Page 121 of Alien Prince

“I thought I was ready for this,” he says after a moment, his voice rough, “but I wasn’t.”

“No one ever is,” I reply, my own memories surfacing. My parents, gone in an instant, leaving me with a hollow ache I never thought I’d fill.

He pulls back slightly, his hands moving to caress my face. “How do you bear it?” he asks, his vulnerability breaking my heart.

“You don’t,” I say honestly. “Not completely. But you carry it. You let the love you had for them guide you, shape you. And when it feels too heavy, you lean on the people who love you.”

His eyes search mine, and he nods, his grip tightening. “Have you…”

I nod. “My parents are both deceased. They died years ago. I still miss them, and I always will, but I carry them with me.” I press a fist against my heart.

Kael hugs me. “I am sorry for your loss.”

“As I am for yours.” I look up at him. “The people are waiting,” I say gently.

He exhales deeply, nodding again. “Let’s go.”

The throne room is filled with a quiet hum of voices, the gathered crowd reflecting the collective sorrow of the kingdom. Kael and I step onto the dais.

“My people,” Kael begins, his tone resonating with a quiet strength, “today, we mourn the passing of a great king, a man whose wisdom and dedication shaped Erythos into the kingdom we cherish.” He pauses, his gaze sweeping across the room, meeting the eyes of nobles and commoners alike. “My father was more than a ruler. He was a mentor, a protector, and, above all, a man who cared deeply for every soul under his reign. His decisions were not always easy, nor were they always popular. But they were always made with the well-being of this kingdom at heart.”

I feel a swell of pride watching him.

“He taught me what it means to serve, what it means to lead—not through power or fear, but through compassion and understanding. It is a lesson I will carry with me every day as I take up the mantle he has left behind.” His voice falters slightly, the rawness of his grief breaking through for a moment, but he steadies himself, lifting his chin as his violet eyes gleam with determination. “This is not a time for division or despair,” he continues. “It is a time for unity, for strength. My father believed in the potential of Erythos, in the resilience of its people, and I promise you I will honor his legacy by building a future worthy of his vision.”

The crowd shifts, the collective sorrow giving way to something else—hope, respect, and an unspoken commitment to stand with their new king.

Kael is the embodiment of strength and resolve. He speaks with the authority of a king, commanding the respect of everyone in the room. But it’s the heart of a son—the raw, unfiltered emotion beneath his words—that truly moves me.

This is the man I chose, the man I love. And in this moment, I know without a doubt that we’re ready to lead Erythos together, no matter what the future holds.

The room falls silent, all eyes turning to us. Without hesitation, I reach for his hand, threading my fingers through his.

We stand together, a united front. The room erupts in applause, the sound echoing off the high ceilings. It’s not a celebration but an acknowledgment—a pledge of loyalty and hope for the future.

That night, as we sit together in the quiet of our chamber, Kael leans his head against mine. “I couldn’t have done this without you,” he says softly.

“You’ll never have to,” I reply, my voice filled with quiet conviction.

His lips find mine in a kiss that’s slow and tender, a reaffirmation of the bond that has carried us through every challenge.

The galaxy may throw countless obstacles our way, but as long as we have each other, I know we can face anything.

Our love burns brighter than ever, a guiding light in the darkness. And together, we are unstoppable.

The End

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