Chapter 14

FOURTEEN

A zlun’s boots echoed ominously against the polished marble floors as he strode down the corridor, his brother Dravek a looming presence at his side. The air around them crackled with tension, matching the storm brewing in Azlun’s chest. Every heartbeat without Venus felt like an eternity, each second a reminder of the danger she faced in this gilded prison.

As they approached the ornate doors of the throne room, Azlun caught Dravek’s eye. “Remember,” he muttered, his voice low and taut, “we need to stay calm. No matter what they say or do.”

Dravek’s hand tightened on the hilt of his ceremonial sword, his knuckles white. “I’ve got your back, brother. Always.”

The guards announced their presence, their voices reverberating through the hall. As the massive doors swung open, Azlun took a deep breath, steeling himself for the confrontation ahead.

King Olyr sat upon his throne, a picture of regal indifference. But Azlun didn’t miss the calculating gleam in those violet eyes, the subtle tightening of his jaw as they approached.

“Prince Azlun, Prince Dravek,” the king’s voice slithered through the cavernous room, smooth as silk and twice as deadly. “To what do I owe this... unexpected pleasure?”

Azlun stepped forward, his spine straight, his gaze unflinching. “Your Majesty,” he began, his voice steady despite the anger simmering beneath the surface, “I’ve come to request the immediate release of Lady Venus. She needs to return to Tharvis for proper medical care.”

The king’s eyebrow arched, a study in feigned concern. “My dear Prince Azlun, I assure you, Lady Venus is receiving the finest care our planet can offer. She’s simply not well enough to travel. Surely you wouldn’t want to risk her health?”

Azlun’s fists clenched at his sides, his nails biting into his palms. He could hear the lie in the king’s words and see the subtle smirk. His mind raced, picturing Venus alone and in danger. He took a deep breath, centering himself.

“With all due respect, Your Majesty,” Azlun’s voice took on a harder edge, “I must insist. As my fiancée, Lady Venus falls under the protection of Tharvis. It’s time for her to come home.”

The king leaned forward, his eyes narrowing to dangerous slits. “Are you questioning the care we provide, Prince Azlun? Or perhaps... the hospitality of our kingdom?”

Before Azlun could respond, the doors burst open with a resounding crash. King Brakus of Tharvis strode in, his commanding presence filling the room like a thundercloud. Garek, Azlun’s loyal friend and advisor, followed close behind, his hand resting casually on his weapon.

“Father,” Azlun breathed, relief washing over him.

King Olyr stood, his face a mask of forced politeness that did little to hide his displeasure. “King Brakus, what an... unexpected surprise.”

“Indeed,” King Brakus’s deep voice resonated through the room, causing the very air to vibrate. “I received a rather disturbing message from my son. It seems there’s been some... misunderstanding about Lady Venus’s care. Or perhaps, her captivity?”

As the tension in the room reached a fever pitch, Princess Nyrea swept in, her eyes wild, her composure slipping. “What’s going on here?” she demanded, her voice shrill and grating.

Azlun turned to face her, his patience wearing dangerously thin. “I’m here to take Venus home, Nyrea. This charade has gone on long enough.”

Nyrea’s face contorted with rage, her carefully cultivated beauty twisting into something ugly and primal. “She can’t leave!” she screeched, spittle flying from her lips. “She’s not well enough to travel. She’ll never be well enough! Father, tell them!”

King Brakus stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. “King Olyr,” he intoned, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of royal authority, “I remind you that Lady Venus is my son’s fiancée and a ward of Tharvis. Her continued detainment here is not only a violation of our agreement but an act that borders on hostility.”

Nyrea opened her mouth to protest, but at that moment, the doors opened once more. Zhera entered, supporting a pale but determined Venus.

Azlun’s heart leaped at the sight of her, his breath catching in his throat. It took every ounce of his self-control not to rush to her side, to sweep her into his arms and never let go.

Venus’s eyes met his, a spark of her usual fire shining through despite her obvious fatigue. “I believe I can speak for myself,” she said, her voice strong and clear. “And I’m more than ready to leave this charming little resort. The hospitality has been... memorable, to say the least.”

Nyrea lunged forward, her hand raised as if to strike Venus. “You ungrateful little wretch!” she snarled. “After everything we’ve done for you!”

But Venus was quicker. She sidestepped Nyrea’s attack with a grace that belied her weakened state, causing the princess to stumble and fall gracelessly to the floor.

“Oh dear,” Venus drawled, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “You really should watch your step, Princess. These floors can be so treacherous.”

King Brakus’s voice cut through the chaos, sharp as a blade. “I believe an apology is in order, King Olyr. For the mistreatment of my future daughter-in-law and the separation of my son from his fiancée. Unless, of course, you’d prefer we discuss this matter through... other channels?”

King Olyr’s face had turned an interesting shade of purple, but he nodded stiffly. “Of course,” he ground out. “My... deepest apologies for any misunderstanding. Lady Venus is, of course, free to leave with you.”

Azlun moved to Venus’s side, wrapping a protective arm around her waist. He could feel her lean into him, drawing strength from his presence.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Azlun said, his voice cool and controlled. “We’ll take our leave now.”

As they turned to go, Nyrea’s voice rang out, filled with venom. “She’ll never be one of us! She’s just a weak, pathetic human! She’ll never be worthy of you, Azlun!”

Venus paused, turning back to face Nyrea with a bemused smile. “Oh, honey,” she said, her voice sweet as poison, “I’m not trying to be one of you. I’m just being me. And apparently, that’s more than enough for the prince. Funny how that works, isn’t it?”

She turned to King Olyr, offering a mock curtsy. “Your Majesty, thank you for your... unique brand of hospitality. I do hope we won’t have the pleasure of experiencing it again anytime soon.”

Azlun couldn’t suppress his proud grin as he led Venus from the throne room, his father and brother flanking them protectively. As they stepped into the corridor, he pulled her close, pressing a fierce kiss to her temple.

“Let’s go home,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Venus nodded, her eyes shining with a mixture of exhaustion and triumph. “I thought you’d never say those words,” she replied, then added with a smirk, “Though I must say, I do enjoy making a dramatic exit.”

Azlun chuckled, his heart swelling with love and admiration for this incredible woman. “My darling,” he said, “with you, every exit is dramatic. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”