The media crowdoutside the Celestial Spire's main entrance is a writhing mass of cameras and speculation. Three days of building frenzy since the annulment, and now they're rabid for any glimpse of our terrorist-pet-turned-bride.
"Ready?" Rafe adjusts his formal collar—deep charcoal with silver threading that matches his eyes. We're both in full Reima Two formal wear.
"Ready to parade our traumatized human naked in front of the galaxy?" I straighten my midnight-blue jacket. "Absolutely thrilled."
"The law requires it," Rafe reminds me unnecessarily. We didn’t want to push our luck when negotiating Eve’s new terms of sentencing with the IGC. And this is just the kind of dramatic spectacle the galaxy likes. “Humans that were pets must be married in theirnaturalstate."
“This is something I might have found titillating two years ago," I admit.
“Goddesses, Lorian, don’t tell Eve that,” he says, and I remember how upset she was when she found out shehad to marry us in the nude. Rafe puts his hand on my shoulder. “Now, let's get this over with so we can get on with the ceremony.”
We step out together, and the crowd surges forward, but security holds them back while we take our position on the temporary platform. The questions start immediately.
"Is it true Eve Eden tried to kill herself when you married Madame Zira of House Serath?"
"Will Eve Eden be required to remain naked while she serves Celestial Spire guests as part of her sentence?"
"How does it feel to marry your property?"
“Will she maintain a collar for the next ten years?”
“How good is her Imperial now?”
I grip the podium edge hard enough to crack it, but Rafe, ever the diplomat, raises a hand for silence.
"We'll be making a brief statement. No questions." His voice carries a particular authority that makes even the boldest reporter shut up. "Today, we are here to correct an injustice. Our human receptionist and liaison, Eve Eden, was sentenced to seven years as property for the crime of ignorance and compassion—freeing humans during the Grand Championships held at the Spire two years ago. Since then, she has served out her sentence as property with dignity, despite being a sentient being, as recognized by the IGC.”
“Today," I continue where Rafe left off, “Eve Eden formally returns to the Celestial Spire to not only resume her position as our receptionist and liaison, but also to become our wife, while still serving her legal sentence, yes, but as a person and an equal galactic citizen. We ask for your understanding and respect during this transitional period.”
"Respect?" a reporter shouts. "She'll be naked at her own wedding!"
"The law requires it," Rafe says. "We don't make the laws, we only abide by them.”
“With regard to her nudity, if anyone captures or distributes images of our bride during the ceremony, you will face the full weight of the Ascendant Alliance's legal team,” I say, but the look in my eye lets everyone know I actually mean the Cohort.
"But it's a public ceremony?—"
"With invited guests only. Not voyeurs." I lean forward. "Test me on this. Please." I leave off saying,I would love to release some of this anger I have and kill someone else who has wronged Eve.
Rafe touches my arm—a warning to back off.
"The ceremony begins in one hour," Rafe concludes. "Invited guests only. Thank you for your understanding.”
We leave and I hear a few reporters wish us well, and many daughters.
We walk in silence to the Grand Ballroom, where the ceremony and reception will take place. Rafe put Lira in charge of everything, and I’m not surprised to see the space has been transformed into a feminine dream—thousands of flowers from across the galaxy, crystals refracting light into rainbow patterns, holographic projections creating an ethereal atmosphere. Beautiful and horrifying in equal measure.
"How is Eve?” I ask Lira, who appears from behind some flowers.
“Nervous and furious, but determined." She pauses. "She's had her makeup done. She says if she has to be naked, she'll have a perfect face and skin to compensate."
"Of course." My chest tightens with pride. “And the dress?"
"Ready for the moment you are her lucky husbands. The dress she chose is perfect, emphasizing style over ostentation, but I made sure it’s still striking. And the jewelry is all lined up to your specifications. She will look like your equal in every way.”
“Thank you, Lira,” Rafe says, and by his tone he really means,
Thank you for enduring all of this that was included in your job description for the last two years.
