Page 87 of Alien Prince

But it’s more than that.

I don’twanther to leave.

The thought grips me like a vice, and I scowl, clenching the edge of the balcony rail. I can’t afford to think this way. My duty to my people, to Erythos, must come first. Personal desires haveno place in the life I’ve chosen—no place in the weight of the crown I’ll inherit.

And yet, every time I see her, every time her fire sparks against my control, I feel that resolve slipping.

I vowed to keep my distance, to hold myself apart from her. It’s the only way to protect her, to protect myself. But the more time I spend in her presence, the more I’m drawn to her—to her strength, her vulnerability, the way she sees me not as a prince, but as a man.

I shake my head, forcing those thoughts aside.

The rebellion looms like a shadow over everything, a constant reminder of the stakes. If I falter, if I allow myself to be consumed by these feelings, it’s not just my future that’s at risk—it’s the future of an entire kingdom.

Emily doesn’t know the danger she’s in, the threat her presence poses to those who would use her against me. She doesn’t understand how fragile the peace here truly is. And I can’t let her become a target.

That’s why I have to stay away.

But even as I make that vow, I know it’s already breaking. Because no matter how much I tell myself otherwise, I can’t stop wanting her.

And that conflict… it’s tearing me apart.

Chapter Eleven

Emily

Kael’s been avoiding me ever since that dance. Maybe I did something wrong. Maybe I embarrassed him.

Can it be that maybe he was disgusted that he got hard because of me? Maybe he’s not sexually drawn to me.

But I am to him. He saved me from the storm, and he’s stood up for me. Yes, he’s hot and cold, but I get the feeling he doesn’t know what to think of me, just like I don’t know what to think of him.

So I throw myself back into my studies. I’m fascinated by all of this rich culture even if it does confuse me. It’s better for me to read than to sleep.

Because when I sleep, I dream.

And I dream about that dance.

And I dream about us leaving together and heading to bed together…

The text in front of me blurs as I trace the intricate symbols with my fingers. The Erythosian script is still a challenge to read, but I’ve been piecing it together for weeks, and this passage catches my attention in a way none of the others have.

I squint at the faded markings, my heart racing as the pieces begin to click. This isn’t just some ancient myth or historical record—it’s a blueprint.

The vessel. The matchmaking ship.

The texts describe it as more than a tradition or a relic of Erythos’s past. It’s tied to some kind of ancient technology, something powerful and dangerous that was hidden away longago. The vessel wasn’t just a way to ensure the royal line—it was a tool, a safeguard.

Or a weapon.

I shove the book aside, my hands trembling as I gather my notes. I don’t know how much time I have before someone notices what I’ve been researching. The texts were tucked away in a section of the library Kael’s advisors hadn’t even mentioned to me. That alone makes me think this isn’t knowledge I’m supposed to have.

But Kael needs to know.

The door to his private chamber looms in front of me, and I hesitate before knocking. My heart pounds, a mix of nerves and excitement coursing through me.

“Enter,” his deep voice calls, and I push the door open, clutching the book and my notes to my chest.

Kael looks up from where he’s seated at a low table, his expression unreadable as always. “Emily,” he says, his tone neutral but laced with curiosity. “What is it?”

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