Page 11

ELEVEN

C harov was unusually anxious as he sat at the polished breakfast table waiting for Bess to arrive. He scanned the entranceway for the tenth time in as many minutes. The morning sunlight streamed through the tall castle windows, bathing the intimate dining alcove in a warm glow. The servants had prepared a spread fit for royalty—which, of course, it was—but he found himself completely disinterested in the food.

When footsteps finally echoed in the hallway, Charov straightened his posture instinctively. His bear senses picked up her scent before she appeared—a delicate mix of something floral and distinctly... Bess.

Then she stepped into the room, and his brain short-circuited.

Gone was the stiff Earth woman in her practical garments. In her place stood a vision in Nova Auroran silk, the pale green sundress clinging to every curve of her body like it had been painted on. Her brown hair cascaded in loose waves around her shoulders, catching the sunlight with hints of gold and amber. The dress accentuated her full breasts and the swell of her hips in a way that made his inner bear growl with delight.

“Good morning.” Her voice cut through his thoughts as she approached the table.

Charov rose to his feet instantly, a primal response he couldn’t have controlled if he had wanted to. “Good morning. You look...” He searched for a word that wouldn’t sound like a crude come-on. “Different.”

A slight blush colored her cheeks. “Good different, I hope? Queen Zyre helped me select something from the royal wardrobe.”

“My mother has excellent taste.” His eyes lingered on the way the silk draped across her thighs as she sat down. His bear clawed at his insides, demanding to get closer to her. Mine , it insisted. Mate .

He poured her a cup of local tea. “Did you sleep well?”

“Better than expected.” She took a tentative sip, her green eyes widening with surprise. “This is delicious.”

“Frost berry tea. It only grows on the northern slopes of Mount Visak.” He leaned back, studying her transformation with unabashed interest. “You seem... much different this morning. Not just the clothes.”

Bess set down her cup. “I’ve been thinking about our conversation yesterday. About all your adventures and experiences.”

“And?” He reached for a piece of fruit, momentarily distracted by how the dress hugged her waist when she shifted in her chair.

“And I realized I don’t even know what I like to do for fun anymore.” Her eyes met his, a new spark of determination there. “I’ve spent so many years buried in paperwork that I forgot what it’s like to actually live.”

Charov’s interest spiked. “That sounds like an invitation.”

“It is.” She smiled, and for the first time, it reached her eyes. “If you have time today, I’d like to experience some of your favorite things. Show me what makes Nova Aurora special.”

The bear inside him practically roared with excitement. “I know exactly what we should do.” A slow grin spread across his face. “But you’ll need to change.”

“Change? What’s wrong with this?” She gestured at her dress with a frown.

“Nothing. In fact—” He cleared his throat, reining in his thoughts. “It’s perfect for dinner in the royal hall. But for what I have planned, you need pants.”

Her eyebrows shot up.

“Are you game?” He leaned forward, challenging her. “Or would you rather stick to the safe, guided palace tour again?”

A flicker of something crossed her face—determination, maybe even defiance. “I didn’t travel across the galaxy to play it safe, Prince Charov.”

He grinned, admiring her newfound boldness. “Meet me at the transport bay in thirty minutes. The blue transport this time.”

“You’re not going to tell me what we’re doing?”

“Where’s the fun in that?” He winked, enjoying the way her cheeks flushed again. “Trust me. You’re going to love it.”

Charov strode into his royal chambers with newfound energy pulsing through his veins. He peeled off his formal attire, the heavy fabrics of royal life dropping away as his bear spirit rumbled with anticipation. This was exactly what he needed today—what they both needed.

“Torborn!” he called out, and his loyal assistant materialized in the doorway. “I’m taking Bess skydiving today. Have the plane prepared and ready. Full safety protocols, but nothing that will dampen the thrill.”

Torborn’s eyebrows shot up, but he knew better than to question his prince. “Of course, Your Highness. Shall I alert the landing crew to expect two jumpers?”

“Yes. And have a picnic and refreshments waiting at the basin afterward.” Charov pulled on a fitted black jumpsuit that hugged his muscular frame. “We’ll be taking the blue transport. Make it discreet—no royal flags.”

As Torborn departed, Charov caught his reflection in the mirror. Soon, the weight of the crown would limit these escapes. These moments of pure, unadulterated freedom would become rare treasures once his father passed. The thought weighed on him, but he pushed it aside. Today wasn’t about that darkness. Today was about discovery.

He wanted—no, needed—to see what Bess was truly made of. Anyone could be polite at a royal dinner. Anyone could appreciate a sunset. But free-falling through Nova Aurora’s atmosphere? That separated the adventurers from the administrators.

His bear instincts told him there was more to this Earth woman than meticulously filed paperwork. That spark he had glimpsed at breakfast needed kindling, and nothing ignited hidden fire like fear conquered.

The blue transport hummed silently as it pulled up to the transport bay. Charov leaned casually against its sleek exterior, his eyes fixed on the entranceway. When Bess emerged in fitted cargo pants and a simple white T-shirt, her thick hair pulled back in a practical ponytail, his pulse quickened. The simple clothes somehow accentuated her curves more than the fancy dress had.

“Right on time,” he said, opening the door for her. “I appreciate punctuality in a woman.”

“And I appreciate a man who doesn’t keep me waiting.” She slid past him, her scent—now mixed with Nova Auroran soap—flooding his senses.

As the transport glided through the castle gates and toward the mountains, he studied her profile. The nervous energy radiating off her was intoxicating.

“So, are you going to tell me where we’re going yet?” she asked, breaking the silence.

“You’ll find out soon enough.” He stretched his arm along the back of the seat, not quite touching her but close enough to feel the heat from her body. “Patience is a virtue.”

“One I’ve never been particularly good at.” She turned to face him, her eyes challenging. “Give me a hint.”

He grinned, enjoying her boldness. “Let’s just say it involves the sky and a spectacular view of my kingdom.”

“That could be anything from a hot air balloon to a mountaintop picnic.”

“Much more exciting than either of those.” The road curved sharply upward, and he watched her gaze drift to the increasingly steep drop beyond the window. “Nervous?”

“Should I be?” Her voice carried just the slightest tremor.

“Fear is just your body’s way of telling you you’re about to do something worth remembering.” He reached over and took her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “Do you trust me, Bess?”

She hesitated for a heartbeat before answering. “I’m still deciding.”

He laughed, a deep rumble that matched his bear’s satisfaction. “Honest. I like that.”

The private airfield came into view, and he watched her eyes widen as she spotted the sleek aircraft waiting on the launchpad.

“We’re... flying somewhere?”

“Not exactly.” He grinned, feeling more alive than he had in months. “We’re jumping.”

Her mouth dropped open, and he couldn’t help but admire the perfect O it formed. He soon got out of the transport and held out his hand, pulling her out with a firm grip.

“Skydiving? You’re taking me skydiving?” But she didn’t pull away from him as they walked toward the gleaming aircraft. “Are you sure about this?”

“Trust me. It’s better than staying on the ground your whole life.” He held her gaze, challenging her again. “You said you wanted adventure.”