Page 28 of The Alien's Captive Bride

“What?” Venus exclaimed, her eyes flashing with anger.

Zhera nodded solemnly. “I overheard Nyrea instructing a maid to put something in Azlun’s wine. She said it was a potent drug. But it knocked him out completely, so nothing actually happened between them. Nyrea just pretended it had.”

Venus sat back, processing this information. A mix of relief and outrage washed over her. “That’s... that’s awful,” she said, her voice tight with anger. “How could she do something like that?”

Zhera shrugged, looking sad. “Nyrea’s always been like that. She thinks she can have whatever she wants, no matter who she hurts.”

Venus shook her head, still reeling from the revelation. Though she hadn’t expected Azlun to have been celibate beforemeeting her, the idea of him and Nyrea together had made her blood boil. Knowing the truth quelled that jealousy monster that had been growing inside her.

“Thank you for telling me this, Zhera,” Venus said softly, reaching out to squeeze the young princess’s hand. “It means a lot to know the truth.”

Zhera smiled, clearly happy to have helped. “I’m just glad you and Azlun found each other. It gives me hope that real love is possible even in our world of politics and arranged marriages.”

Venus chuckled. “It’s not easy, that’s for sure. But it’s worth fighting for.”

As they sat in companionable silence for a moment, Venus realized how much she and Zhera had in common. “You know,” she said, “growing up as the president’s daughter wasn’t so different from your life as a princess. Always in the public eye, every move scrutinized, expectations weighing you down.”

Zhera’s eyes lit up with recognition. “Yes. That’s exactly how it feels. Like you can never just be yourself.”

Venus nodded. “It’s suffocating sometimes, isn’t it? But you know what I learned? There’s strength in being yourself, in staying true to who you are despite all the pressure.”

“How do you do it?” Zhera asked, leaning forward eagerly.

Venus smiled. “It’s not always easy. But you start small. Find the things that make you happy, that make you feel like yourself, and hold onto them. For me, it was architecture, martial arts, and spending time with my sisters. What is it for you?”

Zhera thought for a moment. “I love tending to the gardens,” she said shyly. “And reading about other cultures. Earth culture especially.”

“Then that’s where you start,” Venus said encouragingly. “Nurture those interests. They’re part of what makes you unique.”

As they continued to talk, sharing experiences and advice, Venus felt a growing bond with the young princess. In Zhera, she saw a kindred spirit.

Their conversation was interrupted by a soft knock at the door, signaling that Zhera needed to leave. As the young princess stood to go, she turned to Venus with a determined look in her eyes.

At that moment, Venus knew the young lady would survive and thrive despite her environment.

TWELVE

Azlun’s footsteps echoed through the cavernous hall of Nyrea’s family court, each step feeling like a march toward impending doom. The opulence surrounding him—towering statues, gleaming gold pillars, and deep red tapestries—seemed to mock his growing anxiety. The air, thick with perfume and politics, threatened to suffocate him.

His mind raced, thoughts of Venus consuming him. Where was she? Was she safe? The constant moving of her room had left him disoriented and increasingly frustrated. Nyrea’s game was clear—keep them apart, keep him off balance. His fists clenched at his sides, anger bubbling just beneath the surface of his carefully composed exterior.

As alien dignitaries and nobles watched his every move, Azlun felt like a caged animal on display. But he couldn’t show weakness, not here, not now. Venus was counting on him.

The great doors swung open, and Nyrea made her entrance. Her gown shimmered, changing colors with each step, a visual representation of her mercurial nature. Her silver-blonde hair, adorned with jewels, caught the light, creating a halo effect that belied her true nature.

“Prince Azlun of Tharvis,” Nyrea’s voice rang out, sweet as honey but laced with poison. “We are honored by your presence in our humble court.”

Azlun bowed slightly, his voice steady despite the tension coiling in his gut. “The honor is mine, Princess Nyrea. Your hospitality is... most appreciated.” The words tasted bitter on his tongue.

As Nyrea led him through the crowd, her hand brushed against his arm. It took every ounce of his self-control not to recoil. “It’s been far too long, Azlun,” she murmured. “Do you remember the last time we danced in this hall? You said I outshone the stars themselves.”

Azlun stiffened, memories of that night flooding back. He remembered the headache and confusion that had followed, and now, knowing what he did about Nyrea’s true nature, he wondered if there had been more to that evening than he’d realized. “That was a long time ago, Nyrea,” he said, his tone clipped. “Things have changed.”

Nyrea’s eyes flashed dangerously. “Have they? Or have you simply forgotten what we could be together?” She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Think about it, Azlun. You and me, ruling side by side. Our planets united, our power unmatched. We could reshape the galaxy in our image.”

The offer hung in the air between them, tempting and terrible. Azlun knew the political advantages such a union would bring—strengthened alliances, shared resources, and unparalleled influence.

Venus’s face flashed in his mind—her bright smile, her fierce determination, the way she looked at him like he was more than just a prince or a political pawn. The choice was clear.

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