Page 27 of The Alien's Captive Bride

Zhera’s face lit up as she perched on the edge of Venus’s bed. “Everything! What are the cities like? What do people wear? Do you really have oceans filled with water?”

For the next hour, Venus found herself regaling Zhera with tales of Earth. She described towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, fashion trends that changed with the seasons, and the vast, blue oceans that covered most of her home planet. Zhera listened with rapt attention, her eyes growing wider with each new detail.

“And you said you have sisters?” Zhera asked, leaning in eagerly. “What are they like?”

Venus smiled, thinking of Raelee, Zora, and Mila. “They’re amazing,” she said, a hint of pride in her voice. “Raelee’s the oldest—she used to be a professional race car driver, if you can believe it. Now she’s a cultural ambassador. And Mila, my twin—she’s brilliant. An environmental scientist. Zora is the sweetest and kindest. We used to get into all sorts of trouble together.”

“Trouble?” Zhera’s eyes sparkled with interest. “What kind of trouble?”

Venus laughed, remembering some of their wilder escapades. “Oh, all kinds. Sneaking out of the White House—that’s where the president lives—to go to parties. Taking joyrides in government vehicles. Once, we even managed to crash a diplomatic dinner disguised as waitstaff.”

Zhera giggled, clearly delighted by these tales of rebellion. “That sounds amazing,” she sighed. “I wish I could do things like that. But Nyrea... she’s always watching me. Making sure I behave ‘like a proper princess.’”

Venus felt a pang of sympathy for the young girl. She recognized the look in Zhera’s eyes—the longing for freedom, for adventure. It was a look she’d seen in her own reflection many times growing up.

“Hey,” Venus said softly, reaching out to touch Zhera’s hand. “Being a proper princess doesn’t mean you can’t have adventures. Sometimes, the greatest rebellions are the quiet ones.”

Zhera looked up at her, hope shining in her eyes. “Really? How?”

Venus was about to respond when her stomach let out an audible growl. She glanced ruefully at the untouched food trays, still wary of their contents.

Zhera followed her gaze, understanding dawning on her face. “Oh! You haven’t eaten. Are you... are you worried about the food?”

Venus hesitated, not wanting to offend the young princess. But Zhera’s next words surprised her.

“It’s okay,” Zhera said quietly. “I wouldn’t trust it either. Nyrea... she can be...” She trailed off, looking uncomfortable.

“Dangerous?” Venus supplied. Zhera nodded, looking relieved that she didn’t have to say it herself.

“I can bring you food from my own kitchen,” Zhera offered suddenly. “I know it’s safe. Would that be okay?”

Venus felt a rush of gratitude toward the young princess. “That would be wonderful,” she said sincerely. “Thank you, Zhera. I owe you one.”

Zhera beamed at her, clearly pleased to be helpful. She slipped out of the room, returning a short while later with a tray of simple but appetizing food. As Venus ate, she and Zhera continued to chat, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment.

As the day wore on, Venus found herself growing increasingly fond of the young princess. Zhera’s curiosity about Earth seemed insatiable, and Venus enjoyed sharing stories about her home planet. But even as she regaled Zhera with tales of Earth’s wonders, a part of Venus’s mind was constantly working, plotting her next move.

During a lull in their conversation, Zhera’s eyes sparkled with a mixture of curiosity and mischief. She leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “So... tell me about you and Azlun. What’s he really like? Are you in love with him?”

Venus felt a warmth creep into her cheeks, surprised by the directness of the question. She paused, considering her words carefully. “Azlun is... he’s not what I expected,” she admitted. “When this whole arrangement started, I thought it was just going to be a political union. But now...”

She trailed off, her gaze drifting to the window. Zhera waited patiently, clearly enthralled by this glimpse into Venus’s feelings.

“The truth is,” Venus continued, her voice soft, “I’ve never felt this way about anyone. Growing up as the president’s daughter on Earth, my every move was watched and scrutinized. I never had the chance to get close to anyone, not really. But with Azlun, it’s different. He sees me for who I am, not just my title or my family’s position.”

Zhera’s eyes widened. “So you do love him!”

Venus laughed softly. “I think I do,” she admitted, the realization hitting her fully as she said the words out loud. “And now that I’ve found this connection with him, I’m not willing to let anyone get in the way of our relationship. Not your sister, not political expectations, not anyone.”

Zhera clapped her hands excitedly. “That’s so romantic! I knew it had to be real love. The way Azlun looks at you... it’s nothing like how he ever looked at Nyrea.”

At the mention of Nyrea, Venus felt a twinge of unease. “Zhera,” she asked carefully, “what exactly happened between Azlun and your sister?”

Zhera’s expression turned serious. “Nyrea only wants Azlun because he rejected her,” she said, her voice low. “She can’t stand the idea that someone doesn’t want her. But the truth is... Azlun never really had a relationship with her at all.”

Venus leaned in, intrigued. “What do you mean?”

Zhera glanced around as if checking for eavesdroppers before continuing. “The only reason Azlun even spent a night here is because Nyrea drugged him,” she whispered.

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