Chương 10: New Emotions

The prince's posture stiffened and he watched with narrowed eyes as the alien moved closer to where Varya stood in the garden.

As the alien turned down a different path, the prince noticed him to be a fellow Basilian. Having the usual orange eyes and tanned skin, his race was unmistakable. This man, however, wore his hair long and down his back. He was a few years older than Basileus, but he was of lower rank and likely weaker than the prince.

"Theron," the prince mumbled, suddenly remembering his name.

Theron kept walking until he was on the same pathway as Varya. He leaned against a stone fence post, observing her from far away. He was giving her a look that could only mean one thing: he wanted her.

Going against Basilian customs, Theron was a womanizer. He was attached to a woman who perished in battle years before and, instead of closing himself off, he started making advances at anything and everything. Prince Basileus didn't trust him especially when it had to do with women.

When Theron stood straight and started walking towards Varya, the prince decided he would intercept.

"I don't think I've seen you here before," Theron said, his deep voice was low and sensual. "You're a sight for sore eyes. How has something so beautiful lasted so long on Planet Ptoma?"

An appealing woman not claimed by Emperor Kruos was a rare occurrence on Planet Ptoma. The tyrant was known for bringing women onto this planet, never to be seen again. Maybe this woman can fight, Theron wondered.

Varya's eyes widened and her head shot up to look at the man speaking to her. Man, did he lay it on thick, she thought. However, his tall, muscular build and long hair got her attention immediately. Was he a prince too? She loved a man who shamelessly showered her in compliments.

Before she could respond, another voice starts speaking with a less than pleased tone.

"Need something, Theron?" Basileus asked, having made it to the same pathway as Theron and Varya. He crossed his arms, looking particularly authoritative despite his smaller height than Theron.

Varya gave Theron a flirtatious smile that didn't go unnoticed by Basileus and the prince felt rage swell up inside of him.

"Oh! Prince Basileus. I didn't see you there," the long-haired Basilian gave a small, improper bow to Prince Basileus and straightened himself out. "I was just, uh, speaking to this woman."

Basileus's eyebrows raised as he asked, "How have you not learned that you shouldn't approach what isn't yours?"

Varya's jaw dropped and she stared at Basileus with wide, questioning eyes. The implication was that Varya was his. Her heart beat faster.

"I-I'm sorry, my prince! If you would forgive me. I have been in space for a long time and hadn't received word that you were-" Theron bowed fully this time with his arm across his chest and his hand clenched in a fist - a sign of loyalty.

"Just go," Basileus's voice was disinterested in his subordinate's apology.

Theron got out of there as quickly as he could, trampling over flowers on the way out. Prince Basileus, being from the royal bloodline, was stronger than him even if he was younger. Theron wouldn't win this conflict if it escalated to that point.

"What the hell was that?" Varya crossed her arms and gave him a glare. "I'm not your property!" She glanced in the direction Theron had gone. "The first attention from a handsome guy like that in such a long time, and you won't let me talk to him?"

She tossed her silvery hair in annoyance. Maybe calling the prince 'father' earlier was more accurate than she expected.

Basileus raised his eyebrows at her, he was unfamiliar with the jealousy that was twisting his insides. "I was doing this for your own safety, Varya. Theron doesn't like you; he wants to see what you're like in the bedroom. When he discards women, he doesn't care where they end up."

Varya let out an offended scoff and stormed off, heading in the direction of the prince's quarters. She needed space from the prince and his bad moods. While she did press his buttons sometimes to get a rise out of him, the mood he directed at her just before felt completely unjustified.

To her, it seemed that no one on this planet could offer the comfort she craved. Having always had someone to turn to in her life, she found herself with one person: the prince. He didn't like being touched, he didn't like being bothered, and he definitely didn't care for her the way she wanted to be cared for.

Basileus ran his hands through his hair, pushing it back from his eyes and stared at the budding plant in front of him for a while. Was she mad at him or unable to accept the truth about Theron? His plan to keep her entertained so she wouldn't rely on him so much came crumbling down quickly. Why couldn't he have just let the two of them talk?

"I might as well go after her," he said to himself, frowning into his hand before he raked his fingers through his hair once more.

Basileus stood up straighter and began walking in the same direction as Varya. He would give her some space, but not too much or she would get herself into trouble.

Varya didn't know why she felt so frustrated towards Basileus. One minute he seemed to care about her interests, other times he was so cold and indifferent towards her. She walked a thin line between wondering if he actually liked her or deeply hated her.

Knowing it was her last chance to be outside today, she stopped at the side entrance to the castle. She decided she would wait there for Basileus, knowing she would have to face him eventually.

This entrance was closer to the edge of the dome and she stared at the white, blue, and gray expanse outside, becoming lost in thought. It was a quiet corner not many used, so it was rare to see anyone else there.

A cold hand slipped over her mouth, preventing her from screaming.