Page 96 of Alien Prince's Fated Mate

Father’s expression softened slightly. “Very well. The traditional trials await - duty, loyalty, leadership. Are you prepared?”

“I am.”

He nodded to the chamberlain, who stepped forward with an ancient scroll. “Then let us begin.”

The questioning lasted hours. Father and the high nobles took turns presenting scenarios, testing her judgment. Trade disputes between clans. Diplomatic relations with hostile neighbors. Internal conflicts requiring careful balance.

Through it all, Niam remained poised. Her answers showed both wisdom and practicality, drawing on her knowledge of both cultures. When she spoke of using Terr’s craft guilds to establish new trade routes through the mountains, even the most skeptical nobles nodded approval.

“Enough,” Father declared finally. “You have proven your worth, Lady Niam. Let the celebration begin!”

Servants threw open the doors to the great hall where tables groaned under the weight of traditional feast dishes. Musicians took up their instruments as nobles filed in, the formal atmosphere dissolving into celebration.

“You were amazing,” I murmured as we took our places at the high table.

She smiled, some of her tension easing. “I had a good teacher.”

As the feast progressed, the musicians shifted to a slower melody. The traditional love song’s haunting notes filled the great hall, the tale of a warrior finding his true mate beneath enemy stars.

“Dance with me.” I held my hand out to Niam.

Her eyes widened. “I don’t know your dances.”

“Then I’ll teach you.”

She placed her delicate hand in mine. The beast approved of her trust as I led her to the center of the floor. Other couples stepped back, giving us space.

“Follow my lead,” I murmured, drawing her close. One hand settled at her waist while the other clasped hers. “Step with me, like this.”

Her body molded against mine as we began to move. The silk of her dress whispered against my formal leathers. She stumbled slightly at first, but quickly found the rhythm.

“That’s it.” I guided her through a simple turn. “Let the music flow through you.”

Her natural grace emerged as she relaxed into the dance. We moved as one across the floor, her feet matching mine perfectly. The sweet scent of her hair filled my lungs with each breath.

“Everyone’s watching,” she whispered.

“Let them.” I spun her out, then pulled her back tightly into my embrace. “They see what I’ve known since I first found you - that you belong here. With me.”

A soft blush colored her cheeks as we swayed together. My beast rumbled contentedly at having her in our arms, safe and cherished.

The music swelled and I lifted her in a traditional sweep. Her startled laugh rang out as I set her down, pure joy lighting her face. Several nobles nodded approval at her quick mastery of the steps.

“See?” I pressed my forehead to hers as we continued moving. “You’re a natural.”

“Only because you’re leading.” Her fingers tightened on mine. “You make me feel...”

“What?”

“Free.” She met my gaze. “Safe. Like I can be myself, not what others expect.”

My heart clenched at her words. I’d spent years building walls, cultivating fear and respect. But this woman had slipped past every defense, claimed both man and beast.

The song drew to a close. I dipped her low, supporting her weight easily. She arched in my arms, trusting me completely.

When I drew her up, she stayed close, one hand resting over my thundering heart.

“Thank you for the dance, my prince.”

---