Emma

EMMA

My hands trembled as I held the thick cream-colored envelope addressed only to "Emma." What could it be?

Curiosity spiked through me as I fumbled to open it.

Taking a deep breath, I unfolded it to read the spiky script:

My Dearest Emma,

Please join me this evening on the observation deck of Ring 7 at precisely 20:00 hours. There is an important matter I wish to discuss with you. I eagerly anticipate your arrival.

Forever yours,

Tazhr

Tazhr wrote me a letter. What could he want to talk about?

We were mated. That was forever. I knew it was.

But a written note and an "important matter?" My nerves were going to eat me alive long before the meeting time.

As the appointed hour neared, it took monumental self-control not to rush straight to the observation deck. I forced myself to move deliberately, neither hurrying nor stalling. Either extreme might betray my eagerness and anxiety. I would meet this pivotal moment with poise.

At last, I arrived, heartbeat thundering in my ears. The vaulted chamber was deserted except for Tazhr's imposing silhouette leaning against the viewport, the nebula's rosy glow softly illuminating his pensive profile. He turned at my approach, golden eyes warm with affection.

"You came," he rumbled. "I feared you might not. That it was too soon..."

I crossed the space between us and took his hands in mine. "You are my mate," I said simply. "How could I not come when you call?"

Tazhr exhaled slowly. Nodding, he sank gracefully to one knee before me. My vision blurred with tears at this ultimate gesture of devotion from my proud warrior.

From his pocket, Tazhr withdrew a small velvet box. Nestled inside was a dazzling golden ring accented with shimmering gems. "Emma Rochester, will you do me the honor of becoming my mate?" His voice shook slightly despite the formal words.

"Yes!" I cried joyfully, no longer trusting myself to speak. "Of course I will!" Laughing through my tears, I pulled him up into a fierce embrace.

Tazhr's relieved laughter mingled with mine. Taking my hand with reverent care, he slid the ring onto my finger. "A perfect fit," he pronounced, eyes suspiciously bright. "Just like you and I."

No further words were needed. We clung together in blissful silence as the nebula blazed around us. The path ahead seemed limitless, the universe ours to explore together.

I studied my reflection critically in the full-length mirror. Was the embroidered lace too much? Did the gauzy sleeves hang properly off the shoulder? My nerves made every tiny flaw seem disastrous.

"Oh, Emma, you look absolutely stunning!" Tessi gushed from the couch where she lounged, already dressed in her pale blue gown as my attendant. "Tazhr's jaw is going to drop when he sees you walking down the aisle."

I managed a shaky smile, smoothing imaginary wrinkles from the white satin skirt. "I hope so. I want today to be perfect for him."

Hard to believe our wedding day was finally here after months of joyful planning. Though still more comfortable avoiding public spectacle, Tazhr indulged my enthusiasm for the occasion with fond bemusement. The chance to declare my love before the station felt too momentous to neglect.

Of course, the gathering itself would remain relatively small and private, attended only by Tazhr's closest Syndicate brothers and my handful of trusted friends. Intimate or not, the reality of binding myself to Tazhr forever before witnesses suddenly felt daunting. What if I stumbled over my vows? What if he realized mid-ceremony that free-spirited Emma wasn't the mate he needed after all? Cold feet seemed inadequate to describe the icy dread congealing in my stomach.

"Emma." Tessi's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts. Her expression radiated empathy and understanding from across the room. "It's okay to be a little nervous. But don't forget—Tazhr loves you more than anything. He lives for you. I know that kind of passion never fades." Her hand drifted unconsciously to her swirl of marks.

Bolstered by her steadfast faith, I inhaled deeply until the bands of anxiety loosened from my chest. She was right. The depth of Tazhr's devotion was proven beyond doubt by now. A mere ceremony could not change that, no matter my irrational fears about insignificant details. All that truly mattered was our joy in the journey ahead together.

Squaring my shoulders, I turned from the mirror. "Come on. We shouldn't keep the others waiting."

Tessi beamed approvingly. "There's my girl! Let's go get you your Vinduthi for life." Laughing, she hooked her arm through mine and led me out the door toward my destiny.