by Regine Abel
It was a tense ten-minute walk since I didn’t know if I had pursuers lurking in the city. I thankfully reached the Hall without incident and inserted myself into a group of six Terran females chatting excitedly as they entered the premises.
The entrance looked imposing with a large rectangular room and high ceilings. Unsurprisingly, the walls were grey. In the center, there was a giant metal sculpture representing a Xelixian couple gazing with devotion into each other’s eyes, their hands intertwined.
There was a large doorway in the center of the back wall. Above it, a panel read FASTENING in bold letters and underneath Participants Only. On either side, hover pads lifted the milling crowd to the balcony. I could only assume those were seating areas for the people who would witness the Selection.
The group I followed stopped in front of the central door. They hugged and kissed, sharing words of encouragement. Only two entered the participants’ area. I took a deep breath, and followed the pair inside.
We were ushered to the right and introduced to Advisor Fihn, a Xelixian male who would prepare us for the proceedings. We were fourteen females; six Xelixians, four Terrans, three Aveans and myself. On the left, there was another, rather intimidating, Xelixian advisor. He was there to greet the male aspirants. Forcing my attention back to Fihn, I listened as he ran through the rules and procedures.
“First,” Fihn said, “I will test you to determine if you’re sexually compatible with Xelixians and produce oxytocin.” A few of the females bristled at that announcement. “Do not worry, Sehas, it isn’t invasive. A drop of blood from the tip of a finger will suffice.”
That seemed to calm everyone, except one of the Aveans who continued to glare at him.
Fihn pointed to a semi-circular alcove on the left side of the main area. “Over there, the Prime male aspirants will welcome the Pearls: those of you who test positive for oxytocin.” He then pointed to a series of pedestals spread along the periphery of the main room. “The rest of you will be invited to consider the other aspirants standing on the pedestals. You will have one hour to make your selection.”
Seriously? One measly hour to make a lifetime commitment?
“The males aren’t allowed to speak to you until you’ve initiated conversation. You can end it at any time you please and move on to another aspirant,” Fihn continued.
Not talking meant the males couldn’t pressure us into picking them – I liked that – but choosing them on looks alone seemed wrong.
“If you find a male to your liking, make him a formal proposal and if he accepts, then the deal is done. You can then come back to the central altar where Magister Zhef will officiate the binding ceremony once the hour is up.”
“What if he doesn’t accept?” an Avean female asked.
“The male has the right to decline, though that has only ever occurred once when a Norm female tried to claim a Prime male.”
“And what if more than one of us want the same male?” a Terran female asked.
“It’s first come, first served. So do not tarry,” Fihn smiled.
A few of the females sized up the rest of us, assessing the competition. I sensed an impending catfight looming on the horizon and I was so staying away from that.
At last, Fihn wrapped up his speech and invited us to approach one at a time. First up was a Terran. She giggled nervously as he pricked the tip of her index with a white stylus. He stared at it for a second then gave her a wide, all teeth smile.
“Congratulation, Seha. You’re Pearl!” he said, placing a long, silver-stringed pearl pendant around her neck. “Please stand over there.” He gestured toward a luminous white line on the floor by the entrance. “Once you’ve all been tested, the males will proceed to their respective pedestals. At which point you’ll be able to go to them, so no one has an unfair head start.”
It was no surprise that all the Terrans and Aveans tested positive, with only one Xelixian joining them. The females who tested negative received a dark gemmed pendant instead. With only one Xelixian left to go, it was my turn to be tested.
“Hello, Seha. Your finger, if you please,” Fihn said, welcoming.
I complied and gave him a shaky smile. “Hello.”
I hardly felt the sting of the stylus. He released my hand and gave me a subtle once over while waiting for the result. His eyes narrowed on the right side of my neck – my heart skipped a beat.
After a quick glance at his stylus, he said, “Congratulations, Seha. You’re a Pearl.” He grabbed a pearl pendant from the desk then turned back to me. “May I?” he asked, gesturing toward my neck.
