The Raspite Prince

I was only twelve when I walked into my maid's room and watched with curiosity.

"Would you like a closer look, princess?" Hanna asked. Sadly, she was the best friend I had, but she was very kind as she patiently explained the entire process. My first creation was all lopsided and horrible, but instead of making fun of it, she made one to fit her size, and we strutted around the castle all day in them. The last I saw of her was during a painful goodbye as she fitted my peasant clothes for my journey. I miss her so.

By now it must be lunch time. I have almost finished two complete outfits and have an idea for a third. My stomach growls at the same time I hear a knock on the door. "Who's there?" In truth, had it been someone trying to kill me, they wouldn't just come out and say so, but on the other hand, I'm sure the guards know the difference between a normal crew member and someone who's not.

"It's Sergeant Meldow. I've got lunch for you, princess."

I'm a bit disappointed he sent her. The door opens before I can stand.

"Hi," I say. The tray of food in her hands smells so tasty. My stomach grumbles because of the aroma.

"I have a key so I let myself in." Meldow has a small table and chair in her arms as well. The chair is upside down on top of the table, with the tray balanced on it.

"Thank you. Anywhere will be fine." I busy myself in my work, finishing part of the dark red dress I'd begun before she came. The skirt is full length, straight, with a strapless top and a set of matching gloves. The gloves are the last thing I have to complete. The dress itself is already stretched out over the couch beside the blue one.

"Those are beautiful. Is that what you wear on your home world?" Sergeant Meldow asks as she sets the food and table to the side.

"Yes. It's customary for women of a certain standing to wear dresses and not pants," I reply as I finish the right glove and lay the pair with the dress. The great thing about keeping the designs so simple is that they don't take as long to make.

"I don't envy you. I hate dresses." Sergeant Meldow is being friendlier than before. I can't help but wonder why.

"I was raised in such a way that this is my normal. I'm terribly uncomfortable in this." I tug at the pants suit.

"I guess that makes sense. I love being a soldier. I enjoy being casual. I guess I will leave you to it." Sergeant Meldow turns, ready to leave, and then glances back at me. "By the way, purple is the lieutenant's favorite color," she says as she walks to the door.

"Why would that matter?" I ask, acting as though I really don't care. Judging by the sideways smile on Meldow's face, she doesn't buy my act.

"I see the way he looks at you. I've never seen him do so with anyone else." She lingers a moment.

My heart speeds up instantly at the thought of Lieutenant Wolf liking me too. "I don't have time for such silliness. I have a mission to complete, and he isn't part of it," I say, more to convince myself, not her, but it doesn't work.

"Of course. Anyway, enjoy your lunch. I better get back to my duties." Sergeant Meldow smiles and walks out the door.

"To think that I would be interested in such information. How presumptuous." I wait a moment to ensure she's gone. I then begin sorting through the material. There's a deep shade of purple silky material as well as a see-through lacy material that's a lighter purple. I set it aside. I'm starving, and my meal is calling my name. I worked so hard to get Lieutenant Wolf out of my head, and Sergeant Meldow shoves him right back in. I sigh as I picture his adorable face.

I finish eating, and then I become busy on my new project. I want to finish it before dinner. When I'm done, the dress is full-length, dark purple, and sleeveless. Out of the lace, I make a jacket that has sleeves and hangs down to my midback, with only a tie at the top to allow it to slide off. The gown itself is surrounded completely at the waist by lace that splits down the front, creating a layered effect to the skirt. I set the finished dress aside.

A ding comes from the computer. The screen brightens, and a notification appears, showing the time and a flashing note that reads, Dinner: 1 hr. Reminder for date with Lieutenant Patrick G. Wolf.

I figure I have enough time to take a shower and do my hair as well. When I get out of the shower, I put on the dress. Just as I finish the last touches to my hair, the door opens. I walk out of the bathroom, to see Patrick. His mouth is open in a look of shock. Once he realizes what he's doing, he clears his throat and straightens up.

