Chapter 15

FIFTEEN

T he strategy chamber thrummed with tension, the air thick with unspoken concerns. Vex stood at the head of the holographic table, his brothers arrayed around him like the points of a star. Dravek's massive frame seemed to dwarf his end of the table, while Roqron's slender fingers danced across the controls, conjuring and dismissing data streams with dizzying speed. Azlun, usually the picture of diplomatic calm, paced restlessly, his usual charm replaced by a furrowed brow.

"All right, let's hear it," Vex said, his deep voice cutting through the uneasy silence. "How bad is it?"

Dravek's laugh was more growl than mirth. "Bad enough to make me consider taking up meditation. Eerion's forces have hit three outposts in the last week. They're getting bolder, brother."

Roqron's fingers paused their frantic dance, and he looked up, his eyes glowing faintly with the reflection of data streams. "It's not just their aggression that concerns me. They've developed weapons capable of disrupting our energy shields. Primitive, but effective."

"Lovely," Azlun muttered, running a hand through his artfully tousled hair. "So not only are they violent, but they're innovating. Any other good news?"

Vex absorbed the information, his mind racing through potential strategies and countermoves. The sect's opposition to the Earth alliance complicated an already delicate situation. And now, with Raelee and her sisters here...

The thought of Raelee sent a jolt through him, a mixture of guilt, longing, and frustration that he quickly suppressed. Focus, he chided himself. Deal with one crisis at a time.

"We need to neutralize this threat," he declared, his voice carrying the weight of command. "Dravek, I want our forces on high alert. Roqron, work on countermeasures for their tech. Azlun, see if you can open a dialogue. Maybe we can reason with some of them."

His brothers nodded, but Azlun's expression remained troubled. "Vex, this conflict... it's kept us from meeting our intended brides. The Arison sisters have been here for days, and we haven't even met them. I'm starting to think they believe we're mythical creatures, like those unicorns they have on Earth."

Despite the gravity of the situation, Vex felt his lips twitch in amusement. "I assure you, brother, they're well aware of our existence. Though perhaps it's better they don't see you first thing in the morning. That might send them running back to Earth."

Azlun clutched his chest in mock offense. "You wound me, brother. I'll have you know I wake up looking like a divine being."

"If by ‘divine being' you mean ‘something the bazrog dragged in', then yes, absolutely," Dravek chimed in, his gruff voice softened by the hint of a smile.

The brief moment of levity eased some of the tension in the room, but reality quickly reasserted itself. Vex straightened, meeting each of his brothers' gazes in turn. "We will deal with Eerion. And we will make this alliance work. For Tharvis, for Earth, and for our own futures. Now, let's get to work."

As the meeting concluded, Vex strode through the palace corridors, his mind churning with strategies and contingencies. The weight of responsibility settled heavily on his shoulders, and he found himself longing for a moment of peace.

Almost unconsciously, his feet carried him toward the royal gardens. As he rounded a corner, he froze, his heart leaping into his throat.

There, perched on the edge of a shimmering fountain, sat Raelee. The sight of her hit him like a physical force, stealing the breath from his lungs.

Tharvis's twin suns bathed her in a warm, golden light, turning her blonde hair into a halo of spun gold. Her blue eyes, usually so full of fire and determination, now held a distant, contemplative look. She hadn't noticed him yet, lost in her own thoughts.

Vex drank in the sight of her, allowing himself a moment of vulnerability. By the stars, she was beautiful. Not just physically, though she certainly was that. But it was her spirit, her fierce independence, her compassion that truly captivated him.

He must have made a sound, because suddenly those blue eyes snapped up, locking onto his. A flurry of emotions crossed her face—surprise, pain, anger, and something else, something that made his heart race—before she schooled her features into a neutral expression.

"Raelee," he began, cursing internally as his voice came out softer, more vulnerable than he intended. "I... I need to explain."

She held up a hand, stopping him. "Not now, Vex. I can't... I'm not ready to talk about this. About us. About the marriage. Not yet."

Her words stung, but he understood. He'd betrayed her trust even if his intentions had been good. "I understand," he said, fighting to keep the disappointment from his voice. "But perhaps... perhaps I could show you more of Tharvis? No pressure, no talk of alliances or marriages. Just... let me show you my world."

Raelee hesitated, conflict clear in her eyes. Before she could respond, a familiar voice rang out.

"Oh, go on, Rae!" It was one of her sisters, striding toward them with the other two in tow. "You've been moping around the palace for days. A little sightseeing might do you good."

