The world went blank as Tina claimed her again in fire emphasizing her point. 

                                                            ****

The gruff male voice charged the group assembled outside the Royal Chambers hold. 

“I am the Royal Physician, I do not need your permission to see the Princess” she huffed her displeasure evident in her voice.

“In less than two days she will be Queen, you will yield or be replaced” the guard sneered.  “You over step. The rules of Allegra will not hold on Antares.  The Princess has been enjoying her privacy all evening and even this morning.   She is not to be disturbed.”

This declaration as well as Tina’s deep blush moved Bette to action.

“I will handle this.  Go into the private part of our chamber to finish dressing.”  She waited until Tina did as she commanded before yanking the door open to the surprise of the assembly in the hall.

“Guard send Captain Port to me immediately.  Doctor, attendant” she looked at Williams “enter, the Princess awaits you.  Director, you need no invitation.”  She shut the heavy door with a bang.

Moments later Captain Port stood at attention in the doorway.

Bette had finished dressing and motioned for Williams to open the door.  She stood in the center of the room exuding the confidence of the Starship Captain that she was.  Captain Port saw authority displeased.  It was a look he strove never to have directed at him.

“How have I displeased you Royal Consort?”

Bette studied the man.  He was no ordinary solider and if she were indeed the Royal Consort and Christina the Queen he was sworn to protect she would have a worthy rival.  Unable for the moment to disengage from her role she allowed him to know that she understood him.  Christina was hers and she would hold her position because she sensed he wanted to challenge it. 

“I do not appreciate the Royal Guard discussing the private life of the Princess with anyone.”  She glared at him.

Katrina understanding that Captain Porter was ready to defend the honor of her Princess interceded.

“Your Royal Consort, it is customary for the guard to boast of the Princesses pleasure.” Katrina both warned and informed her.

“Not when she is mine.” Bette said unyielding.  Christina was her woman at the moment and she would defend her honor.

Captain Port clearly understood the steel in her eyes. 

Christina emerged in Royal attire and moved to Bette’s side. Bette glancing at her pierced by her beauty straightened and was even more resolved.  The connection she now shared with Christina fired a protectiveness deep within. She became the Royal Consort she pretended to be.  Even Alice and Tasha were enthralled by the picture the two created.

“I beg pardon Consort.” Port bowed.

“Given.” Bette answered.  She held his gaze until he withdrew.