Page 33 of Alien Prince Fake Fiancé

Ashlyn hesitated for a fraction of a second, and Zade picked up the slack seamlessly, his hand covering hers in warm reassurance. "As we explained to Councilor Boleen,” he began, taking Ashlyn's hand in his, “we met prior to her marriage to C’Bor Ubrion.”

"Yes," Ashlyn added, squeezing his hand slightly harder than necessary. "We realized our feelings ran deep, but the timing was off."

Zade's thumb caressed her skin, the touch sending a jolt through her. How could she continue to be so foolish? How could she allow herself to want him when there was no future where they could be together? When he wanted the power of the Council seat, and she wanted nothing to do with it? Their paths would diverge. He would become a powerful Caldorian king, and she would be left with a broken heart.

Councilor Thal'kor nodded, though his four reptilian eyes remained inscrutable on his emerald green face. "Yes. You are the widow of C’Bor Ubrion, are you not?"

A chill ran down Ashlyn's spine. This was the crux of their lie. "Yes, I am," she said, her voice barely wavering. "C’Bor and I were just married, newlyweds in fact, when he was tragically taken from me."

Councilor Dur'vok, a stocky, armored figure from the war-torn planet of Kraggath, grunted. His voice was gravelly, like stones grinding together. "C’Bor was a respected member of this Council. His cousin, C’Nar, has raised some concerns about your claim.” The Council member dipped his arm, indicating a male with dark red skin standing slightly to the side of the raised dais.

C’Nar. Ashlyn tensed. How had she not noticed him lurking back there?

“Our investigators were unable to determine who killed your husband. And you, dear cousin, were not available to give testimony. You refused to return to Cappra, despite multiple requests.” C’Nar put his hand over his heart. “Not even to attend your husband’s final resting ceremony. What were you hiding?”

“My mate did not break any laws. As you can imagine, she was overwhelmed with grief and trauma. Seeing her husband’s corpse would have delayed her recovery. She had a year to return to Cappra or forfeit the Council seat. That year is not yet up.” Zade spoke up once again. Ashlyn had never been so grateful. She’d been given the bare bones basics of the situation in the short time she’d had to prepare. Good thing Zade knew more about Intergalactic politics than he let on. Guess being a prince did give one an education.

C’Nar snarled in Zade’s general direction, ignoring Zade’s comments completely. “The only evidence of your marriage, or C’Bor’s subsequent death, was the activation of his chains of obedience. It is known, the chains can only be disabled upon the death of one or both parties. Chains, I see, you still wear. Our investigators were only able to determine that C’Bor died in the fire that destroyed his home. How did you escape the explosion,when he did not? C’Bor would never have allowed his wife to stray far from his side.”

Right. Because his wife was really just a prisoner, you asshole.Rachel was right, Ashlyn hadn’t fully comprehended how horrible the Ubrion family truly was. This slimy worm could not be allowed to have power over anyone, anywhere. Ever. “I don’t remember anything from that day, Councilors. I am told I suffered a severe concussion, and my memories of that day were lost. It’s all in the medical report we sent to the Cappran investigators.”

“Of course. Of course. Must have been very traumatic.” Councilor Thal'kor frowned. “I hope you are sufficiently recovered from the tragedy.”

C’Nar’s black eyes burned with animosity. He stepped forward, a smirk playing on his lips. “I formally request to inspect the chains of obedience on Ashlyn Faro’s body, to confirm their authenticity.”

Gross. He wanted to touch her? No.

Holding on to Zade’s arm for balance, she quickly leaned down and removed both ankle bracelets. Before she could hold them out to C’Nar, Zade took them from her and offered them on her behalf. She squeezed his arm in thanks that she would be spared closer contact with the alien.

With a nod from Councilor Dur’vok, C’Nar stepped forward and removed a palm sized scanning device from a pocket. His gaze narrowed when he read the results. When he looked at her, there was pure venom behind his eyes.

“The chains of obedience are authentic and verified.” Councilor Dur’vok spoke clearly, his attention on a screen embedded in the table in front of him. “So, we concur, Councilors?”

There was a round of murmured assent from the others and Ashlyn dared take a breath. The chains of obedience were reallyC’Bor’s and now everyone knew it. Part one of the plan was complete.

She shouldn’t have relaxed, not one bit. C’Nar was clearly not finished with her. "We still mourn the loss of C’Bor. We also find it more than a little curious that C’Bor’s widow, if she is who she claims to be, has so quickly found another. And with a male who was previously scorned by Ashlyn, my dear cousin-by-marriage, prior to C’Bor’s death? I can think of no better motive for murder than true love.”

Ashlyn gasped in outrage. Was he accusing her of killing her husband? Or was he accusing Zade?

Only rigid self-control kept Zade from showing his emotions. With a stony expression, he addressed the Councilors. “If C’Nar Ubrion is implying I murdered his cousin, he should speak more plainly. Ashlyn and I have come here to answer a challenge for her Seat on the Council, not force her to relive painful memories.

I know the Cappran system of law enforcement has thoroughly investigated both C’Bor’s marriage and his death. C’Nar’s line of questioning is offensive. Ashlyn Faro is a small, human female. Defenseless. To imply her husband was so weak as to be murdered at her hand is a grave insult to his memory. As for me, I was engaged in a battle on the far outer territories my planet controls at the time of Councilor C’Bor’s death. There are thousands of witnesses, as well as official battle records, proving my whereabouts.

Furthermore, I am a Prince of Caldor, not a citizen of Cappra. C’Nar Ubrion will show the proper respect to me and my mate, or I shall be forced to issue a personal challenge.”

As expected, the coward inclined his head and took a step back, deferring to the seated Councilors. He would never engage in a fair fight. His type struck in the dark.

“Of course, of course, Prince Miralos,” Councilor Dur'vok placated, “we do not accuse you of any wrongdoing. I believeC’Nar is merely concerned that his cousin married a woman whom no one ever met. A woman who may not be the woman standing before us now.”

“Then you accuse us of deceiving the Council?” A muscle ticked in Zade’s jaw.

“The Council has been convened to ascertain the validity of your impending marriage to a sitting member of the Council. By Cappran law, she must relinquish her position if we find that her engagement to you is a fabrication, or she is not who she claims to be. We shall leave the particulars of C’Bor’s death to the proper authorities on Cappra.” Councilor Dur'vok looked around the room. “Is this clear to everyone?”

C’Nar stepped forward and bowed curtly to the Councilor. “Very well. I will pursue justice for my cousin on my homeworld. For now, if C’Bor's widow is unwilling to join with me or a member of my family, according to the ancient lawshehas invoked, we are entitled to verify the veracity of her new union with three tests of our choosing.”

“I assume there is some basis for the tests you have selected?”

“Of course, Councilor. Please review the testing parameters on your screens.”

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