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“It shouldn’t be so serious. Other conclaves treat the Trials as a formality and they get the privilege of bonding for affection because they aren’t the Premiere Servant,” Aculus huffed, again tensing up.

“What you want matters. You have the right to be happy and have love. I’m sure at the heart of it your parents want that.” She stroked his chest. “Parents do what they think is best, but at some point they have to learn we are our own people. That can be hard for them.”

“Impossible for some,” he sighed.

“Just give it time.” She leaned into him.

Hopefully Axilla will come around.

They sat quietly as he maneuvered the cruiser through the city to the hospital then parked it in the spot reserved for his family.

“You’re right. I think time is what we all need,” Aculus finally stated.

She smiled at him and nodded.

“And during that time we will officially cement our conclave. Then there’s nothing Axilla or the rest of them can do.” Aculus grinned at her.

She tugged in a deep breath as her head whipped up to stare him in the eyes.

“Are…are you asking me to marry you?” The butterflies in her stomach took flight.

“Of course, you are my weakness.” He gazed adoringly at her, then uncertainty entered his eyes. “Don’t you want to cement our union?”

A part of her knew this was coming. She understood his body responded to her in a way that hadn’t happened with anyone else and she got that it meant she was his perfect match. And they clicked in so many other ways. Still it totally surprised her hearing Aculus actually say he wanted to spend his life with her. Maybe it was because she’d been in a relationship she had thought was serious, then got burned. But Aculus was nothing like the men she’d known.

“It’s all right. I understand your people don’t mate this way,” Aculus added, the rejection in his voice snapping her out of her stunned reflection.

“Yes,” she blurt. “I’ll marry you.” She thew her arms around his neck and slammed her mouth against his.

Aculus grinned and chuckled as they kissed, his strong arms holding her close.

“I know of a gorgeous place,” he said when they parted. “There are these natural estuaries where the Cnidaria mate.” Aculus’ eyes were bright and excited.

“Sounds amazing,” she said, even though she had no clue what a Cnidaria was, but his excitement was all she needed.

“There are clerics who witness untraditional conclaves.”

Her brow furrowed. “What do you mean witness?”

She’d been confused before about what Aculus meant. Osivoire cultures and traditions were so different.

“They’ll be present as I mount you in a blessed estuary and confirm that I successfully enter you.”

Her eyes widened.No no no.

Aculus burst out laughing.

“You’re fucking with me, aren’t you?!” She slapped his chest.

“Maybe.” His expression was serious.

“Aculus!” She scowled him.

“No. I was just busting your shell.” He grinned evilly.

“You’re such a bonehead. So, what does happen?”

Aculus tugged her close again. “In the presence of the cleric, a conclave surrounds their male and his weakness places her hand over his heart. The cleric witnesses as his shell recedes. The cleric then officially records the conclave and it’s cemented. The conclave then celebrates privately in the estuary,” he explained.