Page 9 of Gifted to the Alien Prince

Lucian, however, wore an easy smile on his face. “You made it home at lightning speed, brother. I thought Xaxos was lively this time of year.”

“Exactly why I hurried home.” Thadron removed his heavy cloak and draped it over his arm. “No offense.” He glanced at me.

“None taken,” I said, observing how more of the diplomatic mask fell as he got more comfortable at home and around his brother. But his reserve remained.

“Prince Lucian, may I present Her Excellence Isabelle Hartman of Planet Earth and Xaxos, representative of the Wanderstar Fleet.” Thadron introduced me to his brother, giving me a nice title that made me want to stand up straighter and shrink in embarrassment at the same time.

Prince Lucian gave me a courtly nod. “I am Prince Lucian Elyndor. The Queen Akora and I welcome you.”

I had no idea how to respond to these grand introductions. Was I supposed to curtsy? I kept my lips in a tight smile as I also inclined my head. “A pleasure to meet you and a pleasure to be here, Your Highness. Thank you and your family for welcoming me.”

“Ah.” Thadron sighed. “We’ve got the introductions out of the way.”

Prince Lucian wasn’t deterred by his brother’s sour response. “You know our mother won’t be happy. Now she has no time to impress our lovely guest.” He gave me a boyish wink.

I thought I heard a gruff murmur coming from Thadron. “Don’t flirt with her. I don’t care to go up against the Wanderstar Fleet for mistreating their representative.”

The crown prince laughed. “Are you sure that’s why you don’t want anyone flirting with her?”

I may not come equipped with thermasense nodes, but I could definitely sense a sudden frost emanating from Thadron. “I am impressed,” I rambled off, hurrying to smooth over whatever tension just popped up. “When I saw Gelverin Keep, I thought it looked like something from a fairy tale.”

Lucian tilted his head, perplexed. “A fairy what?”

“Fairy tale,” Thadron provided, causing me to turn his way in mild surprise. “In addition to owning a bookstore, Isa is a writer herself.”

I was impressed he remembered me telling him. “Aspiring novelist,” I corrected, shy. “I haven't finished my first draft.”

“Still an accomplishment.” Thadron insisted. “Our ancestors had patience to create the Starlit songs. I assume it requires the same dedication to put stories on paper.”

I was speechless. For him to compare what I did to the story traditions passed down by his people was nothing short of amazing. If he was only saying that to flatter me because I was cosplaying a diplomat, well, it was working. “Thank you. That’s very kind of you.”

Thadron looked away, mouth closed. I sensed another wall. Did I say the wrong thing?

Lucian grinned. “We have a writer in our presence. Mother and I will want to hear more about your book at dinner tonight. You’ll meet her then. In the meantime, I’ll send an aide to see if your room is prepared.”

“I’ll take her to it.” Thadron volunteered himself.

“Then if you’ll excuse me, I have a hearing with the engineer council. I’m already running late.” He smiled at both of us before setting off.

Thadron took my suitcase. Before he could step forward, the sound of crisp footsteps echoed in the hall. An older Glaciarian male emerged from one of the arched hallways, his long, slate-gray robes sweeping the floor, their elaborate embroiderededges glimmering like jagged fractals. His pale blue skin seemed almost translucent, and his sharp, keen-featured face had closed, unsmiling lips.

“Ah, Prince Thadron. You’ve returned from your travels,” he greeted, his voice smooth but carrying an unmistakable edge. He bowed low, but his movements seemed forced. “Forgive the intrusion. I simply wished to remind you that we still need to discuss certain matters pertaining to your diplomatic responsibilities.” His gaze briefly flicked to me, and I could swear the corners of his mouth curled in faint disapproval before he turned back to Thadron.

“Cryostrum,” Thadron said flatly, his tone dropping a degree colder. “Now is not the time.”

“On the contrary,” Cryostrum replied, straightening and clasping his hands together, his long, thin fingers a sickly grey from the middle knuckles to their pointed tips. “Your duties do not wait. I trust you understand the importance of your role, especially now, with so many eyes upon us.” His words were polite, but the condescending tone was impossible to miss.

I couldn’t help the uneasy shiver that ran down my spine. Besides the instant brushoff he gave me, there was something else about him I didn’t like. His eyes lingered on me for a moment too long, cold and calculating, before returning to Thadron.

“Isa,” Thadron said abruptly, his voice snapping me out of my thoughts, “allow me to introduce Cryostrum, a royal advisor to the court.”

I managed a polite nod, but every instinct in me was warning me to keep my distance. “A pleasure to meet you.”

The advisor smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “The pleasure is mine. It’s rare we welcome visitors from Earth. I trust you will find our world enlightening.”

Thadron stepped forward, just enough to put himself between us. “Isa's comfort is not your concern.”

Cryostrum’s smile faltered, though his composure didn’t break. “Of course, Your Highness. I meant no offense. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll await to continue our discussion.” He inclined his head and swept away, his robes whispering against the floor as he disappeared down the corridor.

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