Page 74 of Tricked By the Alien Prince

Istep into the sunlight, relishing the warmth on my skin. For too long my people hid beneath the surface, claiming the light brought only danger. Now as I emerge from the tunnel entrance, pristine white snow blankets the world around us, transforming the landscape into something pure and untouched. The last time I emerged from my underground kingdom, I was searching for a way to prove myself worthy of leading my people. Now I step forward with the crown of a king, but more importantly, surrounded by companions I’m proud to call friends. Companions that I never truly expected to have, but find myself treasuring all the same.

My luminae pulse with satisfaction. I’ve always known we were meant for more than cowering in shadows. The light doesn’t blind me - it illuminates possibilities.

Behind us, Tanis emerges from the tunnel entrance. My friend—and yes, I can finally admit that’s what he’s always been—surveys the snowy landscape with careful attention to detail. Even now, he’s analyzing potential threats, mapping escape routes. Old habits die hard.

“Most of the council has pledged their support,” Tanis reports, ever focused on duty. His luminae pulse steadily, a familiar rhythm that speaks of his contentment. “Even those who initially opposed change are beginning to consider the benefits of coming up to the surface.”

I nod, pride filling me.

“And my father?” I ask, the words catching in my throat.

“Confined to his chambers and under watch as per your orders,” Tanis’s expression darkens. “He asked about you this morning. I’m hesitant to say it, but I believe he truly thought he was doing the right thing.”

“Fear can break even the strongest warrior,” I reply. The words taste bitter, but I refuse to let uncertainty rule me as it did him. He isolated himself from everyone, paranoid to lose any and all control. I’m going to embrace those around me, taking their opinions and advice to heart. “At least now he has a chance to heal.”

I turn to face Tanis fully. “I never properly thanked you,” I tell him. My luminae dim with regret. “Not just for supporting my claim to the throne, but for all these cycles of being more than just a guard.”

“I merely did my duty,” Tanis replies, his own markings flickering with embarrassment.

“No,” I correct him firmly. “I was so focused on proving myself to my father that I didn’t see what was right in front of me - someone who already believed in me. Who stayed by my side not out of duty, but friendship.” I meet his gaze directly. “I’m sorry it took me so long to recognize that.”

Tanis shifts uncomfortably, unused to such openness between us. But his luminae pulse with pleasure he can’t quite hide. He’s never been particularly adept at hiding his emotions.

“Well,” he says gruffly, “someone had to keep you from getting yourself killed all those times you snuck out.”

“Speaking of near-death experiences,” Maya interjects with a pointed look, “What exactly are you planning to do about the fight pits? You know I’m not all that comfortable about sacrificing animals.”

“I brought up this issue with the council and several prominent guests last night,” Volan replies. “I proposed that we convert several areas into training grounds where warriors can test their skills without the risk of death. The harkcana that were present seem particularly enthusiastic about the new arrangement.”

“Of course they are,” Melvall mutters as he steps from the shadows and joins us. “Bunch of battle-hungry brutes.”

“By the Gods, it’s freezing!” Maya hisses as a gust of wind sends soft snow brushing against us. She wraps my thick cloak tighter around herself and steps closer to huddle. I can’t help but wrap an arm around her, drawing her against my side. She fits perfectly there, as if the universe designed us to complement each other. The gods knew that we were two lonely souls, and could be completed by each other.

If it was just us, I’d suggest a variety of ways to keep her warm… it’ll have to wait until I return home with her. As a king, I get what I want, and I want Maya. I intend to take her home, even if she’s screaming. Ideally, she will be screaming, and breathless, and panting, and moaning…

“It did get cold rather fast, didn’t it?” Melvall comments, looking completely unbothered by the cold. The blue male actually seems more comfortable out here than he did in the warmth of the underground tunnels.

“I can hunt you some pelts!” Zoran offers enthusiastically. “I’m excellent at hunting. Just ask Melvall - I’ve brought him dozens!”

“Please don’t encourage him,” Melvall groans. “I already have more pelts than I could possibly use. My entire dwelling is practically buried in them.”

“You know who else gets cold easily?” Zoran says with a sly grin. “Human females. Like Eve and Ariana. I’ve seen how you watch them from afar, all envious-like...”

“I am not envious!” Melvall’s fins flare. “And I certainly don’t need your help providing for a potential mate.”

“After all,” Zoran continues as if Melvall hadn’t spoken, “what male doesn’t want a mate to provide for? To keep warm with all those lovely pelts...”

“I am perfectly capable of providing for myself and any future mate!” Melvall snaps. “I’m a respected trader, not some novice hunter bringing random pelts to every female he sees.”

“And yet you keep accepting them,” Zoran points out with a grin.

“Because you won’t stop bringing them! What am I supposed to do, turn away perfectly good pelts?”

“You love them,” Zoran’s grin grows impossibly wider. “Just like you love me. Just admit it; we’re basically brothers.”

“I hate you,” Melvall declares, but there’s no real heat in his voice.

“He likes the pelts a lot, he just won’t admit it,” Zoran whispers overly loud to us, knowing full well Melvall can hear. In response, Melvall’s eye twitches. It’s amazing the two haven’t killed each other. Yet.

---