By Imperial Decree

An Imperial prince can only hide for so long—but his solution of a hastily invented engagement could backfire spectacularly.

Marsh Kensingers work as the utility mechanic for Bremen Station keeps his life interesting - but never quite as interesting as finding a pilot still hidden inside a hibernation drawer in what should have been a salvage craft. He knows he shouldnt get involved, but the Altairian Imperial crest on the private craft and the semi-conscious pilots odd questions pique his always-whirling curiosity.

Still unattached at a concerning age for an imperial son, Prince Shiro Shinohara hadnt been running from the endless, mind-numbing rounds of omiai his mother, the Empress, had mandated. Not exactly. Hed just wanted a break from persistent suitors at the family retreat on Ceti Tau. The short respite becomes a panicked flight for his life when one of the suitors stalking him attacks the family compound.

Worried for the soldiers he was forced to leave behind, afraid theres a conspiracy to kidnap him, Shiro confides in the handsome mechanic who found him and in a moment of panic, concocts the fiction of a serious relationship with Marsh. Its only until Shiros people can reach him and he can press charges back home. Marsh is willing to play along and Shiros just going to have to keep himself together and not, under any circumstances, fall for the wonderful, generous man who refuses to stop helping him.