Page 20 of Alien Prince (Alien Abductions and Seductions #1)
Chapter 6
The Dress
As the grand council room's heavy doors closed behind me with a soft hiss, I released a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. The echoes of Prince Bayn's resonant voice lingered in my mind, his deep amethyst eyes leaving an imprint I couldn't quite shake. The cool air of the corridor brushed against my skin, carrying with it the faint scent of exotic spices and something floral—perhaps a native bloom of Xeno Prime.
“Ambassador Carter?” a gentle voice called out.
I turned to see a tall woman with iridescent skin that shimmered like mother-of-pearl. Her eyes were a calming shade of teal, and her long, flowing attire moved as if caught in a perpetual, gentle breeze.
“Yes?” I replied, offering a polite smile.
“I am Zoirse, your attendant. If you'll follow me, I'll escort you to your quarters so you can prepare for this evening's festivities,” she said, her voice as soothing as a lullaby.
“Thank you, Zoirse. Lead the way,” I said.
As we walked, the soft padding of our footsteps was absorbed by the plush, deep-blue carpet that lined the hallway. It honestly felt more like walking on a pristine golf course’s greens than a carpet. The walls were adorned with intricate murals depicting celestial scenes—stars collapsing into supernovas, planets orbiting twin suns, galaxies spiraling into infinity. A subtle, ambient melody filled the air, its rhythm syncing with the gentle pulsing of lights that lined the corridor. The flicker, similar to candles, but there was no flame.
“You have a remarkable planet,” I remarked, my eyes tracing the constellations etched above us.
“Xeno Prime is a world of beauty and history,” Zoirse replied. “We are honored to share it with you.”
We arrived at a set of double doors made from a luminescent material that seemed to glow from within. As Zoirse pressed her palm to a delicate panel beside them, the doors slid open silently, revealing a room that had all cream colored furnishings. A few pops of emerald greens and chocolate browns accented with throws and pillows made the whole thing almost too surreal.
The room was breathtaking. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the cityscape below, where towering structures intertwined with lush greenery. Bioluminescent plants cast a soft glow, and tiny airborne creatures flitted about like living stars. The air was fragrant with the scent of night-blooming flowers from Earth, sweet and intoxicating.
“I hope you find everything to your liking,” Zoirse said, gesturing toward a seating area where a tray of exotic fruits and delicacies awaited. Their vibrant colors and unfamiliar shapes piqued my curiosity.
“It's more than I could have imagined,” I admitted, taking it all in. My breath was almost stalled in my lungs.
“Your attire for the evening has been prepared,” she added, motioning toward an ornate wardrobe carved with swirling patterns reminiscent of galaxies and nebulae.
I walked over and opened the wardrobe doors. Inside hung a single gown, and my breath caught in my throat. It was exquisite—a deep violet dress that seemed to capture and refract light like the facets of a jewel. The fabric was soft and cool beneath my fingertips, flowing like liquid silk.
“It's beautiful,” I whispered. “But there must be some mistake. How did you know my size?”
Zoirse smiled mysteriously. “We have our ways. The dress was selected especially for you.”
“By whom?” I asked, turning to face her.
“Perhaps someone who wishes to make a memorable impression,” she replied coyly.
I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. “It's perfect. Please extend my gratitude to whoever was responsible.”
“I shall,” Zoirse said with a slight bow. “If you need anything else, simply call for me.” With that, she exited the room, leaving me alone with the magnificent view and the enigmatic gown.
I traced my fingers over the dress once more, wondering who had chosen it. Was it Prince Bayn, with his intense gaze and measured words? It was very nearly the same shade as his eyes. Or perhaps Prince Ryler, whose reputation for charm preceded him? The color was striking—a bold choice that made a statement. It felt significant, intentional.
Shaking off the speculation, I decided to freshen up. The adjoining bathroom was a sanctuary of tranquility. A cascade of water flowed gently over a wall of smooth stones into a sunken bath, steam rising to fill the air with the scent of eucalyptus and lavender. Soft lights glowed beneath the water's surface, turning it into a pool of liquid light.
I stepped into the bath, the water enveloping me in soothing warmth. As I relaxed, I could hear distant melodies—a chorus of harmonious voices mingling with the soft strumming of stringed instruments. It was as if the entire palace was alive with music.
After a while, I emerged from the bath feeling rejuvenated. I wrapped myself in a plush towel that was impossibly soft, like being embraced by a cloud. Standing before a mirror that adjusted its illumination to the perfect level, I began to prepare for the evening.
I applied light makeup with a light brown smokey eye. Using only a matte pink lip shade that was one darker than my natural lips and a lip gloss that had a bit of glitter, I smacked my lips one last time in the mirror before I was satisfied with the mostly natural look.
I slipped into the gown, and it fit like it had been crafted just for me—which, apparently, it had. The fabric caressed my skin, cool and smooth, and moved elegantly with every step I took. I adorned myself with the accessories laid out on a nearby table: delicate earrings that sparkled with a light of their own, and a bracelet that wrapped around my wrist like a vine studded with tiny crystals.
