Page 92 of Right Next Door
Misty could only pant as he started over.
It turned out, her lover had been holding backa lot.
But no matter what he did, no matter how broken she got while begging for release and mercy, she didn’t once acknowledge herself as his mate.
Chapter 32
Tsok
The meeting room of the Glass Manor was tense. Silent. The High Imperium was at their spot at the head of the ‘U’ shaped table. To one side sat Senior Boktare, his mate, and another senior who, while unmated, still agreed with Boktare’s ideals. To the other side, Tsok sat with his mate and Davard.
The six were staring/glaring across the small distance at each other. The High Imperium hadn’t said a word since they all sat down, and even as the silence continued to strain the room, they kept their silence. This was a matter for Boktare and Tsok to work out. And it really felt like they had finally come to the end of their ability to negotiate. If they didn't come up with a plan today, there really was nothing left for them to argue further.
If it came to a vote now, Tsok honestly didn't know who the rest of the seniors would side with. He knew he had some supporters, but so did Boktare, and there were plenty of people that hadn’t declared their intentions one way or another. Enough that it really was a tossup.
“These human wedding ceremonies,” the senior finally started. “You really think our people would go for something like that?”
“We used to have our own mating ceremonies,” Davard answered for him. “They used to follow the mating itself, not proceed it, but there’s no reason the order can’t be reversed. It’s not quite the same as human weddings, but we can take some of their traditions and meld them with ours to create a ceremony that will satisfy both parties.”
“I’ve sent you information about our traditions,” Tsok said, indicating to their combots. “Davard, who has studied history, made these information packets for you. I also have information on weddings from Misty about human ceremonies. I believe we can work together to create a new tradition for our people going forward.”
Senior Boktare’s expression was completely calm, totally unreadable as he leaned forward. “I’ve read about human ceremonies. Tell me about ours.”
Tsok, who learned all this from Davard, did the talking, as he was the one fighting for this. It was his job as char to advocate for his people – even if it meant advocatingtohis people.
“In the past, after a couple had finished the rut and returned to their families, there were a few things that were done. First was a feast and day of rest, for the couple surely needed it. The rut is notoriously draining for both parties, but especially for the males who also go through such an abrupt and drastic change in size and strength on top of the rut. In the days following, after the couple had recuperated, there was a party to celebrate the couple wherein the families would meet each other for the first time. After that, there was a period of uninterrupted time for the couple to really learn about each other. It usually lasted about twelve days. After that, the couple would host their own party, welcoming their friends and family, and celebrate each other, announce their mating to all, and declare their appreciation for each other.”
“So, it was two parties,” Boktare summarized. “One from the family and one from the pairing. Everything else just seems to be the two resting and meeting each other.”
“Essentially,” Tsok inclined his head in agreement. “There is more, of course. There were traditions on what to wear, what to say, the events at the parties – things like that. But those details can be worked out later. For our purposes, the timeline overall is more important.”
Boktare sat back. “And the human wedding, as told by your female, involves many tendays of planning a very large party wherein friends and family gather together to watch them mate?”
Misty nearly choked on her laughter. “No. No, that’s not-... They didn't watch themmate. They bore witness to the vows the couple exchanged. It’s the vows that are important. It doesn’t matter what else changes in the ceremony, it’s the vows that are the actual marriage.”
“And these vows are…?”
“Oh, well. Technically, they can be whatever you want. Each culture has their own, and sometimes people just ad lib. But where I’m from, it’s like, er, do you promise to love and cherish this person in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, so long as you both shall live. I think? I don’t really know the vows perfectly off the top of my head but that’s essentially it.”
“I see.” Boktare tilted his head. “And then after that, they mate?”
“No. After the vows is the reception. That’s where we have a big party for all the friends and family. I mean, I guess it can be a small party? You know, some people have backyard weddings because it’s more intimate and cheaper and-... I’m getting off track here. Point is: the vow ceremony leads into the reception. And then, after that, is the wedding night. Then the honeymoon.Which I think is similar to the twelve day thing? Not for the couple to get to know each other, but for them to be undisturbed and alone together.”
“What is the wedding night?”
“Oh, that. Well, back when my people had a bigger abstinence culture, the wedding night was meant to be the first night you spent together as husband and wife. That would be where the first mating would happen. It’s not really exclusive for that anymore, but the wedding night is still considered pretty important. Even if a couple chooses to delay their honeymoon by a few months, the wedding night is still the wedding night, you know?”
“I see,” Boktare said, his tone completely unreadable.
“I think we can combine our two traditions quite neatly,” Tsok said. “The large party is considered to be so important it requires tendays to plan. That would quite neatly solve the problem of rash actions. A vow ceremony before the rut and a party afterwards would allow the first meeting of family and friends and ensure that all parties are truly there willingly. Then, after the rut, there can be the traditional rest and feast followed by a time of solitude for the couple. One last party afterward hosted by the couple can then seal the fact that they both chose this and don’t regret the decision.”
Boktare said nothing for a considerable amount of time. Enough that the tension in the room became uncomfortable. But Tsok dared not break it. He could tell that the senior was considering all of that and weighing it against his own wants and concerns.
“The scan should be mandatory for all citizens,” he finally said.
“The scan?”
“The True Match scan.” Boktare held up his hand when Tsok went to speak. “I understand that it will take time for such adrastic change to be implemented. Vigo will need to open up many,manymore True Match locations all over Kree, but he can receive government aid to finance all of it. And the mandatory requirement of the scan won’t go into effect until after there are enough True Match locations to service the public.”