"Wow, you look amazing. The dress is beautiful on you. I'll change out of my work clothes. I'm just going to be a minute." Patrick keeps his eyes on me as he goes into the bedroom and shuts the door behind himself. A few minutes later, he comes out in a black suit. He looks incredibly handsome, although he's fiddling with his tie. I can tell he isn't used to wearing one.

I go over and tie it for him, as I've done for my father so many times before. My mind drifts back for a split second. I feel as if I'm back in my palace, helping my father get ready for one of those big dinners that I was never allowed to go to. "There, all done."

He's stares at me. I peer into his green eyes, and we just stand there for a minute. So many strange things run through me. Thoughts I've never had before. I remember watching my mother tie my father's tie a couple of times. She would lean in and kiss him when she finished. I want to do the same with Patrick, but I push the urge down inside me. It's not right to do so; after all, we aren't married or even courting. Patrick smiles ever so slightly, and then I take a step back, lowering my gaze.

"We should go." He holds out his arm to escort me, and I place my hand at his elbow. We walk out the door, and both the guards look at us with amazement. I think it's because of Patrick. I'm sure that they're not used to seeing him all dressed up. "So, the material was still good, and the machine worked, I'm glad to see." Patrick's a bit nervous. With the way he studies me, I've no idea what's running through his mind.

"It works perfectly. I finished a few dresses."

He presses the elevator button. Should I tell him that this one was designed just for him?

"I like this one very much. It is absolutely beautiful," he says as we step into the elevator.

"Meldow said purple is your favorite color. I was hoping you'd like it." I sort of just blurt it. What will his reaction be?

"She shouldn't have said anything, but, yes, I love it. And you... you make it look incredible with, um... Most the crew dresses nice for the dinner services here. They are a bit extravagant," he says, changing the subject.

"Why do you seem so nervous around me all the time?" I've never been around people who act as he does. He seems to be all flustered every time he speaks to me.

"I, um, I do? Yes, well, I'm not very good at this sort of dating type thing." He looks at the numbers on the digital counter, as though they need to speed up with his discomfort.

"Dating?" I'm not sure exactly what he means.

"Um, yeah, it's a date, or I guess it's probably called something else in palace life, but I, well, I find you very attractive, and I want to get to know you and..." He fiddles with the cuffs of his jacket.

I guess my randomness has thrown him off. "It's called courting on my home world. Speaking of which, did you get word to my mother?"

"Not yet. We're not getting any signals from your planet. The council has sent a small fleet to see what's going on."

"What do you mean? Do you think something has happened?" This thought terrifies me. What could be wrong?

"I don't know for sure, but don't get worried. The Raspites probably knocked out the communications coming from there. We'll know more by tomorrow after the fleet arrives."

The doors to the elevator finally open.

"Maybe we should go to the captain's room and wait until we catch word of what's happened," I say as we head to the cafeteria.

"We should just enjoy this evening. There isn't anything we can do other then get in the captain's way." Patrick seems reluctant to tell me anything more. He's right. There isn't anything I can do other than wait until he knows more. I guess since I've little choice I should relax and have a good time at dinner.

When we get to the cafeteria, it looks different. The tables have been moved around and are covered with tablecloths and flower arrangements. A large area in the center has been cleared out. A few couples dance to the soft music playing on the speakers. It's breathtaking.

We sit at a table, close to the open area. A crewmember dressed as a waiter heads toward the table, carrying wine and a light salad. I haven't ever been allowed wine because too much is known to impair judgment. It's always best to keep my wits about me. Perhaps just a taste won't hurt and to refuse it might be rude. When I take the first drink, it tickles my nose, and I let out a slight giggle.

"What is it?" Patrick asks.

"It is the first time I've ever had wine, sorry." I set my glass on the table.

"I can have them bring something else if you'd like." He starts to wave down the man waiting on us.

"No, it's fine. I like it." I take another small sip and taste my salad.