Page 89 of Alien Prince

“I know exactly what this is about,” I say sharply, leaning forward. “I’ve spent my entire life balancing the needs of this kingdom with the expectations of those who would see it fall. You think you understand the stakes, but you don’t.”

Her eyes flash with anger, and she rises from her seat, closing the distance between us. “Then help me understand,” she demands, her voice trembling with frustration. “Stop shutting me out every time I get too close to the truth. You can’t trust me halfway, Kael. Either let me in or send me away.”

I rise to meet her, my heart pounding as her challenge hangs in the air between us. She’s standing so close now, her breath warm against my skin, her fire burning brighter than ever.

“I can’t send you away,” I say quietly, the admission escaping before I can stop it.

Her eyes widen slightly, surprise flickering across her face, but she doesn’t back down. “Why not?” she whispers, her voice barely audible.

I don’t answer. I can’t. The weight of her question presses against me, demanding an honesty I’ve spent years avoiding.

“Because I don’t want to,” I say finally, the words raw and unguarded.

The silence that follows is deafening, the tension between us crackling like a live wire. Her gaze drops to my mouth, and I feel myself leaning closer, drawn to her in a way I can’t resist.

Her scent surrounds me, warm and intoxicating, and the thought of kissing her—of giving in to this pull—consumes every rational part of my mind.

But just as our lips are about to meet, I pull back, the reality of what I’m doing crashing over me like a wave.

“We can’t,” I say, my voice hoarse.

She takes a shaky step back, her cheeks flushed and her breathing unsteady. “Why not?” she asks again, her tone softer now, almost pleading.

“Because there’s too much at stake,” I say, turning away from her. “For both of us.”

I hear her exhale, a sound of frustration and hurt that cuts deeper than I expect. When I glance back, she’s already gathering her notes, avoiding my gaze as she moves toward the door.

“Good night, Kael,” she says quietly, and before I can respond, she’s gone.

The room feels colder without her, the silence oppressive.

Doesn’t she realize that if I give into my desires, I won’t be able to stop with a simple kiss? I would rip off her clothes and fuck her until she’s screaming my name.

That can’t happen.

Not unless she’s willing to be my future queen.

And with the possible rebellion… and the struggling colony… and all of my responsibilities…

It might be best if I wait to wed.

If I ever do.

Whatever this is between us, it’s dangerous. And yet, I can’t seem to stay away.

Chapter Thirteen

Emily

A few days later, I’ve been doing everything in my power to avoid Kael. My maid, Karlia, is sweet and kind. I consider her more of a friend than anything else, and she’s been quizzing me and giving me tasks to try to learn more about their planet and kingdom.

But now, I’ve discovered a transmission. Decoding it has occupied me for hours now. I have no idea what it is or what it can mean so I ask Karlia to fetch Kael.

He arrives quicker than I would’ve thought. Karlia is nowhere in sight.

My room is dimly lit, the only illumination coming from the flickering console in front of us. Kael leans over the display, his silver skin catching the faint light as his sharp eyes scan the lines of alien text. I’m close enough to feel the heat radiating off him, close enough that every movement he makes sends a jolt through me.

“This section,” I say, pointing to a cluster of symbols on the screen. “It keeps repeating, but the sequence is slightly different each time. Honestly, it I didn’t know any better, I would think it’s a code of some sort.”

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