Page 28 of The Alien's Runaway Bride

“He has this unique accent.”

“Like European?”

Raelee frowned. “It’s possible. I’ve never heard it before but it was damn sexy.”

“Well, no matter. I can find him. I’ve got a trench coat and a magnifying glass somewhere...”

Despite herself, Raelee snorted. “Yeah, because that wouldn’t be suspicious at all. I can see the headlines now: ‘President’s Daughter and Unhinged Friend Caught Snooping in Trench Coats. Fashion Crime or National Security Threat?’”

Maya gasped in mock offense. “Excuse you, I look fabulous in a trench coat. It’s very film-noir chic.”

“Oh yeah?” Raelee raised an eyebrow. “And what would your detective name be? Nancy Pray-she-doesn’t-get-caught?”

“Please,” Maya scoffed, tossing her hair dramatically. “I’d obviously be Carmen Slay-diego.”

The absurdity of the conversation finally broke through Raelee’s melancholy. She burst into laughter, real and unrestrained, for what felt like the first time in days. Maya joined in, and for a moment, everything else faded away.

As their giggles subsided, Raelee wiped tears from her eyes – this time from mirth rather than sorrow. “God, I needed that,” she sighed, slumping back into the couch.

Maya smiled softly. “That’s what I’m here for. Well, that and to raid your closet when you become space royalty.”

“Space royalty,” Raelee repeated, her mood sobering. “Right.”

Maya’s expression turned serious. “Okay, real talk time. What are you going to do?”

Raelee stared at the ice cream. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “I mean, I know I have to go back. Face my parents. But...”

“But you don’t want to,” Maya finished for her.

“Is that terrible?” Raelee asked, her voice small. “I mean, I know I have responsibilities. I know people are counting on me. But the thought of going back to that life, of marrying someone I don’t even know...”

“It’s not terrible,” Maya said firmly. “It’s normal. You’re allowed to want things for yourself, Rae.”

“Am I, though?” Raelee countered, standing to pace the small living room. “When the stakes are this high? We’re talking about an interplanetary alliance here, May. The fate of two worlds. How can I put my feelings above that?”

Maya watched her friend’s agitated movements, her brow furrowed in concern. “Okay, let’s break this down. What exactly are you feeling right now?”

Raelee ran a hand through her hair, tugging at the ends in frustration. “I don’t know. Everything? Nothing? It’s like... imagine you’re on a roller coaster, right? And it’s terrifying and exhilarating, and your stomach is doing flips, but it’s also kind of amazing. And then suddenly, the ride stops. Just... dead. And you’re left hanging upside down, all the blood rushing to your head, not knowing if you’re about to plummet to your death or if someone’s going to come rescue you.”

“That’s... oddly specific,” Maya said, tilting her head. “But I think I get it. You’re scared, and confused, and probably still a little in love, right?”

Raelee nodded miserably. “And guilty. Don’t forget guilty.”

“Guilty? For what, having feelings?”

“For wanting more,” Raelee said softly, sinking back onto the couch. “For not being satisfied with the life that’s been laid out for me. Do you know how many people would kill to be in my position? To have the opportunities I have?”

Maya scooted closer, wrapping an arm around her friend’s shoulders. “Probably a lot. But you know what? None of them are you or your sisters. And none of them have to live your lives.”

Raelee leaned into the embrace, feeling some of the tension leave her body. “When did you get so wise?”

“Please,” Maya scoffed. “I’ve always been wise. You just never listen to me.”

That drew a chuckle from Raelee. “Fair point.”

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the situation settling around them like a heavy blanket.

“Can I ask you something?” Maya said eventually.

---