Page 24 of Alien Naga's Prize

“You will do whatever you want, my goddess,” Azul says. “Who am I to stop you?”

He dips his head, capturing my lips in a long, drawn out kiss which leaves every part of me pinging with desire.

“And I know what you want,” he murmurs as he releases me.

Instantly, I hate myself because he doesn’t know, not really. Because while he’s been truthful with me, I haven’t told him my real mission.

A mission which is looking less appealing by the hour.

Azul leads me into one of the many ante rooms from the main atrium, leaving the machine humming and the mothman glaring. On a low table, there are more dazzling pieces of jewelry than I have ever seen in my life, and that includes old vids of the British royalty in ancient times, where one of ourqueens dripped in gemstones at something called the “opening of parliament.”

My jaw goes slack. My brain rapidly tells me I need to do something, say something because Princess Jenna would.

I feign indifference.

I think it might be my best role yet.

Azul guides me over to the table. “Do you see anything you like, my goddess?” he asks.

Everything! I like everything!

“One or two pieces are…not hideous,” I say, finally allowing my fingers to trail over the glimmering stones.

“I think this would look stunning on you.” Azul picks up a necklace on which a diamond the size of a pear hangs, surrounded by bright blue stones, almost the same color as his eyes.

I lift my hair as he clips it around my neck, every brush of his fingers sending shockwaves through me.

“How does it look?” My voice is hoarse.

“It looks all the better for adorning you,” Azul says, tracing a knuckle down the side of my face, his gaze entirely on me and me alone.

“Prince Azul?” A strong voice has Azul freezing in place.

All except his hood. That rises slowly before he turns away from me to the speaker.

“I heard you were here, on Luxus, and you had brought amate.” The other Glycon is smaller than Azul, but not by much. His green scales are a direct contrast to Azul’s purple and blues.

“Nzal,” Azul says, his voice colder than I’ve ever heard it. “I presume these are your jewels?”

“I have been contracted to the authorities here on Luxus for some nova-years to provide them with accessories.”

The other Glycon, Nzal, peers at me. Azul pushes me behind him.

“My mate is none of your business,” he says with a snarl.

“I’d have thought your parents would have announced a new match,” Nzal says evenly. “After the last one did not…go well.”

“I am here on business, Nzal. I wish to purchase this jewel,” Azul says, his hood flaring.

“Then it is yours, my prince.” The Glycon gives Azul a bow. “My assistants will take care of the remainder, but I can leave them here if you wish to consider further purchases.”

Azul moves towards him, his coils undulating, his tail tip tapping on the floor.

“If I could have word,” he says, one arm going around Nzal’s throat as he drags him from the room.

I’m left open-mouthed, my brain struggling to catch up with what I’ve just witnessed.

Azulisa prince. He’s just been identified by one of his fellow Glycon.