I had expected that moment to come, but not this soon. Nodding, I lifted my hair with trembling hands so he could fasten the necklace. His eyes zeroed in on my neck markings, his smile faltering. When the necklace clicked into place, I covered the markings with my hair again.
“Fascinating.” Fihn stared a while longer at my neck though my hair hid my markings, before looking into my eyes. “You’re not Terran. May I ask what species you are? I don’t believe I’ve ever seen such markings before. They’re quite beautiful. You shouldn’t hide them.”
“I’m a hybrid… orphan… so…” I said with what I hoped came across as a casual shrug.
“I see,” he said. He ran his eyes over my outfit with a slight frown. “You know, it’s a beautiful coat but it hides your form. The males aren’t the only ones being assessed. We have an unusually high showing of Pearls today. The competition will be fierce. If torn between two options, a male might choose what he sees over what he has to imagine,” he said, extending a waiting hand.
He had a point. There was no reason for me to hide my markings anymore. And yet, for some silly reason, I felt self-conscious. I slipped the coat down my shoulders and placed it in his hand before mustering the courage to look at him.
His eyes took in the markings along my neck, arms and down the outer sides of my legs. They flicked back to the hem of my above-the-knee skirt, probably wondering how high the markings continued. For some strange reason, I was happy his stare only seemed curious, with none of the lecherous undertones I normally got from the crew. Fihn seemed like a nice guy.
“Much better. Please proceed to the line.”
He didn’t have to say it twice. I stood at the far right of the line because I wasn’t interested in the Primes. All the Pearls clustered as close to the left as possible. I wondered if they would stampede down to the alcove or try to show a bit of decorum. The Norms were more loosely spread in the middle. The last Xelixian joined us by the line. She was also a Norm.
Fihn walked past us to stand on the other side of the line, facing us. “Remember, there are only two Prime males today. It’s first come, first served, if you can get him to consent.”
Stepping aside, he nodded to a colleague located near the wall. “Here are your males.”
My stomach fluttered with trepidation as an invisible door slid open, revealing the aspirants. They filed in, walking in a single straight line – the two Primes at the front. Their blinding silver breeches were a dead giveaway. All the other males wore dark grey breeches.
The males walked up to us before turning toward the main area containing their pedestals. None of the males made eye contact or even glanced in our general direction. I guess that was part of their rules too. The breeches were their only garment. They reached mid-thigh and were so skin tight, my face heated.
They passed by too quickly to get a good look at their faces. However, the closer we got to the end of the line, the more obvious the signs of the Taint. By the time the twelfth male reached us, some of the females shrank away or averted their eyes. Part of me wanted to slap the heartless bitches. Granted, I had feared the males’ condition might repulse me, but it wasn’t the case at all. Their fitness level was off the charts and from where I stood, their Taint merely looked like dark veins tattooed over their skin. How was that disgusting?
The aspirants reached their respective pedestals and assumed their positi
ons. Fihn moved back in front of the line.
“Sehas, your future mates await you. The Fastening Selection is now officially open!”
The line at our feet disappeared. The crowd erupted in cheers.
Game on!
CHAPTER 4
Khel
When Lhor and I arrived in the Hall’s antechamber and saw so many aspirants, I almost left. But of course, I couldn’t. Finding out there were fourteen females, I regained a sliver of hope. That is, until the females cringed as the more Tainted among us neared them. Guilt settled in the pit of my stomach; Lhor didn’t deserve this humiliation.
Fihn finally called the opening of the Selection. I didn’t know who was the loudest, the crowd or the shrieking group of Pearls tumbling over themselves to get to the Prime alcove. It was laughable, though no longer surprising. Some of the Witnesses came here specifically to bet on how many falls, injuries, or fights would occur while the Prime males gloated. This was all so distasteful.
As the females approached the main area, I recognized a couple of the Xelixians among them. They weren’t here to choose. They already exchanged promises with the males and only attended the Fastening because it was the law. The other Norm females headed for the pedestals closest to the alcove. Those males were the least Tainted. I stood closer to the end of the room.
