Page 14 of The Alien's Captive Bride

“We’re a team, remember?” she said, her voice equally soft. “I’ve got your back if you’ve got mine.”

Azlun nodded, unable to find the words to express the emotions swirling inside him. This woman, who had started as nothing more than a political necessity, had become something far more important. She was his partner, his equal, and—though he was only beginning to admit it to himself—perhaps something even deeper.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the alien landscape, they found a small cave nestled in a nearby cliff face.It was easily defensible and would give them cover from any aerial searches.

Inside the cave, they built a small fire, its warmth a welcome respite from the chill that had settled over the planet. Sitting by the fire, their faces illuminated by its soft glow, Azlun felt a sense of peace wash over him. For the first time since they’d left the auction, there was no immediate threat, no need to be constantly on guard.

He looked at Venus, who was staring into the flames, lost in thought. The firelight danced across her features, highlighting the strength and beauty that had captivated him from the start. Without thinking, he reached out, taking her hand into his.

Venus looked up, surprise flickering across her face before it softened into a gentle smile. She intertwined her fingers with his, the simple gesture speaking volumes.

“Venus,” Azlun began, his voice low and intense, “I need you to know... this isn’t just about duty. You’re not just a political arrangement or someone I needed to rescue. You’re... you’re extraordinary. Brave, intelligent, fierce. I’ve never met anyone like you.”

Venus’s eyes widened, a blush creeping across her cheeks. “Azlun, I...”

He pressed on, needing to get the words out. “I know this isn’t the most romantic setting, and our future is still uncertain. But I want you to know that whatever happens, whatever challenges we face, I’m here. Not because I have to be, but because I want to be.”

She grinned. “Are you always this dramatic, Your Highness? Or is it just the atmosphere getting to you?”

Azlun chuckled, grateful for the moment of levity. “I’ll have you know, I’m renowned across the galaxy for my stoic demeanor.”

“Oh, of course.” Venus nodded solemnly. “I can see that. Nothing says ‘stoic’ like professing your feelings in a dank cave on a hostile planet.”

They both laughed, the tension in the air dissipating slightly. As their laughter faded, Azlun’s expression grew serious again.

“When I was younger, I used to sneak out of the palace,” he said, his voice soft. “I’d disguise myself and wander the streets of the capital just to see how ordinary people lived. It always felt more real out there than in the gilded halls of royalty.”

Venus tilted her head, studying him. “Is that why you became a diplomat? To stay connected to that ‘real’ world?”

Azlun nodded. “Partly. I also hoped... well, I hoped I might find someone who saw me for who I am, not just my title.” He met her gaze. “Someone like you.”

Venus was quiet for a moment, then said, “When I was fifteen, I built a treehouse in the White House garden.” She grinned at Azlun’s surprised expression. “The Secret Service had a fit, but my dad let me keep it. I know I was a big kid already, but I felt so caged in. It was the one place where I could just be me, not the President’s daughter.”

“I’d love to see this treehouse someday,” Azlun said, a soft smile on his face.

“Well, if we survive this little adventure, maybe I’ll give you a tour,” Venus replied, her tone light but her eyes conveying a deeper meaning.

Azlun reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ll hold you to that. Besides, I really like you.”

For a moment, Venus was silent, and Azlun felt his heart hammering. Then, slowly, a radiant smile spread across her face.

Venus leaned in, capturing his lips in a deep, passionate kiss. He pulled her close, losing himself in the warmth of her embrace. When they pulled back, both breathless, Venus rested her forehead against his.

“I really like you too, you insufferable alien prince,” she whispered, her eyes shining with a mix of joy and mischief. “Though I have to warn you, my dad might insist on a background check. How do you feel about being probed by the CIA?”

Azlun laughed, pulling her closer. “For you, my dear, I’d face a thousand CIA probes.”

“Now that’s romance.” Venus giggled, snuggling into his embrace. “Who knew an alien prince could be so charming?”

As they held each other by the flickering firelight, the dangers of their situation momentarily forgotten, Azlun felt a sense of hope bloom in his chest. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. And for now, in this moment of peace, that was enough.

SEVEN

The dense alien forest loomed before Venus and Azlun, its otherworldly foliage casting strange shadows in the fading light. As they approached the edge of the tree line, the rhythmic pounding of drums filled the air, growing louder with each step. Venus’s heart quickened, a mix of curiosity and apprehension coursing through her veins.

“What is that?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Azlun’s silver eyes scanned the horizon, a hint of recognition flickering across his face. “The Zar’thai,” he murmured. “A nomadic tribe native to this region. They’re known for their... unique customs.”

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