Page 63 of Alien Prince Fake Fiancé

She stroked Zade’s face with trembling fingers. She had no idea how long she stood there, her heart torn with fear and love, before a tall, regal woman rushed into the room.

Ashlyn caught her breath. The woman had the same molten gold eyes as Zade. There was no mistaking the resemblance.She wore elaborate robes of deep red and gold, her presence commanding and graceful.She came directly to Zade's side, her expression a mix of fear and sorrow.

"My son," she whispered, her voice unsteady.

Ashlyn stepped back, not wanting to intrude.

After a few minutes, Zade’s mother turned to Ashlyn, her eyes softening. "You must be Ashlyn Faro of Earth," she murmured in greeting, reaching out to take Ashlyn’s hands. "Brennar told me about you. I am Liara Miralos of Caldor."

Ashlyn nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I love him."

Liara's expression softened further, and she pulled Ashlyn into an embrace. "I can see that. I am grateful he has found someone who loves him so deeply. It gives me hope. A man in love will not give up easily."

“I’m so sorry this happened. It’s all my fault.”

"Come with me," Liara said gently, guiding her to a quieter room. They sat down and Liara clasped Ashlyn's hands in her own, her grip strong and comforting. "I want to tell you a story," she began, her voice soft.

“My mother’s people, the Saltrec, are the fiercest warriors on our planet. Almost legendary among the Sectors for their exceptional bravery and tenacity in battle. They simply do not quit. There is no quarter given, no mercy. They fight with a savagery born only to those who must fight to survive each day. In relationships, those qualities have earned the Saltrec a different reputation––we are more primitive, more savage, more possessive of the things we love, than other warriors, and even more determined to win.

Zade is of the Saltrec, was born with all of those qualities, yet he was not raised among us in a supportive, accepting environment. He was raised in the Northern Sector, yes, but far south of here, in the city. He fought with the other children, and the more he fought, the worse they treated him. They tauntedhim, called him a beast, yet when he tried to stop, tried to walk away, they taunted him even more. They said he was a coward and didn’t deserve the title of Saltrec. Eventually he gained control, buried his primitive nature behind a mask of cold civility at court, much preferring the battlefield where he could allow his instincts to rule.”

Ashlyn listened with rapt attention, treasuring this glimpse into Zade’s life. Her heart ached for the boy Liara described. She’d had no idea he’d been treated so poorly. She realized children could be cruel, no matter where they came from. “Oh no! The list!”

“What list?”

“Zade said females made lists to condemn a man before he knew what he’d done wrong or could fix it. Things he couldn’t control, like getting into fights or reading the wrong books!”

“Or having the wrong parents,” Liara smiled sadly. “Did he mention that one?”

“I…I…” Ashlyn hesitated, not wanting to offend Zade’s mother, yet not wanting to lie, either.

“It’s all right, child,” Liara added ruefully. “I am well aware of my shortcomings, and those of his father. I accepted long ago that I could not fight my son’s battles for him, no matter how much my heart ached to do so.”

Sniffling, Ashlyn nodded. “I didn’t understand when he said it. I thought he was just angry because I’d chosen someone else. That had to be what he was talking about, though. Someone in particular made him feel that way, not just the children, right? A woman?”

“You are wise beyond your years, Ashlyn of Earth. Yes, Zade was once excited, young and eager to find someone special, someone who could accept him, all of him, not just the facade he presented to the world.”

“Don’t tell me, he met a beautiful woman who acted like she was perfect, but on the inside was vain and selfish and rotten.”

“I see you’ve heard the story before.”

“Not his, specifically, but it happens where I come from way too often, to men and women both.”

“Ah. This happens occasionally on Caldor, as well. Zade thought he’d found true love and was blind to her flaws until it was too late. He shared every part of himself, believing she accepted his Saltrec ways. Then one day, he came home early from a long deployment, only to find her in bed with his best friend, laughing about the 'Saltrec beast'. He was deeply hurt.”

“Oh, no. That’s terrible. I would never do that to him.” Ashlyn raged for the young version of Zade, so full of hope and love; destroyed by the worst kind of betrayal.

“Of course not. I can see that you have a tender heart, and you love my son. Zade overheard this other woman, however, plotting to take his wealth and then leave him for the friend. After that day, Zade never allowed another female into his heart, swore he would never allow anyone to make a fool of him again."

Eyes filled with sorrow, she continued, “Zade never spoke to that woman again, cut all ties with his friend. As he matured, I had hoped he would find someone new to love, but he treated all his relationships with a casualness that was most unbecoming. Until he met you."

Tears flowed freely down Ashlyn’s cheeks. Zade’s past, the hurt and betrayal that had shaped him, weighed heavily on her heart. "I know we just met, but I love him so much," she repeated, her voice breaking. "I can't lose him."

Liara squeezed her hands. "Brennar told me about your courtship with my son. The truth is obvious to both of us; Zade is deeply in love with you. It takes great courage to love like that again, after being so deeply wounded. Right now, I think he’s fighting to come back to you. So, whatever happens, know thatyou have given my son something precious—a reason to fight, to live. I will stand by you, no matter what decision you make. I know Zade would want you to be safe above all else."

Shocked, her heart aching, Ashlyn stared incredulously. “You think he would tell me to let him go.”

A tear slipped from Liara’s eye. “I do. He would not want you to risk yourself for him.”

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