The Alien’s Unwanted Bride (Alien Brides #4)

Chapter 3

THREE

T ime seemed to slow as Zora pressed against Dravek’s chest, his face mere inches from hers. The world narrowed to the depth of his obsidian eyes, the warmth of his breath on her cheek, the solid strength of his arms around her.

“Are you all right?” Dravek asked, his deep voice softer than she’d ever heard it.

Zora nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Her heart hammered in her chest, and she felt every point of contact between them. The spicy, earthy scent that was uniquely Dravek enveloped her, making her head spin in a way that had nothing to do with her near-fall.

“I’ve got you,” he murmured, and Zora wasn’t sure if he meant just in that moment or something more.

“Thank you,” she managed to whisper, her voice breathy and unfamiliar to her own ears.

For a heartbeat longer, neither of them moved. Then, slowly, almost reluctantly, Dravek helped her regain her footing. His hands lingered on her waist as if ensuring she was steady.

The moment was shattered by Sprig’s cheerful beep. “Zora Arison, I’ve detected an elevated heart rate and increased skin temperature. Are you experiencing a medical emergency? Shall I alert the palace physicians?”

Zora jumped back, her face flaming. “No! No, Sprig, I’m fine. Just, uh, excited about the fungi. You know how I get about new species.”

Dravek cleared his throat, and was that a hint of a blush on his cheeks? Surely not. Tharvisian princes didn’t blush. “Yes, well, perhaps we should take a break. We’ve been at this for hours, and I wouldn’t want you to overexert yourself, Dr. Arison.”

“Zora,” she said impulsively. At his raised eyebrow, she elaborated, “You can call me Zora. When we’re not in formal settings, I mean. If you want to.”

A slow smile spread across Dravek’s face, transforming his usually stoic features. “Zora,” he repeated as if savoring the name. “Then you must call me Dravek.”

“Okay... Dravek,” Zora said, testing out the informality. She liked how his name felt on her tongue.

A comfortable silence fell between them as they packed up the sampling equipment. Zora’s mind whirled with the morning’s events—not just the scientific discoveries but the unexpected connection she felt growing between her and Dravek.

As they made their way back to the palace, Dravek suddenly stopped, turning to face her. “Zora,” he began, then paused, seeming to gather his thoughts. “I want you to know how much I admire your work. Your passion, your intelligence—it’s truly inspiring.”

Warmth bloomed in her chest at his words. “Thank you, Dravek. That means a lot especially coming from you.”

He took a step closer, his expression intense. “I was wondering if perhaps you’d like to?—”

“Zora Arison!” Sprig’s excited beep cut through the moment. “I’ve completed processing the fungi data. Preliminary analysis suggests an 87% match with the Harmonia Luminesca species. Shall I compile a full report?”

Zora blinked, momentarily disoriented by the abrupt shift. “Oh! Yes, Sprig, that would be great. Thank you.”

She turned back to Dravek, curiosity mingling with a hint of disappointment. “I’m sorry, you were saying?”

Dravek’s expression had shifted back to its usual composed mask, though his eyes still held a warmth when they met hers. “It’s nothing that can’t wait. We should get you back to the palace—I’m sure you’re eager to review that data.”

As they resumed walking, Zora couldn’t shake the feeling that something significant had almost happened. She snuck a glance at Dravek’s profile, admiring the strong line of his jaw and the way the dappled sunlight played across his features.

What had he been about to ask her? And why did she feel simultaneously relieved and disappointed that he hadn’t finished his question?

Lost in thought, Zora nearly walked into a low-hanging branch. Dravek’s hand on her arm steadied her, the brief contact sending a tingle up her.

“Careful,” he said, amusement coloring his tone. “We wouldn’t want you to add a concussion to your list of exciting discoveries today.”

Zora laughed, grateful for the break in tension. “Hey, you never know. A bump on the head might be just what I need to solve the mystery of those shape-shifting vines.”

“Ah yes, the great vine debate. I still think you’re being too hasty in dismissing the Morpheus classification,” Dravek teased.

“Oh, don’t you start.” Zora groaned good-naturedly. “I’ll have you know I’ve written three papers on the subject of adaptive plant morphology across different planetary ecosystems, and?—”

She cut herself off, realizing she was about to launch into a full lecture. “Sorry, I tend to get a bit carried away when it comes to botany.”

Dravek’s smile was genuine and warm. “Never apologize for your passion, Zora. It’s one of the things I lo—” He coughed, quickly correcting himself. “One of the things I admire most about you.”

Before Zora could process the implications of his near-slip, they emerged from the gardens into the grand palace courtyard. The bustle of palace life surrounding them broke the intimate bubble they’d been in all morning.

