Distant Oblivion (Book 1 of Blue Vice saga)

The chill of the Ice Planet permeated everything, yet the delicate touch of Alyssa's hand on mine was a different kind of cold, one that calmed the tumultuous excitement of our arrival. We sat side-by-side in the ceremonial Horx, a vessel designed for grand entrances, as the annual diplomatic visit between Bezereck and UU1 unfolded.

Her eyes, framed by impossibly long, curled eyelashes, flickered open, revealing a hint of rose-red lips that seemed to draw my gaze. Alyssa of Faymon, daughter of the Ice Queen, exuded a goddess-like maturity that belied her eighteen years. I, Prince Charles of Bezereck, was captivated, even as a flush of embarrassment spread across my cheeks.

"Your staring is obvious, boy," she murmured, her tone as cool as her touch. My ears burned. She called me a boy, despite my sixteen years, despite my princely education.

"I am no boy; I have reached sixteen years. I assure you, princess, that my education is not lacking. I simply..." I stammered, feeling like a fool. Our reunion, after eight years, was not going as planned.