Kringl (Rescued by the Alien)

Chapter 29

Kringl led Joy through the gleaming corridors of his spaceship, his large hand gently enveloping hers. The metallic walls hummed with a soft, almost imperceptible vibration as they made their way towards the ship's central chamber. Joy's gaze darted around, taking in the alien technology that surrounded them and was so unfamiliar to her.

"Your world," Joy asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of nervousness, "what's it like?"

Kringl smiled at her, loving the idea of introducing his home to her. "Valoria is magnificent. Imagine crystal spires that touch the clouds, forests of trees with leaves that shimmer like diamonds, and oceans so vast and deep they seem to hold the universe within them."

Joy's eyes widened as if trying to picture all of this. "It sounds beautiful.”

"It is," Kringl nodded, his chest swelling. "But it has been missing something for a long time. Something I didn't even realize until I met you."

Joy’s cheeks mottled pink. "And your father? Is he really okay with me, with us?"

Kringl laughed, the sound rumbling his chest. "My father is more than okay, Joy. He's ecstatic. When I told him about you, he was so pleased to see me happy again that he completely forgot his desire for me to take a bride from our world."

Kringl had been uncertain how his father, the king, would take his announcement, but once he’d relayed the story of his time on the ice planet and told of Joy’s bravery, the old Valorian had softened.

He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "In fact, you won't be the first human bride taken by one of my species. It's been a few generations, but the first Valorian prince to visit Earth in search of a bride caused quite a stir."

Joy's eyebrows shot up and a laugh burst from her lips. "I had no idea.”

“There was more than one Valorian who went to Earth in search of a bride—and brought the human women back to my home world.” He gave her a conspiratorial wink. “Which means that I possess traces of human blood.”

Joy scrunched her lips to one side. “I hope that doesn’t mean we’re cousins.”

He pulled her closer and bent to nip at her neck which provoked a giddy squeal. “We are not cousins, my naughty one.”

“Good.” She giggled. “And I hope you aren’t implying I’m on the naughty list because you know Santa said I wasn’t.”

Since leaving the ice planet, Joy had eased more into her true self, laughing and teasing more than she ever had in the village. He adored this happier version of her, this version of her that matched her name so well.

As they turned a corner, Kringl noticed Joy's slightly quickened breathing and the way her fingers fidgeted in his grasp. He stopped, turning to face her fully.

"What troubles you, Joy?” Then he became more serious. “My love?"

Joy bit her lip, the laughter gone from her eyes. "It's just…I’m nervous, Kringl. Being a princess for a world I've never seen before? It's a lot.”

Kringl gently lifted her chin with his finger, meeting her gaze. "Joy, if you show even half the bravery you displayed on the ice world, my people will consider themselves the luckiest in the galaxy to have you as their princess.”

Joy's eyes glistened with unshed tears, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You really think so?"

"I know so.” Kringl leaned down and brushed a kiss across her lips. "You faced unknown dangers, protected your people, and opened your heart to a being from another world. That takes more courage than most possess in a lifetime."

Joy swatted his chest. “You aren’t so bad yourself, you know. Leading a rebellion, sabotaging a powerful orb, calling in Santa as backup.”

“Best time of my life,” he said with a wicked grin.

She poked a finger at his chest. “You have a twisted idea of a good time.”

“Speaking of that, there's something I want to show you."

He led her towards a large set of doors at the end of the corridor, placing his hand on a sensor panel, causing the doors to slide open with a soft hiss.

"SURPRISE!"

The shout echoed through the cavernous room as Joy stepped inside, her mouth falling open in shock. The chamber was filled with all the villagers from the ice world, their faces shining with excitement. Shimmery decorations hung from the walls and ceiling, twinkling lights cast a warm glow over the scene, and in the center stood a massive Christmas tree, its branches laden with ornaments and tinsel.

What is all this?" Joy could barely get out the words.

Tami bounded up to them, her braids swinging. "It's a real Christmas party, Joy! With real presents and all the best kinds of cookies! Santa helped us.” She leaned in and put a hand to one side of her mouth. “And there are no snowberries.”

Joy turned to Kringl. "You did this? For us?"

Kringl shrugged, suddenly overwhelmed with the desire for her to like his surprise "I wanted to give you all a proper celebration. One without scary elves or presents that never got opened. Do you like it?”

Joy threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. "You saved me and now you’ve saved Christmas.”

“Santa helped.” Kringl wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "This is just the beginning, my love. I plan to institute Christmas as a holiday on Valoria. Though perhaps we'll leave out the elves."

“Definitely no elves.” Joy laughed, the sound muffled against his chest. When she pulled back, she shook her head. "I can't believe you did all this."

"Believe it," Kringl said, gently wiping a tear from her cheek. "This is the first of many real Christmas parties we'll have together. And I promise you, Joy, each one will be more magical than the last."

“Especially when we have children,” she said. “Kids at Christmas are the best.”

Kringl’s mouth fell open. He’d never given much thought to children, but as he thought about having them with Joy, his heart swelled. Then he scooped her into his arms.

“What are you doing?” She asked as he strode from the party.

“Getting started on those children,” he growled.

Joy threw back her head and laughed as he practically ran to their quarters. “Merry Christmas to me.”

Thank you for reading Kringl!