Someone kind. Someone vulnerable. Someone who chose me even when he thought he wasn’t enough.
Someone who chose me.
And I’m choosing him.
The realization hits me mid-stride, so powerful it nearly makes me stumble.
I love him.
The only question is whether I’ll get there in time to tell him.
Chapter
Nine
KHATAK
The landing zone shimmers with heat distortion from the idling shuttle engines. I adjust my grip on my bags, my tail dragging behind me across the permacrete. Every step toward that shuttle is a step away from her.
From the only three days in my entire life where I felt like I actually mattered.
The shuttle crew moves through their pre-flight checks. Fifteen minutes until boarding. Fifteen minutes until I leave this place forever and return home to face my family’s disappointment.
Again.
I’m so focused on the shuttle, on forcing one foot in front of the other, that I almost don’t notice the figure standing near the boarding ramp.
Almost.
My steps falter.
Prince Rist stands with his arms crossed, his red skin darker than mine, his black horns catching the sunlight. He’s not looking at the shuttle. He’s looking directly at me.
Waiting.
My stomach drops.
For a wild moment, I consider turning around. But where would I go? Back to the hotel? Back to Selene, who made it perfectly clear she wants nothing to do with me?
No. The only direction left is forward.
I force my legs to move, closing the distance between us. Each step feels heavier than the last.
“Prince Rist,” I manage when I’m close enough. My voice comes out rougher than intended. “I didn’t expect?—“
“I know you didn’t.” His tone is measured. Calm. “You were planning to leave without our meeting.”
It’s not a question.
I set my bags down carefully, buying myself a few seconds. My tail curls tight against my leg. “I assumed... given that I missed our scheduled appointment, you wouldn’t want to waste time on?—“
“I know your father is General Thax’nor,” Rist interrupts quietly. “I know your brother Valkor is a decorated combat specialist. I know your family has been vocal in their opposition to the current king’s policies.” He pauses. “And I know they sent you here for a reason.”
The words hit like physical blows.
“I make it my business to know who comes to my hotel and why,” he continues. “Especially when they come from military families with political motivations.”
Of course. He survived a coup attempt. Built this refuge from nothing. He wouldn’t be careless.
