Chapter 1

ONE

T he grand hall of the Tharvian royal palace pulsed with an otherworldly energy. Iridescent flowers cascaded from towering crystal vases, their petals shimmering with an inner light that seemed to dance in time with the ethereal music floating through the air.

Venus Arison stood at the edge of the crowd, her fingers curled around a flute of effervescent alien champagne, its pearlescent bubbles glowing softly in the warm light of floating orbs above.

She watched as her sister Raelee, now Princess Raelee of Tharvis, twirled across the dance floor in the arms of her new husband, Prince Vexor. Raelee’s laugh, clear and joyous, rang out above the murmur of the guests.

“Well, one of us had to take one for the team,” a dry voice said beside her. Venus turned to see her younger sister, Mila, sidling up next to her. Mila’s dark hair was pulled back in a severe bun, her blue eyes sharp as they scanned the room.

Venus snorted, raising an eyebrow. “Says the one who conveniently developed an allergy to all things alien.”

“Hey, some of us have important work to do back on Earth,” Mila retorted, but there was a glimmer of amusement in her eyes.

From Venus’s other side came a dreamy sigh. “Oh, come on, you two. It’s beautiful.” Zora, the youngest of the Arison sisters, gazed at the newlyweds with a wistful expression. “Raelee looks so happy.”

“She’s good at faking it,” Mila muttered, earning her an elbow in the ribs from Venus.

“Be nice,” Venus chided, though she couldn’t help but wonder if Mila had a point. Was Raelee truly happy or was this all an elaborate performance for the sake of intergalactic diplomacy?

As if sensing her sisters’ scrutiny, Raelee looked up, catching Venus’s eye. She beamed, beckoning them over with a tilt of her head.

Venus sighed, downing the last of her champagne. “Duty calls, ladies. Try not to start an intergalactic incident while I’m gone.”

She made her way across the room, weaving between clusters of human diplomats and towering alien dignitaries. As she approached the newlyweds, Raelee broke away from her husband, enveloping Venus in a tight hug.

“Can you believe it?” Raelee whispered, her eyes shining. “I’m a princess of an alien planet. Dad’s going to have a field day with this in the polls.”

Venus couldn’t help but laugh. Leave it to Raelee to be thinking about approval ratings on her wedding day. “You look happy, Rae. Are you? Really?”

Raelee’s smile softened, becoming something more genuine. “I am. Vex is... he’s not what I expected. He’s kind and funny in this dry way that catches you off guard. And have you seen those abs? Alien genetics are no joke.”

“TMI, sis,” Venus groaned, but she was grinning. It was a relief to see this side of Raelee, the part of her that wasn’t all polished diplomacy and careful words.

“Speaking of alien genetics,” Raelee said, her eyes sparkling with mischief, “have you met Azlun yet?”

Venus felt a flutter in her stomach at the mention of the Tharvian prince. “Not officially,” she admitted.

“Oh, you’re in for a treat,” Raelee said with a wink. “In fact...” She turned, scanning the crowd before raising her hand in an elegant wave. “Azlun! Come meet my sister!”

Venus’s heart leaped into her throat as a tall figure detached itself from a nearby group and made its way toward them. Prince Azlun moved with a fluid grace that seemed at odds with his imposing physique. As he drew closer, Venus found herself captivated by his eyes – black as the deepest space with flecks of gold that seemed to dance in the light.

“Your Highness,” Azlun said, bowing slightly to Raelee before turning his gaze to Venus. “And you must be the infamous Venus Arison. I’ve heard... interesting things about you.”

Venus raised an eyebrow, fighting to keep her expression neutral despite the way her pulse quickened under his scrutiny. “All good things, I hope?”

A smile played on the corners of Azlun’s mouth. “That depends on your definition of ‘good’, I suppose. I hear you have quite the rebellious streak.”

“I prefer to think of it as a healthy disregard for unnecessary rules,” Venus shot back, surprised by her own boldness.

Azlun’s smile widened into a grin that was positively wicked. “Is that so? And what, pray tell, do you consider an unnecessary rule?”

