Page 23 of Jorhee

“What sort of flowers do we need to have onsite and how many?” Bokynor asked, mollified now that my fathers had thrown support for Bob’s idea.

“It’s usually roses for weddings,” Jesse said. “Red ones are for true love.”

“Then they need to be red roses!” Bokynor decided.

Jesse threw an amused glance my way, but didn’t disagree, letting Bokynor have this victory.

“I’ll consult several wedding arch building plans and forward them to the construction crew,” Bob said.

“Well, if you’ll be importing the flowers, why not simply import an arch and stuff from a wedding store on Earth as well?” Jesse asked.

“Cracking idea!” Bob crowed. “The flowers can travel in stasis and remain in it until we need them. Now, let’s talk about cake!”

Jesse made a small whimpering noise.

“C’mon, dude, cutting the cake is a big thing with Earth weddings! Just tell me what flavor cake is your fave, and I’ll handle the rest.”

“Red Velvet, with cream cheese frosting,” came the reply. “I don’t like any kind of frosting except that kind or buttercream.”

“See, not so hard! I’ll order a simple, yet elegant, three tier cake to be brought here in stasis too, and I’ll create your suit myself using a replicator so we’ll know that it fits perfectly.”

Bokynor grinned, and it was the sort that said whatever he was about to say, Jesse was absolutely going to hate it.

“With the royal court attending virtually, this opens the guest list up wonderfully. We’ll be able to get all the important dignitaries from Earth to attend who’d be invited to a human royal wedding!”

Jesse’s eyes widened in horror. “Human dignitaries? Like who?”

“The leader of your country, for example, and I believe there are several royal families in several countries yours are very friendly with.”

“Oh, holy jeebus. I…I…”

He looked ready to bolt.

“We’ll leave that to you, Bokynor, but as viewing guests only. No private one to one chats,” I told him sternly. “And now I dobelieve we have figured out the particulars, all except the date. We can decide once we find out how long it will take to source the flowers, cake, and arch.”

“Indeed,” Bokynor bowed and backed away from the screen, knowing a dismissal when he heard one.

“Congratulations on your mating,” Father said.

“It won’t always be this stressful,” Pata added. “I rather envy you out there without all the trappings of Court and the advisors and Grand Council to deal with on a daily basis.”

“Love you and speak to you again soon,” Father said, and Pata smiled gently as he nodded to add his sentiment along.

“I love you too,” I said and was rewarded with even larger smiles right before Father ended his side of the transmission.

“I think I need to go lay down,” Jesse said before rushing from the room.

“Hey, Prince Johree?” Bob called out before I could follow him to make sure he was alright. “Why did the government worker bring a map to work?”

I blinked. “A worker brought a map? Who?”

“No, no, it’s a joke. You’re supposed to guess the answer.”

“No idea,” I said, going to find Jesse. His bedroom was closed.

“So he could find his way around all the red tape!”

“That was a terrible joke!” I heard Jesse shout with a cackle.