Page 37 of The Alien's Runaway Bride

Her heart clenched at the memory. How could she face a stranger when her heart still ached for Vex?

The Royal Palace loomed before them, a structure that defied description. It seemed to shimmer and shift in the fading light, its walls adorned with intricate patterns that moved and changed as they watched.

“It’s alive,” Zora breathed, her naturalist’s curiosity piqued. “The entire building... it’s a living organism.”

Venus gasped. “Impossible. But so cool.”

Xylith smiled, pleased by their awe. “Yes. The palace is a symbiotic blend of organic and inorganic materials, constantly adapting to the needs of its inhabitants.”

As they entered the grand foyer, Raelee fought to maintain her composure. The air was thick with the scent of exotic flowers, and soft, ethereal music seemed to emanate from the walls themselves. It was beautiful, yes, but also alien and intimidating.

“Your rooms have been prepared,” Xylith informed them. “You’ll have time to refresh yourselves before the formal reception.”

Raelee nodded, grateful for the chance to gather her thoughts. “Thank you, Xylith. We appreciate your hospitality.”

Once in the privacy of her assigned chambers—a spacious suite that seemed to anticipate her every need—Raelee finally allowed herself a moment of vulnerability. She sank onto the edge of a bed that molded itself to her body, offering perfect support.

“Get it together, Raelee,” she muttered to herself, running a hand through her newly grown blonde waves. “You can do this. You have to do this.”

A soft chime announced the arrival of her sisters. They entered, each reacting to the alien surroundings in their own way. Zora immediately gravitated to a large, shimmering plant in the corner. Mila’s fingers twitched, clearly itching to examine the advanced technology around them. Venus paced, her mind visibly working through potential scenarios.

“So,” Venus said, breaking the silence. “What’s the game plan, sis?”

Raelee took a deep breath. “We stick to what we discussed. I’m here as an ambassador, not a bride. We negotiate fair terms for this alliance, terms that don’t involve me being traded like a political pawn.”

Mila nodded, her expression serious. “And if they don’t go for it?”

“Then we walk,” Raelee said firmly, though the words tasted bitter on her tongue. “Earth and Tharvis will have to find another way to solidify their alliance.”

Zora spoke up. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We should at least meet Prince Khav-whatever before we make any final decisions.”

“Zora’s right,” she agreed. “We go in with open minds, but we stand firm on our principles. Agreed?”

Her sisters nodded in unison, a united front in the face of the unknown.

Another chime sounded, and Xylith’s voice floated through the room. “Ladies, it’s time. The royal family awaits you in the grand hall.”

Raelee stood, smoothing out the wrinkles in her suit—a blend of Earth fashion and Tharvisian aesthetics, designed to bridge the gap between their cultures. She looked at her sisters, drawing strength from their presence.

“Let’s do this,” she said, her voice steady and determined.

The walk to the grand hall passed in a blur of shimmering corridors and breathtaking vistas. Raelee’s heart pounded in her chest, a mix of nerves and anticipation coursing through her veins. She’d rehearsed this moment a thousand times in her head, imagining how she’d assert herself, how she’d negotiate for her freedom.

But nothing could have prepared her for what awaited her beyond those ornate doors.

As they swung open, revealing the grand hall in all its alien splendor, Raelee’s gaze was drawn to the figure standing at the far end of the room. Tall, broad-shouldered with an air of quiet authority that commanded attention.

Her heart stopped.

It couldn’t be.

But it was.

“I present Prince Khav’exorne,” Xylith said.

The being before her was undeniably alien—skin a pale, shimmering silver, eyes black as the depths of space with an iridescent sheen. Intricate, glowing tattoos adorned his arms and chest, pulsing with an inner light. Yet despite these otherworldly features, Raelee knew him instantly.

Vex.

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