Page 82 of Alien Prince

The maid assures me—twice—that Emily has been instructed in the basic manners of our people. Her confidence in Emily is almost irritating, but I let it slide. I’ve seen enough of the Earthling to know she can hold her own, though I’m not entirely sure how she’ll fare among Erythos’s elite.

“This will go smoothly,” the maid says with a small bow before leaving me to wait for Emily.

Smoothly. I doubt that.

The doors to the chamber open, and Emily steps in, wearing a gown of shimmering silver that matches the tones of my people’s attire. It’s not unexpected for her to wear such clothing. In fact, it’s a necessity for her to speak with the elite.

However, she looks far more regal than I anticipated, her shoulders squared and her chin held high.

I suppress a flicker of surprise. She’s adapting faster than I gave her credit for.

“Ready?” I ask, my tone neutral as I step toward her.

Her eyes narrow slightly, a spark of defiance still lingering despite the polished appearance. “As I’ll ever be.”

I offer my arm, and after the barest moment of hesitation, she takes it. Her touch is light, almost hesitant, but her posture remains steady as I lead her toward the grand dining hall.

The moment we step inside, the buzz of conversation falters. Every pair of eyes turns toward us, some curious, others judgmental. Whispers ripple through the room like the soft hum of an unseen current, and I feel Emily stiffen beside me.

She doesn’t look at me, but I can sense her unease. It radiates from her in waves, subtle but unmistakable.

I guide her to her seat, nodding to the assembled guests as we pass. The whispers grow louder, their words sharper, more pointed.

“—an Earthling? Truly?”

“—aninterestingchoice for the vessel.”

“—hardly looks fit for a royal table.”

My jaw tightens, but I force my expression to remain impassive. This is exactly what I expected—jealous stares from those who once thought themselves contenders for the throne, thinly veiled insults from nobles who think their lineage makes them superior.

Emily sits gracefully, her movements careful but not awkward. She’s trying, I realize, and succeeding far more than I anticipated.

Still, the tension in the room is palpable.

Across the table, Lady Ilyra, one of the more vocal opponents of the vessel’s choices, smiles coldly. “Your Highthos,” she says, her tone dripping with faux politeness, “it’s… refreshing to see such diversity at the royal table.”

Emily glances at her, clearly catching the condescension, but she says nothing. Instead, she focuses on the goblet in front of her, her fingers tightening around the stem.

“She’s adjusting well,” I say smoothly, my gaze locking with Ilyra’s. “Far better than some would have expected.”

Ilyra’s smile falters, but she recovers quickly. “Of course. The vessel’s choices are… unique, as always.” Her nostrils flare, and I can read her mind.

She’s wondering why I haven’t cast Emily aside already as quickly as I had the previous ones chosen by the vessel.

The conversation shifts, and I let it flow around us, keeping one ear tuned to the undercurrents of the room. Emily remains quiet, though her tension hasn’t eased.

“Are you all right?” I murmur, leaning slightly toward her.

Her eyes flick up to meet mine, and I see the storm of emotions swirling beneath her calm exterior. “Fine,” she says softly, though I don’t believe her.

I glance around the table, noting the subtle glares, the whispers behind raised goblets. They see her as an outsider, unworthy of the position she’s been thrust into.

Fools.

Emily doesn’t yet realize the strength she possesses—the resilience that makes her stand out in a room full of people who’ve never known true adversity. But I see it, and while I can’t shield her from their pettiness entirely, I can ensure they don’t forget who brought her to this table.

My gaze sweeps over the room, my tone cold as I address the gathered nobles. “Emily may not be from Erythos,” I say, my voice cutting through the low murmur of conversation, “but she has proven herself more adaptable and capable than many born to it.”

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