Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 87050 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87050 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
“Sala,” I whispered, my voice still thick with emotion, “you mentioned Prosperia. What… what is it like?”
Sala’s hand continued its soothing motion through my hair as she spoke. “Prosperia is Magisteria’s closest ally,” she began, her voice soft and melodious. “It’s a beautiful world, with a big city of gleaming spires and lush, carefully tended gardens. The Prosperians have a deep appreciation for the aesthetics of old Earth’s Victorian era.”
I felt my brow furrow in confusion. “Victorian era?”
Sala chuckled softly. “It was a time in Earth’s history known for its rigid social structures and strict moral codes. The Prosperians have adapted many aspects of that culture, blending it with advanced technology in fascinating ways.”
She shifted slightly, her breasts brushing against mine in a way that sent an unexpected tingle through my body. “Their approach to relations between men and women differs in certain important ways from ours, despite hewing to the traditional subordination of women to men.”
I lifted my head, meeting Sala’s bright blue eyes. “How so?”
Sala’s lips curved into a small smile. “Well, for one, Prosperian women are never seen nude in public. They wear elaborate, modest clothing—long dresses with high collars and full skirts. But beneath those clothes…” She paused, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Beneath those clothes, they wear what their husbands specify. Often very little indeed.”
I felt my cheeks flush at the thought. Sala continued, her voice taking on a more serious tone. “But the most significant difference is the use of ‘governors.’ Every Prosperian woman, upon coming of age, has a small device implanted… intimately. It allows her husband to control her sexual arousal and pleasure.”
My eyes widened in shock. “Control it? How?”
“Through a handheld device,” Sala explained. “A husband can increase or decrease his wife’s arousal at will. It’s seen as a way to ensure obedience and reinforce the natural order of things.”
I shuddered, unsure whether from fear or a helpless spark of arousal. “That sounds… intense.”
Sala nodded. “It is. But many Prosperian women speak of it as liberating. They say it frees them from the burden of their own desires, allowing them to focus entirely on pleasing their husbands.”
I bit my lip, trying to process this information. The idea both terrified and intrigued me in equal measure. “And the refugee center? What will happen to me there?”
Sala’s expression softened. “It’s a safe place, Tessara. You’ll be cared for, given medical attention if needed, and counseled on your options moving forward. No one will force you to do anything you don’t want to do.”
As she spoke, I became increasingly aware of our intimate position. The warmth of Sala’s naked body against mine, the soft swell of her breasts, the tangle of our legs—it all suddenly felt overwhelmingly sensual. A familiar heat began to pool low in my belly, and I felt my cheeks flush with shame at my body’s response.
Sala must have noticed my discomfort, for she pulled back slightly, her eyes searching my face. “What’s wrong, sweet one?”
I averted my gaze, unable to meet her eyes. “I… I’m sorry. My body, it’s… reacting. I don’t mean to, I swear.”
To my surprise, Sala chuckled softly. Her hand came up to cup my cheek, gently turning my face back toward hers. “Oh, Tessara. There’s no shame in your body’s natural responses. You’ve been through so much trauma, it’s understandable that you might confuse comfort and safety with arousal.”
Her thumb stroked my cheekbone softly. “Besides,” she added, her voice dropping to a husky whisper, “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t affected as well.”
My eyes widened at her admission. Before I could respond, the door to the cabin slid open with a soft hiss. Captain Alpha’s massive blue form filled the doorway, his silver-violet eyes taking in the scene before him.
“Good morning, my dears,” he rumbled, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “I trust you slept well?”
I felt my body tense instinctively at Alpha’s sudden appearance. His imposing frame seemed to dominate the room, drawing my gaze like a magnet. The events of the previous night flashed through my mind—his powerful body claiming Sala so thoroughly, the sounds of their passion echoing through the bridge. I felt a fresh wave of heat course through me, a mixture of fear and unwelcome arousal.
Sala, sensing my discomfort, gave my hand a reassuring squeeze before addressing her husband. “We slept very well, my lord,” she said, her voice warm with affection. “Though Tessara had a bit of a fright upon waking. I’ve been comforting her.”
Alpha’s expression softened as he looked at me, concern evident in his silver-violet eyes. “I’m sorry to hear that, Tessara. Are you feeling better now?”
I nodded, not trusting my voice. Alpha’s overwhelming presence made it difficult to think clearly. I couldn’t help but remember the power and control he had displayed on the bridge, and my body’s traitorous response to it.