Heya- this story is from a dream of mine, and since it was so close to me, I put myself in it. Don't hate me, lol.

---

Kalkathan

"My lord?" This half-question, half reprimand was directed towards the elderly mans Prince, the youngest son of His Majesty Kleimaghr. The last son, in fact, as in, the only one remaining. Otherwise they might have not tolerated him as much as he was being at the moment. "Are you finished for today?" Green eyes raised in annoyance, and the white-haired young man gave one last glance at the ornate glass mirror standing upon the table before him. Sunlight came through the stained-glass windows in such a way, that the Earth inhabitants he watched through them seemed to be glowing from within. Very interesting. He had seen many he liked, but none that had captured his attention for long.

"Yes Akhan." Stiffly, he flicked a speck of lint from his shoulder, and raised his chin to the man. "What do you need?"

"The mourners are here, my lord. All of them. You wished to see them?" Caybiam showed no sign of outward sorrow, merely nodded that the man could leave him.

"Very well. I shall be there soon." Akhan had not lived this long without learning to pick his moments, and in his wrinkled head he knew this was not the time, but he had to ask.

"My lord, one last thing...The council wishes to remind you that, because of your fathers death, and the disappearance of your lady mother, and the fact that your sister and brother have been killed, the matter of your marriage should be address-" Caybiam's gaze had grown darker and darker as his advisor had continued speaking, and finally his eyes had become dark pools of anger when he finally interrupted.

"Yes, Ahkan! I know this! You may inform the council that I did not realize it was they who ruled the high Prince of Kalkathan!" Immediately Ahkan fell into a grovel.

"My lord! Forgive me! Of course they do not my lord!" Inside, Caybiam fumed. Those infuriating, pompous fools! Daring to think they could send him such a reprimand! their attitude of power was beginning to get very annoying, and very assuming. That would need to come to an end.

"I know fully well that I have the three obligatory days to take a bride. So far, I believe I have two left!"

"Yes, my lord!"

"You may GO, Ahkan!" The old man left gratefully, snapping at a few drudge-women to appease his own unease and anger. The high Prince Gain would have already taken his bride, as soon as he had the news his father had been murdered. But not Prince Caybiam. This was worrying.

Back in his room, Caybiam laid his forehead against the cool glass, eyes closed. His sigh frosted the glass with warm mist, fogging the faces of laughing girls as they entered school.

"Show me," he pleaded in a thick whisper, his eyes stinging. "I am alone. Show me." After a full minute, he opened his eyes, staring unseeing into the glass. It flickered, formed, focused, and froze. Caybiam set his jaw, and sighed in defeat. Silently, having done its duty, the mirror's image faded into the lighted reflection of the windows.

---

There had been no warning when the Umshei had descended. Having seen alien movies since the olden times, Earth took it surprisingly well, especially when the expected invasion plan had been announced. What hadn't been expected was the intervention of the Kalkathan. They could easily deflect all advances of the Umshei, and to Earth's delight, they were just like humans, even adopting parts of Earth's culture. Earth accepted aid, and the Urmshei were deflected, and all seemed happy.

Until of course, the rest of Earth found out what the cost was. For every ruler of Kalkathan, there was to be a bride. Every white-haired young man of royal blood that came of age to marry, would be granted any woman from Earth, for their genetics did not allow the royal line to mix with their own. Everyone of a culture not used to this was shocked, even more so when they found that the bride did not have to be willing. There was arguments, there were strikes, there were wars. Finally the Kalkathan announced that they would leave Earth forever if they were ever denied what they had rightfully dealt for, and the Earth's inhabitants could deal with being easily and quickly dispatched by the Urmshei.

One year passed in which there were endless talks, fights, battles, and finally, acceptance. Volunteers were asked for, but they were not satisfactory to the Kalkathan. Three unwilling girls were taken, and the Earth waited with baited breath until they would come again. Twenty years later, three more princes came. Three more girls were taken. Twenty years have passed, and again Earth holds its breath, mothers shake when their daughters leave their houses, and none but those who remember the tears, really pay attention to the news. Everyone, everywhere, is waiting...