Page 43 of The Alien's Runaway Bride

“I won’t rush you.”

SIXTEEN

Raelee’s eyes fluttered open, the events of the previous night rushing back in a flood of sensory memories. The softness of Vex’s silver skin under her fingertips, the intensity in his starlit eyes, the way their bodies had moved together in perfect synchronicity. She felt a flush creep up her neck as she became acutely aware of Vex’s arm draped across her waist, his chest rising and falling steadily against her back.

Carefully, she extricated herself from his embrace and sat up, drawing the iridescent Tharvisian sheets around her. Vex stirred but didn’t wake, his face relaxed in sleep in a way she’d never seen. Gone was the stern mask of the crown prince, replaced by an almost boyish vulnerability that tugged at her heart.

Raelee ran a hand through her tangled blonde hair, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Last night had been... intense. Passionate. Beautiful. But in the harsh light of morning, doubts began to creep in. Had she let her guard down too soon? Was she setting herself up for heartbreak?

“You’re thinking too loudly,” Vex’s deep voice, husky with sleep, broke through her reverie.

She turned to find him watching her, his dark eyes soft with an emotion that both thrilled and terrified her. “Sorry,” she murmured. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Vex propped himself up on one elbow, studying her face. “Are you... do you regret what happened?”

Raelee considered the question carefully. “No,” she said finally. “I don’t regret it. But I’m not sure what it means either.”

He nodded, understanding in his gaze. “It doesn’t have to mean anything you’re not ready for, Raelee. I meant what I said before - I won’t pressure you into anything.”

She reached out, tracing the glowing patterns on his arm. “I know. And I appreciate that. It’s just... this is all so complicated, Vex. Last night was amazing, but it doesn’t erase everything else. The lies, the political implications, the fact that we’re from completely different worlds - literally.”

Vex sat up fully, taking her hand in his. “I understand. And you’re right, we can’t ignore those realities. But, Raelee, what I feel for you... it’s real. More real than anything I’ve ever felt.”

Raelee’s heart skipped a beat at the raw honesty in his voice. “I feel it too,” she admitted softly. “And that scares me. Because I don’t know if it’s enough.”

“Maybe it doesn’t have to be enough right now,” Vex suggested. “Maybe it can just be a starting point. A reason to keep trying, to see where this might lead.”

She considered his words, feeling some of the tension leave her shoulders. “I think... I think I can work with that,” she said with a small smile.

Vex’s face lit up, and Raelee couldn’t help but lean in to press a soft kiss to his lips. When they parted, she rested her forehead against his.

“So, Your Highness,” she said, a hint of her usual playfulness returning to her voice. “I believe you promised to show me the wonders of Tharvis. Care to make good on that?”

Vex grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye. “It would be my honor, Lady Arison. Though I must say, the most wondrous sight on Tharvis is currently right here in my bed.”

Raelee rolled her eyes, but couldn’t suppress her laugh. Despite everything, she couldn’t deny the pull she felt toward him. “Smooth talker. Come on, let’s get ready.”

As they stepped out into the palace grounds, Raelee’s breath caught in her throat. The beauty of Tharvis was overwhelming. Crystalline structures spiraled toward the sky, their surfaces reflecting the light of twin suns in a dazzling display. Bioluminescent plants pulsed with gentle light, creating an ever-shifting tapestry of color.

“It’s incredible,” she breathed.

Vex’s lips curved into a small smile. “This is just the beginning.”

He led her through hidden paths and secret gardens, each more breathtaking than the last. As they walked, Raelee couldn’t help but notice the way others reacted to Vex’s presence. Guards snapped to attention, courtiers bowed deeply, their eyes never quite meeting his.

Yet when they were alone, Vex’s demeanor softened. He pointed out rare flowers with childlike enthusiasm, his eyes lighting up as he shared stories of his youth spent exploring these very gardens.

“I used to hide here when my tutors were looking for me,” he confessed, showing her a small alcove hidden behind a curtain of glowing vines. “I’d spend hours reading about Earth and dreaming of seeing it someday.”

Raelee raised an eyebrow. “I thought you said you’d never been to Earth before.”

Vex’s expression fell. “I hadn’t. Not until... well, you know.”

An awkward silence fell between them. Raelee broke it with a sigh. “I’m trying to understand, Vex. I really am. But you have to see how difficult this is for me.”

He nodded, his eyes filled with regret. “I know. And I’m sorry. More than I can express. I never meant to hurt you, Raelee. I only wanted to know you, the real you, without the weight of our titles and responsibilities hanging over us.”

Raelee’s heart ached at the sincerity in his voice. She wanted to forgive him, to move past this, but the hurt was still too raw.

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