Chapter 18: The Rose Ceremony

MIOKO

I woke before dawn on Friday morning, my heart already racing.

Today. Today was the day.

I lay in bed for a long moment, staring at the ceiling, trying to calm my nerves.

In a few hours, I would participate in the Rose Ceremony. I would speak vows that bound me to Daniel-san for life – and beyond. I would wear his collar. Sign his contract.

And tonight, he would take my virginity.

Holy shit. This is really happening.

I got out of bed and padded to the bathroom. My hands were shaking as I turned on the shower.

Get it together, Mioko. You’ve wanted this for nine years. You’ve dreamed about this, fantasized about it, prepared for it. Don’t fall apart now.

I stepped under the hot water and forced myself to breathe slowly.

Trust and follow. Trust and follow.

I washed carefully, taking extra time with my hair, making sure every inch of me was clean. Tonight, Daniel-san would see all of me, touch all of me, claim all of me.

I wanted to be perfect for him.

After my shower, I dried off and applied a light moisturizer. Then I sat at my vanity and carefully applied minimal makeup – just enough to enhance my features without looking painted.

The white negligee hung on the back of my door, waiting.

I stared at it, my stomach doing flips.

That’s what I’ll be wearing when he takes me. When he pushes inside me for the first time. When I stop being a girl and become his woman.

A knock at my door made me jump.

“Come in,” I called.

Mama entered, already dressed in a formal kimono. She looked at me with such love and pride that I nearly started crying.

“How are you feeling, daughter?”

“Terrified. Excited. Ready. Not ready. All of it at once.”

She smiled. “That’s exactly how you should feel. This is a momentous day.”

She came over and sat beside me, taking my hand.

“Mioko, I want you to know how proud I am of you. You’ve conducted yourself with grace, courage, and devotion. You’ve honored your father and me, and more importantly, you’ve honored Daniel-san.”

“Thank you, Mama.”

“Tonight will be difficult. The Rose Ceremony is beautiful but intense. And afterward, when he claims your virginity, there will be pain. But remember – the pain is temporary. What comes after is a lifetime of joy and fulfillment.”

I nodded, squeezing her hand.

“Do you have any questions? Anything you’re unsure about?”

I hesitated, then asked quietly, “Mama ... will it hurt very much? When he ... when his cock breaks through?”

She didn’t flinch at my blunt language. “Hai. It will hurt. Your hymen will tear, and there will be bleeding. But Daniel-san is experienced and caring. He’ll prepare you, take his time, make sure you’re ready. The pain will pass quickly, and then...” she smiled, “then you’ll understand why women have been submitting to their men since the beginning of time.”

I blushed but nodded.

“One more thing,” Mama said, standing. “Don’t try to be stoic. If it hurts, tell him. If you need him to slow down, tell him. Communication is crucial, especially tonight.”

“Hai, Mama. I will.”

She kissed my forehead. “The ceremony begins at seven. Your father and I will be there, as will Kioko. We’re honored to witness your claiming.”

After she left, I sat alone with my thoughts.

Six more hours.

DANIEL

I stood in my room, looking at everything laid out on the bed.

The Stealth Turian collar, polished and ready.

The contract, printed and waiting for our signatures.

The small box containing the Allen key for the collar.

My formal black suit, pressed and hanging.

Everything was ready.

My phone chimed – a text from Tanaka: The roses have arrived. Everything is prepared.

I texted back: Thank you. See you at seven.

I sat on the edge of the bed, my hands clasped, and thought about what I was about to do.

The Rose Ceremony wasn’t just a collaring. It was a soul-binding. A promise that transcended even death.

I would be pledging myself to Mioko for eternity.

Was I ready for that?

I thought about the past week. About her smile. Her bravery. Her submission. The way she’d knelt beside me at dinner, enduring pain to make me proud. The way she’d looked at me after I’d made her cum so hard she’d passed out.

The way she trusted me completely.

Yes. I was ready.

I’d lost Asuko. I’d grieved for a year. And now, life was giving me a second chance at love, at partnership, at purpose.

I wasn’t going to waste it.

I showered and dressed carefully in my formal black suit. Simple, elegant, appropriate for the solemnity of what was coming.

At 6:45, Tanaka knocked on my door.

“Daniel-san. It’s time.”

I picked up the collar and followed him downstairs.

MIOKO

At 6:30, Kioko came to help me dress.

She wore a simple grey dress and her titanium collar gleamed at her throat. She looked nervous but excited.

“Ready?” she asked softly.

“No. But let’s do this anyway.”

She smiled and helped me into the white negligee.

The silk whispered against my skin as it settled into place. The thin straps sat delicately on my shoulders, and the sheer fabric revealed the outline of my body – my flat chest, my puffy nipples, the dark triangle at the apex of my thighs.

I looked in the mirror and barely recognized myself.

I looked like a bride. A virgin sacrifice. An offering.

That’s exactly what you are, I thought. An offering to your Master.

Kioko handed me the white rose that had been delivered earlier. It was perfect – not quite fully open, with thorns still intact.

“Don’t hold it too tightly,” she warned. “You don’t want to prick yourself before the ritual.”

I nodded, cradling it carefully.

There was a soft knock at the door – Mama.

“It’s time, Mioko.”

My heart lurched into my throat.

This is it.

Kioko squeezed my hand. “You’re going to be amazing. I’ll be right there watching.”