May I call you Kellen? I’m Jeremiah.”
    She nodded, dazed at how quickly everything had transpired. Unable to take in the fact that she was now married to a woman who was little more than a stranger, Kellen refused to let go of Rae’s hand when she felt Rae tug on it. Their connection seemed the only thing of substance at the moment.
    Owena Grey joined them. Radiating strength, she extended her hand, first to Rae and then Kellen, who reluctantly let go of Rae’s hand. She recognized the calluses on the outside of Lieutenant Grey’s hand and wondered if Owena’s training equaled her own. The lieutenant moved with controlled force, even in this private setting.
    “Ms. O’Dal, Commodore, congratulations. I hope you will be very happy.” Owena’s intense blue eyes examined them but revealed nothing.
    “Thank you, Owena. We’ll do our best.” Rae checked the time on the computer screen on the wall. “We don’t have long before our rendezvous. Return to your stations.” Turning to the judge, she gave him a warm smile. “Thank you for joining us on this mission, Your Honor. You better return to your quarters now. Things might heat up soon.”
    “My pleasure, Commodore. I just need you to sign the scroll, please. Ms. O’Dal as well. I’ll register your marital status on my computer as soon as I’m back in my quarters.”
    Kellen took the proffered pen, made of titanium and sculpted like a bird’s feather, and signed her name, watching Rae do the same in unfamiliar letters as the ink sizzled against the paper, scorching it. Judge Trijjani rolled up the scroll, gathered his belongings, and left after once more wishing them well.
    Todd and Lieutenant Grey returned to their duty stations, leaving the two women alone in the office. For a moment it looked like Rae didn’t know what to say.
    Hoping to avoid