Page 14 of Claimed By the Alien Prince
If only I weren’t trapped in this palace.
With a reluctant sigh, I peel myself from the sheets, dragging my feet to the edge of the bed. Reality rushes back like cold water. This isn’t a dream home; it’s gilded captivity.
As I step onto the cool floor, my stomach growls, reminding me of another unpleasant truth: hunger. I shuffle toward the door and pause when I catch sight of breakfast laid out on a low table—my breakfast has been served again. Beside it, folded garb—a change of clothes.
But it’s not just food and an outfit.
My research gear sits neatly arranged beside Todd, who buzzes softly in place, his green sensor eye blinking erratically as if he’s been waiting for me to wake up forever. Relief floods me. The prince kept his word.
“Hey there,” I murmur as I kneel beside him. My fingers brush over his smooth surface; he responds with a cheerful little whir before twitching to life fully.
“Carys!” he chirps in his synthetic voice, almost bouncing with excitement despite his usual jitters. “You’re awake! You’re awake!”
“Yeah,” I chuckle softly, feeling warmth seep into my chest at his enthusiasm. “Guess I am.”
I grab a piece of meat—the same thing they've been feeding me. But today it tastes better. Or maybe it's the company.
I smile despite everything swirling inside me—the fear and uncertainty about what comes next after yesterday’s chaotic confrontation with Zevran. But right now? Right now feels good.
"Never thought I'd see any of this again," I murmur, sifting through my bag and flipping through my notes.
“Todd wants to explore!” He flits around me like an eager puppy, his little appendages twitching in anticipation.
“Woah there, slow down,” I say, heart quickening at the prospect of new adventures just outside these ornate walls. “You just got back. Let's focus on studying what we were cataloging before.”
I rummage through my gear, heart racing as a sudden idea sparks to life.
“Todd,” I say, excitement bubbling up. “Can you connect to the CRC database?”
“Of course! Todd is always connected!” he responds, his voice chipper.
“Good! We need to send a message—something like, ‘Help! I’m trapped in an alien palace with a prince who thinks I’m a parasite.’”
“Message sent!” he chirps, and I can practically hear the gears turning in his tiny frame.
I hold my breath. If Todd can reach the CRC, maybe they’ll dispatch someone to negotiate my release. The thought makes me giddy. A rescue mission—what an adventure!
But the moment stretches on, the air thickening with anticipation. My heart sinks as Todd’s sensor eye flickers erratically.
“Uh-oh,” he stammers. “Todd can’t send message.”
“What do you mean you can’t?” I snap, frustration boiling over. “You’re supposed to be able to do this!”
“The bad Kiphians disabled outgoing communications,” he whines, spinning in place like a distressed pup. “Only incoming allowed.”
Typical.
“Great.” I sink onto the plush floor, head spinning with disappointment and anger. Just when I think there’s a glimmer of hope, it fizzles out like an ember without fuel. “So what now? We just sit here until they decide to toss me back into the trees?”
Todd hovers closer, his sensor eye wide with concern. “Maybe we find another way?”
I groan, leaning back against the wall and staring at the ceiling that feels miles above me. Each bright spot of light that filters through is a reminder of freedom slipping away.
“Sure, let’s just dig our way out,” I mutter sarcastically.
I shake off the weight of disappointment and dive into my research. The Kiphians may have stripped me of my freedom, but they can’t take away my passion for xenoflora. I spread out my equipment on the soft mossy floor, each tool a comforting reminder of Earth.
“Okay, Todd,” I say, my fingers gliding over the familiar shapes of vials and data tablets. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”
