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They exited into an open quad. Pavers engraved with the seal of Kaldor formed a walking path through low purple grasses.

Aromatic trees scented the air, and feathery flitteries chirped from the leafy branches.

Water blossoms floated in a small pond fed by an underground spring.

He’d chosen that particular species of water blossoms himself.

“It’s beautiful!” Kismet exclaimed. “Absolutely stunning.”

“Thank you,” he said proudly. The palace gardens were one of his pet projects. He’d worked with the garden master to design its architecture. “The palace is rather sizable, and there are quite a few gardens, but this one is one of my favorites.”

She inhaled, and he did also, taking in the fragrance of nature.

“I loved the arboretums and the public parks on Earth. So much of our planet has been consumed by cities. I lived in a high-rise apartment that faced another building. No view.”

“Much of my planet is urban, too,” he said. “But I’ve committed to reserving undeveloped space for Kaldorans to enjoy.” He continued to sponsor the development of gardens all over the kingdom.

“I regret I won’t be able to see more of your world.

This is my first time off Earth; I doubt I’ll ever leave again.

Even though it’s been short, this is the grandest adventure I’ve ever taken.

” She twisted her mouth. “My sister insists I need to stretch my wings. She thinks I’m in a rut, that I’m boring. ”

“You are not boring. You are…enjoyable.”

“You flatter me but thank you.” She blushed.

“I mean it.” She was both fascinating and easy to talk to.

There were no expectations, no demands, no protocols.

Ironically, the one person he could relax and be his true self with was his reprobate brother.

Even with Charday, he’d had to be circumspect, watch his words and behavior, ensure he didn’t promise more than he could deliver.

“You and your sister are very different,” he said.

She chuckled. “You think so? We are identical twins—mirror-image twins.”

“I see the resemblance, but you are still very different. She is much more—” He stopped himself before he said something rude. First impressions were not always accurate.

“Colorful? Outrageous?” she suggested.

“I would never say that.” He’d thought it, but he’d never say it. “Those words, however, do describe my brother.”

She laughed. “I don’t think Karma and Prince Falkor like each other very much.”

“They are too much alike,” he commented. “What will you do upon your return to Earth?”

“Try to find a job and an apartment. I gave up both to come here.”

“I’m sorry.” He winced. “What kind of work did you do?”

“I worked for the Department of Public Safety, in the AIM division. We investigate artificial intelligence malfeasance, in which AI either abetted or perpetrated a crime. It can be challenging because AI is pretty good at covering up its activity.”

“I imagine so,” he said, intrigued.

“I loved my job,” she said wistfully. “I hope I can get it back.”

For her sake, he hoped so, too. Damn that Falkor.

“What about your sister? Did she give up a job? I confess, I’m not quite certain why she is here.”

“She’ll go back and work for our mom, who owns an alternative spiritual healing shop called the Mystical Mage.

” She laughed. “I had suggested she name it Hocus Pocus, but neither of them appreciated my idea. Our mother, Destiny, and Karma are like two peas in a pod. I’m the odd one in the family.

If Kar and I weren’t identical twins, I would have sworn I was adopted.

“As for why she’s here—I was told I could bring a handmaid. Karma hadn’t received any proposals, so she figured she’d accompany me. I said I would be bringing my sister, but Prince Falkor still assumed she was my servant. It did not go over well.” She chuckled.

He laughed, envisioning the clash. If Karma’s dress served as an indication of her personality, she was rather tempestuous.

Despite his penchant for mayhem, his brother could be imperious, relishing his status as a royal—because he enjoyed the perks without the responsibility.

Sometimes Jaryk envied him. Other times, he could choke him.

“I love my sister. We might be different, but we’re best friends. I probably wouldn’t have accepted the proposal if I thought I’d never see her again. She does stupid stuff, but her intentions are good.”

“My brother does stupid stuff, too. But I love him. He is my best friend.” He had many, many acquaintances, but only one true friend and confidant. This latest scheme was Falkor’s craziest yet. But he’d done it with Jaryk’s best interests at heart.

What if he gambled Falkor was right? What if a Cosmic Mates marriage solved everything?

The king would be furious, but his royal hands would be tied—he could not undo the marriage.

Eventually, his temper would cool. And if everyone thought the marriage was real, Alia’s parents would have no recourse but to arrange another match.

In the meantime, his father and mother might warm up to Charday.

They would see her at balls and other social engagements.

He meant no disrespect to Kismet, but his parents wouldn’t be able to not compare her to Charday.

Wouldn’t they much prefer any Kaldoran over a human?

He shook off a sting of guilt. Reality was what it was.

A faint breeze had released a few strands of hair to curl around her cheeks as her guileless, curious gaze drank in the garden. She was pleasing to the eye, easy to talk to.

If I did desire a temporary assignation, I wouldn’t find a more compatible candidate.

What am I thinking? I cannot use her to achieve my own ends.

I am not Falkor. Mother and Father accept his shenanigans because they don’t expect anything else from him.

Furthermore, if he did wed Kismet in hopes of achieving his aims, he would prevent her from finding true love. He could not be that selfish.

She should return to Earth, hopefully resume the job she enjoyed, and meet and marry a nice human man. Or at least a better Cosmic Mates match than him.

A fake loveless marriage would be no benefit to her.

“I’d better escort you to your suite now,” he said.