-Kashion-
It was time. Kashion stood in the hangar where the Earthbound had landed.
The doors were still sealed, but it would surely only take a few more seconds.
To his right stood his father, King Tyron, and his mother, Queen Ada. On his left were his sister, Princess Kassia, and her husband Tendol.
Behind them waited Oren, along with a retinue of council members, scientists, and servants.
Slowly, the ship's door hissed open.
In the white light of the hangar, tiny dust particles danced as the ship's air merged with the outside atmosphere.
Everything went silent.
Then he saw Evlina.
Kashion felt his heart race. She was even more beautiful than on the screens. She embodied grace itself. The simple, light blue dress flowed over her figure, and she moved with both elegance and confidence. A warm smile played on her lips.
Behind her followed the rest of the travelers, but Kashion barely glanced at them before returning his gaze to Evlina.
"Welcome to Earth," he finally said. He had to swallow, pause, and gather his strength.
"We are glad you arrived safely."
Applause erupted. His entourage clapped, and his parents welcomed Evlina warmly.
She smiled and nodded slightly.
"Thank you, King Tyron, Queen Ada … Prince Kashion. I am very pleased to finally meet you on Earth," she said in a pleasant, calm voice.
With a gesture of her hand, she signaled a man from her retinue to step forward. He was slightly older and carried a large bottle – unmistakably Aethereleum.
It was part of the initial agreement: a supply that would sustain Tingdao for almost two years.
"Please accept this gift," Princess Evlina said.
Kashion briefly made eye contact with his science team and nodded. They stepped forward and accepted the bottle.
Aethereleum was a substance not found on Earth – extremely dense, compressible into the smallest space. Of course, this one bottle was only symbolic of the tank that was still on the spacecraft.
"Tingdao thanks you for this gift and gladly accepts it," King Tyron said.
Queen Ada also formally welcomed Evlina, and a few more polite exchanges followed until she said with a smile,
"Let's not stay in the hangar any longer."
She gave instructions, and the scientists and remaining crew from Saturn were guided to their quarters. They would be shown accommodations, fed, and later introduced to the laboratories to initiate an exchange of knowledge.
Kashion leaned toward Oren and whispered,
"We stick to our plan. You take care of her familiar attendants."
Then he stepped forward again, approaching Evlina. His heart raced once more. He offered her his arm – they were almost the same height.
Evlina placed her delicate hand on his arm and smiled at him.
Kashion was momentarily speechless.
"Please follow me," he finally managed to say.
Together, they made their way to the small banquet hall.
-Prior-
Prior was relieved that the formal greetings and ceremonial procedures were over for the moment. She followed the group beside Talina. She was hungry, yet in no mood for extended conversation.
She noticed some of the entourage's scrutinizing glances, but Princess Evlina clearly commanded all attention.
Since they were at the end of the group, Prior could barely see Prince Kashion and Evlina – yet even from behind, they looked like a perfect pair.
The banquet hall was elegantly understated. Everything gleamed and appeared flawless.
Prince Kashion and his family sat with Princess Evlina at a large, round table in the center.
Prior and Talina were guided to a smaller table at the edge.
"At least we can sit," Talina muttered.
Prior smiled, relieved.
Shortly afterward, a man approached – the same one Prior had seen at Kashion's side earlier.
He seemed friendly.
"Ladies, greetings. I am Oren – servant and advisor to Prince Kashion. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"Talina," she introduced herself.
Prior nodded. "Prior. And we can skip the formalities if you like."
Oren smiled widely. "Gladly. Did you have a pleasant journey?"
"Yes," Prior said enthusiastically. "A year of planning – and now we're really here on Earth."
The conversation flowed surprisingly easily. As the servants brought dishes, Prior quietly exhaled in relief. Noodles, vegetables, familiar flavors. She clapped her hands softly in delight.
"Hungry?" Oren asked.
"Very," Prior laughed. "I've been wanting to try this cuisine for so long."
-Kashion-
Kashion sat across from Evlina, barely able to look away. The conversation was pleasant, easy.
From time to time, he glanced toward Oren's table – all he could see was Oren's back and a brown-haired attendant.
After the banquet, Evlina was escorted to her chambers by Queen Ada.
Kashion and Oren withdrew to their own quarters.
"You really are lucky with your princess," Oren said.
"Indeed," Kashion smiled. "But tell me – how did it go with her attendant?"
Oren frowned. "Which one?"
"The one from Evlina's party," Kashion said, confused.
Oren laughed. "I sat with both. Talina was quieter. The other is named Prior."
Kashion raised his eyebrows.
"Interesting," Oren continued. "Very relaxed. We had a lot of fun."
A strange feeling stirred in Kashion. He had thought he had experienced the day completely – and yet, the thought gnawed at him that he might have overlooked something.
Prior.
A name that had completely escaped his notice until now.