Page 7 of Gifted to the Alien Prince

“I’m right behind you.”

She turned on her heel, taking her warm aura with her.

As she walked away, I studied the hypnotic sway of her hips, the rich earthy tone of her skin against the light dress that skimmed her curves. My thermasense nodes picked up on her heat. Another part of my body alerted me to something else.

Cursing softly, I turned to the window and adjusted my pants. My cock rose to an occasion that wasn’t present. Even my temperature-regulating armor couldn’t hide the bulge or make the rush of heat go away.

Next time, I vowed to get more powerful armor, at least some dark enough to match the cloak.

But I didn’t count on being awakened, so to speak, by Isa. I thought of her face as I looked out at the neon city of Kajal. I hadn’t taken pleasure with a female in a long time. Perhaps that’s why I responded in a way to her. Yet I had no idea how human females mated.

I heard her light laughter coming from the far end of the corridor. I imagined her dark eyes lighting up as she talked to the dignitaries here about her winter holiday Christmas. She sounded so happy.

For a brief moment, I entertained the thought of that kind of happiness for myself this year. But then the shadow of my past closed in.

Memories flashed: the faces of soldiers I'd failed to protect, their eyes looking to me, their master at arms, for a strength I couldn't gather. My voice once held power that could inspirehearts and minds. Yet when it mattered most, it faltered, a melody unfinished, a harmony broken.

"Thadron?" Her voice echoed, pulling me out of my cold hell. "Are you coming?"

I forced my thoughts back to the present, to the woman with whom I was to participate in the gift exchange. This wasn’t the time for self-pity. I had a mission to fulfill for Glaciara, a strong kingdom to represent. I wouldn’t fail my family or myself again.

And I surely wasn’t about to get distracted by Isa’s moonlight smile and swaying hips.

After one more check of my wardrobe, I made my way back to the other end of the corridor. Isa stood outside the dining room, chatting now with a pair of representatives from Planet Oterix. Their winged forms nearly hid her face from me, though I caught part of her bright smile.

I did not belong here. What I wouldn't give for a lone frostgrazer ride through the Moonveil Tundra back home, or a simple walk in the woods.

"Prince Thadron, how delightful to see you engaged in the festivities," one representative remarked as I approached.

“A pleasure to see you enjoying the event, too.” I schooled my features into a mask of dignity.

Isa's gaze met mine, an unspoken question dancing in her dark eyes. She seemed to thrive in the buzz of conversation, even though she was as much an outsider as I felt. My thoughts betrayed me, slipping away to the quiet and tranquil space of her bookshop. I remembered the scent of old and new books and the way her cushioned chair nearly swallowed me whole.

The sinking feeling wouldn’t have been so bad if I hadn’t been wearing armor.

A flash image crossed my mind of Isa, curled beneath one of those thick blankets in her shop. I pictured her with a steaming mug warming her hands.

"It sounds like you run a charming establishment, Ms. Hartman," a delegate remarked.

"Thank you," Isa replied, her voice tinged with pride. "It's small, but it's my new home."

Watching her, I saw how effortlessly she adapted. Despite the lack of briefing, Isa conducted herself with a grace that made her seem like she belonged among stars and diplomats alike.

I imagined showing her around the kingdom on Glaciara. A smile almost crossed my lips at the idea of sharing with her the sacred songs.

But as quickly as it came, the spark of happiness went out, smothered by the losses of past winter solstices. "If you'll excuse us, Isa and I have to get ready to leave for Glaciara.” I heard myself say, robotic.

With a bow of my head that was more reflex than reverence, I reached for Isa's hand, feeling the softness of her skin against the chill of mine. Her surprise at the sudden contact lingered in the air between us as we made our exit.

"Why are we leaving in such a hurry?” she asked, once we were outside and in my awaiting vehicle. “I thought tonight was important.”

“So is making it to Glaciara. There's a lot I have to take care of before and during the winter festivities, and I just want to get them over with." I didn’t want to explain the other why I had to get out of there, away from the small talk but also the celebrating.

ISA

WE ZOOMED BACK TO THEbookshop, where I had to change out of my dress and finish packing for the trip to Glaciara. After reading the rest of the briefing Camille sent me in the car, I had a better picture of just how cold it was on Thadron’s home planet.

Bone-chilling, to say the least. There were whole frozen tundras, ice-encrusted plains, and sub-zero lake regions. I needed my thickest sweaters and coziest fleece. Next, I read up on the Elyndor royal family, so that I wouldn’t be walking in unprepared. The Queen Mother Akora was widowed. She ruled alone for the past seven years after the king’s death. Thadron’s brother, Prince Lucian, was the heir to the throne. I read how he and Prince Thadron were half-brothers. Thadron’s mother was a nurse in the royal military while his father was a general. They met and had the prince before the king took the throne and married Akora.

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