Due to the bizarre configuration of our slowly-moving planet, Janus, with one face always turned to the burning sun, and the other eternally confronting the chill of space, birthrates were low and indiscriminate mating encouraged. Except for me, Audryn, unwed ruler of the Shadowlands, our pewter band of dusk dividing the violently hot Lightside from Darkside, imprisoned by eternal night.

But I was not always celibate. Before the deaths in a boating accident of my family, the King, Queen and Crown Princess of the Shadowlands, I was the less-important but happy younger sister rather than the current occupant of the throne. My family was by my side when, at my thirteenth starturn--an age that our Terran Progenitors would have called twenty years--my virginity was taken, with much pomp in a public display, as is the custom for royalty.

I remember the ceremony well...

My first lover was my cousin Frayn, chosen because he was experienced but not so much older that I would feel intimidated. We had long been accustomed to each other's touch from years of casual sex play throughout our childhoods. As we grew, we examined our budding bodies with much enjoyment and curiosity. His was the first hand other than my own to fondle my growing breasts and I was the first to feel his jism spurt, hot and sticky, in my hand. We grew apart because he was older than I, and therefore allowed sexual congress before I was.

Even so, when I approached my thirteenth starturn, I picked Frayn to partner me first.

When the day dawned, a servant shaved my labia to expose my clitoris. Then I was massaged by two hearty men from the guard to arouse me, ready me. This was considered a great honour, and I hand-picked my favourites from among the finest and strongest of our warriors. Murmuring endearments, they joined me naked on my canopied bed and caressed me for hours while I sprawled, mindless with pleasure.

With the scents of the rose and lavender oils they used perfuming the air, they did not miss an inch of my flesh, even gently probing and opening my quim and my bottom so my body would easily accept Frayn's member, which I knew was quite large. One plucked my nipples to hard red points, while the other caressed my clitoris with the tingling essences of mint and cinnamon to heighten my arousal until I moaned with completion.

Frayn entered when I was in my bath, rinsing off the oils. He pulled off his boots and stripped, dropping his codpiece, gold-embroidered tunic and snug leggings onto the white marble floor before joining me. We washed and touched, looking into each other's eyes in anticipation. Our servants brought us sweet pastries to keep up our energy, and wine so I would remain relaxed. Despite the drink, I said, "I am a little nervous."

"Do not fear me, Audryn." Frayn slid a finger inside my slit. "You're ready. I promise you, there will be no pain, only pleasure."

I moaned and gasped as he probed, but managed to say, "But everyone will be watching."

"That is the point of Exhibition Day." He gave me a smile that gleamed wolfishly from behind his red moustache and beard, and his green eyes glinted as he continued to explore me. "Some find that watchers heighten the pleasure."

Heat swept my body. I flung my head back and my breath came short as he prodded the barrier of my virginity. He withdrew and stood, water streaming off his body. He was slender but not thin, with a fine thick cock rising out of a cloud of reddish hair. "If I remain, your maidenhead will not last until the ceremony. Until noon, Lady Audryn."