Page 108 of Bred by the Alien Prince

"And judging by your human, he was right to do it." Zantos laughed and reached out to try and touch my ears when I slapped his hand away.

"Don't touch me."

"Oh how uppity these creatures are!" Zantos raised his hand to slap me but Lorvian gripped his wrist pushing him against the wall. "Let me go! You would defend this creature over your own family?!"

"You sharing my blood, no matter how small is the only reason I didn't just rip out your still beating heart!" Lorvian released him. "But the next time you do that, I will kill you, brother."

Zantos grumbled while nursing his wrist.

"Look at how uncouth we are around our guest." Xil sighed. "I apologize on our baby brother's behalf." he bowed. "Lorvian, I'm sure Father would like to speak to you alone. It's been almost a year since you've visited him face to face."

Zantos then hooked his arm in mine much to my surprise. "Yes, go on, brother." He shooed Lorvian away.

"We'll entertain your beloved. Father has grounded all our ships; we won't be able to whisk him away even if we tried." Xil reassured him. "Now run along so I can talk with your alien."

"It's okay. I can handle myself," I turned to Lorvian to reassure him I was okay. "I'll head for this parlor and stay there until you come."

"Ooh, look at the confidence on him," Zantos mocked.

"I'll meet you in the parlor." He kissed me long and passionately before departing.

Shit, now I had to deal with them alone. Zantos circled me like a freaking cat stalking a cornered mouse, and maybe when I first came here, I would have been afraid, but I wasn't. I knew Lorvian would grind this fucker into dust if he touched me. I admit I was feeling my inflated ego big time, and it felt good to be in a position of power.

"Cut it out, Zantos," Xil stepped in front of him and moved him aside, escorting me to a cozy-looking woodland-designed room with tree-like pillars, and a bar carved from wood that seemed planted in the ground. Soft music and the gentle scents made me want to settle down and lounge.

"A drink?" Xil looked at me and lifted his black, shining, and gold-trimmed cane off the ground.

"Sure, as long as it isn't alcoholic."

"Why not? Is this some sort of human custom?"

"No, it's for the baby's health!" I eventually got over my shock and saw more of the beauty of this place.

He made a few gestures to the servant who quickly began mixing a drink. "I hope you don't take our attack on the human colony personally."

"A lot of innocent people lost their lives that day."

"They ceased being innocent the moment they opened fire. Blame the Travols for that incident. I came there in peace on Erevan's behalf. But it would seem they have a new protector, though given Lorvian's track record I wonder how long that will last."

"I trust Lorvian," I said.

"Trust Lorvian?" Zantos scoffed, gulping down the rest of my drink. "My brother is as trustworthy as a snake charmer. He'll use you until he gets what he wants, then cast you aside."

His words struck a nerve, and I snapped back without thinking. "Well, he's giving up his claim to the throne for me, so I'd say he's pretty damn trustworthy!"

The room fell silent as Xil and Zantos stared at me, their expressions a mix of surprise and intrigue.

"Is that so?" Xil raised an eyebrow, a small smirk playing on his lips. "That's...interesting news indeed."

I immediately regretted my outburst, realizing I had said too much. Anger had gotten the better of me, and I had revealed something I shouldn't have.

"I...I don't want to talk about this anymore," I muttered, feeling the room growing stuffy and uncomfortable.

"A wise decision," Xil nodded. "It's probably for the best that Lorvian gives up his claim. Things could have gotten...messy for him, shall we say, if he continued down that path." He paused, his gaze intense. "I actually like my brother, despite his flaws. He's an asset to our people, and I want to keep it that way."

His words sent a chill down my spine, and I suddenly felt an overwhelming need to escape this suffocating atmosphere. "I...I need some air," I stammered, excusing myself and heading towards the balcony.

The cool evening breeze felt refreshing on my face as I stepped outside, leaning against the railing and taking deep breaths to calm my nerves. I cursed myself for letting my temper get the better of me and revealing sensitive information.

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