Chapter 6

SIX

S lowly, as if drawn by an invisible force, they leaned toward each other. Mila could feel the warmth of Roqron’s breath on her skin, his scent enveloping her. Her heart pounded, a mix of anticipation and nervousness coursing through her veins.

Their lips were mere inches apart when a shrill beeping suddenly erupted from the terminal, shattering the moment. Mila jumped back, her face flushing crimson as reality came crashing back.

“I, uh... I think the analysis is complete,” she stammered, trying to regain her composure. She turned quickly to the screen, grateful for the distraction even as her body hummed with unfulfilled desire.

Roqron cleared his throat, his usual stoic demeanor noticeably ruffled. “Yes, of course,” he said, his voice husky. “We should... examine the results.”

As they both focused on the data, Mila couldn’t help but steal glances at Roqron. The way his strong hands moved over the controls, the sharp line of his jaw as he focused... it was maddening. She caught him looking at her, too, his gaze heated when their eyes met.

“So,” Mila said, desperately trying to break the tension, “these fungi... they’re pretty interesting, huh?” She winced internally at the lameness of her comment.

Roqron’s lips quirked into a small smile. “Indeed,” he replied, a hint of amusement in his tone. “Though I find myself... distracted by other fascinating subjects in this room.”

Mila’s breath hitched at the barely veiled compliment. “Oh? And what might those be, Your Highness?” she challenged, surprising herself with her boldness.

Roqron stepped closer, his tall frame looming over her. “I think you know, Mila,” he murmured, her name on his lips sending a shiver down her spine.

For a moment, they stood there, the air thick with tension and possibility. Mila was torn between the urge to close the distance between them and the nagging voice in her head reminding her of all the reasons this was a bad idea.

Finally, with a herculean effort, Mila took a step back. “How about we take a break,” she said, hating how breathless she sounded.

Roqron nodded, regaining some of his princely composure. “Of course.” He gestured toward a casual sitting area. “No need to work so late into the night. I’m sure your sisters are relaxing wherever they are.”

She felt a pang of... something. Not quite jealousy, but a mix of uncertainty and longing.

“It’s strange,” she said softly, strolling to the plush sitting area. “Seeing Raelee and Venus so happy with their new husbands. I never thought I’d see the day when Venus willingly embraced anything resembling settled life. And now here I am, next in line for the marriage merry-go-round.”

Roqron’s expression softened, genuine concern replacing his usual stoic mask. “Change can be... challenging,” he said, taking a seat in a leather-like recliner. “But it can also bring unexpected joys. Your sisters have found happiness in their new roles. Perhaps... perhaps we can find our own path as well.”

Mila stumbled and fell into a chair. The use of we , so casual yet loaded with meaning, caught Mila off guard. It stirred something within her she wasn’t quite ready to examine. The sincerity in his voice and warmth in his eyes... Mila felt her carefully constructed walls begin to crumble.

“Maybe,” she said quietly, repositioning to get comfortable. For a moment, they sat there, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Mila found herself noticing the flecks of silver in Roqron’s dark eyes, the way his presence seemed to fill the space around them. He was still stiff and serious, yes, but there was a kindness to him she hadn’t expected. A genuineness that made her heart do funny little flips in her chest.

“I’m pleasantly surprised tonight,” Mila said, forcing lightness into her tone, “Who knew you had actual thoughts in that perfectly coiffed head of yours? I might have to revise my ‘stuffy prince’ theories.”

Roqron’s lips quirked in what was almost a smile. “I’m full of surprises, Mila. Perhaps you’ll stick around long enough to discover a few more.”

Was he... flirting back? Mila’s pulse quickened at the thought. “Is that a challenge, Your Highness? Because I’ll have you know, I’m exceptionally good at solving mysteries. Especially tall, dark, and handsome ones.”

The words were out before she could stop them, and Mila felt her face flush. Roqron’s eyes widened slightly, a faint color rising to his own cheeks. For a moment, the air between them crackled with unspoken tension.

“I... look forward to it,” Roqron said softly, his gaze holding hers for a beat longer than necessary.

“Well,” Mila said, forcing lightness into her tone, “this has been... enlightening. Who knew research could be so... stimulating?”

Roqron’s lips curved into a genuine smile, transforming his usually serious face. “Indeed. Perhaps we should make these late-night research sessions a regular occurrence.”

Mila’s pulse quickened at the thought. “Careful, Your Highness. A girl might think you’re actually enjoying her company.”

