The Second Book of the Alienbutt Saga. The Rise of Mr Fluffy. Part 40.

“Ponnfarr, get yourself to the throne room now, and ensure the Princess is by your side and kept safe.”
“Almost there, Commander. The Princess is with me but insists on shooting every droid we come across,” responded Ponnfarr’s voice over the com-link.
“I don't care if you have to throw her over your shoulder and carry her, get her here now,” demanded Kali.
She turned as she sensed someone approaching her from behind. The head of the Malward gladiators stood there and bowed. He was covered in blood, and a rough bandage was tied round his arm.
“My lady, the Malward forces stand awaiting orders. The gladiators here have fought beside the King’s men, but the bulk of our men await your word before joining battle.”
Kali looked back to the King. “What the hell is he on about? Why do they wait for my orders?”
“The Malward forces are yours to command. You became the lady Malward when you killed the last lord,” the King said, as he shrugged his shoulders. “The men are yours by law and await orders to join the battle, and need to know which side to join.”
“Bloody stupid Heeter laws.” She turned back to the gladiator, knowing she was issuing a death sentence. “You fight for your King until the end. May it bring you glory.”
The gladiator grinned up at her. “Glory and more honour than we hoped while with the old lord, my lady. We serve our King, and gladly prepare to bleed for him.”

There was a commotion at the end of the hall, a squealing cutting through the noise of the hall. Silence fell as everyone turned to see Ponnfarr walk in with the Princess over his shoulder, kicking and screaming. He quickly walked up to the dais and unceremoniously dumped the Princess onto the floor.
“She refused to leave the defensive perimeter. You did say to get her here fast,” Ponnfarr explained defensively.
Kali looked at him and noticed four large scratch marks down his face.
“The Princess?” she asked.
Before he could reply, the Princess sprang to her feet and punched Ponnfarr full in the face, making him stagger backwards.
“Damn right the Princess, and that time I couldn’t get a proper swing at the animal, so had to settle for a scratch. I want him arrested for laying hands on me,” she demanded of her father.
“I think not, daughter. He was following my direct order,” said the King. “Now I know you wanted a big wedding, but there isn't time. So before those here, I give you in marriage to Ponnfarr. He is to protect you and all the rest of that stuff, blah-de blah.” The King looked at Ponnfarr. “Accept my daughter by command of your King and protect her with your life, blah-de-blah. You're now married.”
One of the King's retainers stepped forward and handed the shocked Ponnfarr a scroll.
The King grinned at him. “You are named Prince of Heeter and protector of the royal house. You may kiss your bride.”
Ponnfarr looked at the Princess, who stared back with hatred in her eyes.
“Try it and I'll gut you,” she hissed at him.
“Maybe I’ll wait until we know each other a little better, your Majesty,” Ponnfarr answered, still in shock. “And only if she asks me nicely.”
The King handed a scroll to Kali. “It's all legal and the paperwork signed, Commander.” He stepped forward towards his daughter and quietly said to her; “It's for the best, my daughter. You need a strong man by your side in the days to come.”
Before she could respond he stepped back and turned back to Kali. “Are you ready, Commander?”
Kali nodded and reached over, placing a small bracelet onto the shocked Princess's wrist. Then she raised her arm. “Three to beam up, then get us out of here before the Federation fleet turns up.”
The King stood and watched as his daughter disappeared, then holding onto the arm of his throne, turned to his commanders.
“Order the shipyards fired and then we prepare to launch a counter– attack. We go out taking the fight to the traitors.”
A great cheer greeted his words and he took advantage of it to turn to his aide.
“Take this bloody sword off my back; the weight is killing me. There's no way I can walk with it on.”
He turned back to those assembled. “Order all ships that are able, to retreat to Ick lines and meet up with the Princess, ready to start a counter-offensive with her and her new husband, the Prince Ponnfarr. The traitors may have won this battle, but the future Queen will win the war, and our last stand will echo down into the future to show we fell with honour.”

Minutes later the first of the Federation fleet arrived in orbit and launched a thermal missile strike that vaporised the palace and all key locations of the King’s force, abruptly ending their final stand.

To be continued.
All images are mine.