Page 92 of Alien Prince

Not because she’s weak. Far from it. Her strength, her intelligence, her fiery determination are what drew me to her in the first place, but those same qualities make her a target. A vulnerability I cannot afford.

I rise from the couch, forcing myself to turn away from her. The sight of her, so peaceful, so unguarded, twists something deep inside me. I clench my fists, my resolve hardening with every step I take away from her.

This has to end.

I cannot allow myself to care for her—not like this. Not when the cost could be her life.

When she wakes, I will be cold. Distant. I will put the walls back up, no matter how much it hurts her, no matter how much it tears me apart.

But even as I make the decision, I know I will protect her.

Even if it means pushing her away. Even if it means breaking both of our hearts.

Because the thought of losing her, of seeing her hurt because of me, is something I cannot bear.

Nor can I bear the thought of sending her away and having another in her place to serve as my queen.

And so, I vow—silently, fiercely—that no harm will come to her. Not while I still breathe.

Even if she never knows.

Chapter Fifteen

Emily

Being with Kael… I dreamed about it plenty, but the actual experience… I thought it might never happen.

But it did.

And I have zero regrets.

It was absolutely amazing.

But when I wake, Kael’s gone.

Worse, he’s changed.

Maybe he found me lacking, although he certainly hadn’t acted that way in the moment. Maybe he just wanted to experience the novelty of having sex with an Earthling. Maybe now he won’t want me to be his queen.

And what then? What will happen to me? Will I be allowed to return to the life I left behind?

I don’t think I want that anymore. My life on Earth… yes, I enjoyed it, but I never had a lot of friends. My shyness held me back. By thinking all of this was a dream at first, I found my voice. I’ve been speaking up for myself, and Kael appreciates that.

Or maybe that had only been an act.

Maybe I upset him.

It’s entirely possible that I ruined everything.

I just wish I knew how.

Over the course of the next few days, my worst fears come true. Kael’s mood swings are enough to drive anyone insane. One minute, he’s warm, his touch lingering just long enough to make me think there’s something real between us. The next, he’s as cold as the frost on Erythos’s distant mountains, retreating behind that impenetrable mask of his.

I’ve had enough.

I pace the length of my room, the knot in my chest growing with every step. I’ve been patient—probably too patient—but his behavior is tearing me apart. If he regrets what happened between us, fine, but he owes me an explanation.

The decision solidifies in my mind, and I storm out of my room, heading straight for his chamber. The halls are quiet this late, the faint glow of the bioluminescent lights casting eerie shadows on the walls.

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