Page 25 of The Alien's Captive Bride

The way she said “guests” made it clear they had little choice in the matter. Azlun knew they were treading on dangerous ground. They needed Nyrea’s help, but accepting it would put them at her mercy.

“We appreciate your hospitality, Princess Nyrea,” Azlun said carefully, placing a protective hand on the small of Venus’s back. “We’ll gladly accept your offer of shelter while we make arrangements for our departure.”

Nyrea’s smile widened, her eyes glinting with triumph. “Excellent. I’m sure we’ll have so much to catch up on, Azlun. And Venus, I can’t wait to regale you with tales of Azlun’s and my time together. There’s so much you probably don’t know about your... fiancé.”

Venus’s jaw clenched, but she managed a tight smile. “I’m sure it will be fascinating. I always enjoy a good fairy tale.”

Azlun had to suppress a smirk at Venus’s quick wit. Nyrea’s eyes flashed dangerously, but before she could retort, Azlun stepped in.

“Perhaps we could continue this conversation somewhere more comfortable? Venus is still recovering from her injuries.”

Nyrea’s expression softened into a mask of concern that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Of course, how thoughtless of me. Please, follow me to the palace. We’ll have our best healers attend to you, Venus.”

As they followed Nyrea to the waiting hovercars, Azlun leaned in close to Venus. “I’m sorry about this,” he whispered. “Nyrea can be... difficult. But I promise you, whatever happened between us in the past is long over. You’re the only one I care about.”

Venus gave him a small smile, but he could see the uncertainty in her eyes. “I hope you’re right, because your ex seems to have other ideas.”

The ride to the palace was tense, filled with Nyrea’s pointed reminiscences and thinly veiled barbs. Azlun did his best to steer the conversation to neutral topics, but Nyrea seemed determined to emphasize her past with him at every turn.

“Remember that night under the twin moons, Azlun?” Nyrea said, her voice dripping with sugary sweetness. “You said the stars paled in comparison to my eyes.”

Azlun winced internally. “That was a long time ago, Nyrea. Things have changed.”

“Have they?” Nyrea’s gaze flicked to Venus. “Some things change, but others... well, they’re meant to be, aren’t they?”

Venus, who had been silent for most of the journey, suddenly spoke up. “You know, Princess, it sounds like you’re stuck in the past. There’s help available for people who can’t move on from their exes. I hear therapy can work wonders.”

Nyrea’s younger sister, who had been quiet until now, let out a surprised laugh. Azlun had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from grinning. Venus’s spunk was one of the things he loved.

Nyrea’s face flushed an angry red. “How dare you?—“

“That’s enough,” Azlun cut in firmly, his patience wearing thin. “Nyrea, I expect you to treat Venus with the respect due to my future wife and princess of Tharvis.”

Nyrea’s eyes flashed dangerously. “Future wife? Last I checked, you weren’t married yet. And in politics and love, anything can happen.”

The threat in her words was clear, and Azlun felt a chill run down his spine. He exchanged a worried glance with Venus. They both knew that their stay on this planet had just become potentially dangerous.

As they arrived at the palace, Azlun managed to pull Venus aside for a moment. “I’m sorry about all this,” he murmured. “Nyrea and I... it was never serious. Not like what you and I have.”

Venus raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And what exactly do we have, Prince Charming?”

Despite the tension of the situation, Azlun found himself smiling. “You know very well what we have is solid. Real. The foundation others can only wish for. Something worth fighting for.” He cupped her face gently, his thumb tracing her cheekbone. “I love you, Venus. No amount of Nyrea’s schemes can change that.”

Venus’s expression softened, and for a moment, Azlun thought she might kiss him. But then Nyrea’s voice cut through the moment like a knife.

“Come along, lovebirds. Venus, I’ve had a room prepared for you. I’m sure you need your rest after such an ordeal.”

Azlun frowned. “Surely Venus can stay with me? She’s still recovering, and I’d like to keep an eye on her condition.”

Nyrea’s smile was pure venom. “Oh, but that wouldn’t be proper, would it? After all, you’re not married yet. We must observe the proper protocols.”

Before Azlun could protest further, Nyrea had whisked Venus away, leaving him standing alone in the grand entrance hall. He clenched his fists, frustration and worry warring within him.

He needed to find a way to contact Garek, to get them off this planet before Nyrea could cause any more trouble. But how? The only communication devices available would be controlled by Nyrea and her family.

An idea struck him. If he could get close to Nyrea, maybe he could “borrow” her communicator long enough to send a message. It was risky — he’d have to play along with her games, at least for a while. The thought made his skin crawl, but he’d do anything to ensure Venus’s safety.

ELEVEN

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