Page 45 of Alien Prince

The meeting concluded on a note of shared purpose and mutual respect. As I rose from my seat, I felt a profound sense of admiration for Bayn’s capabilities and a curiosity that lingered. Behind his calm demeanor and careful words, I sensed there was more to him—a complexity and depth I hadn’t yet glimpsed but was drawn to understand. There was absolutely something that felt like more than just a first meeting for us. Something deeper.

Chapter 6

The Dress

As the grand council room's heavy doors closed behind me with a soft hiss, I released a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. The echoes of Prince Bayn's resonant voice lingered in my mind, his deep amethyst eyes leaving an imprint I couldn't quite shake. The cool air of the corridor brushed against my skin, carrying with it the faint scent of exotic spices and something floral—perhaps a native bloom of Xeno Prime.

“Ambassador Carter?” a gentle voice called out.

I turned to see a tall woman with iridescent skin that shimmered like mother-of-pearl. Her eyes were a calming shade of teal, and her long, flowing attire moved as if caught in a perpetual, gentle breeze.

“Yes?” I replied, offering a polite smile.

“I am Zoirse, your attendant. If you'll follow me, I'll escort you to your quarters so you can prepare for this evening's festivities,” she said, her voice as soothing as a lullaby.

“Thank you, Zoirse. Lead the way,” I said.

As we walked, the soft padding of our footsteps was absorbed by the plush, deep-blue carpet that lined the hallway. It honestly felt more like walking on a pristine golf course’s greens than a carpet. The walls were adorned with intricate murals depicting celestial scenes—stars collapsing into supernovas, planets orbiting twin suns, galaxies spiraling into infinity. A subtle, ambient melody filled the air, its rhythm syncing with the gentle pulsing of lights that lined the corridor. The flicker, similar to candles, but there was no flame.

“You have a remarkable planet,” I remarked, my eyes tracing the constellations etched above us.

“Xeno Prime is a world of beauty and history,” Zoirse replied. “We are honored to share it with you.”

We arrived at a set of double doors made from a luminescent material that seemed to glow from within. As Zoirse pressed her palm to a delicate panel beside them, the doors slid open silently, revealing a room that had all cream colored furnishings. A few pops of emerald greens and chocolate browns accented with throws and pillows made the whole thing almost too surreal.

The room was breathtaking. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the cityscape below, where towering structures intertwined with lush greenery. Bioluminescent plants cast a soft glow, and tiny airborne creatures flitted about like living stars. The air was fragrant with the scent of night-blooming flowers from Earth, sweet and intoxicating.

“I hope you find everything to your liking,” Zoirse said, gesturing toward a seating area where a tray of exotic fruits and delicacies awaited. Their vibrant colors and unfamiliar shapes piqued my curiosity.

“It's more than I could have imagined,” I admitted, taking it all in. My breath was almost stalled in my lungs.

“Your attire for the evening has been prepared,” she added, motioning toward an ornate wardrobe carved with swirling patterns reminiscent of galaxies and nebulae.

I walked over and opened the wardrobe doors. Inside hung a single gown, and my breath caught in my throat. It was exquisite—a deep violet dress that seemed to capture and refract light like the facets of a jewel. The fabric was soft and cool beneath my fingertips, flowing like liquid silk.

“It's beautiful,” I whispered. “But there must be some mistake. How did you know my size?”

Zoirse smiled mysteriously. “We have our ways. The dress was selected especially for you.”

“By whom?” I asked, turning to face her.

“Perhaps someone who wishes to make a memorable impression,” she replied coyly.

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. “It's perfect. Please extend my gratitude to whoever was responsible.”

“I shall,” Zoirse said with a slight bow. “If you need anything else, simply call for me.” With that, she exited the room, leaving me alone with the magnificent view and the enigmatic gown.

I traced my fingers over the dress once more, wondering who had chosen it. Was it Prince Bayn, with his intense gaze and measured words? It was very nearly the same shade as his eyes. Or perhaps Prince Ryler, whose reputation for charm preceded him? The color was striking—a bold choice that made a statement. It felt significant, intentional.

Shaking off the speculation, I decided to freshen up. The adjoining bathroom was a sanctuary of tranquility. A cascade of water flowed gently over a wall of smooth stones into a sunken bath, steam rising to fill the air with the scent of eucalyptus and lavender. Soft lights glowed beneath the water's surface, turning it into a pool of liquid light.

I stepped into the bath, the water enveloping me in soothing warmth. As I relaxed, I could hear distant melodies—a chorus of harmonious voices mingling with the soft strumming of stringed instruments. It was as if the entire palace was alive with music.

After a while, I emerged from the bath feeling rejuvenated. I wrapped myself in a plush towel that was impossibly soft, like being embraced by a cloud. Standing before a mirror that adjusted its illumination to the perfect level, I began to prepare for the evening.

I applied light makeup with a light brown smokey eye. Using only a matte pink lip shade that was one darker than my naturallips and a lip gloss that had a bit of glitter, I smacked my lips one last time in the mirror before I was satisfied with the mostly natural look.

I slipped into the gown, and it fit like it had been crafted just for me—which, apparently, it had. The fabric caressed my skin, cool and smooth, and moved elegantly with every step I took. I adorned myself with the accessories laid out on a nearby table: delicate earrings that sparkled with a light of their own, and a bracelet that wrapped around my wrist like a vine studded with tiny crystals.

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