19

"Jali, do you think I will be a good mate," I ask as we begin to pull up the massive gown over my hips.

My mind isn't even focused on the dress, even though it is magnificent. Besides the day my mother sent me here, this is the biggest day of my life. No matter how beautiful my gown is or how perfect my makeup is, I won't remember those details. In the years to come, I will remeber my mate choosing me and how I felt accepting him. I will remember how I began this new journey, not how I looked when it started.

"I think you are like a flower about to bloom. Right now, people don't look at you, or maybe they don't notice you. You are shy and withdrawn, but with the proper care and growth...," Jali says softly as she zips the soft material and walks around to face me.

I stare up at my tall colorful friend with a scared expression. The rest of my life is going to begin today, and I am so afraid that I will fail. Maybe I will cause Terrax to be violent. I might not be a good wif