Page 5 of Tricked By the Alien Prince

“I’m not afraid to seek the light. But perhaps you are,” I declare loudly for all to hear. A hum of voices fills the air at my proclamation. I’ve always toed the line, but I’ve never outright spoken against my father. Not like I am today.

Behind me, Tanis, my ever-faithful guard, shifts on his feet. I sense his movements more than I can hear. I can imagine Tanis flexing his fingers, wanting to reach for the comfort of his weapon.

I flash my markings slowly, showing that I am relaxed and calm. I’m not. It’s more for Tanis’ benefit than my own, to calm him. Without a doubt, he’ll put his body between mine and danger. I fear what might happen if he draws his sword. If this situation truly escalated, I’d order him to retreat. He’s my subject. He’s mine to protect, not the other way around.

“Let me prove my worth!” I demand. “It is beyond time for me to prove myself to the people that I can be their king and lead them to victory.”

I half expect the courtroom to break out into a frenzy. A prince should never, ever, demand his challenge. It’s ungainly, a sign of impatience. But I am done with waiting. My father is leading our people deeper into the darkness, retreating from any hope that we may one day return home to where we belong. I can’t let him do this.

Instead, the room is deadly silent. Only the flashing lights of skin pulsing in shock confirm that time is still moving. I’m pretty sure that no one even dares breathe right now.

My father lounges in his throne, watching me with narrowed eyes. He breathes deeply, in and out through his nose as if he’s just holding himself back from an outburst. With slow, deliberate motions, he drapes his clothing artfully around his body, ensuring that not one of his luminae markings is exposed.

“I will cede my rule…”

My eyes bulge at his words.

“If, and only if, you can complete this one challenge,” King Valnu finishes.

“Perhaps then you’ll understand why we fear outsiders,” my father adds, his voice softening. “Some truths must be experienced rather than merely told. You’ll see for yourself why we keep to the darkness.”

I bristle at his tone, at how he speaks to me like I’m still a youngling needing to learn harsh lessons. But isn’t that exactly what I’m asking for - a chance to prove what I know to be true? To show him that there’s nothing to fear in the light?

Of course. I knew there had to be a condition. There always is.

“You believe so strongly in these outsiders and their good faith. You’ve spoken in the past about a new tribe settling in the land above, these humans… I want you to go to that tribe, and bring back a female. She must return unescorted.”

My mouth drops open, and my skin blazes with my suddenly erratic emotions.

“A female!? How in the light am I supposed to do that?” I demand.

All around us the courtiers are mumbling their own questions, the deathly quiet around us now broken.

“You know that no tribe will willingly just give up a female.”

It’s a ridiculous request! My mind races as I try to figure out just how to obtain a female. A princely challenge must always be achieved by oneself, with no support from his allies. I won’t exactly be able to march into the new tribe and declare myself a prince in search of an alliance through mating. If I’m not killed immediately by their own warriors, then I am guaranteed to be laughed at as a fool.

“A female returning with you, willingly, will prove that you have convinced this new tribe of your strength and cunning as a ruler. And their trust.”

I stare at my father in shock, belatedly remembering to close my mouth. I had expected, hoped, for a challenge such as killing a vicious Tangler - there’s been enough of the beasts about. But this, this is just madness.

“I can’t do this,” I stammer. “There is no way… It’s just not possible! A female? Besides, what is to stop this new tribe from slaughtering me as soon as I try to enter? We know so little about them.”

I scowl. Is this what my father wants? Should I truly want to walk to my death? All so he can retain his power and title? Does he care so little for me, his only son?

“I have given you your challenge, Volan. Prove to me that outsiders can trust us, and in return be trusted, and I will cede my title,” King Valnu declares loudly enough for all in the courtroom to hear, making it official.

My wide-eyed gaze meets Tanis’ panicked one. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. I am supposed to become king. I am supposed to lead my people to peace, not walk to my death.

Well, fuck.

ChapterFour

VOLAN

“Ihate the surface,” I declare to no one since I am now alone. The words echo hollowly, emphasizing just how isolated I am in this moment. I glare back at the entrance of the cave, where I had last seen my guard escort disappear into the shadows. Even Tanis, who has stood by my side through everything, cannot accompany me on this quest. I must face this challenge alone, just as I’ve faced everything else in my life.

“How does anyone live in these conditions?” I nudge a clump of wet mush on the ground. The temperature hasn’t dropped to freezing yet, though the guards that escorted me to the surface warned me that it might only take one storm. No, this half-frozen mud is just the universe’s way of reminding me that I don’t belong here. Already I long for the warmth of my underground world, though even there I walk apart from others, separated by the weight of my title and my father’s expectations.

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