Page 97 of Alien Prince

Last night, as she lay beside me, I felt something I haven’t known since before my mother passed away.

Peace.

peace. She grounds me in a way I can’t explain, her warmth a balm against the endless weight of my responsibilities.

But that peace is a dangerous thing.

I’ve always known that my happiness is secondary to the survival of Erythos. My duty has always been to my people, my crown, my kingdom. Letting Emily into my heart was selfish, a crack in the armor I’ve worn since the day I made that vow.

And now, my enemies are exploiting it.

The council chamber was rife with whispers today, their voices carrying just loud enough for me to hear.

“She’s an outsider.”

“Brought here by the vessel, yes, but what do we truly know of her?”

“Rumors suggest she’s feeding information to the rebels.”

The accusations are baseless, born of fear and prejudice, but they’ve already begun to spread. The court thrives on intrigue, and the scent of scandal is enough to ignite a wildfire.

I clench my fists, my silver skin catching the light of the window. The thought of anyone doubting Emily’s loyalty and her character fills me with a rage I can barely contain. She’s done nothing but prove her strength, her intelligence, and her determination to adapt to a world that isn’t hers.

But the truth doesn’t matter to those who seek to undermine me.

“Your Highthos.”

The voice pulls me from my thoughts, and I turn to see Veyar, one of my most trusted advisors, standing in the doorway. His expression is carefully neutral, but I can see the tension in his posture.

“What is it?” I ask.

“There are… concerns,” he says delicately, “about the Earthling. Some believe her presence is a risk, given the rebellion.”

“She is not a risk,” I snap, the words coming out harsher than I planned.

Veyar doesn’t flinch, but his gaze hardens slightly. “I believe you, Your Highthos, but belief alone won’t quell the court. The whispers are growing louder.”

I turn back to the window, my jaw tight. “And what do you suggest I do? Cast her out? Prove them right by betraying the woman I…”

I stop myself before the words can escape.

The woman I love.

The realization is a knife to the heart, sharp and undeniable. I love her.

And that love is the very thing that could bring ruin to everything I’ve fought to protect.

Veyar doesn’t respond, giving me the silence I need to wrestle with my thoughts.

If I let her stay, she becomes a target—not just for my enemies but for every scheming noble who sees her as a weakness to exploit. If I send her away, I lose the one person who makes me feel like more than just a crown, a figurehead.

“I will handle it,” I say finally, my tone cold.

Veyar nods and leaves without another word, the heavy door closing behind him.

I grip the edge of the window ledge, my nails digging into the stone. My enemies think they can use Emily to destroy me, but they’re wrong. I will protect her no matter the cost.

But can I protect her without destroying myself?

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