Broken Wings by Viola Grace

Author:Viola Grace [Grace, Viola]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Adult, Romance, Science Fiction, Space Opera
ISBN: 9781487401696
Publisher: Devine Destinies
Published: 2015-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

She held her distrust of Jela to herself and kept her focus on the flight. Poppy was enjoying the view as they lifted off Ohkhan and darted into the sky.

“Are you going home for the holidays?” She said it as pleasantly as she could.

“No. My brother is getting married, and he wished for me to be at the formal ceremony after the leap of faith.”

Minerva clenched her teeth at the thought of the female having her wings tied before leaping off a cliff and trusting that her mate was going to catch her. Women died on their way down when their mates were not on time or were delayed by other means. Whether he was there or not, there were attendants to make sure that she went over the cliff.

“I am sure you are eager to take part in the festivities. When will you need a ride back to Ohkhan? I am sure they can send someone for you.”

He looked at her with surprise in his bright blue eyes. “Oh, no, you will be staying. Check your assignment. You are designated as my plus one to the celebration. It is a reminder to my family that I am no longer theirs for finding a match for.”

“What?”

“Haven’t you taken etiquette classes yet? I am sure you will be fine at the party.”

She cleared her throat. “I only arrived at Ohkhan two days ago. Before that, I was in recovery at Morganti. I haven’t done anything but move from Novice to Specialist.”

“You did that in two days?”

She shrugged and plotted course for Jela. “Apparently. You have eighteen hours. What do I need to know?”

Poppy gave her a chiding chirp as if telling her off for not being forthright with Astien.

She stroked Poppy’s chest to calm her.

“Well, I didn’t ask for you specifically. I simply requested a female pilot to throw my family off the scent.”

That made her slightly more relaxed. “There wasn’t another one available?”

“The two other female pilots are on assignments and you were the only one left. It is not that I mean to be insulting, but that was the case.”

She nodded. “What is the etiquette?”

He looked her over. “Do you have a dress?”

Minerva twisted her lips. “More or less.”

“Well, most Enjel women wear gowns; the back is arranged around the wings. Women are generally separated from the men during daily life, but in an event such as a wedding, the females accompany their selected male or a member of their family.”

She knew the answer but she asked, “Why?”

“Because women on Jela are fair game if they are not mated. That is why the unmarried women are kept in an Aerie. Our men are savages when they are competing for a mate.”

That he would be so direct was refreshing. “I don’t think I have to worry. I am not an Enjel, after all.”

“We mate with anything compatible. My mother is wingless and my father bought her, installed her in the Aerie and courted her relentlessly until she chose him. For Selna women, it is socially acceptable to be owned.

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