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Chapter 6

SIX

T he neon signs of the dilapidated bar flickered weakly against the perpetual twilight of the alien sky, casting an eerie, pulsating glow over the desolate street. Azlun’s eyes darted from shadow to shadow, assessing potential threats as he guided Venus through the throng of rough-looking patrons. The air hung heavy with acrid smoke and the stench of alien beverages, a cacophony of guttural languages filling the space.

“Stay close,” Azlun murmured, his hand resting protectively on the small of Venus’s back. He felt her tense slightly at his touch, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she leaned into him almost imperceptibly, seeking comfort in his presence. The small gesture sent a shock through Azlun’s body, igniting a warmth in his chest.

As they approached the bar, a hulking creature with multiple arms and glowing eyes fixed its gaze on them. Its skin was a mottled green, covered in pulsating pustules that oozed a viscous liquid. Azlun met its stare unflinchingly, his posture radiating a quiet danger that made the alien look away first.

“We need a room,” Azlun said to the bartender, a wizened being with skin like cracked leather and eyes that had seen too much. Azlun slid a handful of Tharvian currency across the sticky bar top, careful to keep his voice low and his demeanor nonchalant. “Just for the night.”

The bartender grunted, scooping up the money with a gnarled hand. His eyes, milky with age, narrowed as he studied the couple before him. “Upstairs. Last door on the left.” He tossed a rusted key at Azlun, who caught it deftly.

Azlun nodded toward the kitchen. “Have the cook bring up some food.” He laid more money on the counter.

As they climbed the creaking stairs, Azlun’s mind raced. The unpredictability of this underdeveloped planet kept him on edge. He was used to being in control, to having the upper hand in negotiations. But here in this lawless place with Venus’s safety weighing on his conscience, he felt a rare twinge of uncertainty.

The room was small and dingy with a single window overlooking the desolate cityscape. Flickering light from a malfunctioning holo-ad outside cast strange, shifting shadows across the walls. Azlun secured the lock and did a quick sweep for any hidden dangers before allowing himself to relax marginally.

“Well, this is cozy,” Venus quipped, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she eyed the threadbare blankets on the two narrow cots. Despite her tone, Azlun noticed the slight tremor in her hands, the way her eyes darted around the room, betraying her unease.

Azlun couldn’t help but smirk, admiring her ability to maintain her wit even in such dire circumstances. “I’ll be sure to leave a glowing review for the establishment,” he replied, matching her tone. Then, softening his voice, he added, “Are you all right, Venus?”

She turned to him, surprise flickering across her face at his genuine concern. For a moment, her carefully constructed facade cracked, revealing a vulnerability that made Azlun’s heart ache. “I’m fine,” she said, but her voice lacked its usual conviction. “It’s just... been a long day.”

Azlun stepped closer, drawn by an inexplicable need to comfort her. “You’ve been incredibly brave,” he said softly. “Most people would have broken down by now, but you... you’re extraordinary, Venus.”

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to fall away. Azlun found himself lost in the depths of her gaze, seeing not just the fierce, independent woman he’d come to admire, but also the vulnerable, human side she rarely showed. Without thinking, he reached out, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

Venus’s breath caught at the touch, her eyes widening slightly. Azlun felt the air between them charge with an electric tension, his heart racing. He leaned in, drawn by an irresistible force, and Venus tilted her face up to meet him.

Their lips met in a soft, tender kiss. It was gentle, almost hesitant at first, but quickly deepened as they both gave in to the emotions they’d been holding back. Azlun cupped Venus’s face in his hands, marveling at how perfectly she fit against him. Venus’s arms wound around his neck, pulling him closer as she melted into the kiss.

When they parted, Azlun rested his forehead against hers. “I’m so grateful you’re safe,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “When I heard you’d been taken... I’ve never been so terrified in my life.”

The moment was interrupted by a knock at the door, making them freeze. Azlun moved silently, positioning himself between Venus and the potential threat. He opened the door a crack, relaxing slightly when he saw the bartender holding a tray of food.

“Your order,” the old alien grumbled, shoving the tray into Azlun’s hands before shuffling away.

The meal was a strange alien stew, chunks of unidentifiable meat floating in a viscous liquid that glowed faintly in the dim light. It wasn’t appetizing, but it was hot, and after the chaos of the day, it was a welcome respite.

As they ate, the tension in the room eased slightly. Venus broke the silence, her voice softer than before. “So, Prince Charming, what’s our next move?”

Azlun lifted an eyebrow at the nickname, a half smirk raising one side of his mouth. “Prince Charming, is it? And here I thought you found me insufferable.”

