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Chapter 14
“You’re still not ready?” Giny exclaimed from my doorway, dressed in a black gown that fell to her ankles, her fabric glimmering from the lights overhead. The thin belt around her waist matched her tiny pink horns, while glitter sparkled from her trimmed black hair.
She was one of a couple of women from the house who smiled at me, said hello, and even sat next to me during meals. Her family I learned lived on a nearby moon and were both scientists, and she admitted to have a major fangirl moment over Corran, but like me, she was alone on the planet.
“Is everyone going fancy for dinner tonight?” I slipped out of my tennis shoes and rushed toward the cylindrical wardrobe as I’d spend most of the day training, while my mind had been floating on clouds from my date with the Vepar last night. If that was an indication of what my future with them would bring, I was ready and had no doubts about my decision to not take Zeni up on her offer to fly back to Earth. Though part of me kept hoping I hadn’t made the wrong decision.
“Yeah, it’s a big feast and Corran, Thane, and Derrial will be attending. Everyone’s getting dressed up.”
“Really?” The idea of seeing my men again so soon had me rushing into the wardrobe cylinder, needing to look perfect for them.
“Oh, one of the girls dropped out of the ritual last night. Did you hear about it?”
“Who? Why?”
“Jexie. Her father insisted he found another mate for her and ordered her to return home.”
“That’s horrible. Do females not get to choose their own partners here?”
“It’s more of a family event.” She lifted her wrist and stabbed something on the screen, making the monitor in the common room switch on.
Three columns of print appeared on the screen, and it was slowing scrolling down to show more and more and more.
I stepped close and read a few of the titles.
Xeorian Estate Heir Searching For Mates.
Galaxy Engineer Seeks Union with Three Vepar.
Underneath were a list of traits like this were a job interview with details on education and wealth and even a description of her appearance and size of horns. Apparently the smaller the better on a female.
“Are these ads for husbands?”
“If by husbands you mean mates for life, yes. It’s all orchestrated by families to find the best mate for the best possible chances of conception.”
“Wow. It’s very different on Earth. We select who we want… well maybe not in all cultures.”
“The mate selection process means we’re united with the best possible suitor. Makes sense to me.”
I could see the benefit of both sides, and with the way my Vepar selected me, I didn’t quite get a choice either.
“Alright, hurry up, Ella. We’re going to be late.”
I turned to the small panel and selected the type of gown I was after, down to the color, and even a hairstyle. Several minutes later, I emerged.
Giny’s mouth gaped open. “What style did you just select? I need to change my dress.”
I laughed and glanced down at myself, but my eyes widened. “Whoa!” A white dress studded with miniature diamonds dropped to my feet with a split racing up the side all the way to my bikini line. The dress cinched in at my waist with the corset lifting my breasts. I twirled on the spot, revealing stilettos that were clear as glass.
“I look like freaking Cinderella.” My dark hair fell in curls past my shoulders and when I glanced in the mirror, I wore a simple diamond tiara.
“Cinderella?” she asked. “Is that a really famous celebrity on Earth?”
“Yeah, sort of I guess.” I spun in the mirror, still in awe. “You think this might be a bit too much.”
“No. You want to look the best you can. Anyway, I’ll see you in the dining room.” She whisked away, unable to leave quick enough.
With another quick look in the mirror, I couldn’t believe I had an hourglass figure this insane. Sure, the corset made it a bit hard to breath, but… my three Vepar were going to die when they saw me.