As I looked at my reflection, I hardly recognized myself. The dress accentuated my features in a way that was both flattering and empowering. There was a soft knock at the door.
“Come in,” I called.
Zoirse entered, her eyes lighting up as she saw me. “You look radiant, Ambassador Carter.”
“Thank you, Zoirse,” I said, feeling a bit self-conscious under her appreciative gaze. “I must admit, this is all a bit overwhelming.”
She stepped closer, adjusting a strand of my hair that had come loose. “It's natural to feel that way. Tonight is an important night.”
I studied her face, searching for any hint about the dress's mysterious origin. “Zoirse, can you tell me who selected this gown for me?”
She hesitated for a moment before replying, “All I can say is that it was chosen by someone who holds you in high regard.”
My curiosity deepened. “I see. Well, please convey my thanks once again.”
“Of course,” she said with a knowing smile. “Shall we make our way to the ballroom?”
“Yes, let's,” I agreed.
As we walked through the corridors, the ambiance shifted. The lighting grew warmer, and the air was filled with the rich scents of gourmet dishes—savory spices, roasted meats, and sweet confections. My stomach fluttered with a mix of hunger and anticipation.
We passed other guests making their way to the ballroom, their attire as varied as the stars—some in traditional robes adorned with celestial patterns, others in modern ensembles that shimmered with technological enhancements. Snippets of conversations in various languages floated past us, creating a tapestry of sound.
“Ambassador Carter!”
I turned to see Commander Harris, a fellow I.R.M.A. delegate, hurrying toward me. His expression was a mix of relief and excitement. He was in a basic black fitted suit, and without anyone guiding him like I had.
“Commander Harris, good evening,” I greeted him.
“Good evening indeed,” he said, catching his breath. “I was hoping to find you before the festivities began. Quite the place, isn't it?”
“It's spectacular,” I agreed. “Have you seen the ballroom yet?”
“Not yet,” he admitted. “I got a bit turned around. This place is a maze.”
Zoirse inclined her head politely. “I can guide you both.”
“Much appreciated,” Harris said, noticing her for the first time. “And you are?”
“Zoirse, Ambassador Carter's attendant,” she replied gracefully.
“Well, Zoirse, lead the way,” he said with a grin.
As we continued, Harris leaned in slightly. “So, have you heard about the princes?”
I gave him a curious look. “What about them?”
He waggled his eyebrows. “Word is, both Prince Bayn and Prince Ryler will be at the ball tonight. Quite the opportunity for diplomatic engagement.”
I smiled wryly. “Always thinking of the mission, aren't you, Harris?”
“Comes with the job,” he replied. “But seriously, be prepared. They each have their own... styles.”
“I'm aware,” I said, recalling my meeting with Prince Bayn. And the stories I'd heard about Prince Ryler from the dossier provided on him in preparation for this mission were making their way to the forefront ofmy mind with each step toward the ballroom.
We arrived at the grand entrance to the ballroom. The doors were a masterpiece of art and engineering—etched with intricate designs that seemed to animate as you looked at them, depicting stories of heroism and unity. I had to shake my head to not get a worsening case of vertigo from the movement.
“Here we are,” Zoirse announced.
“Thank you, Zoirse,” I said sincerely.
She met my gaze, her eyes reflecting the shimmering lights around us. “Enjoy your evening, Ambassador.”
With that, she departed, and Harris offered me his arm. “Shall we?”
I took his arm, and together we stepped through the grand doors. The sight that greeted us was nothing short of magical.
The ballroom was a vast, circular space with a domed ceiling made entirely of glass, revealing the star-studded sky above. Chandeliers of floating light hovered in the air, casting a soft glow over the elegantly dressed crowd below. The floor was a mosaic of precious stones arranged in swirling patterns that seemed to move like waves beneath our feet.
Music filled the air—a harmonious blend of classical instruments and ethereal electronic tones. Servers moved gracefully among the guests, offering trays of sparkling beverages and delectable hors d'oeuvres. The aroma of the food was enticing, a mix of familiar and exotic scents that made my mouth water.
“Now this is a party,” Harris remarked, his eyes wide with awe.
“Indeed,” I agreed, taking it all in.
As we made our way into the crowd, I couldn't help but feel a pair of eyes on me. I glanced around and caught sight of Prince Bayn standing across the room, his gaze intense as he watched me. He raised a glass in subtle acknowledgment, and I felt a warm flush rise to my cheeks.
At the same time, a ripple of excitement moved through the crowd. Turning, I saw Prince Ryler entering the ballroom, his amethyst eyes gleaming with mischief as he greeted guests with effortless charm. He looked in my direction, and for a brief moment, our eyes met. He offered a dazzling smile that made my heart skip a beat.
“Looks like you've caught their attention,” Harris whispered, noticing the exchange.
“Seems that way,” I replied, my mind racing.
“Well, Ambassador, time to make some diplomatic ties,” he said, giving me an encouraging nod before slipping away into the crowd.
I stood there, poised between two princes, each representing different facets of this fascinating world. The mystery of the gown, the allure of the evening, the possibilities that lay ahead—all converged in this moment.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, ready to embrace whatever the night might bring.