Page 11 of Gifted to the Alien Prince
I took an hour-long nap on the plush bed and then woke up to change out of my wrinkled two-piece pant and shirt set before dinner. After making very good use of the steaming hot water in the shower, I put on a nice sweater dress. I smoothed my hands over the soft knit of my sweater dress as I stepped out into the hall. The cozy material was modest, fitting me in all the right places without showing much.
“You were supposed to wait.”
I stopped at the sound of Thadron’s voice filtering through the hall. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of him. I fiddled with the hem of my sleeve to distract myself. He looked different this time. The heavy armor he wore earlier was gone, replaced by a sleek black shirt that hugged his broad shoulders. The silver embroidery along the high collar and hem caught the light, subtle but sharp, much like him. His sleeves were rolled up just enough to reveal his forearms—solid and strong, like he’d just stepped away from some warrior’s task instead of escorting me to dinner. He didn’t need the armor to look imposing. Even like this, he carried the kind of strength that made me feel both safe and unsteady.
And then there was his scent. Clean and crisp, like evergreen on a breeze. It wasn’t overpowering, just enough to leave me more aware of him than I wanted to admit.
“You were walking alone,” he said, his voice low and smooth, the kind of tone that seemed to reverberate through the quiet hall. “I was on my way to escort you.”
“Oh.” I blinked, forcing myself to focus on his words and not the way his eyes assessed me with every passing second. “I didn’t want to trouble anyone.”
“It’s no trouble.” He extended his arm in a gesture so formal it threw me for a moment. “Shall we?”
I hesitated before lightly resting my hand on his forearm. I could feel the strength in him. Somehow, that quiet power was comforting, even though his expression gave away nothing.
The walk to the dining hall wasn’t long, but every step felt heavy with something unspoken. I didn’t know if the tension came from him or me. Maybe both. Either way, I felt small in the maze of winding halls with their glimmering sculptures.
When we reached a dining hall, the weight in my chest lifted. The room was smaller, intended for a private gathering. About ten regal Glaciarians were already present. They rose from their seats as Thadron entered with me. Scones on the walls cast low intimate light. My gaze was immediately drawn to the dining table in the center. Etched across the surface were delicate patterns that reminded me of vines and flowers creeping across a windowpane.
The place settings were immaculate. There were plates gleaming under the soft light, silverware so polished I could see my reflection, and goblets that looked like they’d been crafted by an expert. A handful of servers stood along the edges of the room, dressed in navy and silver uniforms that matched the elegance of the keep. As soon as someone even glanced at them, they stepped forward to refill glasses.
The smell of the food hit me next. It was rich and unfamiliar, a mix of spices I couldn’t name but wanted to try. Something citrusy mingled with a deeper, nutty scent that reminded me of roasted chestnuts, only sharper.
Thadron pulled out a chair for me near the middle of the table. “Thank you,” I said as I slipped into the seat.
“You’re welcome,” he replied, his voice cool and polite before moving to take his own place a few seats down.
Lucian and Queen Akora entered the room soon after, and I rose from my seat just like everyone else. The queen carried herself with the grace and dignity of age. Her white hair, streaked with darker grey shades, flowed in soft waves down her back. It framed a face that was both regal and warm, with striking blue eyes the same shade as Lucian’s.
Like Lucian, she stood with her slim frame straight and poised. The high collar and long sleeves of her solid white dress gave the gown a modest air, but the way it trailed behind her, sweeping the floor like a river, made her look every bit the queen of this frozen kingdom.
She acknowledged the gathered nobles with a serene smile and slight nods, her presence silencing even the softest murmurs. Then her eyes landed on me.
For a moment, I froze. The intensity of her gaze was like a spotlight, and I braced myself, unsure of what she might think of me—a human woman among Glaciarians. But then her lips curved into a warm smile.
“Welcome, ambassador” she said, her voice carrying the weight of her authority yet managing to be gentle. “We are pleased to have you among us tonight.”
I managed to return her smile, feeling a rush of gratitude. Whatever awkwardness I’d been holding onto melted under her kind expression.
The servers began pouring wine and placing food onto plates. I didn’t know what lay ahead for the evening, though I told myself to stay relaxed. I ate in relative silence while listening to the conversation around me. The nobles chattered about the winter solstice. One mentioned the Starlit Songs, briefly glancing at Thadron. I noticed he concentrated mostly on his food, giving an occasional nod or turn of his head in the direction of whomever was speaking.
Once or twice, Lucian gave a mischievous glance at his brother and me, though said nothing. I wondered what that was about.
After the dinner plates were cleared and dessert arrived, Queen Akora spoke to me. "Isabelle, Lucian tells me you own a bookstore in the Kajal market, and that you are a writer.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” I proceeded to tell them how I started my business after leaving Earth. Then I mentioned my mystery, briefly describing the plot. “I still haven’t decided if it was the grunge singer or his agent who did it.”
“I would very much like to know who committed the crime,” voiced Akora. “I will have to get a copy of the book when it’s complete.”
“Be careful of the furniture if you visit.” Everyone looked to Thadron as he spoke out of the blue. “The cushions are soft. Like quicksand.”
“There's a way to get a customer for life.” Lucian smirked.
“I try to lure people back with sweeter ways.” I played along. “I make nice almond pastries.”
“Is that so? Thadron loves pastries.” Lucian was merciless as he teased his older brother. “I’m surprised how he can always fit into his armor this time of year.”
The thought of reserved Thadron scarfing down pastries with abandon almost made me snort with laughter. I muffled the sound behind a cloth napkin. His gaze slid my way. I expectedan overcast glance, though the faint twitch of his lips gave him away.