Page 32 of The Alien's Captive Bride

But Venus was quicker. She sidestepped Nyrea’s attack with a grace that belied her weakened state, causing the princess to stumble and fall gracelessly to the floor.

“Oh dear,” Venus drawled, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “You really should watch your step, Princess. These floors can be so treacherous.”

King Brakus’s voice cut through the chaos, sharp as a blade. “I believe an apology is in order, King Olyr. For the mistreatment of my future daughter-in-law and the separation of my son from his fiancée. Unless, of course, you’d prefer we discuss this matter through... other channels?”

King Olyr’s face had turned an interesting shade of purple, but he nodded stiffly. “Of course,” he ground out. “My... deepest apologies for any misunderstanding. Lady Venus is, of course, free to leave with you.”

Azlun moved to Venus’s side, wrapping a protective arm around her waist. He could feel her lean into him, drawing strength from his presence.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Azlun said, his voice cool and controlled. “We’ll take our leave now.”

As they turned to go, Nyrea’s voice rang out, filled with venom. “She’ll never be one of us! She’s just a weak, pathetic human! She’ll never be worthy of you, Azlun!”

Venus paused, turning back to face Nyrea with a bemused smile. “Oh, honey,” she said, her voice sweet as poison, “I’m not trying to be one of you. I’m just being me. And apparently, that’s more than enough for the prince. Funny how that works, isn’t it?”

She turned to King Olyr, offering a mock curtsy. “Your Majesty, thank you for your... unique brand of hospitality. I do hope we won’t have the pleasure of experiencing it again anytime soon.”

Azlun couldn’t suppress his proud grin as he led Venus from the throne room, his father and brother flanking them protectively. As they stepped into the corridor, he pulled her close, pressing a fierce kiss to her temple.

“Let’s go home,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Venus nodded, her eyes shining with a mixture of exhaustion and triumph. “I thought you’d never say those words,” she replied, then added with a smirk, “Though I must say, I do enjoy making a dramatic exit.”

Azlun chuckled, his heart swelling with love and admiration for this incredible woman. “My darling,” he said, “with you, every exit is dramatic. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

FIFTEEN

Venus sank into the plush, iridescent cushions of the recovery pod, the soft hum of advanced Tharvisian technology surrounding her like a cosmic lullaby. The pod’s interior shimmered with a kaleidoscope of soothing colors, adapting to her vital signs. She had to admit, alien medical care had its perks.

The familiar voices of her sisters filtered through the haze of exhaustion, pulling a smile to her lips despite her weariness. Venus cracked open an eye, taking in the sight of Mila and Zora. Mila stood with her arms crossed, trying to look stern but failing to hide the concern in her eyes. Zora perched on the edge of the pod, her eyes wide with excitement and a data pad clutched to her chest.

“I swear, Venus,” Mila’s voice held a mixture of exasperation and relief, “only you could turn a political marriage into a galactic kidnapping adventure. What’s next? Overthrowing a corrupt alien government? Wait, don’t answer that. I don’t want to give you ideas.”

Venus couldn’t help but chuckle, wincing slightly at the twinge in her ribs. “Please, Mila. I save the government overthrows for second dates. I’m not that easy.”

Zora leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “So, tell us everything. Was it terribly romantic? Did Azlun sweep in like a knight in shining armor? Did you have a passionate reunion under alien moons?”

“Oh yes,” Venus drawled, her voice still a bit raspy. “Nothing says romance like being auctioned off to the highest bidder on a seedy alien planet. Really gets the heart racing, you know?”

Mila snorted, settling into a chair beside the pod. “You should have seen Azlun when we got word you were missing. I thought he was going to tear the universe apart to find you. He was all broody and intense – well, more than usual.”

“It was so romantic,” Zora sighed dreamily, hugging her data pad closer. “The way he mobilized every resource, called in every favor. I’ve never seen anyone so determined. He even threatened to dismantle the entire intergalactic trading system if that’s what it took to find you.”

Venus felt a warmth bloom in her chest that had nothing to do with her injuries. She thought of Azlun’s fierce protectiveness, the way he’d looked at her when he finally found her – like she was the most precious thing in the universe. “He was... pretty impressive,” she admitted softly.

“Pretty impressive?” Mila arched an eyebrow so high it nearly disappeared into her hairline. “Venus, the man was ready to start an intergalactic war for you. I half expected him to show up with an armada and start blasting planets until you were found.”

“Well,” Venus smirked, some of her usual sass returning, “I am worth it, after all. Besides, can you blame him? My sparkling wit and charm are clearly irresistible across the galaxy.”

The sisters burst into laughter, the tension of the past days finally breaking.

“You know,” Zora said, “we were half expecting the kidnappers to call and beg us to take you back. I can only imagine the headache you gave them.”

“Oh please.” Venus grinned wickedly. “I was a perfect guest. I only staged three escape attempts and insulted their lineage twice. I was practically a model prisoner.”

As the laughter subsided, Mila’s expression grew serious. “Venus,” she said softly, reaching out to take her sister’s hand. “How do you really feel about Azlun? After everything that’s happened... this isn’t just about politics anymore, is it?”

Venus paused, considering the question. She thought of Azlun’s unwavering support, his gentle touches, and the fire in his eyes when he looked at her. The way he challenged her, matched her wit for wit, and saw her for who she truly was. “I love him,” she said simply, the words feeling right as they left her lips. “I’m in love with him. And trust me, I’m as surprised as you are.”

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