Venus was saved from having to answer by Raelee, who cleared her throat pointedly. “Well, I’ll leave you two to get acquainted,” she said, her tone far too innocent to be believed. “My husband owes me another dance.”

As Raelee glided away, Venus found herself alone with Azlun, acutely aware of the electricity crackling in the air between them.

The alien music swelled, a haunting melody that seemed to weave through the air like gossamer threads. Azlun’s eyes locked onto Venus’s. His lips curved into a smile that was equal parts charming and challenging.

“So,” he said, his voice low and rich like velvet sliding over skin, “shall we dance? Or would that fall under the category of unnecessary rules?”

A thrill ran through her, a mixture of excitement and trepidation. She hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with the implications of accepting his offer. But something in Azlun’s gaze, a glimmer of genuine interest beyond mere political courtesy, made her decision for her.

“I suppose I could make an exception,” she said, her tone light but her heart pounding. She placed her hand in his outstretched palm, marveling at how small and delicate her fingers looked against his larger, stronger hand.

As Azlun led her onto the dance floor, Venus couldn’t help but notice how perfectly her hand fit in his, as if their palms were two pieces of an intricate alien puzzle finally slotting together. The warmth of his touch traveled up her arm, spreading through her entire body like liquid fire.

He pulled her close, one hand resting lightly on her waist. Venus inhaled sharply at the contact, catching the scent of him – something crisp and clean with an underlying note of exotic spice she couldn’t quite place. It was intoxicating.

They began to move to the music, their bodies finding a natural rhythm together. Azlun led with a grace that belied his towering stature, guiding Venus through the steps as if they’d danced together a thousand times before.

“I must admit,” Azlun said as they twirled among the other couples, his breath warm against her ear, “you’re not quite what I expected.”

Venus looked up at him, a spark of defiance in her bright blue eyes. “Oh?” She quirked a brow, her lips curving into a challenging smirk. “And what did you expect? A demure political pawn, ready to be married off for the good of intergalactic relations?”

Azlun chuckled, the sound deep and resonant. It sent a shiver down Venus’s spine, and she hoped he hadn’t noticed the way her body involuntarily pressed closer to his.

“Not at all,” he replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “I expected fire. But I didn’t expect it to be quite so... captivating.”

Her cheeks grew warm, a flush spreading across her skin. She refused to be flustered, though. This was a dance of words as much as bodies, and she wouldn’t let him lead both.

“Careful, Your Highness,” she said, her voice low and teasing. “Flattery will get you nowhere.”

“It’s not flattery if it’s true,” Azlun countered. His grip on her waist tightened ever so slightly as he guided her through a complex turn. Venus followed his lead instinctively, her body responding to his subtle cues.

As they moved across the floor, Venus became aware of every point of contact between them. Azlun’s hand on her waist, warm even through the fabric of her dress. Their palms pressed together, fingers intertwined. The occasional brush of his chest against hers as he pulled her close to navigate through the crowd.

The dance grew more intense, more intimate. Azlun’s thumb traced small circles on her waist, sending shivers up her. Venus, in turn, let her fingers trail lightly down his arm as they separated for a turn, feeling the strength hidden beneath his formal attire.

Their eyes remained locked, a silent conversation passing between them. Challenge, attraction, curiosity – all swirled in the space between their bodies.

Suddenly, Azlun dipped her low, his strong arm supporting her back. Venus’s breath caught in her throat as she found herself mere inches from his face, close enough to see the flecks of silver in his dark eyes and feel the warmth of his breath on her lips.

For a moment, the rest of the world seemed to fall away. The crowded ballroom, the watching eyes of diplomats and royalty, the weight of their political union – all of it faded into the background. There was only Azlun, the warmth of his body against hers, the intensity of his gaze. Venus felt a pull toward him that was almost magnetic, a desire to close the distance between them that was as thrilling as it was terrifying.

Time seemed to stretch, seconds feeling like hours as they hung in that moment of suspended anticipation. Venus’s heart raced, her lips parting slightly as if in invitation. She saw Azlun’s eyes flicker to her mouth, saw the subtle tightening of his jaw as he fought the same impulse she struggled with.

