She tried to research pon’ Farr only to find any useful information closed to those not of Vulcan.  Romulans through biologically closer to Vulcans than Humans had no such equivalent.  It was barely six hours since she last mated with Christina and she wanted her so badly it was hard to focus. 

She glanced at Kennard and the smoldering look in her eyes rocked her to her core.  The Princess was beyond annoyed and took advantage of the public arena to torment her. 

“Attend me” Serena commanded.  Serena spoke to her people and sincerely thanked the women there for their wisdom and protection.  She assured them that she would not forget them and that any from Allegra would be graciously welcomed into her Court at any time. 

It was clear that the respect and admiration went both ways.  It was finally time to part.  In her final ceremonial act The Royal Consort at her side she spoke the words of continuity to her caregivers and teachers. 

“At such time that I bear an heir with my Royal Consort will you welcome and care for her as you did me?”

“Yes” came the resounding cry. 

“Is there any who would challenge her place or her right?”  She cried.

“I do” Joshua Port strode forward surprising himself.  He was moved by her passion.  She was so much more dynamic in public than in the shadow of the one who would be Royal Consort. 

A hush filled the arena. 

“I challenge her place and her right.”  Port repeated clearly.  “I claim you, her place and her right.” 

The Princess was shocked.  She looked carefully at the man who had the audacity to challenge her choice.  He intrigued her.  She only knew the love of women and if it were her choice she would have the woman who glared at the interloper.  No matter that her heart was clearly bound to another the one she would chose as Royal Consort did not take kindly to being challenged.

Katrina, Princess of Antilles, Guardian of the Heir Apparent, stepped forward in her official role. 

“Princess of Allegra, heir to the throne of Antares, do you accept this challenge to your choice?” Katrina wailed for the arena.

Serena looked first at Kennard and meeting her gaze knew she would not yield her hold on the one she would choose.  She then looked at the alpha female who stood waiting her decision and almost faltered.  If there were a chance that she could win the heart of such a one she would take it. 

Serena was wise beyond her years.  She looked more carefully at the man who would fight for her.  He did not meet the measure of the woman he challenged but he could learn.  She might hold the one she desired but never hold her heart. 

“To the victor belong the spoils” Serena answered.  “I accept the decision of the Fates.”

“Pledged Consort how answer you this challenge?”

“I will defend the Princess and my place.” Bette answered truthfully.  Unknowingly she had told the crowd that no matter the outcome the Princess would no longer have her heart and she was free if she was victorious to choose another.

“Until the dawn” Katrina dismissed the crowd.

Captain Port and Captain Porter stood flanked by their respective security details.  They both bowed curtly to the Princess while their teams escorted the Princess to her chambers while they went to their own to prepare for the coming test.