Page 10 of The Alien's Unwanted Bride

The soft hum of the room’s ambient technology seemed to grow louder as Dravek paced the lab, debating his next move.His duties as a prince were clear – he should report Zora’s unauthorized expedition to the council and organize an official search party. It was the proper protocol, the responsible course of action. Though it could take hours or even days to get that accomplished.

The thought of Zora facing the perils of the Shadowed Highlands alone sent an unexpected surge of anxiety through him. The rational part of his mind insisted it was simply concern for a diplomatic guest, but a small voice whispered that there was more to it than that.

“Her safety is paramount,” Dravek said aloud, his voice firm as if trying to convince himself. “But is that my only motivation?” The question hung in the air, unanswered.

The realization that his feelings for Zora might extend beyond formal acquaintance was deeply unsettling. It challenged everything about the composed, duty-bound persona he had cultivated over years of rigorous training and expectations.

Somewhere out there, beyond the safety of the capital, Zora was heading into danger. The thought spurred him into action.

With a decisive nod, Dravek made his choice. He would retrieve Zora himself. It was the most efficient solution, allowing him to control the situation discreetly and avoid unnecessary political repercussions. He rationalized his decision, framing it within the context of his royal duties.

“As a member of the royal family, it’s my responsibility to ensure her safety,” he asserted, ignoring the small voice that suggested his motivations might not be entirely professional.

Back in his private quarters, Dravek prepared for the journey. He selected essential equipment from his personal arsenal – a compact energy blade for defense, a multi-functional scanner for navigation and environmental analysis, and a cloak engineered to adapt to various environmental conditions. Hischoice of attire balanced mobility and protection, favoring dark hues that would blend with the natural surroundings of the highlands.

Dravek moved to his communication terminal, fingers hovering over the controls. Protocol dictated that he inform the royal guard, or at least his personal security detail, of his impending departure. But something held him back. The fewer people who knew about this situation, the better chance he had of resolving it quietly without political repercussions.

He typed out a brief, coded message to his adjutant: “Unavailable for routine duties. Personal matter. Maintain standard operations until I return.” It was vague enough to avoid immediate questions but clear enough to ensure his absence wouldn’t cause undue alarm.

As he sent the message, a twinge of guilt tugged at him. This level of secrecy, while not unheard of, was unusual for him. Dravek had always prided himself on his transparency and adherence to protocol. Yet here he was about to embark on an unauthorized mission for reasons he wasn’t entirely ready to examine.

Pushing the guilt aside, Dravek gathered his equipment and made his way to the door. The palace corridors were still rather quiet at this hour, the soft glow of energy-efficient illumination creating pools of light and shadow. He moved swiftly and silently, years of military training evident in every step.

As he navigated the labyrinthine hallways, Dravek’s mind raced with plans and contingencies. The Shadowed Highlands were vast and treacherous. Finding Zora would be challenging enough; ensuring their safe return would be another matter entirely. He ran through mental maps of the terrain, recalling reports of geological instabilities and unpredictable weather patterns.

Before long, Dravek arrived at the entrance to the palace’s private hangar. The massive doors slid open silently at his approach, revealing rows of sleek vehicles designed for various terrains and atmospheres. His eyes scanned the options before settling on a state-of-the-art hoverbike.

The vehicle was a masterpiece of Tharvisian engineering – sleek, silent, and equipped with the latest stealth technology. Its design allowed for rapid travel over diverse landscapes, from dense forests to rocky mountainsides. It was perfect for the mission at hand.

SEVEN

As Dravek approached the hoverbike, he ran a hand along its smooth surface, feeling the faint hum of its advanced propulsion system. He input a series of commands into the bike’s control panel, programming it with the coordinates of the Shadowed Highlands.

Just as he was about to mount the vehicle, a sound from the far end of the hangar made him freeze. Footsteps echoed off the polished floor, growing closer. Dravek’s hand instinctively moved to the energy blade at his hip as he turned to face the potential interruption.

“Your Highness?” a familiar voice called out, tinged with surprise. “I didn’t expect to find you here at this hour.”

Dravek relaxed marginally as he recognized Garek, Vexor’s best friend and royal trusted advisor. Garek approached, his sharp eyes taking in Dravek’s attire and the prepped hoverbike.

“Garek,” Dravek acknowledged, his tone carefully neutral. “You’re out early.”

Garek raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his expression. “I could say the same for you. Especially considering your... interesting choice of wardrobe.”

Dravek glanced down at his dark, utilitarian outfit, so different from his usual royal attire or military uniform. He met Garek’s gaze steadily, weighing his options. Of all the people who could have discovered him, Garek was perhaps the best-case scenario. Their friendship stretched back to childhood, built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

“I’m undertaking a... personal mission,” he said, choosing his words carefully. “It’s a delicate matter that requires discretion.”

Garek’s expression sobered immediately. He stepped closer, lowering his voice despite the empty hangar. “Is it a security concern? Should I alert the guard?”

“No,” Dravek said quickly, perhaps too quickly judging by the look of surprise on Garek’s face. He took a breath, steadying himself. “It’s not a security threat. It’s... a diplomatic matter.”

Understanding dawned in Garek’s eyes, followed quickly by concern. “This wouldn’t happen to involve your fiancée, would it? The botanist?”

Dravek’s silence was answer enough. Garek sighed, running a hand through his short-cropped hair. “Dravek, my friend, what are you doing? This isn’t like you.”

The use of his name without title was a testament to their friendship, one of the few people who could address him so informally. It also served to underscore the seriousness of the situation.

“She’s ventured into the Shadowed Highlands,” Dravek explained, his voice low and urgent. “Alone and unprepared. I need to bring her back before...” He trailed off, unwilling to voice the myriad of dangers that plagued his thoughts.

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