As if reading my thoughts, Sala leaned in close, her voice barely above a whisper. “The doctor will be thorough, Tessara. They’ll need to assess your physical health, of course, but also your… responsiveness.”

I frowned, not quite understanding. “Responsiveness?”

Sala’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Your body’s reactions to certain stimuli. Like the magistrate said, it’s important for determining your suitability for marriage, because that’s such an important part of Prosperian society.”

My own face grew hot as I began to grasp her meaning. “Oh,” I breathed, my voice small and uncertain.

Gamma shifted beside me, and I was suddenly very aware of how close he sat to me. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of,” he said, his tone gentle but firm. “Sexuality is an important part of life on Prosperia. The examination simply ensures that you’re physically and emotionally compatible with their way of life.”

I nodded, trying to process this information. My mind whirled with questions, but I couldn’t bring myself to voice them. Instead, I turned back to the window.

As our hover-carriage glided to a stop before the Magisterian Embassy, I felt my heart begin to race. The building itself made me blink in amazement, with towers that reached toward the sky like crystalline fingers. The façade bore intricate patterns that seemed to shift and change as we approached, creating the illusion of moving water or perhaps the ebb and flow of cosmic tides.

We ascended a grand staircase of what appeared to be polished marble shot through with veins of luminescent blue. Our footsteps echoed as we passed through grand doors into the cavernous space of the lobby beyond, the sound somehow both crisp and muffled at once. The air inside seemed cool and fragrant, carrying the scent of exotic flowers I couldn’t have named.

The lobby presented a breathtaking blend of elegant simplicity and mind-bending technology. Holographic displays flickered to life as we entered, showing scenes from distant worlds and star systems. The floor beneath our feet seemed to ripple and shift, giving the disconcerting impression that we were walking on the surface of a still pond.

I was so caught up in marveling at my surroundings that Sala’s words took a moment to register.

“Tessara,” she said gently, drawing my attention back to her. “Now that we’re inside the embassy, we need to follow Magisterian custom.”

I blinked at her, uncomprehending. “Custom?”

Sala nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Yes, sweet one. You and I will need to remove our gowns.”

My eyes widened in shock. “Here? But… but we’re in public!” Again I felt the very strange mixture of emotions that the lovely blue gown seemed to stimulate—I had become so used to my nakedness on the Conqueror, but here on Prosperia it seemed terribly embarrassing, as if having just gained the right to wear clothing I clung to it with special fierceness.

Alpha’s deep chuckle resonated through the space. “This is Magisterian territory, little one. Our customs apply here.”