Just as the tension between them reached a fever pitch, the music swelled to a crescendo and then faded. Azlun smoothly pulled Venus back up, but he didn’t immediately step away. They stood there, bodies still pressed close, breathing slightly harder than the dance alone warranted.

“Venus,” Azlun murmured, his voice husky. He reached up, his fingers ghosting along her cheek in a touch so light she might have imagined it.

Venus swallowed hard, fighting to regain her composure. “Yes, Your Highness?” she managed, proud of how steady her voice sounded despite the turmoil of emotions swirling inside her.

Azlun’s lips curved into a smile that was both tender and mischievous. “I think,” he said softly, “this arrangement might be more interesting than either of us anticipated.”

Then the music changed. Venus stumbled slightly, off balance in more ways than one.

“Are you all right?” Azlun asked, concern etching his features.

Venus nodded, forcing a smile. “Just a little dizzy. Must be the alien champagne.”

Azlun’s expression cleared, replaced by a teasing smirk. “Ah, yes. Our beverages have been known to have quite an effect on humans. Perhaps we should get you some air?”

Before Venus could protest, Azlun was guiding her off the dance floor toward a set of ornate doors that led to a balcony. The cool night air was a welcome relief after the heat of the ballroom, and Venus found herself taking deep breaths, trying to clear her head.

“Better?” Azlun asked, leaning against the balcony railing beside her.

Venus nodded, not trusting herself to speak just yet. She gazed out over the alien landscape, marveling at the twin moons hanging low in the sky, casting everything in a soft, silvery glow.

“It’s beautiful,” she murmured.

“Yes,” Azlun agreed, but when Venus glanced at him, she found him looking not at the view, but at her. The intensity of his gaze made her breath catch in her throat.

“Azlun,” she started, not sure what she was going to say but feeling like she needed to say something.

He held up a hand, stopping her. “I know what you’re thinking,” he said softly. “ We barely know each other.”

Venus swallowed hard.

He reached out, his fingers brushing her cheek. Her eyes closed, leaning into his touch despite herself. When she opened them again, Azlun’s face was mere inches from hers.

“Tell me to stop,” he whispered, his breath warm against her lips.

Venus knew she should. This was dangerous. She was playing with fire. But as she looked into Azlun’s eyes, she found she didn’t want to stop. Not now. Maybe not ever.

“Don’t stop,” she breathed.

Azlun’s lips met hers, and Venus felt as though she were falling. The kiss was soft at first, tentative, but it quickly deepened, becoming something hungry and passionate. Venus wound her arms around Azlun’s neck, pressing herself against him as his hands roamed her back.

When they finally broke apart, both breathless, Venus felt as though her world had tilted on its axis. Everything she thought she knew, everything she had planned, seemed to have been thrown into chaos by this one kiss.

Azlun rested his forehead against hers, his eyes closed. “Venus,” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion.

“I didn’t expect this,” she whispered.

Azlun opened his eyes, meeting her gaze with a mixture of tenderness and determination. “Neither did I.”

“Do you think we can make it work? Make this arrangement something else?” she asked, her heart thudding hard.

“I think there’s more going on between us than either one of us can explain.”

As Venus looked into his eyes, she knew she was standing on the precipice of something monumental. Her heart raced with equal parts excitement and fear. Whatever she decided in this moment would set the course for everything that followed.

With a deep breath, Venus made her choice.

Venus leaned against the cool railing of the terrace, the alien night air tingling against her skin. The twin moons of Tharvis cast an otherworldly glow across the landscape, making the crystalline structures of the royal gardens shimmer like living beings.

“There you are!” Mila’s voice cut through Venus’s reverie. She turned to see her twin sister and Zora approaching.

Azlun bowed his head slightly. “If you’ll excuse me.” He turned and walked back into the ballroom politely nodding to her siblings as he passed them.

Mila sidled up next to Venus, bumping her shoulder playfully. “So, care to explain why we just saw you sneaking out here with tall, dark, and alien?”

