Page 34 of Alien Prince Fake Fiancé

“We do not want to see anyone physically harmed,” Councilor Dur'vok warned, glancing down to read whatever information C’Nar had placed there. “Torture will not be tolerated nor condoned.”

“I would never torture my future bride, Councilors.”

They mumbled in weak agreement as Ashlyn’s knees went weak. Future bride? She’d die first. But then, her death was probably part of C’Nar’s plan.Asshole.

C’Nar raised his voice, making sure the handful of aliens milling around the room’s entrance could hear every word hespoke, even from a distance. “If she is truly C’Bor's widow, then she will have no issue wearing these."

C’Nar held up a pair of delicate, silver ankle bracelets inlaid with shimmering blue gems.

Shit. She’d just gotten rid of one pair and now he had another?

"Chains of obedience," he announced. "C’Bor's widow wore his chains willingly. They signify devotion and fidelity to the new bride’s husband. If she is indeed C’Bor’s widow, and if she loves the Caldorian, she should have no problem accepting a new set under the dominion of her new husband."

“They have been outlawed on most planets. We cannot condone this.” Councilor Seraphina frowned, her silver hair swaying as she shook her head with disgust. Even her wings appeared to shudder in revulsion. Or maybe that was just Ashlyn projecting her feelings.

“They are legal on Cappra, and C’Bor’s widow willingly accepted them in her marriage to my cousin. We see no logical reason she would refuse them now, not if her union to the Caldorian is true.”

Ashlyn watched, heart pounding, as the Councilors conferred amongst themselves.

“We will make an exception in this case, but only because she has already worn obedience chains in a prior marriage and knows what is involved.” Councilor Seraphina spoke for the group, the tone of her voice making it clear to all in the room that she was not pleased with the turn of events.

Ashlyn's heart sank. She knew the chains' true purpose: to compel the wearer to obey the giver’s commands. Her thoughts raced, searching for a way out. Nothing came to mind.

Zade squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Ashlyn," he murmured, his voice quiet enough that only she could hear, "you do not have to do this."

She looked up at him. His eyes held a fierceness that made her breath catch. Despite her anger and mistrust, she gave a slight shake of her head. If they were going to save the galaxy from murderous, trafficking cutthroats, then they had no other choice. Besides, she reasoned, he couldn’t tell her what to do if they were on different planets. Zade would be on Cappra, while she would fake her death and then stay safely hidden on Earth. No problem.

With deliberate movements, she lifted the hem of her pants, exposing her ankles. C’Nar approached, his smirk widening as he knelt to clasp the silver links around her slender ankles. The metal was cool against her skin.

“Do you, Ashlyn Faro, formally and of your own free will, agree to wear these chains of obedience for your husband?”

“Yes,” she hissed, her heart thundering so loudly she couldn’t hear herself think. Glaring at C’Nar, she added, “I, Ashlyn Faro, do formally and of my own free will, agree to wear these chains of obedience for my husband. I will gladly wearanythingPrince Zade wants.”

“And do you, Caldorian, formally and of your own free will, agree to take Ashlyn Faro as your future bride?”

“I, Commander Zade Miralos of Caldor, do formally and of my own free will, agree to take Ashlyn Faro as my bride.”

Ashlyn held her breath as the gems glowed faintly, each bracelet shrinking to fit snugly against her ankles, the links liquefying and re-solidifying into one solid piece. The gems flashed as the chains activated, exerting a subtle, insidious pressure against her will. She shivered in fear. What had she done? They would never come off.

Councilor Seraphina watched closely, her wings twitching. "A true test of loyalty," she said, her voice carrying an almost musical quality. "How do you feel?"

Ashlyn straightened, meeting Seraphina's gaze with as much confidence as she could muster. "I feel... committed," she answered, carefully choosing her words. "The chains of obedience were a symbol of my loyalty to C’Bor, and now to Zade."

"Very well," Councilor Jorax gurgled, his tentacles writhing in what Ashlyn hoped was approval. "Let us see if you speak the truth."

C’Nar's eyes gleamed with malice. "Give her a command, Caldorian. Tell her to remove her clothing."

“You disgust me,” Zade snarled at C’Nar. Taking Ashlyn’s cold, trembling hands into his, he looked deeply into her eyes. In a commanding tone that brooked no argument, knowing she had to obey, he said, “Ashlyn Faro of Earth, you are to disobey any order I give you, if it is an order you disagree with.”

For a moment, the chains tightened around her ankles, compelling her to obey. She fought against it, feeling the pressure ease as she remained standing. A slow, joyful smile replaced her terror. "No. I will not disobey simply because you command it."

C’Nar's glare burned into her back, but she held her head high. How clever of Zade to issue such a command and, in doing so, make the chains ineffective. She could now disobey him whenever she wished. Smart, and lucky. Zade’s quick thinking had saved them. She couldn't help but wonder how much longer they could keep up the charade—and what it was going to cost them.

A murmur rippled through the Council members. C’Nar was loudest, spewing his hate and rage in a string of alien obscenities. Councilor Thal'kor raised a dark green hand, silencing the room. Councilor Seraphina glowed, a soft smile making her silver coloring seem somehow warm. "Enough,C’Nar. It seems you have been outsmarted. The female retains her free will, even with the chains."

C’Nar's face twisted with hostility, but he stepped back, his eyes full of retribution as he glared at Zade. “Only a weak, pathetic male would give his female such control.”

Zade stiffened, turning to face C’Nar. “What effect would killing you have on this test of yours, Ubrion? On your ancient laws? Do you have another cousin eager to take your place?”

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