Page 50 of Claimed By the Alien Prince
Then I feel him beside me—Zevran's presence is a steady anchor amidst the storm brewing around us. He moves closer, his hand brushing against mine, grounding me with a warmth that chases away the cold dread clawing at my chest.
“Carys,” he murmurs softly, and it’s enough to pull me back from the brink of my spiraling thoughts. He guides me toward his throne—his throne—and gestures for me to sit down. The act is both intimate and terrifying; it feels like a claim, yet there’s a tenderness in his movements that calms the storm inside.
As I lower myself onto the ornate seat beside him, he kisses my hand gently—a gesture both possessive and reassuring that sends warmth flooding through me despite the chaos surrounding us. The eyes of the court still bore into us like arrows aimed at our hearts, but Zevran’s confidence shields me.
“You are safe,” he whispers just for me. “No one will harm you while I breathe.”
In that moment, something shifts within me—a flicker of strength igniting against the fear swirling around us.
I grip Zevran’s shirt, pulling him down to me. Our lips meet in a rush of heat, urgency swirling between us. He leans into it, strong hands cupping the back of my head, deepening the kiss. The world fades away, and for a moment, it’s just us—his warmth enveloping me like a protective cloak.
When we finally break apart, his smirk is infectious, a playful glint in his eye as he winks at me. My cheeks flush under the weight of his gaze. I watch him turn to face the council chamber again, posture shifting from relaxed to fiercely determined.
The tension in the room thickens as I catch sight of his resolve; he’s ready to find whoever poisoned the envoy. I can feel it radiating off him—an intensity that both terrifies and excites me. He won’t let anyone threaten our future, whatever that may look like.
My eyes drift left to the Queen seated regally at her throne. She’s beautiful in her elegant attire, striking features echoing those of her son. A spark of curiosity nudges me—what must it be like to rule this kingdom? Yet intimidation roots me in place; I can’t seem to muster the courage to engage her directly. Instead, I fiddle with my clothes, nervous energy thrumming through me.
“Prince Zevran would have slaughtered you for trespassing,” she states coolly, her tone unwavering and laced with an authority that demands respect.
I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry, as if I had just swallowed a mouthful of sand. “I know,” I reply, my voice barely above a whisper, laden with the weight of the reality we both face.
“But he didn’t,” she continues, her words slicing through the tension in the room like a finely honed blade.
Her statement hangs there, suspended like a taut string, a challenge lingering in its wake. I meet her gaze hesitantly, searching for any hint of what lies beneath her composed exterior. There’s something knowing behind those piercing eyes, an understanding that makes me feel both exposed and oddly empowered.
“It takes a strong woman to change a man,” she adds, tilting her head slightly as if assessing my worth, as if weighing my resolve against the backdrop of her own formidable presence. The implication of her words resonates deeply within me, igniting a flicker of determination amidst the uncertainty.
Before I can fully process the weight of her comment or muster an appropriate response that would do justice to the gravity of the moment, chaos erupts violently in front of us. A councilman, his face marred by an expression twisted with anger and indignation, storms forward with all the fury of a tempest unleashed.
“This is a waste of time! Kill the human and be done with it!” His voice booms across the chamber like thunder rolling through a stormy sky, reverberating off the high, intricately carved walls adorned with vibrant tapestries depicting the proud history of Verus.
I feel the sudden, sharp rise of adrenaline coursing through my veins, my heart pounding in my chest like a war drum. My instincts scream at me to retreat, but the weight of the moment keeps me rooted in place, forcing me to confront the reality of my precarious position.
Zevran reacts instantly—he moves like lightning. In one swift motion, he draws his blade and strikes without hesitation. The councilman doesn’t even have time to register what’s happening before he collapses to the floor—a headless body crumpling lifelessly at our feet.
CHAPTER 40
ZEVRAN
Iwipe my blade clean, the steel glinting ominously in the flickering light of the chamber. I can’t tear my gaze from Lord Kaldin’s lifeless body sprawled at my feet, his severed head staring blankly into nothingness. I feel a weight settle over me—a mix of triumph and foreboding. Kaldin's death might silence one voice of dissent, but it’s merely a drop in an ocean of opposition.
I know Kaldin lacked the cunning to orchestrate such a plot against Carys. His hatred for humans runs deep, rooted in old prejudices that should have withered away like autumn leaves. But he thrived on them instead, clinging to outdated beliefs like a child to a tattered blanket. I used to share that disdain, shrouded in ignorance and pride. But I've changed. I’ve seen more than just the surface—seen Carys's passion for life, her unyielding spirit.
"Allow me to address the recent rumors."
I turn toward her, drawing her close. The gasps echoing around us fade into background noise as I press my lips softly against hers. The connection jolts through me—a reminder of our bond, undeniable and fierce.
“She is my Jalshagar,” I declare to the court, letting the words hang heavily in the air.
Shock ripples through the gathered nobles like a current—disbelief painted on their faces as they grapple with what I’ve just claimed. I stand tall against their murmurs, letting my heart guide me as it thrums steadily in my chest.
“Threaten her again… and I won’t stop with one blade.” My voice hardens, filled with a steely resolve that cuts through any lingering doubt. My gaze sweeps over the council members—each face betraying varying degrees of fear and outrage.
I’m prepared for chaos to ensue; ready for them to react as they always do when confronted with something they don’t understand—something that challenges their power dynamics and long-held beliefs about humans and Kiphians alike.
But now? Now I don’t care about their anger or their outdated notions of honor and purity. Carys stands beside me—my fated mate—and if they want to get between us… so be it.
They will have to come to terms with their consequences.
