Page 45 of Alien Prince (Alien Abductions and Seductions #1)

Chapter Eleven

Emily

Kael’s been avoiding me ever since that dance. Maybe I did something wrong. Maybe I embarrassed him.

Can it be that maybe he was disgusted that he got hard because of me? Maybe he’s not sexually drawn to me.

But I am to him. He saved me from the storm, and he’s stood up for me. Yes, he’s hot and cold, but I get the feeling he doesn’t know what to think of me, just like I don’t know what to think of him.

So I throw myself back into my studies. I’m fascinated by all of this rich culture even if it does confuse me. It’s better for me to read than to sleep.

Because when I sleep, I dream.

And I dream about that dance.

And I dream about us leaving together and heading to bed together…

The text in front of me blurs as I trace the intricate symbols with my fingers. The Erythosian script is still a challenge to read, but I’ve been piecing it together for weeks, and this passage catches my attention in a way none of the others have.

I squint at the faded markings, my heart racing as the pieces begin to click. This isn’t just some ancient myth or historical record—it’s a blueprint.

The vessel. The matchmaking ship.

The texts describe it as more than a tradition or a relic of Erythos’s past. It’s tied to some kind of ancient technology, something powerful and dangerous that was hidden away long ago. The vessel wasn’t just a way to ensure the royal line—it was a tool, a safeguard.

Or a weapon.

I shove the book aside, my hands trembling as I gather my notes. I don’t know how much time I have before someone notices what I’ve been researching. The texts were tucked away in a section of the library Kael’s advisors hadn’t even mentioned to me. That alone makes me think this isn’t knowledge I’m supposed to have.

But Kael needs to know.

The door to his private chamber looms in front of me, and I hesitate before knocking. My heart pounds, a mix of nerves and excitement coursing through me.

“Enter,” his deep voice calls, and I push the door open, clutching the book and my notes to my chest.

Kael looks up from where he’s seated at a low table, his expression unreadable as always. “Emily,” he says, his tone neutral but laced with curiosity. “What is it?”

“I found something,” I say quickly, stepping into the room and closing the door behind me. “It’s about the vessel.”

His violet eyes narrow slightly, and he gestures for me to sit. “Explain.”

I drop the book and my notes onto the table between us, flipping to the passage I’ve been studying. “The vessel isn’t just some ancient tradition,” I say, the words tumbling out in a rush. “It’s tied to technology. As far as I can reason, it’s technology your people haven’t used in centuries. The texts talk about it like it’s a safeguard, but they also hint that it could be… more than that.”

Kael leans forward, his focus sharpening. “More how?”

“Like a weapon,” I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper. “The vessel’s ability to choose matches… it’s not just about compatibility. It’s about power. Certain factions could exploit it and use it to control people, maybe even the throne. I’m not saying that anyone is going to do this or even realize that they could, but… I thought you should know.”

His gaze flickers with something I can’t quite place—surprise, perhaps, or maybe anger. “And how did you come across this information?”

I swallow hard. “The library. There’s a section with old texts, ones that aren’t in common circulation anymore. I thought… I thought it might help me understand your culture better, but then I found this.”

For a moment, Kael says nothing, his expression unreadable. I brace myself for him to dismiss me, to tell me I’ve overstepped.

But then he speaks, and his voice is low, measured. “You’ve done well to bring this to me.”

I blink, caught off guard by the unexpected praise. “I… thought you might be upset.”

He shakes his head, his silver hair catching the light. “You’ve shown resourcefulness. Initiative. These texts have been hidden for a reason, and if factions are seeking to exploit the vessel’s technology, it could pose a significant threat, not just to the throne but to the entire kingdom of the planet.”

“What do we do?” I ask, my voice trembling.

“We investigate further,” he says firmly, “but this knowledge cannot leave this room. Not yet. If the wrong people learn what you’ve discovered, it could ignite a conflict we’re not prepared for.”

I nod. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to add more to your plate.”

He furrows my brow. “What plate?”

“Ah… I didn’t mean to give you more cause for alarm.”

He grunts. “That seems to be my lot in life. Do not worry yourself about this any longer. I will ensure that this is rectified. No one will be able to turn the vessel into a weapon. I guarantee it.” Kael rises from his seat, his gaze locking with mine. “You’ve proven yourself more capable than I expected, Emily,” he says quietly, “and for that, I owe you my trust.”

The warmth in his words catches me off guard, and I feel my cheeks flush. “I just… want to help.”

“You have,” he says simply.

My heart swells, and for the first time since I arrived on Erythos, I feel like I belong.