Chapter 21

Norman's POV

The ride back to the mansion felt like an eternity. My hand, still clenched from the confrontation, throbbed dully. I could still hear the venom in Elder Thomas’s voice, the way he spat out the word “slave” like a curse.

Slave.

The very thought made my stomach churn. Riley, my own wife, the woman I've come to love, subjected to such blatant disrespect. A wave of fury, cold and sharp, washed over me.

I snuck a glance at her. She sat beside me, her gaze fixed on the passing buildings, pale and bearing no expression. She seemed composed, but I knew her well enough to see the tight set of her jaw, the slight tremor in her hands. I wanted to reach for her, to pull her close, to offer some comfort, but I hesitated. My outburst at the court… had it been the right thing to do? I’d defended her, yes, but had I made things worse? Had I painted a target on her back?

The guilt gnawed at me. I should have been there. I should have anticipated their hostility, their prejudice. I should have shielded her from their venomous tongues. I’d left her to face them alone, and the thought made my insides twist.

Never again, I vowed silently. Never again will I let them treat her like that.

As the car finally reached the mansion gates, the guards snapped to attention, their faces betraying nothing. But I could feel their eyes on us, I knew the whispers that were snaking around the kingdom must have reached their ears, but I didn't care about it. They knew better so they'd keep it to themselves. I helped Riley out of the car, my hand lingering on her arm. It was my own silent reassurance, a promise of protection.

“We need to talk,” I turned to face her properly, my voice low, my gaze meeting hers. “About what happened today, and what we will do next.”

A small, tight smile touched her lips. “Yes,” she agreed, her voice barely a whisper.

I led her to my private study, a sanctuary that keeps all my thoughts and ideas flowing freely. Closing the doors behind us, I felt a small measure of relief, a sense of having finally reached safe harbor. I poured two glasses of wine, the familiar ritual grounding me in the present. Handing one to Riley, I watched as she took a small sip, her eyes distant, still replaying the events of the afternoon.

“I’m so sorry, I should have been there.” I said, the words heavy with regret. If someone had told me I'd be this soft towards anyone, I'd have argued. But then, I guess it's what the mate bond does to us. Some people in the kingdom might think I've gone weak. Heck, some might even dare to think I've lost that touch of ruthlessness. I know they'd believe all that. And, coupled with the fact that I'd choose an unknown girl to marry. But, I've never been a fan of all the paparazzi that comes with marriage, I'd always wanted a simple and reasonable person to settle with. And that’s where Riley comes in.

My gaze flew to her eyes as she shook her head, her gaze meeting mine. “It’s not your fault, Norman. You couldn't have known they’d be so… hostile.”

Her attempt to comfort me only intensified my anger. I paced the length of the room, my mind racing. I needed a plan, a strategy, a way to fight back. This wasn't just about me and Riley anymore. This was a challenge to the very core of the court, their archaic traditions, their ingrained prejudices. I was playing a dangerous game, and I needed to be prepared.

“This isn’t over,” I said, my voice hard, edged with steel. “I won’t let them get away with this.”

“What are you going to do?” she asked, her eyes searching mine, a flicker of worry in their depths.

I stopped pacing, my gaze locking with hers. “I’m going to change things,” I said, my voice filled with a quiet determination. “I’m going to make them accept you. Make them see you for who you are, not what they think you are.”

I knew it wouldn’t be easy. The court was mostly filled with a group of people bent on upholding questionable tradition. People resistant to change. But I wouldn't back down. I'd fight for Riley. I'd take a chance for our love and even for our future. I’d challenge their prejudices, expose their hypocrisy, and dismantle their power, one carefully calculated move at a time.

My thoughts turned to people I could call my allies. Mr. Crestwood, despite his initial reaction, was a reasonable man. Perhaps he could be persuaded to see our side. And my father… the King. He’d remained strangely silent on the matter of my marriage to Riley. His silence wasn’t necessarily disapproval. He was a shrewd politician, always playing the long game. I needed to understand his motives, his strategy. I needed to know where he stood.

“We need to be smart about this,” I said, my voice low, thoughtful. “We need to strategize.”

Riley nodded, her expression hardening with resolve. “I’m with you, Norman,” she said, her voice firm. “Whatever it takes.”

I took her hand, my fingers intertwining with hers. The warmth of her touch, the strength of her grip, filled me with a sense of shared purpose. I wasn’t alone in this fight. I had Riley by my side, and together, we would face whatever challenges lay ahead. I looked at her, my eyes filled with a mixture of love and determination.

“We’ll win this,” I assured, my voice soft but unwavering. “I promise you, we will.” And in that moment, I knew, with a certainty that ran deeper than an abyss, that I would move heaven and earth to make that promise a reality.