*****
Gerald's clear higher contralto translated the deeper-voiced Emar's Ancient Neptunian ritual speech.
"Secret Defenders of the Solar System, attend."
"Today you are bonded to the High House of Neptune. This day you will worship us with your bodies, and give us your blood. You pledge yourselves to us, forever. In return, we will share your triumphs, your tragedies, your joy and your despair. We will lend you our strength, and watch over you. This pact is between us, and us alone. A pledge broken means death. Blood to breast seals your fate, make offering, or begone."
Around the room, in four alcoves, and on the central dais the Htapele High House of Neptune produced small ritual knives from their girdles. Lady Gerald took the offered blade from Emar, and cut her palm open. She stood, and Emar took her dripping hand, kissed it, drinking from the cut. Emar took the bleeding hand and placed it on her bare breast. Gerald's bloody handprint stood in stark relief on the smooth skin. Then it faded into Emar's body, leaving her flesh unstained and gleaming. The others around the room followed suit. Palms slashed, breasts imprinted. The coppery tang of blood heightened the smell of desire that permeated the chamber.
Emar took the collar from around her neck and raised it over her head. "Bonded by blood, sealed in love. Worship at the High House of Neptune." She cried and threw the collar to the floor. Unclasping her cloak from her shoulders, she sank upon it to the ground, spreading her legs. Bulays and Gerald crawled to their Queen and began to suckle her breasts, fingers probing Emar's dripping folds.