Chapter 13

Norman's POV

I stepped into the garden, calling out to Riley as she turned to head back to the direction of myroom. She jerked up, startled, her eyes scanning the surroundings until they landed on me. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she realized it was only me calling to her.

"Hey, what's wrong?" I asked, my voice laced with amusement. "You look smitten."

Riley's cheeks flushed as she shook her head, trying to clear the air. She hadn't even noticed me approaching her.

"Just lost in thought," she replied, her voice barely audible, just like I had known them to be.

I chuckled, my eyes crinkling at the corners. "I know exactly what you're thinking about," I teased, my voice low and husky. "Our blissful night, perhaps?"

Riley's face turned bright red as she laughed shyly, trying to hide her embarrassment. My words must have sent a flutter through her chest, reminding her of the intimacy we had shared.

As we walked back into the suite, my phone rang, shrill and insistent. I pulled it out, my face turning serious.

Chadwick?

This better be urgent. I had told him I didn't want to be disturbed. At least for this early morning, I wanted to live like a newly-wed husband.

I put the phone towards my ear as I answered the call, "Chadwick," I said, my voice firm.

Riley watched as my expression changed, my eyes narrowing as I listened to Chadwick's voice on the other end of the line. My expression changed from calm to cold, my jaw clenched tightly as I listened to Chadwick's pleasantries.

"What is it?" I barked, my voice sharp.

“Your majesty,” he paused then took a deep breath. “The court seeks your presence.”

“My presence?” A frown creased my brow. What does the court suddenly want with me?

“Yes,” Chadwick answered and I waited for him to continue, “It seems they got wind of your marriage to Riley.”

Chadwick's voice was almost muffled as he explained and I knew instantly this wasn't one light issue. But how come they were able to get wind of this information?

I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on Chadwick's words. But my mind kept wandering back to Riley, wondering what she would think if she knew what was going on.

“What would you do about it?”

"Do about what?” I asked, suddenly feeling irritated. “Get to the point," I said, my voice firm.

Chadwick's breathed a sigh from the other end. I could tell he was hesitant, but he continued. "It's about the petition, prince. The court has received a petition concerning your marriage to Riley."

Chadwick explained further and my face turned cold, my eyes flashing with anger. What petition could they possibly have received that's worth bothering me with?

As I listened to Chadwick's words, my mind was racing with different questions. Who could have filed the petition? And what did they hope to achieve?

I knew that I had to take care of this, to protect Riley and our marriage. I couldn't let anyone threaten what we had built together.

"Your majesty, are you still there?" Chadwick asked, his breaking into my thoughts.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. "Yes, I'm here. What do they want me to do?"

Chadwick's voice was firm. "They want you to appear in court, your majesty. To answer questions about your marriage to Riley."

As Chadwick relays the information, the anger I felt surged, my mind reeling with more questions. Who could have dared to file a petition? And what did thid person hope to achieve?

I removed the phone from my ears after dismissing the conversation with Chadwick. Now, my face was set in a determined expression. I was going to take care of this, no matter what it took.

“What's going on?” Riley's voice reached my ears from where she stood. I had almost forgotten she was standing close to me.

I turned to her, trying to reassure her. "Don't worry. I'll take care of this. You don't need to concern yourself with it."

Riley nodded, trying to hide her curiosity. But I could see the questions in her eyes, the uncertainty and fear.

I knew that I had to protect her, to shield her from whatever decision the court might take against me. It doesn't matter what, I would do whatever it takes to keep her by my side.

And as I turned to leave, Riley's eyes followed me, her face pale with worry. I knew that I had to take care of this, to protect her not only as my mate but as my wife.

I knew that I had to be careful. Careful and keep my head sharp in any decision taken against me.

As I walked away, I couldn't shake off the feeling that everything was about to change. The petition, the court's involvement – it all seemed to be unraveling, and I was powerless to stop it.

The silence of the hallway pressed in on me, amplifying the sound of my footsteps. I knew that I had to be strong, to face whatever came next with courage and determination.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I would take care of this, no matter what it took.

As I walked away from the suite, my mind was consumed by thoughts of the petition and the court's involvement. I couldn't shake off the feeling that everything was about to change, that our lives were about to be turned upside down.

I thought back to our conversation, to the way Riley had looked at me with uncertainty and fear in her eyes. I knew that I had to protect her, to keep her safe from whatever was coming our way.

I quickened my pace, my footsteps echoing through the hallway. I needed to get to the bottom of this, to find out who had filed the petition and what they hoped to achieve.