I turned my attention to a lone female standing at the main entrance. She stared at the Prime alcove, her mouth gaping at the stampeding females. I almost snorted in agreement. From this distance, I couldn’t make out her features. However, she appeared Terran. She shook her head and sauntered into the main area.
She had long, curly black hair that bounced around a heart-shaped face. She pulled a strand of hair, twisting it with both hands. Her coppery skin was speckled with darker markings in an elegant, straight pattern that ran from her shoulders to her wrists. They reminded me of the spots on the pelt of cheetahs. The same pattern could be seen running the length of her legs. And Goddess, what legs! She was taller than most Terran females with curves that made my mouth water. Her round and perky breasts would fit perfectly in my hands. And that wide mouth with plump, full lips... Hmmm...
I was so busy drinking in her beauty while trying to remain inconspicuous that I hadn’t realized she was heading in our direction. I stiffened in shock, trying to keep my face neutral. My pedestal was fifteenth in the lineup, a courtesy due to my rank. Lhor was sixteenth because we were kin.
She barely glanced at the many Norm males before me, as if she was looking for someone specific. Despite her obvious nervousness, she walked with a purpose. Did she also have a prearranged agreement? Of course she would! Why else would such a stunning Pearl blatantly snub two Primes from prominent houses? My heart sank. I had not really deluded myself that a female would choose me today, but for the first time, the thought of another male claiming a female – this female – filled me with a sense of loss. It didn’t even make sense that she should stir such a strong reaction from me.
She was almost in front of me when her steps faltered. Her eyes fixed onto my face. My heart leaped when she took another tentative step, then stopped. Her hands tortured that silky strand of hair, but their movement slowed as she let her eyes roam over me. I tried to remain still, staring at a random point off in the distance above her shoulder. However, I couldn’t help standing a little straighter, contracting my abdominal and chest muscles in the hope she would see that, while marred by the toxin, my body was fit and strong.
Once she completed her examination, she raised her eyes back to my face. For half a second, we made eye contact, before I shifted my eyes back to that distant point beyond her shoulder. The brief contact sent a burning pulse straight to my groin. My balls suddenly felt heavy as my shaft began to stiffen.
Oh Goddess, kill me now!
Those ridiculous breeches wouldn’t hide a thing. I knew the minute she noticed my arousal by the soft gasp that escaped her delectable lips. She opened her mouth a few times as if wanting to say something, then started to chew on her lower lip.
Say it! Say it!
I didn’t know what in Gharah’s name she wanted to say, but I would take anything that allowed me to initiate conversation with her. Her eyes flicked to the male on my right and immediately dismissed him, pausing on me for a second before flicking to Lhor on my left. Then did a double take. She stopped chewing her lip. She glanced back and forth between Lhor and me. She took a hesitant step toward him.
Nooooooo!
Then a second step, her short dress swishing. Then a determined third until she stood in front of him. I closed my eyes, trying to keep the bitter disappointment from showing on my face.
I don’t know how long she examined him. It felt like an eternity. My words that an alien female might see Lhor’s beauty beyond the Taint now seemed prophetic. I could sense her eyes resting on me from time to time, but I wanted all of her attention focused on me.
The thoughts crossing my mind shamed me. I dragged him here when he didn’t want to come. And now the thought that she could pick him over me was devastating. The respectable part of me realized that if she picked him, it would not only save him from the Taint but also our family lands. I should rejoice at the prospect. But right this minute, I couldn’t care less about respectability, lands or any other nonsense. I wanted her with a fierceness that defied any logic.
She moved again. This time, her steps took her further down the line. With each one, my heart sank even lower. I prayed to the Goddess to end this torment swiftly. As if in answer to my plea, I heard the Pearl’s soft footsteps return. She was alone. My heart rate picked up as she slowed just out of view. She stood between Lhor’s and my pedestals, studying each of us in turn as if trying to decide.
Oh Goddess, could it be?
I deliberately held her gaze, baring my soul to her. She blinked in surprise. She glanced up at the name of our bloodlines and stiffened when she read mine. An indefinable expression crossed her face as her beautiful yellow eyes looked back at me.
