Page 31 of The Alien's Captive Bride

He leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was both tender and fierce. Venus poured everything she felt into that kiss—her fear, her hope, her growing love for this man who hadturned her world upside down. When they parted, Venus saw her own determination reflected in Azlun’s eyes.

“We’re getting out of here,” Azlun promised, resting his forehead against hers. “Together.”

As Azlun prepared to leave, Venus felt a renewed sense of purpose coursing through her veins. She might be trapped for now, but she was far from helpless. With Azlun by her side and Zhera as their unexpected ally, she knew they stood a chance.

“Bring it on, Nyrea,” Venus muttered to herself as the door closed behind Azlun. She clenched her fists, a fierce grin spreading across her face. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”

In the days that followed, Venus threw herself into preparation. She worked with Zhera, teaching her self-defense moves and watching with pride as the young princess’s confidence grew. Every stolen moment with Azlun was precious, filled with whispered plans and tender touches.

As the tension in the palace grew palpable and Nyrea’s suspicions rose, Venus knew they were running out of time.

FOURTEEN

Azlun’s boots echoed ominously against the polished marble floors as he strode down the corridor, his brother Dravek a looming presence at his side. The air around them crackled with tension, matching the storm brewing in Azlun’s chest. Every heartbeat without Venus felt like an eternity, each second a reminder of the danger she faced in this gilded prison.

As they approached the ornate doors of the throne room, Azlun caught Dravek’s eye. “Remember,” he muttered, his voice low and taut, “we need to stay calm. No matter what they say or do.”

Dravek’s hand tightened on the hilt of his ceremonial sword, his knuckles white. “I’ve got your back, brother. Always.”

The guards announced their presence, their voices reverberating through the hall. As the massive doors swung open, Azlun took a deep breath, steeling himself for the confrontation ahead.

King Olyr sat upon his throne, a picture of regal indifference. But Azlun didn’t miss the calculating gleam in those violet eyes, the subtle tightening of his jaw as they approached.

“Prince Azlun, Prince Dravek,” the king’s voice slithered through the cavernous room, smooth as silk and twice as deadly. “To what do I owe this... unexpected pleasure?”

Azlun stepped forward, his spine straight, his gaze unflinching. “Your Majesty,” he began, his voice steady despite the anger simmering beneath the surface, “I’ve come to request the immediate release of Lady Venus. She needs to return to Tharvis for proper medical care.”

The king’s eyebrow arched, a study in feigned concern. “My dear Prince Azlun, I assure you, Lady Venus is receiving the finest care our planet can offer. She’s simply not well enough to travel. Surely you wouldn’t want to risk her health?”

Azlun’s fists clenched at his sides, his nails biting into his palms. He could hear the lie in the king’s words and see the subtle smirk. His mind raced, picturing Venus alone and in danger. He took a deep breath, centering himself.

“With all due respect, Your Majesty,” Azlun’s voice took on a harder edge, “I must insist. As my fiancée, Lady Venus falls under the protection of Tharvis. It’s time for her to come home.”

The king leaned forward, his eyes narrowing to dangerous slits. “Are you questioning the care we provide, Prince Azlun? Or perhaps... the hospitality of our kingdom?”

Before Azlun could respond, the doors burst open with a resounding crash. King Brakus of Tharvis strode in, his commanding presence filling the room like a thundercloud. Garek, Azlun’s loyal friend and advisor, followed close behind, his hand resting casually on his weapon.

“Father,” Azlun breathed, relief washing over him.

King Olyr stood, his face a mask of forced politeness that did little to hide his displeasure. “King Brakus, what an... unexpected surprise.”

“Indeed,” King Brakus’s deep voice resonated through the room, causing the very air to vibrate. “I received a ratherdisturbing message from my son. It seems there’s been some... misunderstanding about Lady Venus’s care. Or perhaps, her captivity?”

As the tension in the room reached a fever pitch, Princess Nyrea swept in, her eyes wild, her composure slipping. “What’s going on here?” she demanded, her voice shrill and grating.

Azlun turned to face her, his patience wearing dangerously thin. “I’m here to take Venus home, Nyrea. This charade has gone on long enough.”

Nyrea’s face contorted with rage, her carefully cultivated beauty twisting into something ugly and primal. “She can’t leave!” she screeched, spittle flying from her lips. “She’s not well enough to travel. She’llneverbe well enough! Father, tell them!”

King Brakus stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. “King Olyr,” he intoned, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of royal authority, “I remind you that Lady Venus is my son’s fiancée and a ward of Tharvis. Her continued detainment here is not only a violation of our agreement but an act that borders on hostility.”

Nyrea opened her mouth to protest, but at that moment, the doors opened once more. Zhera entered, supporting a pale but determined Venus.

Azlun’s heart leaped at the sight of her, his breath catching in his throat. It took every ounce of his self-control not to rush to her side, to sweep her into his arms and never let go.

Venus’s eyes met his, a spark of her usual fire shining through despite her obvious fatigue. “I believe I can speak for myself,” she said, her voice strong and clear. “And I’m more than ready to leave this charming little resort. The hospitality has been... memorable, to say the least.”

Nyrea lunged forward, her hand raised as if to strike Venus. “You ungrateful little wretch!” she snarled. “After everything we’ve done for you!”

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