Page 47 of Claimed By the Alien Prince
“Zevran…” She hesitates again as we move deeper into the palace’s embrace.
“Yes?” My heart races under her gaze; uncertainty flares anew between us—a mix of fear and defiance blending together beautifully.
I can feel Carys’s weariness even before she finds the strength to express it. Her shoulders droop slightly, and I notice the dullness in her bright amber eyes, a stark contrast to the vibrant world around us, a world that has been both beautiful and treacherous throughout our journey through the tangled wilderness.
“I’m tired,” she admits, her voice barely breaking the stillness between us, so soft that I almost miss it. “Drained. Dehydrated… hungry.” Each word escapes her lips as if it costs her something precious, revealing the toll that the arduous trek has taken on her.
Without a moment’s hesitation, I scoop her up into my arms, lifting her effortlessly as if she were as light as a feather. I cradle her against my chest, feeling the warmth of her body pressing against me—an anchor amidst the tempest of emotions swirling violently within me. The sensation is intoxicating; I savor it deeply, this intimate connection that pulses between us. Her breath, warm and rhythmic, stirs against my skin, sending a shiver of protectiveness coursing through my veins.
While I hold her, I can’t help but marvel at how perfectly she fits within my embrace, as if she were always meant to be here, a piece of a puzzle I never knew was missing until now. Thesoftness of her form contrasts with the hard reality of the world outside, a world filled with shadows and uncertainty, but in this moment, all that matters is her—the strength of my resolve to keep her safe and the undeniable bond that ties us together.
As I stride through the palace halls, every step reverberates with purpose. I scan each face—guard and servant alike—taking note of every flinch, every furtive glance cast our way. Tension thickens with each passing moment; I can feel it coiling around us like a serpent ready to strike.
Someone here knows something. A plot against my mate doesn’t brew unnoticed; whispers ripple through these walls like a disease. My heart pounds as anger wells up within me, but I keep my expression steady. I will protect her.
We pass her old quarters, and Carys shifts slightly in my hold, brow furrowing with confusion. “Where are we going?”
“You’ll stay with me,” I declare, feeling a strange mix of protectiveness and desire for closeness swell inside me as I carry her forward.
“Oh good,” she deadpans, “upgraded to a prettier prison.”
Her sarcasm pierces the tension, but I say nothing in response—my grip on her tightens just slightly as we move further into the depths of the palace.
I lead us past the intricately carved doors adorned with vines and flowers—a tribute to our culture’s bond with nature—before finally stopping at my own chambers. The door swings open silently as if it has been expecting us.
CHAPTER 37
CARYS
Zevran sets me back on my feet, and I stumble slightly as the world steadies around me. His chambers unfold before us like a lush dream—roots and vines weave through crystal panels, glistening like the scales of some majestic creature. Waterfalls cascade down the walls, their soothing sounds mingling with the soft glow of bioluminescent plants blooming in every corner.
I can’t help but reach out to touch a nearby vine. It hums under my fingers, sending a shiver up my spine—a living thing responding to my presence. The hum resonates deep within me, an echo of something primal that pulls at the edges of my consciousness.
I walk over to the table, taking Todd out of my pocket and setting him gently on the surface. I don't know what happened, or if I can fix him. But I'll try. After all this mess gets sorted, at least.
“Impressive, isn’t it?” Zevran’s voice pulls me from my reverie. He leans casually against a wall, watching me explore his space with an intensity that makes my skin tingle.
“Yeah,” I manage to say, still entranced by the vibrancy around me. “You live in a… botanical wonderland.”
His lips curve into a half-smile, and then he does something completely unexpected—he begins removing his shirt. My mouth goes dry as he peels it off, revealing skin marked with deep green geometric patterns that shimmer in the soft light. The air thickens between us, charged with something unspoken.
I gawk, caught between fascination and embarrassment. His body is sculpted like some warrior statue brought to life; muscles taut beneath bronze-toned skin that glows with an otherworldly sheen in this enchanting setting.
“Like what you see?” he teases, raising an eyebrow while tossing his discarded shirt aside carelessly.
“Uh…” My brain short-circuits as I try to form words, but they refuse to come out coherently. Instead, I focus on anything else—the swirling water behind him or the vibrant plants surrounding us—but all I can think about is how effortlessly captivating he looks.
He steps closer, not breaking eye contact. “You’re safe here,” he says softly. “No one will disturb us.”
Safe? With him? A rush of confusion washes over me—half of me wants to argue against that notion while the other half revels in it.
“What’s your plan?” I finally manage to ask, shaking off the haze clouding my thoughts.
Zevran tilts his head slightly, amusement dancing in his jade eyes. “To keep you alive… and perhaps show you what being here means.”
I stand there, heart racing, as Zevran turns away without another word. My pulse thrums in my ears, a wild drumbeat echoing the confusion swirling in my chest. He strides through an archway, his long legs eating up the distance. I hesitate for a moment, uncertainty clawing at me, but curiosity propels me forward.
Peeking around the corner, I find a bathing alcove that feels almost ethereal. Water pours from a natural stone ledge like a waterfall caught in mid-flight. Steam rises gently, curling around the air and enveloping the space in warmth.