Mila nodded, her practical nature shining through. "Plus, it's a chance to research more data on Tharvisians. Think of the scientific implications."

Zora added softly, "And maybe it's a chance to see the man behind the title. The one you told us about from Earth."

Raelee looked at her sisters, then back at Vex. He held his breath, hope warring with anxiety in his chest.

Finally, she nodded. "Fine. Show me Tharvis."

Relief flooded Vex. It wasn't forgiveness, not yet, but it was a start. He offered his hand, half-expecting her to refuse it. To his surprise and delight, she took it, her small hand fitting perfectly in his larger one.

The moment their skin touched, a jolt of electricity passed between them. Vex saw Raelee's eyes widen slightly. The chemistry between them, far from fading, seemed to have intensified during their time apart.

"I know just the place," he said, his voice rougher than usual. He led her away from the main gardens, acutely aware of every point of contact between them.

As they walked, Vex reveled in the subtle scent of her perfume—something floral and distinctly Earth-like. He could hear the soft rustle of her clothing and see the graceful sway of her hips out of the corner of his eye.

Focus, he told himself sternly. You're trying to rebuild trust, not bed her.

They reached a secluded area, pausing before a seemingly solid wall of shimmering plants. With a wave of his hand, the foliage parted, revealing a hidden path.

"What is this place?" Raelee asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Vex smiled, a rare, genuine expression that softened his usually stern features. "A sanctuary. One of Tharvis's best-kept secrets. I hope you're not allergic to magic because this place is full of it."

Raelee raised an eyebrow, a hint of her usual spark returning. "Magic? And here I thought you Tharvisians were all about advanced technology."

"Oh, we are," Vex replied, leading her through the opening. "But sometimes, the line between advanced science and magic gets a little... blurry."

As they stepped into the sanctuary, Raelee gasped, her hand tightening on his. Before them stretched a garden unlike any other. Bioluminescent flowers pulsed with gentle light, their colors shifting in hypnotic patterns.

Crystal-clear streams wove between floating islands of moss, each supporting its own miniature ecosystem. In the center of it all stood an ancient tree, its trunk wider than ten men standing shoulder to shoulder, its branches reaching toward a domed ceiling that mimicked the night sky.

"It's... incredible," Raelee breathed, her eyes wide with wonder. "How is this possible?"

Vex grinned, enjoying her amazement. "A combination of extremely advanced bioengineering and what my ancestors called sacred geometry . The entire sanctuary exists in a sort of pocket dimension. It's bigger on the inside, as one of your Earth shows might say."

Raelee turned to him, surprise and amusement dancing in her eyes. "Did you just make a Doctor Who reference?"

"I may have done some research on Earth entertainment," Vex admitted, a faint blush coloring his silver skin. "I found the concept of time travel particularly fascinating."

Raelee's laugh, bright and genuine, sent a thrill through him. "Oh, I would pay good money to see you binge-watching sci-fi shows."

As they walked deeper into the sanctuary, Vex found himself opening up more than he ever had. He pointed out various plants and creatures, explaining their significance in Tharvisian culture, but he also shared personal anecdotes and memories.

"See that tree with the spiral branches?" he said, pointing to a graceful specimen with iridescent leaves. "When I was a child, I climbed to the top, convinced I could touch the stars. I ended up stuck and had to be rescued by the royal guards. My father was... less than pleased."

Raelee snorted, the sound so unladylike and endearing that his heart swelled. "I can relate. I once tried to ‘upgrade' my father's official state car with a racing engine. Secret Service nearly had a collective heart attack."

They settled beside a small, glowing pond, close enough that Vex could feel the warmth radiating from Raelee's body. The air between them seemed charged, filled with unspoken words and barely restrained desire.

"My parents wanted to be here to greet you and your sisters," he said softly, his gaze fixed on the gently pulsing water. "But my grandparents fell ill, and they had to leave to tend to them. Family is... everything in our culture."

Raelee nodded, her expression softening. "I understand that. It's the same for us, really. Even with all the pressure and expectations... family comes first."

Vex took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he needed to say next. "Raelee, I... I need you to know something. These feelings I have for you, they're real. They're unlike anything I've ever experienced."

He saw her tense, but he pressed on, his voice low and intense. "I know I hurt you by not revealing my identity sooner. But everything else—every moment we shared, every conversation, every laugh—that was all real. I've never allowed myself to be that vulnerable with anyone."

Raelee's eyes met his, a storm of emotions swirling in their blue depths. "Why tell me this now?"

Vex reached out, gently taking her hand in his. To his relief, she didn't pull away. The touch sent sparks racing up his arm, and he had to resist the urge to pull her closer.

