Page 57 of Alien Prince

Kas raised an eyebrow. “Go on.”

I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. “What if we feed them false information? Create a scenario that forces their hand?”

Kas considered this, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “You propose we set a trap.”

“Exactly,” I affirmed. “We can leak intel about a vulnerability—perhaps a key moment when the throne will be unguarded or when you're supposedly away from the palace.”

Ryler smirked. “They'd be hard-pressed to pass up such a chance.”

“But it must be convincing,” Kas cautioned. “If they suspect deceit, they'll simply retreat further into the shadows.”

I glanced at Ryler. “That's where your connections come in. You mentioned you weren't sure who to trust, but perhaps you can use that uncertainty to our advantage.”

He tilted his head, curiosity gleaming in his lilac eyes. “You want me to play the role of a discontented prince?”

“Not entirely,” I clarified. “But perhaps you can appear... conflicted. Let slip that you're frustrated with the current state of affairs.”

Kas's jaw tightened. “I don't like the idea of my brother putting himself at risk.”

Ryler placed a reassuring hand on Kas's arm. “I can handle myself. Besides, they'll be less suspicious of me than of you or Maisie.”

The tension in the room thickened, the weight of unspoken fears hanging heavy in the air. The faint hum of the palace's energy systems provided a distant backdrop, a reminder of the vastness surrounding our intimate council.

Kas exhaled slowly. “Very well. But we proceed with extreme caution.”

I reached into my satchel and pulled out a small device, placing it on the table. Its sleek, metallic surface reflected the swirling colors from the windows above. “This is a secure communicator linked directly to I.R.M.A.'s network. We can use it to coordinate without fear of interception.”

Ryler examined the device, his fingers brushing over the smooth surface. “Impressive. You came prepared.”

I offered a faint smile. “I try.”

Kas's gaze softened as he looked at me. “Your resourcefulness is invaluable, Maisie.”

A blush warmed my cheeks, and I looked away, focusing on the patterns in the floor. “Just doing my part.”

Ryler cleared his throat, drawing our attention back. “So, what's the plan in detail?”

I straightened, the gravity of the moment settling over me. “We'll start by planting the seed. Ryler, you'll need to be seen expressing doubts—nothing overt, just enough to pique their interest.”

He nodded. “I can arrange to have a conversation in a place where I know certain ears are always listening.”

Kas interjected, “Meanwhile, I'll announce a diplomatic mission to a nearby system—a plausible reason for me to be away from the palace.”

“But in reality, you'll remain here,” I added. “We'll tighten security discreetly. Zoirse is coordinating with trusted staff to ensure all loyal personnel are in key positions.”

Ryler leaned back in his chair, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes. “It's almost a shame we're using this plan for something so serious. It sounds like the setup for a grand theatrical performance.”

Kas's lips quirked into a half-smile. “Let's hope the finale is a success.”

A moment of shared levity eased some of the tension. The aroma of the kava mingled with the subtle scent of the blooming flora outside, carried in by a gentle breeze that stirred the sheer drapes framing the windows.

I stood and walked over to the window, gazing out at the sprawling gardens bathed in morning light. The vibrant colors of alien blossoms contrasted sharply with the dark undertones of our mission. The cool glass under my fingertips as I placed my hand onto the window anchored me while a wave of uncertainty washed over me.

“Are we doing the right thing?” I whispered, more to myself than to them.

Footsteps approached softly, and soon Kas was beside me. “Doubts?”

I sighed, my breath fogging the glass briefly. “I'm just worried about the collateral damage. Innocent people could get hurt if this goes wrong.”

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