Page 90 of Alien Prince's Fated Mate

Our path forward gleamed like sunlight cresting distant peaks. We'd never dreamed of this road, yet it beckoned with brilliant promise.

Unbound.

Complete.

THARON

Isecured the last of our bags to the villart as stable hands bustled around the Crossroads Inn’s courtyard. The beast in me still purred with satisfaction from our night together, though worry crept in as I watched Niam bid farewell to the innkeeper and his granddaughter. The road to Zashi would test her newfound strength.

“Ready?” I asked as she approached, offering my hand to help her mount.

“Yes.” Her fingers twined with mine, sending sparks along my skin.

The morning passed quietly as we rode north along the trade road, Niam’s back pressed against me. The beast rumbled contentedly, pleased to have her so close.

Near midday, we passed a Shakai hunting party returning from the high peaks. They recognized me instantly, dropping into respectful bows. But their eyes lingered on Niam, wonder replacing their initial shock as they took in her unveiled face and close-cropped red hair.

“Your Highness,” their leader said carefully. “We heard rumors, but...” His gaze shifted to Niam again, curiosity warring with ingrained courtesy.

I felt her stiffen, but before I could intervene, she spoke.

I watched Niam lift her chin, pride straightening her spine despite the curious stares of the hunting party. The morning sun caught her close-cropped red hair like living flame.

“I am Niam of Terr.” Her voice rang clear and steady, then she smiled. “And no, I’m not a Frostling.”

Murmurs rippled through the gathered warriors. The leader’s quickly cut them off.

“My deepest respects, my lady.” He straightened, gaze flickering between us. “The rumors spoke true then. Our prince found his mate among the strangers.”

My arms tightened around her waist. The beast growled approval at her strength, even as protective instincts urged me to hide her from their scrutiny.

“The human Temple’s walls have fallen,” she continued, her tone carrying the weight of prophecy. “Old barriers crumble. Perhaps it’s time for new alliances.”

The warriors exchanged glances. Their leader nodded slowly, respect replacing wariness in his expression.

“Perhaps it is, my lady.” He touched his fist to his heart in the traditional warrior’s salute. “Safe travels to you both. May the mountains guide your path.”

We rode on, leaving them to their hushed discussions. My heart filled with pride seeing how naturally she’d handled the encounter.

“That went well,” she murmured, relaxing back against me.

I kissed her shoulder. “You were perfect. Though I think you shocked them speechless.”

“Good. They needed shocking.” Her fingers traced patterns on my arm. “How many more encounters like that should we expect?”

“News travels fast in the mountains.” I guided our mount around a sharp bend in the trail. “But most will wait to form opinions until they see you at court.”

She hummed thoughtfully. “And what will they see?”

“My mate. My queen.” I tightened my hold. “The one who brought down the Temple’s walls and freed her people. The one who tamed a beast prince.”

“Tamed?” She shifted to face me, laughter dancing in her eyes. “Is that what you call it?”

Arousal pooled inside me at her teasing tone. The beast stirred, remembering the sounds she’d made last night. The way she’d arched beneath me, demanding more.

“Shall I show you again how tame I am?” I growled against her ear.

She shivered. “We’re supposed to be traveling.”

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