Venus laughed, the sound light and genuine. “Oh, don’t worry, I still do. But you’re growing on me... like some kind of charming alien fungus.”

Azlun clutched his chest in mock offense. “Your words wound me, my lady. And after I so gallantly rescued you from that dreadful auction.”

Their banter continued as they finished their meal, the easy rapport between them a stark contrast to their initial antagonism. As the night wore on, they shared stories of their lives—Venus speaking of her family, her fears about the arranged marriage, her dreams for the future. Azlun found himself opening up in turn, talking about the pressures of royal life, the weight of expectations that had been placed on him since birth.

In the quiet of the room with only the distant sounds of the alien city as background, the walls they had built around themselves began to crumble. Azlun saw Venus not just as a strong, capable warrior, but as a woman with hopes and fears, dreams and doubts. And he realized with a clarity that both thrilled and terrified him that he was falling for her—not because of any political arrangement, but because of who she was.

As dawn broke harsh and unforgiving over the alien landscape, Azlun and Venus left the bar behind, stepping out into a world of jagged rocks and ominous roiling skies. The distant sun cast an eerie, reddish glow over the horizon, painting everything in shades of rust and blood.

“Charming place,” Venus muttered, her eyes scanning the barren wasteland before them. Despite her sarcastic tone, Azlun noticed how she stayed close to him, her hand brushing against his as they walked.

“Stay alert,” Azlun warned, his eyes constantly moving. “This terrain is perfect for ambushes.”

They set off, picking their way carefully across the rocky ground. Azlun kept his senses on high alert, every instinct honed by years of training screaming at him to be ready for anything. But even as he watched for danger, he couldn’t help but be distracted by Venus.

She moved with a grace that belied her lack of experience in such harsh environments. Her eyes were constantly moving, taking in every detail of their surroundings. More than once, she pointed out potential hiding spots or alternate routes that Azlun might have missed. Her quick thinking and adaptability impressed him more with each passing hour.

It was nearing midday when Azlun spotted movement on the horizon. He held up a hand, signaling Venus to stop.

“What is it?” she whispered, her body tensing for action.

“Mercenaries,” Azlun replied, his voice low and tight. “The ones from the auction. They’ve found us.”

Venus’s hand went to the weapon at her hip—a small blaster Azlun had given her from his own arsenal. “How many?”

“At least five, maybe more,” Azlun said, his eyes never leaving the approaching figures. “Venus, I need you to?—“

“If you’re about to tell me to hide while you play the hero, save your breath,” Venus cut him off, her tone brooking no argument. “Not happening.”

Azlun turned to her, ready to insist that she stay back, but the look in her eyes stopped him. There was no fear, only determination and a fierce, burning resolve. In that moment, he realized she was every bit his equal—not a damsel to be rescued, but a warrior in her own right.

“Together, then,” he agreed, drawing his own weapon. “Stay close and watch my back.”

The mercenaries attacked with a ferocity that would have overwhelmed a lesser opponent. But Azlun was no ordinary prince, and Venus was far from helpless. They moved as one, years of training and raw instinct guiding their actions.

Azlun’s combat skills were on full display as he took down two of the attackers with precise, lethal strikes. But it was Venus who truly surprised him. She used the terrain to her advantage, ducking behind rocks for cover and emerging to land shots that would have made a seasoned warrior proud.

As the battle raged on, Azlun found himself watching Venus almost as much as he watched their enemies. There was a fire in her eyes, a determination that matched his own. She wasn’t just fighting to survive—she was fighting to win, to prove herself.

The tide turned when one of the mercenaries managed to flank them, catching Azlun off guard. The alien’s clawed hand raked across his back, tearing through his clothing and leaving a trail of burning pain. Azlun stumbled, momentarily stunned by the intensity of the attack.

But before the mercenary could press its advantage, Venus was there. With a cry of rage, she launched herself at the creature, her small frame belying her strength as she drove it back. Her blaster found its mark, and the alien fell lifeless to the ground.

“Azlun!” Venus was at his side in an instant, her face etched with concern. “How bad are you hurt?”

He grimaced as he straightened up. “It’s not deep. I’ll be fine.”

The remaining mercenaries, seeing their comrades fall and their quarry prove more formidable than expected, retreated into the rocky landscape. Azlun watched them go, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

“We need to move,” he said, already scanning for the best route forward. “They’ll be back, and probably with reinforcements.”

Venus nodded, but her eyes were still fixed on the gash across his back. “We need to tend to that wound first. You’re no good to either of us if you bleed out before we reach the ship.”

