Page 29 of The Alien's Runaway Bride

“Always.”

“This Tharvisian prince... what do you actually know about him?”

Raelee groaned, burying her face in her hands. “Ugh, don’t remind me. I know he’s got a long, weird name. I know he’s the crown prince of Tharvis. And I know he’s agreed to this arrangement for the good of his people. That’s about it.”

“So, basically, you know nothing,” Maya said dryly.

“Pretty much,” Raelee admitted, lifting her head. “He’s just this... abstract concept. This nameless, faceless symbol of everything I’m about to lose.”

Maya’s brow furrowed. “That’s... kind of intense, Rae. Have you considered that maybe he’s in the same boat as you? Trapped by duty, unsure of his future, maybe even a little scared?”

Raelee blinked, taken aback by the suggestion. “I... I guess I never really thought about it that way,” she said slowly. “He’s always been this looming presence in my mind, not a real person with his own feelings and fears.”

“Well, maybe it’s time to start thinking of him that way,” Maya suggested gently. “I mean, he’s probably not thrilled about marrying a stranger either, right?”

Raelee chewed on her lower lip, considering. “Maybe. But what difference does it make? The situation is still the same. I’m still expected to marry him, feelings be damned.”

“Is it though?” Maya challenged. “Look, I’m not saying you should just roll over and accept this arranged marriage thing. But maybe... maybe there’s room for negotiation here.”

Raelee’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

Maya sat up straighter, her expression turning serious. “I think you need to talk to them. All of them. Your parents, this prince guy, his family – whoever else is involved in this intergalactic matchmaking scheme. Be honest about how you feel.”

“You make it sound so simple,” Raelee sighed.

“Oh, it definitely won’t be simple,” Maya grinned. “But since when has Raelee Arison ever backed down from a challenge?”

Despite herself, Raelee felt a spark of determination ignite in her chest. “Never,” she said firmly.

“Exactly,” Maya nodded, satisfied. “So, what’s the plan?”

Raelee took a deep breath, straightening her spine. “First, I need to talk to my parents. No more running, no more hiding. It’s time I made my voice heard.”

“That’s my girl,” Maya beamed. “And after that?”

“After that...” Raelee paused, a mix of determination and apprehension crossing her face. “I think... I think I need to go to Tharvis.”

Maya’s eyes widened. “Wait, what? You mean actuallygo to their planet?”

Raelee nodded slowly. “You’re right, May. I can’t just dismiss this whole thing without even meeting the prince and royal family. It would be disrespectful, not just to them but to the whole alliance. If I’m going to have any say in my future, I need to show that I’m taking this seriously.”

“Wow,” Maya breathed. “That’s... actually really mature of you, Rae. I’m impressed.”

“Don’t sound so surprised,” Raelee said, rolling her eyes.

“So, let me get this straight,” Maya said, counting off on her fingers. “You’re going to confront your parents, demand to go to an alien planet, and potentially negotiate the terms of your own arranged marriage with an alien prince you’ve never met?”

Put like that, it sounded absolutely insane. But Raelee found herself nodding. “Yeah, that about sums it up.”

A slow grin spread across Maya’s face. “That. Is. Awesome!” She pumped her fist in the air. “Operation Space Diplomacy is a go!”

Raelee couldn’t help but laugh. “Space Diplomacy? Really?”

“What? It’s catchy,” Maya defended. “Plus, it sounds way more official than ‘Operation Raelee Goes to Alien Prom.’”

“You’re ridiculous,” Raelee said fondly.

“Yeah, but you love me anyway,” Maya grinned, then her expression softened. “You’ve got this, Rae. And no matter what happens, I’ve got your back. Even if I have to hijack a spaceship to come rescue you from some alien royal drama.”

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