Destined by Viola Grace Read Free Book Online Page B

Excellent. Come along, daughter. I will help you get ready.”
    Rhoda looked down, and she was wearing a silky ivory gown. She slid to the edge of the bed and levered herself up. “Ready for what?”
    “It is your wedding day. Today, you and Drehl will declare yourselves in front of witnesses.”
    Rhoda walked toward the woman and curtsied. “Rhoda Evergreen, pleased to meet you, madam.”
    The woman took her hands and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I am delighted to meet you, daughter. Call me Elian or Mother if you would. I will tell you everything you need to know about the bonding ceremony.”
    Waves of black hair, streaked with silver and violet, crowned Elian’s head. Her marks went from her forehead down to the corners of her mouth on each side.
    Elian bustled her into the shower, and while she was getting her hair and nails done by another Genaran woman, Rhoda was given the details of the ceremony and a few bits of information about the Genarans that she had not thought to ask. The tattoos were rank markings. Rhoda would be wearing her own set about a week after the wedding.
    Elian answered the door when there was a knock, and she smiled at whomever was on the other side before she took the bundle from him.
    “Kebril has taken an interest in your fashion choices. He selected this gown for your vows.”
    Rhoda froze as the blue-black gown that she had painted into Drehl’s portrait was in Elian’s arms. The underwear was a low pair of silky briefs attached on either side with segments of jewel-encrusted chain. The bodice was formed to fit over her breasts and was sewn down the sides to the top of her waist, swirling open to show her thighs and hips from ribcage to ankle. Bands that matched the straps of the top went around each bicep and held the sleeves in place. Once the gown was on, Elian attached a series of gems in Rhoda’s snow-white hair.
    When she was dressed and the small slippers were on her feet, Elian opened the door where Kebril was waiting to act as her family for the ceremony.
    He smiled down at her. “You look lovely in that, sister.”
    She went up on her toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you for your help with the gown, Kebril.”
    “Drehl had me order it the same night he saw you at the gala. The measurements at the medical centre just helped with the final fitting.” He offered her one arm and his mother took the other. Their trio walked through long, empty halls until an assembled gathering in the courtyard showed their destination.
    The unmistakable forms of Under and Hawk were sitting up front, wearing civilian clothing for the event.
    Another male came forward and took Elian from her son. Based on age and physical resemblance, it had to be Drehl’s and Kebril’s father.
    He took Elian to a position near the altar stone with the grooves cut in it. The Genaran did everything with an exchange of blood or nanites, including marriage.
    Kebril walked her through the crowd and to the altar where the official raised his hands for silence.
    “We are assembled here to join Rhoda Evergreen of Terra with Drehl Yaghin of Yacaro. Do they each have witnesses who will attest to their societal value.”
    Under got to his feet, his black-on-silver eyes were sombre. “He is of value to Yacaro and its citizens and has proven it time and again.”
    Rhoda bit her lip and stood in uncomfortable silence until a familiar voice said, “She is of value to the Genaran and their society.” Jemyalli was standing next to her father, a determined look in her eyes.
    The official raised his brows. “How so?”
    “Not only is she an artist, but she helps those who hesitate with declaring their love or accepting their destiny. It is not something that most can do, but she gives the gift with every portrait.” Jemyalli looked around nervously and stepped closer to her father.
    The official smiled kindly at her. “Excellent. Now, extend your arms and place them on the altar.”
    There was a