“Well,” Zora said, suddenly feeling awkward. “Thank you for accompanying me today. Your insights were really helpful.”

“It was my pleasure,” Dravek replied, his formal tone returning though his eyes remained soft. “Perhaps we could do it again sometime?”

Zora’s heart leaped at the suggestion. “I’d like that,” she said, hoping she didn’t sound too eager.

As they parted ways, Zora heading to her lab and Dravek to his royal duties, she was already looking forward to their next encounter. The morning had been full of surprises, both scientific and personal, and she had a feeling that her time on Tharvis was about to get even more interesting.

With Sprig bobbing along beside her, chattering about data correlations and spectral analyses, Zora made her way to her private laboratory. Her mind, however, was only half on the exciting fungal discoveries. The other half was replaying every moment with Dravek, analyzing each word, each look, each almost-something that had passed between them.

As Zora settled into her lab, the excitement of the morning’s discoveries with Dravek gradually gave way to wandering thought until her eyes landed on something out of place.

On a table near the far wall, a book she’d never seen lay open. “Where did that come from?” she asked out loud.

Sprig swirled around. “What are you referring to, Zora Arison?” it asked. She made her way across the room to the mysterious tome.

It looked ancient, more like bound parchment than normal sheets of paper. The words were in an alien language but the illustrations were familiar.

“Shall I translate for you, Zora Arison?” Sprig asked.

“Yes, please,” she answered as she leaned closer to study the images.

To her amusement, Sprig cleared his electronic “throat.” “The Shadowed Highlands have been explored very little due to the intense foliage and rough terrain. But the highlands conceal unique flora that have the potential to…” Sprig stopped.

She glanced at him. “Potential for what?”

“Processing most logical translation” came the mechanical voice. “Potential for unprecedented medical discoveries for diseases and extended longevity. Please turn the page.”

Zora gasped. “Are you serious?” she blurted. Her mind erupted with possibilities: a cure for cancer and Alzheimer’s, regenerative and new organ growth, living beyond a hundred years, completely wiping out childhood diseases.

“Of course, I’m serious, Zora Arison. I am incapable of providing spontaneous humor.”

She grinned. “Sorry, Sprig. But you provide more humor than you know.” Carefully, she lifted the thin sheaf of paper and flipped it over. Underneath lay a loose, folded sheet. “What do we have here?” She unfolded the parchment into a roughly two-foot-by-two-foot square.

“It appears to be a map of the Shadowed Highlands,” Sprig said. “Though it is quite primitive compared to modern holographic diagrams.”

“Sprig,” she mumbled, “secure the room. Privacy mode.”

The little robot beeped in acknowledgment, its sensors sweeping the area for any potential eavesdropping devices. “Room secured, Zora Arison. Privacy mode activated.”

With a deep breath, Zora moved the map to spread it out on her workbench. The faded text and mysterious symbols seemed to come alive under the lab’s bright lights. Her fingertips traced the outline of the Shadowed Highlands on the ancient map, a thrill of anticipation running through her.

“Okay, Sprig, take a picture of the map.” The material was so fragile, she doubted she’d be able to refold it, much less carry it with her into the unknown. “Next, let’s make expedition plans,” she said, determination clear in her voice. “We leave at dawn tomorrow. Can you plot the best route to get there without hindrances?”

Sprig projected a holographic map of Tharvis, a faint blue line indicating their planned path. “Affirmative, Zora Arison. I’ve calculated a route that avoids known patrols and settlements. However, I must express concern about the potential dangers of this expedition.”

Zora nodded, her expression a mix of excitement and resolve. “I know, Sprig. But think of the possibilities. If we can find even one of these species, it could revolutionize medicine and life on both Tharvis and Earth.”

She began gathering equipment and checking off items on a mental list. “Field journal, botanical sampling tools. Compact tent. Sustenance capsules... where did I see those?”

As she rummaged through drawers, Zora found items she didn’t even know existed that could come in helpful.

“Who should I contact to go with us?” Sprig asked.

Zora smirked at Sprig including himself in the excursion. But who else should she include? Who would appreciate her enthusiasm and understand the importance of going?

The robot’s lights dimmed slightly as if expressing concern. “May I suggest asking Prince Dravek? His military expertise could be valuable if a rescue becomes necessary.”

Zora paused, Dravek’s face flashing in her mind. The memory of his arms around her, the warmth in his eyes when he looked at her... She shook her head, pushing the thoughts aside.

He would try to talk her out of it saying it was too dangerous. No, this was something she’d have to do by herself. Well, herself and Sprig. But she would inform her sisters of her trip.

But before it got too late, she wanted to see Dravek one more time. He was about to begin the evening warrior training and she wanted to watch him in action.