Page 110 of Alien Prince

“I need you to hear me,” I say, reaching for her hand. I’m always surprised by how warm she is. I think Earthlings must run slightly warmer than my kind. “I need you to understand something.”

She nods, though her expression remains guarded. “I’m listening.”

“I love you,” I say. “I know I already told you this, but I think my love started when we first met. You’ve always challenged me and kept me off my guard. No one else has ever done that. Too many tried to pander to me or get close for personal gain, but not you, not even when your life hung in my hands. The fighting… the rebels… You could have asked to return to Earth to avoid that entire conflict, but you stood beside me. You already acted as queen. My love for you… I’ve loved you since the moment you stood your ground and refused to let this world break you.”

Her lips part slightly, but she doesn’t interrupt.

“I’ll admit that I was prejudiced against you from the start. An Earthling as a queen to a different race? When Earthlings lack space travel? But you have had such an open mind, and your curiosity and willingness to learn… You’ve proven yourself time and again, and you are my equal.” I squeeze her hand. “You are my partner, and if the crown, the throne, the courtly intrigue… if any of it stands between us, I will give it up.”

Her eyes widen, shock flashing across her face. “Kael, you can’t—”

“I can,” I interrupt, going back down onto one knee, “and I will. If it means keeping you, I’ll abdicate. I’ll find someone else to take my place, someone who can rule without plunging the kingdom into chaos. There will not be civil war.”

She shakes her head, tears glistening in her eyes. “Your father… he’s sick. The kingdom needs you.”

“My father wouldn’t want me to sacrifice my happiness for a title,” I say, my voice softening. “He loved my mother, his queen, more than anyone else in all of the galaxies. As much as I want to honor his legacy, I will not let it cost me you.”

Her breath catches, and I see her walls begin to crumble.

“I’ve spent my entire life carrying the weight of this kingdom,” I continue, my own voice trembling now. “I’ve fought for it, bled for it, and I will always care for it, but I’ve finallyfound something—someone—that makes all my life worthwhile in a way that being a prince never has.”

Her tears spill over, and she presses her free hand to her mouth, her shoulders trembling.

“You don’t have to decide now,” I say gently, reaching out to take her hand, “but I thought you should know that my love for you is not bound by duty or expectation. It’s yours, freely given, and I will do whatever it takes to make you feel safe, to make you feel like you belong no matter which planet you decide to live the rest of your life.”

She looks at me then, her gaze filled with a mix of awe and uncertainty. “But the kingdom…” she whispers, her voice breaking.

“We will find a way,” I promise, my grip on her hand tightening. “Together. You and I, ruling as equals, but only if that is what you want.”

Her lips tremble, and I see something shift in her expression—a glimmer of hope, of possibility.

“You’d give it all up for me?” she asks softly, her voice filled with wonder.

“Yes,” I say without hesitation. “Without question.”

Her tears flow freely now, and she leans forward and wraps her arms around me. I hold her tightly, my heart pounding as her warmth anchors me.

“You’re impossible,” she murmurs against my chest, her voice muffled. She draws back to look up at me, a faint smile curling her perfect, full lips.

“And yet, you’re still here,” I reply, smiling back at her.

For the first time in my life, I feel the weight of the crown lift, replaced by something far more precious.

The possibility of a future with her by my side.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Emily

Looking at Kael smile only makes my decision that much easier, but this is not a choice I can make lightly. I need to make a determination based on logic and reason and my head.

Not my heart.

I’ve never been an overly passionate, emotional person. I’ve always been practical, but being here on Erythos has not only challenged me but it’s also changed me.

Knowing Kael has changed me.

Loving Kael has changed me.

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