Page 64 of Tricked By the Alien Prince

“You promised to return her home, correct?” Tanis asks.

“I did.”

“Then just return her home.”

“I...” A bitter laugh escapes me. “You make it sound so easy. Sure, Tanis, I’ll just break out of this locked room, lead my new army to overthrow my father, and then escort my mate back home where she will promptly leave me. Who knows, maybe we’ll just stop by for lunch and save her people while at it! Of course, that all depends upon us actually getting beyond that locked door. Easy. Not even my father’s personal guard can open this door without one of those special devices, and unless you have one on hand, it’s impossible.”

As if responding to my sarcastic outburst, a loud click echoes through the room. Both Tanis and I freeze, staring at the door as its electronic lock disengages with a soft whir. The heavy metal door swings open so very slowly, inch by inch revealing our freedom.

“What the—” Tanis stares at the door, genuine shock flickering across his luminae. The same surprise that I feel. “Did you do that?”

“That was rather unexpected,” I agree with him.

I stare at the door with wide eyes. Every inch of my body alert. Is this the moment that my father’s guards come bursting in? Will they be here to expel me from the kingdom, to live as a vagabond, or to kill me for my treasonous acts?

My eyes land upon the equally shocked guards gathering on the other side of the door, peering in at us. Clearly, they didn’t do it.

“I don’t know about the stopping to get lunch part,” Tanis mutters. “But it seems that we aren’t fated to stay sulking in this dark room.”

The door is open. I don’t care if it was the guards, or just the Gods intervening with my fate. I can get through, and I can find Maya. This is my chance, I realize, as fiery hope runs through my veins. It burns as it rushes through my limbs, and my luminae lights up the room in response to my intense emotions.

“I refuse to be a slave to the darkness,” I say out loud. “I refuse to break or bend, and Iwillfix that which is broken.”

My heart beats strong at the thrill of the upcoming battle.

I’m confident as I step towards my father’s chosen warriors. They draw and raise their spears towards me, even though I’m lacking my own weapon, as a vicious and bloodthirsty smile splits across my face.

Their defense doesn’t bother me, not one bit. I am my own weapon. My father tried to stop me from training, but I always found a way, even if it involved sneaking about with Tanis’ help.

With a battle cry, I dash through the door. I lunge, dodging the first attack and ducking under the sharpened blade as it swings past my shoulder. Using my momentum, I slam my arm against the side of the blade to push it safely aside, while my body slams into the guard’s torso. He stumbles back, knocking into his companion. As the male falls with a shout, I snatch his weapon from his loosened hold. Planting my foot on his stomach, I spin my weight and body to bring the spear stabbing down towards my second opponent, as they both struggle upon the floor.

The spear sinks deep.

Silence stretches in the hallway as I look down at my enemies. I breathe heavily, panting even, as a laugh bubbles from deep within me.

“You have two choices: stay down and admit loyalty to your new King, or die.”

The males stare up at me with wide eyes, their luminae pulsing furiously in their shock. Between both their heads, the spear tip is embedded into the stone floor. I could have easily killed them just now, and they know it. They are outmatched, having become lazy over the years, comforted by their strength in numbers. Meanwhile, I’ve been training relentlessly, all so that I might protect our people if it ever came to it.

“Mercy!” One of the males stutters, shaking. I shake my head at him, ashamed at his lack of courage and strength.

The other male looks up at me defiantly, and for a moment I fear that I will indeed have to take more drastic measures. Finally, he says, “Wherever you lead, my King, I will follow.”

I stare at him for a long hard moment, tension crackling between us. Let’s be honest, I don’t trust this male as far as I can throw him; especially since he was so quick to transfer his loyalty.

“Inside the room,” I direct them, stepping back to give them space to stand. “Let’s see how you like being kept prisoner for now. We’ll deal with you later.”

With a shove, I watch my bedroom door swing close, once again becoming a cell door as it clicks shut with a slight noise. It’s rather… undramatic.

“Tanis, are you ready?” I ask my friend as he collects the other spear, preparing himself for war.

The male gives me a nod, ready to follow me to the darkest of depths. He’s lucky; I’d never send a warrior before me to brave danger that I myself wouldn’t face. But I would accept a friend at my side.

“It’s time for us to walk in the light.”

I’ve waited for this moment my whole life. I’ve worked endlessly. None of it matters anymore. Not the fame, not the riches, not even the glory on the battlefield. I don’t care if anyone ever remembers my name. Today is the day that the false king falls, and I restore my people’s honor.

Today is the day that I will chase after my little Maya.

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