Chapter 10

Riley's POV

One month later…

I stood beside Norman, my heart racing with excitement and a hint of nervousness. We were standing in a beautiful garden, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. The crescent moon hung low in the sky, casting a silver glow on the two of us.

“What are we doing here?” I asked, looking around.

“We are here to become one?” He answered, his eyes focused on me.

“Become one?” I inquired, a frown creasing my brows.

“Yes, I'm willing to break our law to see that happen.”

“What law are you talking about?” I asked, not understanding his statement.

“I will tell you later, but for now…” he answered, then his voice trailed off.

Was he suddenly nervous? I shook my head. That can't be the case. A powerful man like Norman would never be nervous in front of a runt like me.

I was still thinking when I felt him took my hand, his eyes locking on mine. "Riley, from the moment I met you, I knew you were special," he said, his voice booming with a gracefulness that made my heart race. "You're my mate, but not just that. You are the woman that has captured my heart and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Norman finished confessing his feelings and I was speechless again for the second time. The first time I had stuttered and wasn't able to give him a definite response.

“Riley, would you be willing to do this thing called life forever by my side?” Norman's voice reached my ears again and this time, I nodded eagerly.

Just then, he drew closer to me and I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes as he slid a beautiful diamond ring onto my finger. It was a stunning piece of jewelry, with intricate details and a sparkling stone that seemed to shine with an inner light.

"I promise to love you, cherish you, and protect you, now and forever," Norman said, his voice filled with emotion.

I nodded, then whispered back to him. "I promise to love you, cherish you, and support you, now and forever."

Norman smiled, his eyes shining with happiness. "I love you, Riley," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

"I love you too, Norman," I replied, my heart overflowing with love and joy.

As we exchanged our vows, I couldn't help but think about how far things have changed. From the moment we met, to how he had brought me as a listener. I thought of how authoritative he had been, and then to his protectiveness.

I thought about all the challenges we had faced. How we both had to navigate the complexities of this royal world, with its strict rules and expectations. I thought about how we had to deal with Kirk's jealousy and Damon's resentment, and the threat they posed to our relationship.

Despite all these challenges, our love had only grown stronger. We had found a way to make it work, to balance our love for each other.

Soon after we had exchanged rings, Norman leaned closer to me and sealed my mouth in a kiss. It was a soft, gentle kiss, but it sent shivers down my spine. I felt like I was melting into his arms, like I was becoming a part of him.

As we pulled back, Norman smiled and took my hand. "Let's go back to the mansion," he said, his eyes filled with glee.

I nodded, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. I knew that our life together wouldn't be easy, but I was ready for whatever challenges came our way.

As we approached the mansion, I saw a figure standing outside. It was Meredith Cox, a woman who had been a thorn in my life since the beginning.

She looked at us with a mixture of shock and curiosity, her eyes fixed on the ring on my finger. "Well, well, well," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Look what we have here."

Norman's expression turned cold, his eyes narrowing. "Meredith," he said, his voice firm. "What are you doing here?"

Meredith smiled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "I just happened to be taking a stroll," she said. "And I couldn't help but notice the little ceremony you two had going on."

Norman's face darkened, his jaw clenched. "This doesn't concern you, Meredith," he said, his voice low but filled with some kind of threat.

Meredith raised an eyebrow, her expression unrepentant. "Oh, but it does concern me," she said. "You see, Norman, you're a prince, and you're bound by certain rules and expectations.” She paused, then turned to face me. “And to think you have to take such a risk for this lowlife."

Norman's eyes flashed with anger, but he kept his cool. "I know what I'm doing, Meredith," he said, his voice firm. “And don't you dare call her that again!” He barked.

Meredith smiled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm sure you do, Norman," she said. "But you're not thinking about the consequences."

Norman's face darkened, his jaw clenched. "I'll deal with the consequences," he said, his voice low and menacing.

Meredith raised an eyebrow, her expression unrepentant. "Very well, Norman," she said. "But don't say I didn't warn you."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving us standing there.

Norman turned to me, his eyes shining with excitement. "Let's go inside," he said, his voice low and husky.

I didn't fail to notice his mood seem to have changed after we came across Meredith. And I know exactly why. Meredith was bad news, and from what she had discussed with Norman, he seemed to have broken a certain rule. But what rule could that be?

I turned my attention towards Norman as we walked into the mansion, I noticed he still had that cold expression on his face so I didn't bother asking about what Meredith had said.

Some moments later, Norman took my hand and led me to his bedroom. It was a beautiful room, with a large bed and a stunning view of the garden.

Norman closed the door behind us and turned to me, the excitement in his eyes was back. "I want to make love to you," he said, his voice low and husky.