Heat rose to her cheeks but kept her expression neutral. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Zora giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh please, the whole ballroom saw you two. That dance? I thought the chandeliers might shatter from the tension.”

“It was just a dance,” Venus protested weakly, but even she couldn’t keep the smile from tugging at her lips.

“Just a dance?” Mila scoffed. “Venus, darling, I’ve seen less chemistry in a nuclear reactor. You two were practically glowing.”

Venus rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t deny the flutter in her stomach at the memory of Azlun’s touch, his intense gaze. “Fine, he’s... intriguing. But it doesn’t change anything. This is still a political arrangement.”

“A political arrangement with benefits, apparently,” Zora teased, waggling her eyebrows suggestively.

“Zora!” Venus exclaimed unable to hold back her laughter. “You’ve been on this planet for five minutes and you’re already corrupted.”

Mila grinned, gesturing broadly at the alien landscape before them. “Can you blame her? Look at this place. It’s like something out of a sci-fi romance novel. Complete with sexy alien princes.”

“Speaking of which,” Zora chimed in, “have you seen Azlun’s brother Dravek? I swear, those tattoos of his were glowing during the ceremony. Do you think they do that all the time, or just when he’s... excited?”

Venus nearly choked on her laughter. “Zora! I can’t believe you’re thinking about alien... biology at a time like this.”

“Oh, like you haven’t wondered,” Mila retorted with a smirk. “Don’t think we didn’t notice how your eyes kept drifting to Azlun’s hands during that dance. Wondering how many fingers he has under those gloves, were you?”

Venus’s jaw dropped. “I was doing no such thing! I was simply... admiring the craftsmanship of his formal wear.”

“Uh-huh,” Mila nodded, clearly unconvinced. “And I’m sure it was purely academic curiosity that had you pressing up against him like that.”

“I wasn’t—“ Venus started to protest, but Zora cut her off with a gentle pat on the arm.

“It’s okay, Venus. We get it. You’re stuck in an arranged marriage with an impossibly handsome alien prince who just happens to be charming, intelligent, and completely smitten with you. It must be terrible.”

Venus sighed, shaking her head with a rueful smile. “When you put it like that, it does sound a bit ridiculous, doesn’t it?”

“Just a bit,” Mila agreed. Her tone softened as she continued, “But seriously, Venus. We saw how you two looked at each other. That wasn’t just political maneuvering.”

“It wasn’t,” Venus admitted quietly. She turned back to the alien landscape, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions. “But that almost makes it worse, doesn’t it? If this were just politics, I could handle it. But Azlun... he’s making me feel things I’m not prepared for.”

Zora wrapped an arm around Venus’s shoulders. “Maybe that’s not such a bad thing. You’ve always been so focused on your career and making a difference. But who says you can’t do that and find love too?”

“Love?” Venus scoffed, but the word sent a thrill through her that she couldn’t ignore. “It’s a bit early for that, don’t you think?”

Mila shrugged. “Maybe. But the night is young, the moons are bright, and you’ve got a handsome prince waiting inside who can’t take his eyes off you. I’d say anything’s possible.”

As if on cue, they heard footsteps approaching the terrace. Venus’s heart skipped a beat as she recognized the confident stride.

“Speaking of handsome princes,” Zora whispered, a grin spreading across her face.

Mila grabbed Zora’s arm, already backing toward the ballroom. “And that’s our cue to make a graceful exit. Don’t do anything we wouldn’t do, Venus!”

“That doesn’t rule out much!” Venus hissed after them, but her sisters were already gone, disappearing with conspiratorial giggles into the crowd.

Venus took a deep breath, steeling herself as she turned back to the railing. She heard Azlun’s voice, soft and slightly hesitant, “Enjoying the view?”

As she turned to face him, a smile graced her lips despite herself. Her sisters’ words echoed in her mind, and for a moment, she allowed herself to imagine the possibilities. Political arrangement or not, there was no denying the connection she felt with Azlun.

“It’s... not what I expected,” she admitted, her voice carrying a warmth that surprised even her. “But then again, nothing about this place is.”