The court ladies, dressed in lush silk dresses of different shades, coquettishly examined the couple entering the ballroom, and men in formal suits arrogantly measured the prince's chosen one with their eyes.
Ray, shivering from excessive attention, respectfully nodded at another new acquaintance. It seemed that everyone was fascinated by the young man's appearance, but his male gender confused everyone.
Arlow loudly announced the marriage to the guests as if it had already taken place and cordially asked them to accept this fact without condemnation.
The King of the North turned out to be an attractive man, dressed in an exquisite royal outfit: straw-colored locks, crowned with an elegant tiara set with blue gems, a perfectly proportioned face with cold steel eyes.
"You are so alike with your uncle! - Ray whispered in amazement under the piercing gaze of the monarch who entered the hall. - He looks young… and so handsome! I thought he was an old man."
The king and his retinue settled down on a circular sofa, eagerly accepting the greetings of their relatives.
"Angelic blood has special properties to prolong the life of the physical body, - Arlow explained quietly. - Eriolan is over fifty years old. Since childhood, he has been wearing a crown as the most similar face to a heavenly ancestor."
"So you will be young for a long time too?"
"So you are, my angel, - Arlow chuckled, squeezing Ray's hand. - We are destined for a long life."
The crowned made a sign to his nephew to approach, barely smiling.
"Did you finally find the one you were looking for? - said strictly Eriolan, his eyes fixed on the pair. - Your chosen one is so young. Aren't you ashamed!?"
"Our feelings are above mortal life, my lord, - Arlow noted discreetly, bowing his head. - Ray is a supernal conscious being who chose me long before this moment."
"Indeed? - Eriolan's icy eyes flashed with interest. - And who are you, Ray? When did you choose him?"
"I would not like to discuss secret things in front of everyone, milord," - Ray replied evasively, averting his eyes in embarrassment.
"Well-well," - agreed the monarch, smiling mischievously. - Then we'll have a private talk and you'll tell me everything."
Eriolan rose from his chair and, under Arlow bewildered gaze, led the young man into a separate room.
"And you really look like an angel, not only in your pretty appearance, but also in your vibes," - the King noted, seating Ray in front of him on the sofa. - Your eyes are so expressive! What brought you to the mortal world?"
"Amn…" - the young man hesitated, rubbing his hands nervously.
"Speak!" - Eriolan insistently ordered, piercing with his eyes.
"If I tell it like it is..."
The crowned embarrassed him with his magnificent cold appearance and severity.
"…my spouse… The Lord of Heaven Realm sent me here for new experiences…"
"Husband!? Is this normal... up there in heaven?"
"Yes! Actually… I don't have a gender."
"Are you not a man?" — Eriolan raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"I am androgynous in the spiritual sense... But I choose a male body because of convenience. I feel more comfortable in it."
Eriolan pulled the young man's palm towards him, looking inquisitively.
"Your fingers! The second and fourth are the same length! You are an androgynous indeed! Marvelous!"
Ray stared absently at his hand, mulling over the monarch's remark.
"I didn't know about this physical sign!"
"And how did it happen that my nephew is also your betrothed? Doesn't the heart belong to one single spouse?"
"If a man fall in love with me and take care of me, can I be indifferent to the wonderful feelings of the one I like?"
"So you are polyamorous?"
"Mmm... no. The one who is now Arlow, I met him on his own planet and accepted his adoration a long time ago."
"Wow! - Eriolan vividly expressed his amazement. — Does His Essence own the entire planet? I never would have thought! And what happened next?"
"Then the mighty Overlord noticed me and took me away from the one who was born here as Arlow."
"How dramatic! And you didn't reject him?"
"It is impossible to reject a powerful being. His magnetic power is disarming and..."
"It's clear! - the King narrowed his eyes, listening to the young man's confused explanations. - I won't encourage your relationship with Arlow, but given your angelic heritage, I'm obligated to grant you the royal title and estate."
"Oh, milord, is that how you acknowledge me?" - Ray was amazed.
"Undoubtedly, you are a celestial! I guess you look the same in your heaven, forever young and graceful. Where does this attractive image come from?"
"I don't know, but Arlow dreamed of me for years, and when he met me in person, he could hardly hide his joy. He locked me in his ship cabin and set off hastily to the sea ..."
"Horrible! - said Eriolan. - It's a kidnapping! My nephew is really crazy: he stole the kid from parents without asking!"
"I sent them a letter that I am fine. They did not want to let me go on a long journey. It is only my choice!"
Eriolan fell in thoughts, not taking his beautiful eyes off.
"I would like to see you as the founder of a new royal family, but it's too early to dream about it. Our descendants would mix angelic blood."
"What!? - Ray chuckled awkwardly. - That is definitely not part of my plans. It's like… marrying a girl!"
"Well, not now, but in the future! It doesn't matter if you want children, androgynous you are or not."
"Arlow won't like that..."
"He shouldn't argue with my decisions and will have to take your wishes into account. Soon I will crown you a Duke and give you a worthy estate."
Eriolan took his palm in his hand, examining the engagement ring in fascination.
"What a beautiful and expensive sapphire! Do you love gem jewelry? Well, of course... I have something for you to match your luxurious ring."