“And if I am?” Roqron challenged, his gaze intense.

Mila swallowed hard, her mind racing. “Then... I guess we’ll just have to see where this research leads us, won’t we?”

Her eyes flittered toward the control panels where they stood moments ago, a wistful sigh escaped her lips. “You know, as fascinating as all this holographic data is, I can’t help but wish I could see it all firsthand. There’s just something about being out there, in nature, collecting samples, observing the ecosystem in action...”

She imagined the alien landscapes beyond the palace wall before meeting his gaze. Roqron watched her, a thoughtful expression on his face.

“What if you could?” he said suddenly.

Mila blinked. “What do you mean?”

Roqron’s eyes lit up. “A visit to the wild lands. You could conduct in-person research on our planet’s biodiversity, maybe even investigate those environmental anomalies you’ve noticed in the data.”

Mila’s eyes widened, a spark of excitement igniting within her. “Are you serious? That would be... incredible! But wait,” her enthusiasm dimmed slightly, “is that even allowed? I mean, with all the security protocols and everything...”

Roqron’s lips curved into a smile. “I am the prince, after all. I think I can arrange a little field trip.”

The words had barely left his mouth before Mila let out a squeal of delight. Without thinking, she jumped up from her chair, Roqron doing the same, and threw her arms around Roqron in an impulsive hug. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

For a moment, they both froze, the sudden closeness catching them off guard. Mila became acutely aware of Roqron’s solid warmth against her, the way his arms had instinctively wrapped around her waist. She could feel his heartbeat, quick and strong, matching the rapid pace of her own.

Slowly, Mila pulled back, her face flushed. Her eyes met Roqron’s, and she saw the same heat from earlier rekindling in his gaze. They were still so close, his hands resting lightly on her hips, her own on his chest. The air between them seemed to crackle with electricity.

For a breathless moment, Mila thought Roqron might kiss her. Part of her—a larger part than she cared to admit—hoped he would. But then, with visible effort, Roqron took a step back, his princely composure sliding back into place.

“We’ll leave tomorrow,” he said, his voice slightly husky. “I’ll make all the necessary arrangements.”

Mila nodded, not trusting herself to speak. As Roqron turned to leave, she called out, “Roqron?”

He paused at the library door, looking back at her.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “Really. This means a lot to me.”

Roqron’s expression softened, a genuine smile breaking through his usual reserve. “It’s my pleasure, Mila. Goodnight.”

As the library door closed behind him, Mila let out a long breath, sinking back into the chair. Her mind whirled with thoughts of the upcoming expedition, but her body was still tingling from the lingering warmth where Roqron had held her.

“Oh, I am in so much trouble,” she muttered to herself, burying her face in her hands. But despite her conflicted emotions, she couldn’t quite suppress the excited grin that spread across her face. What had just happened? And more importantly, what was she going to do about these unexpected and overwhelming feelings for a man she was supposed to marry out of duty, not desire?

With a groan, Mila headed back to her quarters, knowing sleep would be elusive tonight. Her body still thrummed with unfulfilled desire, and her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions. One thing was certain – her stay on Tharvis had just gotten a lot more complicated.

The Roqron she’d spent the evening with was far from the stiff, formal prince she’d expected. He was intelligent, passionate about his work, and capable of surprising depth. And, if she was being completely honest with herself, he was devastatingly attractive in a way that made her want to simultaneously run away and move closer.

Mila shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. This was ridiculous. She had more important things to focus on – her research, unraveling the mysteries of Tharvis’s ecosystem, and maintaining her independence in the face of this arranged marriage. She couldn’t afford to be distracted by unexpected feelings for a man she was supposed to marry.

And yet, Mila couldn’t quite shake the memory of Roqron’s closeness, the feel of his hands on her hips, or the warmth in his eyes when he’d talked about finding their own path together. It seemed that navigating the political landscape of Tharvis might be more complicated – and potentially more interesting – than she’d anticipated.

With a sigh, Mila resolved to redouble her efforts on her research. After all, she told herself firmly, she was here as a scientist first and a reluctant bride second. No matter how intriguing Roqron might be, she couldn’t lose sight of her true purpose.

But as she drifted off to sleep that night, her dreams were filled with glowing fungi, complex AI systems, and a pair of dark eyes that seemed to see right through her carefully constructed defenses. And if those eyes happened to belong to a certain Tharvisian prince... well, that was just her subconscious playing tricks on her. Right?