Page 17 of Asking Fur Trouble

“Are you game?” He leaned forward, challenging her. “Or would you rather stick to the safe, guided palace tour again?”

A flicker of something crossed her face—determination, maybe even defiance. “I didn’t travel across the galaxy to play it safe, Prince Charov.”

He grinned, admiring her newfound boldness. “Meet me at the transport bay in thirty minutes. The blue transport this time.”

“You’re not going to tell me what we’re doing?”

“Where’s the fun in that?” He winked, enjoying the way her cheeks flushed again. “Trust me. You’re going to love it.”

Charov strode into his royal chambers with newfound energy pulsing through his veins. He peeled off his formal attire, the heavy fabrics of royal life dropping away as his bear spirit rumbled with anticipation. This was exactly what he needed today—what they both needed.

“Torborn!” he called out, and his loyal assistant materialized in the doorway. “I’m taking Bess skydiving today. Have the plane prepared and ready. Full safety protocols, but nothing that will dampen the thrill.”

Torborn’s eyebrows shot up, but he knew better than to question his prince. “Of course, Your Highness. Shall I alert the landing crew to expect two jumpers?”

“Yes. And have a picnic and refreshments waiting at the basin afterward.” Charov pulled on a fitted black jumpsuit that hugged his muscular frame. “We’ll be taking the blue transport. Make it discreet—no royal flags.”

As Torborn departed, Charov caught his reflection in the mirror. Soon, the weight of the crown would limit these escapes. These moments of pure, unadulterated freedom would become rare treasures once his father passed. The thought weighed on him, but he pushed it aside. Today wasn’t about that darkness. Today was about discovery.

He wanted—no, needed—to see what Bess was truly made of. Anyone could be polite at a royal dinner. Anyone could appreciate a sunset. But free-falling through Nova Aurora’s atmosphere? That separated the adventurers from the administrators.

His bear instincts told him there was more to this Earth woman than meticulously filed paperwork. That spark he had glimpsed at breakfast needed kindling, and nothing ignited hidden fire like fear conquered.

The blue transport hummed silently as it pulled up to the transport bay. Charov leaned casually against its sleek exterior, his eyes fixed on the entranceway. When Bess emerged in fitted cargo pants and a simple white T-shirt, her thick hair pulled back in a practical ponytail, his pulse quickened. The simple clothes somehow accentuated her curves more than the fancy dress had.

“Right on time,” he said, opening the door for her. “I appreciate punctuality in a woman.”

“And I appreciate a man who doesn’t keep me waiting.” She slid past him, her scent—now mixed with Nova Auroran soap—flooding his senses.

As the transport glided through the castle gates and toward the mountains, he studied her profile. The nervous energy radiating off her was intoxicating.

“So, are you going to tell me where we’re going yet?” she asked, breaking the silence.

“You’ll find out soon enough.” He stretched his arm along the back of the seat, not quite touching her but close enough to feel the heat from her body. “Patience is a virtue.”

“One I’ve never been particularly good at.” She turned to face him, her eyes challenging. “Give me a hint.”

He grinned, enjoying her boldness. “Let’s just say it involves the sky and a spectacular view of my kingdom.”

“That could be anything from a hot air balloon to a mountaintop picnic.”

“Much more exciting than either of those.” The road curved sharply upward, and he watched her gaze drift to the increasingly steep drop beyond the window. “Nervous?”

“Should I be?” Her voice carried just the slightest tremor.

“Fear is just your body’s way of telling you you’re about to do something worth remembering.” He reached over and took her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “Do you trust me, Bess?”

She hesitated for a heartbeat before answering. “I’m still deciding.”

He laughed, a deep rumble that matched his bear’s satisfaction. “Honest. I like that.”

The private airfield came into view, and he watched her eyes widen as she spotted the sleek aircraft waiting on the launchpad.

“We’re... flying somewhere?”

“Not exactly.” He grinned, feeling more alive than he had in months. “We’re jumping.”

Her mouth dropped open, and he couldn’t help but admire the perfect O it formed. He soon got out of the transport and held out his hand, pulling her out with a firm grip.

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