Page 16

SIXTEEN

T he question hit Bess with almost physical force. She hadn’t actually considered what she wanted in years. She had been too busy doing what was expected.

“No,” she whispered, the realization dawning on her like the twin suns of Nova Aurora. “That’s not the life I would have chosen for myself.”

The heaviness of this admission settled over her as they made their way to dinner. She might actually be staying on Nova Aurora. For good. With Charov.

The royal dining room sparkled with crystal and candlelight. Queen Zyre looked elegant but tired, her grief momentarily masked by regal composure. Charov entered moments after Bess, his powerful frame commanding attention. His eyes found hers across the room instantly and he closed the distance between them in three long strides.

“You look lost in thought,” he murmured as he pulled out her chair, his breath hot against her ear. His hand briefly skimmed the curve of her waist—proprietary and possessive.

“Just processing a lot,” Bess admitted, sinking into the seat. The wine glittered like liquid rubies as a servant filled her glass.

Throughout the meal, Bess found herself studying Charov’s features when he wasn’t looking—the strong line of his jaw, the way his dark hair fell across his forehead, how his massive hands dwarfed the silverware. Could she see herself here forever with him? The thought no longer terrified her as it might have yesterday.

“Earth to Bess,” Gerri teased from across the table. “Or should I say, Nova Aurora to Bess?”

Bess blushed, realizing she had missed a question. “I’m sorry, what was that?”

“Queen Zyre was asking if you enjoyed seeing more of our territory today,” Charov supplied, his hand coming to rest on her thigh under the table. The heat of his palm seared through the fabric of her dress.

“Oh! Yes, it’s magnificent,” Bess replied, fighting to keep her voice steady as his thumb traced small circles against her leg. “Earth has nothing like your double sunset or those incredible yellow mountains.”

As conversation flowed around her, Bess continued to process her revelation. This connection she felt with Charov—it was unlike anything she had experienced. Electric. Primal. There might really be something to this fated mate concept after all.

“More wine?” Charov’s question pulled her from her thoughts. He leaned close, his muscled shoulder pressing against hers, his blue eyes dark with unspoken promises.

“Please,” she answered and found she meant it in more ways than one.

After dinner, Bess accepted Charov’s invitation to stroll through the royal gardens. Her emerald dress caught the moonlight as they walked between exotic flowers that seemed to glow in the darkness. Two moons hung in Nova Aurora’s night sky, casting an ethereal silver-blue light across the landscape.

“Earth only has one moon,” Bess remarked, tilting her head back to take in the celestial display. “This is... absolutely breathtaking.”

Charov stepped closer, his muscular frame radiating heat in the cool evening air. “I’ve seen these moons my entire life, but tonight they seem different.” His eyes, intense and focused, never left her face. “Perhaps it’s the company.”

Bess felt a flutter in her chest. Was this really happening? Walking through an alien garden with an actual prince who looked at her like she was some kind of goddess?

They reached a secluded alcove with a stone bench surrounded by luminescent blue flowers. The petals pulsed gently as if breathing.

“Moonblossoms,” Charov explained, guiding her to the bench with his hand at her back. His touch sent electricity through her. “They only bloom when both moons are visible.”

Bess reached out to touch one. “They’re warm!”

“Much like you.” Charov grabbed her hand as she withdrew it from the flower, his massive palm enveloping hers completely. His thumb traced her wrist, finding her pulse point. “Your heart is racing.”

“Can you blame me?” Bess met his gaze directly, surprising herself with her boldness. “I’m in an alien garden with a shifter prince. My heart hasn’t slowed down since I met you.”

His eyes darkened. “Neither has mine.” He moved impossibly closer, one hand coming up to cup her cheek. “May I kiss you, Bess?”

Her breath caught. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”

He didn’t hesitate. His mouth claimed hers with authority, his lips firm yet unexpectedly soft. Bess melted into him, her hands finding their way to his broad shoulders. The kiss deepened as his tongue sought entrance, which she eagerly granted. He tasted like the exotic fruit from dinner and something wild she couldn’t name.

Bess had been kissed before, but never like this—like she was being consumed, claimed, and worshipped all at once. When Charov finally pulled back, his breathing ragged, she felt dizzy with want.

“You taste like Earth sunshine,” he growled, his voice deeper than she’d heard before. One of his hands had tangled in her hair, the other gripped her waist possessively.

“Is that good?” Bess whispered, her lips still tingling.

“It’s addictive.” He pressed his forehead against hers. “I should take you back to your suite before I forget I’m supposed to be a gentleman out here.”

They walked through the castle corridors in charged silence, his hand never leaving her waist. When they reached her bedroom door, Bess turned to face him, summoning courage she didn’t know she possessed.

“Would you like to come in?” The words tumbled out before she could second-guess herself.

Charov’s response was immediate. His pupils dilated, and a low growl escaped his throat. “Yes.” The single word contained a universe of hunger. He stepped closer, filling her personal space with his imposing presence. “Are you certain that’s what you want?”

Bess nodded, suddenly unable to form words as his scent—pine and musk and male—overwhelmed her senses.

“Say it,” he commanded softly, his breath hot on her neck. “I need to hear you say it.”

“I want you to come in,” Bess said, her voice steadier than she felt. “I want you, Charov.”