Eighty three
The royal vehicle carrying Rafe and I glided smoothly through the palace gates, the clatter of dried flowers being crushed under the car’s wheels echoing in the courtyard. As we pulled to a stop, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of homecoming. Despite the dangers that still lurked, the Crimson palace had become a sanctuary – a place where I could be myself without fear of judgment or reprisal.
Rafe’s strong hand found mine as we alighted from the car, his touch sending a thrill of awareness up my spine. Together we climbed the steps, greeted by a group of cheering staff members who had gathered to welcome us home. Their joy was palpable, washing over me in waves that brought tears to my eyes.
“Freya! Oh, thank heavens you’re safe!”
I turned just in time to be engulfed in a fierce hug from Clara, Grace, and Flo. My faithful maids clung to me, their faces wet with tears of relief. I hugged them back just as tightly, their familiar presence a balm to my battered soul.
“We were so worried when we heard about the blast,” Grace sniffled, pulling back to cup my face in her hands. “We prayed and prayed that you would be alright.”
“I’m fine, truly,” I assured them, squeezing their hands. “Thanks to Rafe and the others, I made it out fine. ” I turned to Daniel who was now approaching with Addy, they looked to be engrossed in an interesting conversation. “And that’s my friend over there, his name is Daniel. He protected me before I got to Rafe.”
“Bless him!” They exclaimed, casting glances of admiration his way. Daniel nodded shyly at me.
“He’ll be staying at the castle for awhile until I’m perfectly.” I announced out loud, making sure the butlers heard. One of them bowed to Daniel and motioned for him to follow them. I smiled approvingly at him as he went with the butler. I turned to my maids who were beaming happily at me.
“I don’t know what we would have done if something had happened to you,” Flo declared, her normally stoic facade crumbling. “You’re more than just our mistress, Freya. You’re our friend.”
Emotion clogged my throat and I could only nod, overcome by their heartfelt words. In that moment, I felt truly blessed to have such loyal companions by my side.
A pointed cough shattered the moment and I glanced up to find Rafael, Rafe’s Gamma, glaring at me with barely hidden disdain. A shiver raced down my spine as his cold eyes raked over me, filled with accusation and barely restrained malice.
“A word, if you please,” he said curtly, his tone brooking no argument.
I hesitated, glancing at my maids who had gone suddenly pale. But I wouldn’t cower before him, not anymore. Squaring my shoulders, I stepped forward to meet his challenge head-on.
“Of course, Lord Rafael. How may I assist you?”
His lips thinned into a harsh line, his gaze flicking dismissively over my maids before landing on me once more.
“You can assist by staying far away from the king,” he hissed, low enough that only I could hear. “Your very presence puts his life in danger. If you truly care for him, you’ll do the right thing and disappear. For good this time.”
White-hot anger surged through my veins and I opened my mouth to deliver a scathing retort. But before I could utter a word, a familiar figure inserted himself between us, shielding me from Rafael’s venomous glare.
“Raf,” Rafe greeted cooly, his posture deceptively relaxed even as tension radiated from every line of his body. “I trust you were extending a proper welcome to our special candidate?”
Rafael’s face underwent a remarkable transformation, lips curving into an oily smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Of course! I was merely expressing my relief at her safe return. These are troubled times we live in.”
Rafe’s eyes narrowed, clearly skeptical of the obvious lie. He knew his uncle too well. “Indeed they are. Which is why Freya’s safety and comfort are my utmost priority. I won’t tolerate anything that threatens her wellbeing. Are we clear?”
A muscle ticked in Rafael’s jaw, but he inclined his head in acquiescence. “As you say, Alpha. If you’ll excuse me.”
As he strode away, the tension slowly bled from Rafe’s frame. He turned to face me, his expression softening as he reached out to brush a wayward curl from my cheek.
“Are you alright, love? I’m sorry you had to deal with that.”
I leaned into his touch, breathing in his comforting scent. “I’m fine. Nothing I can’t handle.” I attempted a smile. “What’s a little death threat between families, right?”
Rafe’s eyes darkened and he pulled me into the shelter of his arms. “You never have to face him alone, Freya. I won’t allow anyone to threaten or intimidate you. Not now, not ever.”
I relaxed against his strong chest, secure in the knowledge that I was exactly where I was meant to be. Come what may, we would face it together.
“He doesn’t scare me,” I whispered, pressing a kiss to the underside of Rafe’s jaw. “Not when I have you by my side.”
“Always,” he vowed, capturing my lips in a searing kiss full of love and promise. “You and me against the world, Freya. Forever.”
As Rafael disappeared into the crowd, I felt the last of my anxiety melt away in Rafe’s embrace. Around us, the ballroom was glowin with twinkling lights and joyful energy as pack members celebrated our safe return. The orchestra struck up a sweeping melody, and Rafe’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he stepped back and extended his hand to me in a courtly bow.
“May I have this dance, my queen?”
Shyness fluttered through me at the thought of dancing with Rafe in front of everyone. But the open adoration in his gaze soothed my nerves. I placed my hand in his. “You may, my king.”
He tugged me flush against him as we swayed to the music. The rest of the world fell away until nothing existed but the two of us, lost in our own private universe. Rafe’s hand was a warm, possessive weight on the small of my back as he led me effortlessly through the steps. I surrendered to his lead, savoring the delicious friction as our bodies brushed with each graceful movement.
When the final note faded, Rafe dipped his head to murmur in my ear, his voice a sensual caress. “Come with me, love. I want to show you something.”
My heart skipped at the promise in his tone. I nodded eagerly, unable to form words past the anticipation tightening my throat. Keeping my hand firmly twined with his, Rafe guided me out a side door and along a torch-lit corridor. We slipped behind a heavy tapestry, and he pressed a hidden lever, revealing a secret passageway.
Rafe smiled at my gasp of wonder, his thumb tracing maddening circles on my palm. “This leads to someplace special. Somewhere just for us.”
We followed the winding tunnel, stealing heated glances and lingering touches, until it opened into a shimmering oasis. Flowering vines tumbled from rocky overhangs, framing the enchanted grotto. A waterfall cascaded into a luminous pool, casting prisms of color. Playful faeries flitted among glowing crystals, giggling and spinning in an aerial dance.
“Oh Rafe,” I breathed. “It’s even more magical than I remembered.”
He laced his fingers through mine. “The last time I brought you here, we were at odds. I wanted to replace that painful memory with a perfect one.” His free hand cupped my cheek as he gazed at me intently. “I love you, Freya. This is my vow to you. No more secrets, no more obstacles. Just us, building our future together.”
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