There was no arguing with her logic. They found a sheltered spot among the rocks, and Venus set about cleaning Azlun’s injury. Her touch was gentle yet firm, and Azlun found himself relaxing despite the pain.

“Thank you,” he said softly as she finished. “For the medical attention and... for saving my life back there.”

Venus looked up, meeting his gaze. For a moment, the masks they both wore—the tough, sarcastic exterior—fell away, and Azlun saw the real Venus. Vulnerable, yes, but also strong, compassionate, and fiercely loyal.

“We’re a team, remember?” she said, her voice equally soft. “I’ve got your back if you’ve got mine.”

Azlun nodded, unable to find the words to express the emotions swirling inside him. This woman, who had started as nothing more than a political necessity, had become something far more important. She was his partner, his equal, and—though he was only beginning to admit it to himself—perhaps something even deeper.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the alien landscape, they found a small cave nestled in a nearby cliff face. It was easily defensible and would give them cover from any aerial searches.

Inside the cave, they built a small fire, its warmth a welcome respite from the chill that had settled over the planet. Sitting by the fire, their faces illuminated by its soft glow, Azlun felt a sense of peace wash over him. For the first time since they’d left the auction, there was no immediate threat, no need to be constantly on guard.

He looked at Venus, who was staring into the flames, lost in thought. The firelight danced across her features, highlighting the strength and beauty that had captivated him from the start. Without thinking, he reached out, taking her hand into his.

Venus looked up, surprise flickering across her face before it softened into a gentle smile. She intertwined her fingers with his, the simple gesture speaking volumes.

“Venus,” Azlun began, his voice low and intense, “I need you to know... this isn’t just about duty. You’re not just a political arrangement or someone I needed to rescue. You’re... you’re extraordinary. Brave, intelligent, fierce. I’ve never met anyone like you.”

Venus’s eyes widened, a blush creeping across her cheeks. “Azlun, I...”

He pressed on, needing to get the words out. “I know this isn’t the most romantic setting, and our future is still uncertain. But I want you to know that whatever happens, whatever challenges we face, I’m here. Not because I have to be, but because I want to be.”

She grinned. “Are you always this dramatic, Your Highness? Or is it just the atmosphere getting to you?”

Azlun chuckled, grateful for the moment of levity. “I’ll have you know, I’m renowned across the galaxy for my stoic demeanor.”

“Oh, of course.” Venus nodded solemnly. “I can see that. Nothing says ‘stoic’ like professing your feelings in a dank cave on a hostile planet.”

They both laughed, the tension in the air dissipating slightly. As their laughter faded, Azlun’s expression grew serious again.

“When I was younger, I used to sneak out of the palace,” he said, his voice soft. “I’d disguise myself and wander the streets of the capital just to see how ordinary people lived. It always felt more real out there than in the gilded halls of royalty.”

Venus tilted her head, studying him. “Is that why you became a diplomat? To stay connected to that ‘real’ world?”

Azlun nodded. “Partly. I also hoped... well, I hoped I might find someone who saw me for who I am, not just my title.” He met her gaze. “Someone like you.”

Venus was quiet for a moment, then said, “When I was fifteen, I built a treehouse in the White House garden.” She grinned at Azlun’s surprised expression. “The Secret Service had a fit, but my dad let me keep it. I know I was a big kid already, but I felt so caged in. It was the one place where I could just be me, not the President’s daughter.”

“I’d love to see this treehouse someday,” Azlun said, a soft smile on his face.

“Well, if we survive this little adventure, maybe I’ll give you a tour,” Venus replied, her tone light but her eyes conveying a deeper meaning.

Azlun reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ll hold you to that. Besides, I really like you.”

For a moment, Venus was silent, and Azlun felt his heart hammering. Then, slowly, a radiant smile spread across her face.

Venus leaned in, capturing his lips in a deep, passionate kiss. He pulled her close, losing himself in the warmth of her embrace. When they pulled back, both breathless, Venus rested her forehead against his.

“I really like you too, you insufferable alien prince,” she whispered, her eyes shining with a mix of joy and mischief. “Though I have to warn you, my dad might insist on a background check. How do you feel about being probed by the CIA?”

Azlun laughed, pulling her closer. “For you, my dear, I’d face a thousand CIA probes.”

“Now that’s romance.” Venus giggled, snuggling into his embrace. “Who knew an alien prince could be so charming?”

As they held each other by the flickering firelight, the dangers of their situation momentarily forgotten, Azlun felt a sense of hope bloom in his chest. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. And for now, in this moment of peace, that was enough.

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