Page 8 of Chosen By the Dragon Alien

“Ah, you are awake.”

Fivra heard a tinge of relief in the robotic maid’s voice as she bustled over to the bed where Fivra stretched. “Were you here all night?”

“No,” Ria replied, fussing over the covers with delicate metal fingers. “But I needed to awaken you if you didn’t rise before your medical appointment.”

Fivra tensed at the mention of the exam. “Cyprian said it would be painless.”

“It is. The purpose is to make sure you have no diseases that can be passed to clients, and that you are healthy enough to entertain them.”

Fivra’s stomach knotted into a nauseous ball. “I don’t want to do this.”

“It is clear that you are not ready to,” Ria said, gently tapping a metal hand on Fivra’s knee. “This is protocol, that is all. Come. Let me show you how to use your bathing chamber. You were too tired last night, but you’ll find the waterfall to be a pleasant experience. And then a nice meal.”

Fivra went along with all this because she did want to get clean and she was hungry. The unique bath chamber was as overwhelming as the bedroom, and almost as large. Oils, makeup, perfumes, and bottles of things she couldn’t identify lined shelves on one golden wall. She allowed Ria to brush out her long pink hair and add a perfumed serum to it, then redonned the robe.

“Let’s get you dressed.” Ria led her to a section of movable wall and activated it with a wave of her metallic hand. The doors slid open, revealing an array of garments that were a riot of colors and textures. They hung in perfect order, each one more vibrant and elaborate than the last.

Fivra’s bare feet sank into the plush carpet as she entered the wardrobe room. She reached out tentatively to touch the fabric of a nearby garment, its material foreign and light under her fingertips. The colors were bold and beautiful, but the clothes were not hers and she couldn’t imagine putting them on her body.

“These… These are beautiful, Ria,” Fivra said, pressing her palms together. “But they are not for me. They are too bright, too revealing. I cannot wear such things.”

Ria’s sensors blinked, processing Fivra’s reaction. “These garments are standard attire for thecourtiasof Erovik,” Ria explained, her voice steady and soothing. “They are designed to entice and captivate, and be comfortable. However, if you wish for something different for now, I can adjust the selection accordingly.”

Fivra winced, not wanting to make things difficult for Ria. “I did not ask for any of this,” she murmured, her gaze lingering on the clothing—if it could be called that—before her. “I am not acourtia. I am a farmer.”

Before Ria could respond, the door chimed and Fivra opened it to reveal two females who had to becourtias. The first had vivid green skin and a cascade of iridescent hair. She exuded confidence and allure and was vaguely terrifying. She was incredibly tall—at least two heads taller than Fivra—and proudly displayed not one, but three pairs of full, buoyant breasts. Each was held up by strips of glittering fabric in an ingenious garment that looked like it barely contained her. “Ah, the new arrival,” the female purred. “I am Viparia, one of Erovik’s famedcourtia,” she announced with a high chin and a smile. “Let me take a look at you.”

Beside her, the other female’s pale blue complexion and delicate features were a stark contrast to Viparia’s bold presence, yet she carried an icy elegance that was equally captivating.

“Do not pounce, Vipa,” the other one gently scolded, then turned eyes with slits for pupils to Fivra. “I am Siku, another of Erovik’s famedcourtia,” although she said that last part with thick amusement. “You must be Fivra.”

Fivra broke herself from the trancelike stare she’d been stuck in. “Ah, yes. Hello.” She had never met acourtiabefore. They were only rumored of on the settlements, but here were two of them, looking like living goddesses in her bedroom and gazing down at her like a new pet.

“Pardon me. Good cycle, Fivra,” Viparia greeted her, her voice a sultry purr that matched her feline grace. “We heard you were acquired from the Falmic-5 auction. Quite the place, I hear.”

“Yes.” What was she supposed to say to that? “It was.”

Siku offered a warm smile, despite her slightly sinister-looking natural appearance. “It can be overwhelming here at first, but we’re simply here to greet you. Viparia is curious. As am I.”

Fivra looked at the two women, unsure of how to respond. Their beauty was undeniable, and they carried themselves with a poise she could hardly fathom. “I… I don’t think I belong here,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Oh, that is as clear as the dawn of an up cycle,” Viparia replied without blinking. She turned to the wardrobe and let her fingers flutter over the selection. “Let me guess. You can’t imagine wearing any of these stunning clothes?”

“No.” Fivra swallowed hard. “I—I have only worn simple farm clothing.”

Siku drew back with a hiss. “Farm clothing. You were a farmer?” She said it like it was a scandal.

Fivra nodded. “I, I mean,wewere abducted and then I—”

Viparia had heard enough. She flicked a hand toward Ria, who had been hovering quietly nearby. “Where is Cyprian? Get him in here. He needs to explain himself with this one.”

“I will summon him, my lady,” Ria said, and her visual interface lights blinked rapidly.

Viparia walked a slow circle around Fivra. “What was he thinking?” she murmured.

“She’s pretty,” Siku said, consideringly. “There is no denying that.”

“Of course she is. But she’s terrified. She’s shaking, forfek’ssake.”

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