Page 107 of Bred by the Alien Prince

"Did he betray Erevan?"

"Knowing him, he most likely did, just as he took the deal with Feion and delivered him Connor. He must have attacked to steal some humans for himself for experimentation, perhaps to take the credit for himself and then with Feion, use the human's AI to start a false war. I'll head to the palace to speak to my father. You should rest as well."

"No. I'm not even tired, and your sister put a lot of work into this outfit. It's just a party, and I'm with you. Plus, I'm hungry." His brow furrowed, and I knew what he was thinking. "I know what you're thinking," I sighed. "And it's not me trying to rush headfirst into something. It's a party...unless you don't think it's a good idea."

"Okay." He wrapped his arms around me, his warmth and scent drowning me. "I think I have a problem," he whispered. "The parlor near the ballroom is a good place to take you. They spray this calming mist in the rooms, which minimizes violence."

"O...kay."

CHAPTER 43

Walkingtowardapalacewas perhaps everybody's dream come true. The place was huge and bathed in a golden hue, making it look like the walls were carved out of gold. I wish I could do this place justice, but I just didn't have the words. I stopped in front of a fountain and watched the stone Valisian child prance about, splashing and spraying the water, which all poured back into the large blue pool. The air smelled both savory and sweet, making my mouth water for something more than just dehydrated packaged meals. I saw the fancy ships parked along the landing pads surrounding the building, and I thought of how out of place they looked in this setting.

"Wow, this place is huge." Oh, great. I was feeling nervous again. I wasn't used to being in a place like this, but looking up at Lorvian, I thought I would see someone confidently strolling by my side—a Prince in his own element, but he was silent, expressionless, maybe a little stoic.

"I'll give you a tour some other time," he smiled at me, his expression changing, but it didn't seem genuine. "I don't think I've seen every room here." He looked about, then back to me again. "Nervous?"

"Yeah, and my nerves are in my stomach, so if I run back to the ship, you'll know why."

"Many of the people here are just harmless social climbers. They won't dare harm what's mine. I must leave your side at some point to speak to my father, but you'll be safe in the parlor, it's a private room only for the family so you won't run into the guests there."

"Great..."

And just when my nerves were getting the best of me, other Valisians approached. I recognized the one named Xil, but I had no idea who the pretty male beside him was. Xil was dressed similarly to Lorvian, in a black tunic suit, but this guy had intricate gold trimming along the edges. He seemed flamboyant, while Lorvian was surprisingly more subdued.

"Oh look, it's my lovely big brother... and his…human… thing." The pretty Valisian unhooked his arm from Xil and looked at me like he smelled shit. What a bastard.

"Excuse me?"

"The pre-ball festivities are almost over. You shouldn't have bothered coming." He ignored me! I so hate dudes like this!

"Zantos, stop being an ass." Lorvian pulled me close. "This is my younger brother."

"It'snotnice to meet you." I scoffed and I heard Lorvian chuckle.

"Are you still angry about that little human colony?" Zantos sniggered. "Oh, brother. Who knew you would take to these new aliens? I wouldn't have bothered if I had known they were already under your protection."

Xil sniffed the air and grinned. "I can already smell the change in him." He twirled his cane about playfully.

"Why did you attack the colony?" Lorvian asked.

"Why else? My human gave up the location and I wanted to collect more for myself."

"Your human?"

"He's learned his lesson, and now he's my obedient little slave," Xil smirked.

Zantos started mock retching. "Ew, I can't believe you both actually bed these humans. I won't do it, only other Valisians are fit for royalty."

"And Regis?" Lorvian changed the subject. "What of him?"

"He sent that human to me to try and kill me. He's stupid, but not stupid enough to realize that I have the largest fleet and therefore someone he would have to get rid of first."

"Is that all you know?"

"Erevan contacted me withdrawing his protection from Regis. Apparently, Regis agreed to protect the humans and act as a liaison to the King on Erevan's behalf. But he attacked the human ship."

"Ah, I found his facility on Qazi. He was performing experiments on the humans."

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