"Because I want you to understand that while duty is important to me, it's not everything," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "I'm not willing to let you sacrifice your freedom for the sake of our planets' alliance. If we... if we choose to be together, it should be because we want to be, not because of political necessity."

A tear slipped down Raelee's cheek, and this time, Vex couldn't resist the urge to wipe it away. His thumb brushed her soft skin, lingering perhaps a moment longer than necessary.

"I don't know what to say," she whispered, her breath catching as his hand cupped her cheek.

"You don't have to say anything," Vex replied, his gaze dropping to her lips before snapping back to her eyes. "Just... give us a chance. Let me show you Tharvis, let me show you who I really am. And if, at the end of it all, you decide you can't forgive me or that you don't want this... I'll accept your decision."

Raelee was quiet for a long moment, her gaze fixed on their intertwined hands. Finally, she looked up, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "All right. Show me your home, Vex."

As they continued to explore the sanctuary, Vex felt a weight lift from his shoulders. It wasn't a resolution, not yet, but it was a beginning. He shared stories of his childhood, of the pressures of growing up as the crown prince, of his hopes and fears for the future.

In turn, Raelee began to soften to him as well.

Throughout it all, the physical attraction between them simmered, an almost tangible force. Every accidental brush of hands, every shared laugh brought them closer together, every lingering glance—it all served to remind Vex of what they'd shared on Earth, and what they could have here on Tharvis.

As the artificial twilight of the sanctuary deepened, they found themselves standing beneath the great tree at the center. Its bioluminescent leaves cast a soft, ethereal glow over them, turning Raelee's skin to living marble and making her eyes shine like sapphires.

Vex turned to her, his heart pounding. "Thank you," he said softly, "for giving me this chance."

Raelee looked up at him, her expression a mix of lingering hurt and growing affection. "I'm not... I'm not ready to forgive everything yet," she said. "But I'm glad I came here with you today."

Slowly, giving her every chance to pull away, Vex leaned down. Their lips met in a kiss that was both familiar and new, tender and passionate. It held the promise of what could be if they were brave enough to reach for it.

The moment their lips touched, it was as if a dam had broken. All the pent-up emotion came rushing to the surface. Vex's arms wound around Raelee's waist, pulling her flush against him, while her hands tangled in his hair.

The kiss deepened, became hungry, desperate. Vex could taste the sweetness of her mouth, feel the softness of her body pressed against his. Every nerve ending was on fire, hyper-aware of every point of contact between them.

When they finally parted, both breathing heavily, Vex rested his forehead against Raelee's. "Whatever happens," he murmured, his voice husky with desire, "know that my feelings for you are real. You've changed me, Raelee Arison, in ways I never thought possible."

Raelee's hand came up to cup his cheek, her touch sending sparks through him. "You've changed me too," she admitted, her eyes dark with a mixture of desire and lingering uncertainty. "I just... I need time."

Vex nodded, understanding even as every fiber of his being screamed to kiss her again. "We have time," he assured her, though it took every ounce of his considerable self-control to step back slightly. "And I'll be here, every step of the way."

As they made their way to the palace, hand in hand, Vex knew that challenges lay ahead. Eerion and the Drakanor Sect still posed a threat, the alliance between their planets remained uncertain, and there were still hurts to be healed between him and Raelee.

But for the first time in his life, Vex felt truly hopeful about the future. The connection between them, far from fading, had grown stronger. With Raelee by his side, he believed they could face anything.

As they reached the palace doors, Raelee paused, turning to him. "Vex, so much of me is telling me to run from all this, but so much more is telling me to run to you, to the man I knew on Earth."

"I am that man, Raelee. Just with a palace and fancy headgear along for the ride."

She smirked. "You're calling a royal crown headgear ?"

He shrugged. "I don't wear it often."

Raelee threw her head back, laughing. By the stars, that was the sweetest sound he'd heard since leaving Earth. His heart soared with the ease of being with his love again.

Her shoulders relaxed and the mischievous glint in her eye returned. "So," she said, her tone light but with an undercurrent of something more, "does this sanctuary of yours have any... private areas? You know, for further cultural exchange?"

Vex's eyebrows shot up, a mix of surprise and desire flashing across his face. For a moment, he was speechless, caught off guard by Raelee's boldness. Then, a slow, almost predatory grin spread across his features.

"Why, Lady Arison," he drawled, his deep voice dropping to a husky whisper, "are you proposing we engage in some... interplanetary relations?"