Please, choose me.
She tore her eyes away from mine, giving Lhor one last lingering look, then approached me, her steps determined.
“Hello,” she said with a husky voice. “My name is Amalia. Would you care to converse with me?”
Oh Goddess! This was truly happening!
“It would be my honor, Seha.” I replied, thanking the Goddess my voice came out calm and steady. I gestured toward the ground next to her. “May I?” I asked, trying to keep my tone gentle, and my demeanor unthreatening.
She nodded with a relieved smile and took a step back to let me off the pedestal. I deftly hopped down and tried not to stand too close to her. I didn’t want to intimidate her.
Amalia was even more beautiful up close. Her hair wasn’t black as I initially thought but a deep, dark brown with a slight reddish tinge. Her eyes also weren’t yellow but a very pale brown with light green specks.
“My name is Khel, first born son and heir of Dhak and Vhena of House Praghan.” I put my right hand over my heart and inclined my head in a slight bow, in a formal Xelixian greeting. “Would you care to sit? It would be more comfortable to talk.” I waved a hand at the pedestal behind me.
“O–Okay.” She glanced at it, but didn’t move.
Hoping to put her at ease, I sat first and gestured for her to sit as well. She needed to choose how physically close she was comfortable with me. If it were my call, she would sit on my lap. But I wanted her to know that nothing would ever happen between us that she hadn’t okayed first. That seemed to do the trick as she walked over and sat about two feet from me. Then to my greatest surprise and delight, she scooted closer so our elbows touched. She swallowed and turned her luminous eyes toward me with a smile.
“Pleased to meet you, Kel,” she said fiddling again with a strand of hair.
I kept myself from wincing at the way she said my name. It was Khel, not Kel. Unfortunately, off-worlders often had a hard time pronouncing the h in Xelixian names.
Khel meant unbreakable. Kel, on the other hand, referred to pretty shrubby flowers that grew alongside the base of buildings. My warriors and staff would have a field day with that one. And Lhor, Goddess have mercy, would never let me live it down.
“Khel. It is pronounced Khel,” I corrected gently.
“Oh, I’m sorry!” She looked mortified. “Khel?” she repeated tentatively.
“Khel, yes. That’s good.” It was nowhere near good, but passable enough that it would spare me some mockery. Plus, I didn’t want to risk alienating her by starting our first conversation by nitpicking. “It’s a tricky sound to reproduce for non-Xelixians, so don’t fret too much about it.”
“I’m afraid I’m a little clueless about much of your culture,” she said, embarrassed. “I’m learning as much as I can about it, but it will take a while. You and Advisor Fihn both called me Seha. What does it mean?”
“In Universal, Seha would translate as ‘lady.’ It is the polite way to address a female without displaying unbecoming familiarity.” I smiled at the obvious effort she made to pronounce the h of Seha correctly. “It would be my greatest pleasure to teach you everything about this world. You only have to ask.”
“Thank you kindly for your offer. But you might feel sorry the day I take you up on it.”
“I could never regret you accepting my offer. Anything you want is yours, Amalia. As I said, you only have to ask.” I was coming on a little strong, but time was running out and she needed to know I was willing to commit.
She let her eyes roam like a fleeting caress over my face, taking in every detail. I was reasonably attractive if one looked beyond the Taint. Nonetheless, relief flooded through me when her smile broadened, apparently pleased by what she saw. Tension seemed to drain out of Amalia’s shoulders and she released her strand of hair.
“Tell me about yourself, Khel.”
“Let’s see. I’m twenty-nine, soon to be thirty. My younger brother Vahl was born Prime. When my Taint manifested during puberty, I joined the military like most males in my situation. I always wanted to be a warrior, so in a way, that worked out well. Vahl was the business savvy intellectual, so that made him the perfect heir in my stead.” I gulped, trying to brush over the pain which reminiscing about my brother always brought forth. “My family owns vast agricultural lands that have made us very comfortable financially. My military career has been successful as well. I have been General of the Xelixian Army for the past six years.”