Chapter 19

Riley’s POV

A soft knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts. I’d been sketching, trying to capture the way the afternoon light slanted through the windows, painting the room in shades of gold and amber. I opened the door to find Norman standing there, his jaw tight, his fists clenched at his sides. Even without him saying a word, I knew something was wrong. The air around him crackled with tension.

“Norman? What is it?” I asked, my voice laced with concern.

He forced a smile, a pale contrast of his usual impassive expression. “Nothing. Just came back from the court. I didn't see you in my chamber so I thought you'd be here.”

I raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. He paced the room restlessly, his silence more telling than any words could have been. My heart sank. His visit to the court hadn’t gone well. I knew it. I had known he wouldn't have it easy, that he'd face resistance — resistance he’d face from those who clung to tradition, to the old ways. He’d brushed off my concerns, confident he could handle it. But the tension radiating from him now told a different story.

“Prince,” I said softly trying to use a different approach, I placed a hand on his arm. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s…complicated. Let’s just say not everyone is thrilled about our marriage.”

I nodded, trying to suppress the surge of anxiety that tightened my chest. This was exactly what I’d feared. “What did they say?”

He hesitated, his gaze fixed on the floor. “It doesn’t matter,” he said finally, his voice tight. “Let’s just…get out of here. Want to go for a drive? See some part of the kingdom?”

Relief washed over me. Getting away, even for a little while, would do us both good. “I’d love to,” I said, a genuine smile finally reaching my lips.

He called for Chadwick to arrange a car, and a few minutes later, we were settling into the plush leather seats of Norman’s Cadillac. As we drove, we made small talk, avoiding the elephant in the room – the court’s reaction to our marriage. I could feel the tension still simmering beneath the surface, but I didn’t push him. He’d tell me when he was ready.

The car eventually veered off the main road, winding its way through a dense forest. The trees grew taller, their branches intertwined, forming a canopy overhead that filtered the sunlight, creating a some kind of pattern on the forest floor. After another few minutes, the trees thinned, revealing a breathtaking view. A series of small mountains rose in the distance, their peaks shrouded in mist, their slopes covered in a tapestry of green and gold. A small, crystal-clear lake nestled at the base of the mountains, reflecting the sky like a mirror.

“Wow,” I breathed, my eyes wide with wonder. It was stunning.

Norman smiled, a genuine smile this time. “This is my…sanctuary,” he said, his voice soft. “I come here when I need to…clear my head. Or sometimes, when my wolf is restless, I’ll come for a run.”

We got out of the car, and I took a deep breath, savoring the fresh, pine-scented air. The silence was broken only by the gentle rustling of the leaves and the distant chirping of birds. It was a world away from the stifling formality of the court, from the usual bustling and hustling in the other part of the kingdom. I couldn't deny this part of the pack brings some kind of sweet relief to me.

“It’s beautiful,” I said, turning to Norman. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

He took my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine. “I wanted to share it with you,” he said, his eyes searching mine. “This is…where I feel most at peace.”

And finally, the dam broke. He told me about the court, about the the hostile reactions, the accusations, the threats. He told me about Damon’s outburst, about his claim that I was his mate. As he spoke, the tension I’d sensed earlier returned, his voice tight with anger and frustration.

I listened patiently, my heart aching for him. I knew this wouldn't be easy. He was facing opposition from all sides, from those who saw me as an outsider, those who saw me as a NO-BODY. I had a feeling the Moonclak law was only used as an excuse.

I looked back into his eyes, I saw a strength, a resolve, that reassured me. He wouldn’t give up. He wouldn’t let them win.

When he was finished, I reached up and cupped his face in my hands. “I’m here for you, Norman,” I said softly. “No matter what happens, we’ll face it together.”

He leaned into my touch, his eyes closing for a moment. “I know,” he murmured. “And that’s all that matters.”

He pulled me close, his arms wrapping around me in a tight embrace. I buried my face in his chest, breathing in his scent, drawing strength from his presence. For a long moment, we stood there, lost in the quiet embrace, the world outside fading away.

Then, he tilted my chin up, his eyes searching mine. “You are an amazing woman, Riley,” he whispered, his voice husky with emotion.

“Thank you, Norman,” I replied, my heart swelling with love for this man, this wonderful prince, who had chosen me, who had defied tradition and expectation for me.

He lowered his head, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that was both tender and passionate. It was a kiss that sealed our bond, a promise that we would face whatever came our way, together. As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange, we stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms. We were two souls united against the world.

I knew the challenges ahead were daunting, but in that moment, surrounded by the beauty of Norman’s sanctuary, I felt a sense of peace, a certainty that we could overcome anything, as long as we had each other.