Raelee's laugh was rich and warm, sending a shiver down Vex's spine. "I'm merely suggesting that as Earth's ambassador, it's my duty to... thoroughly explore all aspects of Tharvisian culture."

Vex stepped closer, his body heat mingling with hers in the narrow space between them. "Well, far be it from me to impede diplomatic efforts," he murmured, his breath hot against her ear. "I believe I know just the place for such... delicate negotiations."

He took her hand, leading her away from the main palace and to a secluded wing. As they walked, Vex couldn't help but marvel at the turn of events. Hours ago, he'd been worried Raelee would never forgive him. Now, the tension between them was electric, charged with possibilities.

They reached an ornate door, inlaid with swirling patterns that seemed to move in the dim light. Vex placed his palm against it, and the door silently swung open, revealing a luxurious suite.

"My private chambers," he explained, suddenly feeling a touch nervous. "I thought we might appreciate some privacy."

Raelee stepped inside, her eyes widening as she took in the opulent surroundings. The room was a perfect blend of alien aesthetics and familiar comforts. A massive bed dominated one wall, its sheets shimmering with an otherworldly iridescence. Living plants curled around floating orbs of light, casting a soft, intimate glow.

"Wow," Raelee breathed, turning in a slow circle. "This is... not what I expected."

Vex chuckled, closing the door behind them. "What did you expect? A spartan military barracks?"

"Maybe," she admitted with a grin. "Or some kind of high-tech pod. Definitely not... this." She gestured to the room, her gaze lingering on the inviting bed.

The air between them thickened, charged with unspoken desire. Vex took a step toward her, his heart pounding. "Raelee," he began, his voice rough with emotion, "I want you to know that we don't have to?—"

His words were cut off as Raelee closed the distance between them, pulling him down into a searing kiss. All thoughts of restraint evaporated as Vex wrapped his arms around her, pulling her flush against him.

The kiss deepened. Vex's hands roamed over Raelee's back, tracing the curve of her spine while her fingers tangled in his hair. When they finally broke apart, both were breathing heavily.

"I've missed you," Raelee whispered, her blue eyes dark with desire. "Even when I was angry, even when I thought I hated you... I missed you."

Vex's heart swelled at her words. He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs gently stroking her cheeks. "I missed you too," he confessed. "More than I thought possible."

Their lips met again, softer this time but no less passionate. Slowly, they made their way to the bed, shedding clothes as they went. Each newly revealed expanse of skin was explored with reverent touches and heated kisses.

As they fell onto the bed together, Vex paused, hovering over Raelee. He drank in the sight of her, light hair splayed out on the iridescent sheets, cheeks flushed, eyes bright with desire.

"You're beautiful," he murmured, trailing a finger along the curve of her jaw. "So incredibly beautiful."

Raelee's smile was radiant. "You're not so bad yourself, Your Highness," she teased, her hands tracing the glowing patterns on his chest.

What followed was a passionate exploration of each other's bodies, a reaffirmation of the connection they'd forged on Earth and the new bond forming here on Tharvis. They moved together in perfect synchrony as if their bodies remembered each other despite the time apart.

Afterward, they lay tangled together, Raelee's head resting on Vex's chest, his arms wrapped securely around her. The room was quiet save for the soft sound of their breathing and the gentle hum of the bioluminescent plants.

"So," Raelee said after a while, her voice tinged with amusement, "is this a typical Tharvisian courtship ritual, or am I getting the VIP treatment?"

Vex's chuckle rumbled through his chest. "Oh, this is definitely the VIP package. Usually, there's a lot more formal dinners and political negotiations involved."

"Hmm," Raelee hummed, propping herself up on an elbow to look at him. "I think I prefer this method of diplomacy."

Vex grinned, reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "As do I. Though I fear if word gets out, we'll have a line of diplomats at our door, eager to improve interplanetary relations."

Raelee laughed, the sound filling the room and Vex's heart. "Well, we can't have that. I'm not great at sharing."

"Neither am I," Vex admitted, his tone turning serious. He sat up, keeping Raelee close. "Raelee, I know we still have a lot to work through. The alliance, my deception... but you're not just a political arrangement. You're..." he paused, searching for the right words. "You're everything I never knew I needed."

Raelee's eyes softened, a mix of emotions playing across her face. "Vex," she began, then stopped, biting her lip. "I can't pretend the hurt isn't still there. You lied to me, and that's not easy to get over."

Vex nodded, his heart sinking. But Raelee wasn't finished. "I won't reject the idea of being your bride or our negotiations. I just need a little more time to come to terms with all this."

"I won't rush you."