Page 53 of Alien Prince

Ryler’s cheers were genuine, and his laughter was warm and encouraging. “Nice shot! You’re a natural, Maisie!”

As we played, each hit and miss, each playful taunt and cheer, brought us closer. I could feel the tension of the past days lifting, replaced by the pure joy of the moment. We moved from stall to stall, sampling exotic foods and laughing; intrigued by the various gadgets and keepsakes the vendors displayed. The festival lights and laughter wrapped around us like a comforting blanket, providing a much-needed escape.

Under the open sky, surrounded by the warm glow of lights and the excited chatter of the crowd, I felt something powerful—a sense of belonging. Holding Ryler’s hand as we navigated the vibrant festivities made everything feel more connected, as if the threads of our lives were weaving tighter with each passing moment.

When the final fireworks lit up the night, Ryler and I stood side by side, watching the brilliant colors explode across the sky. The warmth of the display lingered on my skin, and I could feel the energy in the air around us.

“Thank you for tonight,” I said softly, turning to Ryler with genuine gratitude. “I needed this.”

His smile was gentle, his gaze warm. “Anytime, Maisie. We need moments like these to remind us what we’re fighting for.”

Chapter 12

Revelations

The night was a tapestry of shadows and flickering lights as I hurried away from the jubilant crowds of the festival. The echo of laughter and music faded behind me, replaced by the whispering hush of the palace corridors. The cool floor chilled my feet through the thin soles of my sandals, grounding me as I navigated the hallways lit by the soft glow of luminescent crystals embedded in the walls.

Clutched tightly in my hand was a data pad containing the evidence—a web of communications, encrypted files, and financial transactions that painted a grim picture of a looming coup. The smooth surface of the device was warm against my palm, a stark contrast to the cold sweat slicking my skin. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat echoing like a drum in the stillness. The faint scent of burning incense wafted through the air, its spicy aroma doing little to calm my nerves.

As I approached the grand doors of the council chamber, two guards crossed their halberds to block my path. Their armor gleamed under the ambient light, and the metallic scent of polished steel mixed with the incense, creating an almost suffocating atmosphere.

“Ambassador Carter, the council is not in session,” one guard stated, his voice muffled behind his ornate helmet.

“I need to speak with Prince Kas immediately,” I insisted, trying to keep the tremor out of my voice. “It's a matter of utmost urgency.”

The guards exchanged a glance. “Wait here,” the other guard commanded before disappearing behind the heavy doors.

I stood there, the silence pressing in on me. My fingers tightened around the data pad, the hard edges digging into my skin. I took a deep breath, the air cool in my lungs, and tried to steady my racing thoughts. The polished wooden doors loomed before me, their intricate carvings depicting historical victories and celestial events. Tonight, they seemed more like barriers than art.

The door creaked open, and the guard reappeared. “Prince Kas will see you now.”

I nodded my thanks and stepped inside. The council chamber was vast, its domed ceiling adorned with a mural of Xeno Prime's twin moons surrounded by stars. The room was dimly lit, with only a few sconces casting a warm, golden glow. The scent of aged parchment and leather-bound tomes filled the air, reminding me of ancient libraries back home.

Prince Kas stood at the far end of the room, silhouetted against a tall window through which the moons cast their silvery light. His dark hair caught the ethereal glow, and his gem-colored eyes met mine as I approached. There was a hardness in his gaze, tempered by curiosity.

“Ambassador Carter,” he greeted me formally. “What brings you here at this hour?”

I swallowed hard, my mouth suddenly dry. “Your Highness, I apologize for the intrusion, but I have information that cannot wait.” I held up the data pad. “It's about a plot against the throne—a coup.”

His eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I saw a flash of vulnerability beneath his stoic exterior. “Come forward,” he ordered softly.

I crossed the expansive chamber, the sound of my footsteps swallowed by the thick, woven carpet underfoot. The rich hues ofblue and gold swirled beneath me, patterns that seemed to shift with each step. As I reached him, I could see the tension in his posture—the rigid set of his shoulders, the tightness around his mouth.

“Show me,” he commanded.

I placed the data pad on a nearby table carved from dark wood, its surface cool and smooth. My fingers brushed against his as he reached for the device, sending a jolt up my arm. The faint scent of his cologne—something earthy with a hint of cedar—filled the space between us.

As he scanned the contents, his expression grew increasingly grim. The soft glow from the screen illuminated his features, casting shadows that accentuated the sharp lines of his face. The silence stretched, heavy and oppressive, broken only by the distant sound of the festival fireworks—a stark contrast to the darkness unfolding here.

“How did you obtain this?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I found encrypted communications and cross-referenced them with financial records,” I explained, the words tumbling out in a rush. “It took time to piece it all together, but there's no doubt. Members of your own council are involved.”

He looked up sharply, his eyes searching mine. “Do you realize the gravity of these accusations?”

“Yes,” I replied firmly. “But I couldn't stay silent. Your Highness, you have to believe me.”

“You were seen with my brother in the fair this evening, why did you not bring this to his attention?” His eyebrow lifted.

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