Page 54 of Alien Prince's Fated Mate

“The lack of preparation suits me fine.” I led Niam to the broad wooden counter. “We’ll take dinner in the common room.”

Dorvin’s eyes flickered to Niam, careful assessment replacing initial surprise. “Of course. Though perhaps the lady would prefer private dining?”

“The lady can speak for herself.” Niam’s quiet words carried clearly. “And I’d rather see your famous hospitality firsthand.”

A smile creased Dorvin’s face. “Well said, my dear. Though I hope you’ll forgive an old man’s presumption.” He raised his voice to carry through the room. “The Crossroads welcomes all travelers who come in peace.”

The weight behind his words registered. Conversations gradually resumed, though I noted which faces showed hostility rather than curiosity.

“Your father would be proud,” I told him softly. “He taught you well.”

“High praise, coming from you.” Dorvin’s eyes crinkled. “Though I think he’d be more interested in how you found such an unusual companion.”

“A tale for another time.” I caught the gleam of interest in his expression. “For now, just a meal and a quiet night.”

“Of course.” He signaled a serving girl. “Show them to the corner table. And tell Cook to send up the roasted mountain hart - the good cuts, mind you.”

News of our arrival spread through the inn like wildfire. By the time our food arrived, the common room had filled with merchants and traders trying to catch a glimpse of the prince’s strange companion.

Whispered fragments reached my ears:

“...just like the stories say...”

“...but why would his highness...”

“...heard there were others in the capital...”

Niam ignored the attention, focusing on her plate with single-minded intensity. The roasted meat came with crusty bread and autumn vegetables, simple fare elevated by careful preparation.

“Good?” I asked as she sopped up juice with a piece of bread.

“Different from the Temple’s food.” She paused. “Better.”

The beast stirred at the reminder of her captivity, but I forced it down. This wasn’t the place for displays of temper.

After the meal, we climbed to our room where copper tubs of steaming water waited. I dismissed the serving girl who would have attended us.

“Let me take care of you.” I helped Niam out of her travel-stained clothes, each revealed inch of skin a fresh temptation.

She sank into the hot water with a sigh that sent heat straight to my groin. I stripped quickly and joined her, easing into the tub behind her.

“You handled yourself well today.” I dropped a kiss on her shoulder. “Though I know it wasn’t easy.”

“Easier than the Temple.” She relaxed back against me. “At least here the stares hold curiosity rather than calculation.”

I reached for the soap, working up a lather in my hands. “Still. You didn’t have to face them unveiled.”

“Yes, I did.” Steel threaded through her words. “I won’t hide anymore.”

Pride and possession surged through me as I washed her, learning each curve and hollow of her body. My mate was no cowering victim, but a warrior in her own right.

When my hands slipped lower, her breath hitched. “Tharon...”

“Let me please you.” I nipped at her ear. “Let me show you how precious you are.”

She turned in my arms, water sloshing over the tub’s rim. “Show me.”

Niam’s skin glowed in the lamplight as she turned to face me, water droplets trailing down her throat. My hands slid to her waist, steadying her as small waves lapped at the tub’s copper sides.

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