Melissa half-shut her eyes. "More important, Mother, I saw how deeply Hanse cared for me and for those lost in the Styx station battle. To him, the people who died there were more than statistics. In private moments, he spoke of his pain at seeing so much human potential senselessly wasted.
"I do not doubt, Mother, that Hanse is capable of using men and machines to punish his enemies—this we both know—but I do believe a piece of him dies with each of his citizens. Any war he chooses to wage will occur only because it prevents a conflict that would be even more destructive."
The Archon smiled openly. You made a decision first as a child, but you have grown into it as a woman. I pray you find the happiness you deserve."Melissa, I always believed that you were destined for great things. This wedding, sealing the fates of the Lyran Commonwealth and the Federated Suns together, is just the beginning. Thank God such responsibility has fallen upon one who is willing to accept it."
Melissa hugged her mother tightly. "Thank you for trusting me with it."
The Archon broke the embrace reluctantly. "I'll get Misha."
Melissa shook her head. She crossed to the room's other door and knocked on it twice. She waited, then knocked three more times. The Archon-Designate stepped back as the lock clicked and the door opened.
Jeana bowed her head to the Archon. "You need me?"
Melissa nodded, then turned to her mother. "Mother, could you hand me that box on the vanity, please?" Melissa took the small hinged box from her mother and handed it to Jeana. "Open it."
Jeana looked from Melissa to the Archon and back apprehensively. She started as she opened the box, then drew from it a slender silver chain. Hanging from the chain was a twisted, partially melted sliver of metal. The Archon's eyebrows knitted together in a wary look. That's a 'Mech charm. What's Melissa doing with it?
Melissa smiled at Jeana. "That is what they refer to, in the Federated Suns, as a 'Mech charm. The tradition of salvaging a piece of your first 'Mech, especially if it's shot out from under you, dates from Star League days—or so Hanse tells me. He said the graduates of the Albion Military Academy believe that to give a 'Mech charm to a loved one will protect that person, and that it is the greatest honor one person can bestow on another."
Melissa swallowed hard. "Hanse gave me the charm after Styx, and said he wished he'd given it to me earlier. I've worn it ever since."
Jeana slowly shook her head. "I can't take this, Highness, I . . ."
Jeana tried to give it back, but Melissa firmly shook her head. "You must. I have Hanse to protect me now. I want you to have this 'Mech charm to hold you safe, and as a very inadequate token of my gratitude for all you have done for me, and will continue to do. Because of you, I have this chance to be happy."
Jeana nodded wordlessly. Melissa reached out and brushed the tears from her cheeks. Jeana brought her head up and smiled. "I have happiness in service to you, Melissa Arthur Steiner. You are the heart and soul of the Lyran Commonwealth. You make all of us proud."
"Thank you, Jeana." Melissa gave her a brief hug, then let her slip back through the door. Turning to her mother, she smiled happily. "Don't worry, Mother. I really do love him."
The Archon nodded at her only child. "You look so beautiful, Melissa. Your father would have been proud of you. I can only hope that you and Hanse will share the joy that your father and I did, and know it for many more years."
Melissa closed her eyes to hold back the tears. "I love you, Mother."
The Archon enfolded her daughter in a hug. "And I love you, Melissa, my child. Always."
37
ComStar First Circuit Compound
Hilton Head Island, North America, Terra
20 August 3028
Morgan Hasek-Davion tugged at the sleeves of his midnight blue dress jacket. The silvery starburst at his left shoulder sent four rays out toward the jacket's centerline. He rubbed his sleeve against one ray to remove a smudge, then brushed his long red hair back from the argent epaulets with the wide white band at their base. Turning from the full-length mirror, he opened his arms wide. "What do you think, love?"
Kym smiled proudly, then reached up and adjusted the ceremonial silver gorget so that it was centered on Morgan's broad chest. Standing on her toes, she kissed him briefly. "I think, dear heart, that you look very handsome and that I shall be most jealous at the reception while you dance with the maid of honor."
"Not to worry, Kym. I learned the other night that Misha Auburn was quite taken a year ago with Andrew Redburn during his tour of the Lyran Commonwealth. I guess they've been corresponding since then. I'd not steal a woman from an old friend."
Kym's lower lip began to thrust forward in a pout. "Is that the only reason you'd not be interested in her?"
Morgan pulled Kym close. "You are the only reason I'm not interested in any other woman."
She smiled and brushed the tip of Morgan's nose with one finger. "That's the right answer, Morgan Hasek-Davion. Don't you forget it."
Morgan nodded happily. "Just as long as you're there to remind me."
The door behind Kym swung open, but Hanse Davion hesitated in the doorway. "Forgive me. I should have knocked."
Kym shook her head. "No, I'm the one who shouldn't be here." She kissed Morgan quickly, then added, "I'm just leaving. Congratulations, Highness. I wish you much happiness."
Hanse smiled pleasantly. "Thank you, Lady Sorenson. I trust you have made sure Morgan has the rings and will not embarrass the Federated Suns."
Kym winked at Morgan. "Have no fear, Highness." She bowed to the Prince, then withdrew, closing the door behind her.
Morgan smiled at the Prince. "I have the rings, Uncle."
Hanse nodded somewhat distractedly. "I know, Morgan. I know."
Morgan's red brows knitted together in a frown. "Hanse, you're not actually nervous, are you?"
Hanse hesitated, then laughed. "It shows, then?"
"A bit," said Morgan, a devilish grin working onto his face.
"But I don't expect you'll have any trouble, you know . . ."
Hanse raised his eyebrow, but kept his good humor. "Trouble with what, Morgan?"
Morgan chuckled. "Remembering your lines today. But if you do, I'll be there to help."
Hanse laughed along with his nephew. "Thank you, Morgan, for helping me to loosen up some of this tension. This is a momentous day."
Morgan nodded solemnly. "That it is." He chewed his lower lip, then swallowed hard. "I just want you to know, Hanse, that being your best man means a great deal to me. You know, back when the tradition first began, the best man was chosen because it was his job to fight off pursuers when the groom stole the bride from her family." Morgan looked down at his boots and spurs. "That's what I'll do, too . . . I'll defend you, your bride, and the House of Davion against anyone who threatens it."
Hanse rested both hands on Morgan's broad shoulders. "Morgan, when I brought you to New Avalon four years ago, it was a way to make your father think twice about some of the actions he'd taken. Soon after your arrival, I realized it was a mistake because I ended up punishing you for difficulties your father and I had with each other." Hanse smiled briefly. "However, I also came to realize that I wanted you to remain on New Avalon. It is my home and having you there made it seem even more the kind of place I want it to be."
Hanse dropped his hands and turned away. "I would be lying if I said there were not political considerations in choosing you to stand beside me, however. Ardan suggested it, and I agreed because we know that by honoring you, we show the people of the Capellan March that I do care for them and their well-being."