The door opened, and Lydia and Elara entered, both resplendent in matching lavender gowns. Their faces were alight with excitement, though I noticed a slight wince from Lydia as she moved. I remembered with a little flutter in my tummy that Mr. Thornton had insisted on Dr. Porter punishing her before the wedding, to ensure his ward would be on her best behavior.
“Oh, Tessara,” Elara breathed, her eyes wide. “You look like a princess!”
Lydia nodded in agreement, reaching out to squeeze my hand. “Mr. Gamma won’t know what hit him,” she said with a wink.
A knock at the door signaled it was time. My breath caught in my throat as Alpha entered, smiling, and walked over to me. My enormous blue savior, almost identical in appearance to my handsome bridegroom, took my arm, preparing to give me away in this symbolic sense, even as he had so literally made a gift of me to Gamma. Lydia and Elara fell into step behind us as we made our way toward the embassy’s grand ballroom.
The doors swung open, and I gasped at the sight before me. The ballroom had been transformed into a vision of Prosperian elegance. Delicate floral arrangements adorned every surface, their sweet fragrance filling the air. Music played from an unseen orchestra, the lilting melody tugging at my heart.
And there, at the end of the aisle, stood Gamma. His tall blue form was clothed magnificently in a perfectly tailored suit that emphasized his broad shoulders and powerful build. His eyes found mine, and I felt our mental connection spark to life, filling me with warmth and love.
As we began our slow procession down the aisle, I became aware of the faces turned toward me as everyone rose to their feet. Dr. and Mrs. Porter were in the front row, both beaming with pride. I felt my cheeks heat as they caught my eye, Dr. Porter nodding and Mrs. Porter curtsying. I remembered with a start that Gamma and his brothers were technically Magisterian nobility—something Prosperians honored greatly, being a loyal colony of Magisteria.
Yes,I sensed Gamma saying in my head as our eyes met over the length of the aisle,remember that you will be Lady Tessara, now, here on Prosperia.
My mind drifted back to the past two weeks at Dr. Porter’s Academy. Despite the strict discipline—or perhaps because of it—I found myself looking back on that time with fondness.
The early mornings spent practicing proper posture and deportment under Mrs. Porter’s watchful eye. The afternoons dedicated to learning the intricacies of Prosperian etiquette and household management. Even the evenings spent writing lines or kneeling in the corner as punishment for minor infractions—all of it had shaped me, molded me into the woman I was now, even after only two weeks.
I remembered the sting of the cane, the humiliation of the bare-bottom spanking I had earned over Dr. Porter’s knee for a poor score on a quiz, the mortification of standing naked before my peers. Yet each punishment had been followed by gentle aftercare, soothing words of encouragement, and the satisfaction of knowing I was learning to be better.
The discipline had been difficult, often painful, but it had given me a sense of structure and purpose I’d never known before. I now understood the expectations placed upon me as a Prosperian female citizen, and I felt prepared to meet them. More important, I knew how to be the obedient, submissive wife Gamma craved and deserved.
As we neared the altar, Alpha leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear. “I’m so happy to hear that you and Gamma have found a connection between your consciousnesses,” he murmured. “It’s a rare and precious thing, in a galaxy where such vast separation divides so much and so many. Cherish it, little one.”
His words sent a thrill through me, deepening my gratitude for the profound bond Gamma and I had discovered. I felt my soon-to-be husband’s presence in my mind anew, a comforting warmth that filled me with love and belonging.
The ceremony passed in a blur of ancient vows and tender promises. Before I knew it, Gamma was sliding a delicate ring onto my finger, his touch sending sparks along my skin. “With this ring, I thee wed,” he intoned, his deep voice resonating through me.
As we turned to face our guests, now husband and wife, Gamma’s voice whispered in my mind.I have a surprise for you, my love.
My heart leapt with excitement as we made our way back down the aisle, guests showering us with fragrant flower petals. What could he have planned?
After the whirlwind of the elegant reception, of congratulations and well wishes, Gamma led me away from the reception.
“Close your eyes,” he instructed gently, producing a silk blindfold.
I obeyed without hesitation, trusting him completely as he guided me into what I assumed was an autocar. The journey seemed to take forever, my curiosity growing with each passing moment.
Finally, I felt the vehicle come to a stop. Gamma helped me out, his strong hands steadying me. I could feel grass beneath my feet, hear the gentle lapping of water nearby.
Gamma’s hands removed the blindfold. As my eyes adjusted to the light, I gasped in wonder at the sight before me.
We stood on the shores of a beautiful lake, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the late afternoon sun like a mirror. The shoreline curved gently, dotted with majestic trees whose branches swayed in the warm breeze. And there, nestled among the trees, stood the most magnificent house I had ever seen.
It was a grand Victorian-style manor, its white clapboard siding gleaming in the sunlight. Intricate gingerbread trim adorned the eaves and wraparound porch, giving it a fairytale quality. Tall windows sparkled, promising breathtaking views of thelake from within. A tower rose from one corner, topped with a delicate wrought-iron weathervane.
“Gamma,” I breathed, my eyes wide with wonder. “What is this place?”
His deep chuckle rumbled through me as he wrapped his arms around my waist from behind. “This, my darling Tessara, is our new home.”
I turned to face him, shock and delight warring for dominance on my face. “Our home? But… how? When?”
“I’ve been planning this for some time,” he explained, his blue eyes twinkling with joy. “I wanted us to have a place of our own, away from the bustle of the city. Somewhere we could build our life together.”
Tears of happiness welled in my eyes as I took in the magnificent house once more. “It’s perfect,” I whispered. “Absolutely perfect.”
Gamma took my hand, leading me toward the house. As we walked, I noticed other details—a boathouse nestled on the shore, a meticulously tended garden bursting with colorful blooms, a quaint gazebo overlooking the water.