The Second Book of the Alienbutt Saga. The Rise of Mr Fluffy. Part 36.

Kali walked into the King’s private audience rooms to see the King receiving an injection from a medical droid. She paused at the door but the King beckoned her forward. “Come in Commander, we are just about done,” he said brightly.
Kali looked around the room. The Princess and half a dozen others were present. “Are you unwell, your Majesty?” she asked diplomatically.
“I'm dying, Commander,” he stated with a smile. “If not for these drugs and twice daily blood transfusions, then the poison would have already killed me.” The King indicated everyone should sit and then continued. “Heeter has the largest independent shipyards in the Federation. It seems the Federation want to do a take-over, and that means it's the Coffee Houses that want them. I was poisoned about a month ago by a Coffee House assassin, so it's been decided that in the interests of staying independent we should join with the Ick.”
“You need our forces to defend your planets then,” Kali replied, sitting back in her seat.
“No, our defences are more than adequate to defend from any outside attack. What I need is Ponnfarr to defend my daughter the Princess from internal attacks upon her.”

Kali sat back up, shocked. She looked over at the Princess, who wasn't doing a good job of hiding her fury at the King’s words.
From behind her she heard Ponnfarr gasp.
The King held up his hand to prevent anyone speaking so he could continue. “Ponnfarr will marry my daughter and be her consort, defending her from those who would try to replace her when I die. In return the Ick get to use our shipyards.”
The Princess jumped to her feet in fury. “You never said this was your plan in inviting them here, and you expect me to marry him? He’s old,” she complained, pointing a hand shaking with fury at Ponnfarr.
From behind her Kali heard Ponnfarr mumble. “This has got to be a joke. Please refuse,” he pleaded.
Kali looked at the Princess and then back at the King. Finally she smiled. “You have a deal. So, when do we announce the happy event?”

To be continued.
All images are mine.