Taming of the beast - Completed.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Arriving back at the mansion, it felt different, not a replacement, or a pretend wife yet still found it hard to settle in, so Callie threw herself into bringing the mansion back to life, while Riyad settled back into his office.

When she wasn't inside, she was visiting the foxes, sitting quietly just watching them. She wanted so desperately to belong but had no idea who she was anymore. The only time she felt at peace was in her husband's arms, connected, yet apart, disjointed.

When she could, she went to the markets, searching for different treats for the children, which were sent forward without her, not ready to face the palace and his family.

Also hadn't heard from her actual mother.

So many questions were still unanswered.

One good thing was Riyad didn't suffer any more nightmares. She often watched him sleep, when she couldn't, everything going over and over in her head. Chewing over her life. She got the Carsons. She would never speak to them again, she had no reason to and had a feeling they would be relieved if she didn't contact them. It wasn't knowing why messed with her head.

Then there was Daniel. What did he get out of it?

What if he came back? What could he possibly have over them? Surely it's not about her birth. It had to do with her father, whoever he was. She turned it over and over until her temples throbbed, and even started working out in the gym. Riyad taught her how to use a boxing bag, which was great for letting out her frustrations.

Closing her eyes, Callie took a sip from the Yorkshire tea, savouring the stronger brew, staring out of the kitchen window. The small round table was gone, replaced with a larger wooden one, enough for everyone. No more separate meals, eaten alone. She had insisted on it with all the staff. To spend time together, sharing a meal, and usually was filled with good humour.

They joined them once a week, moving into the dining room at her insistence, catching up on their lives. Riyad even joined in, much more relaxed. The rest of the time they had their meals alone together, connecting on a different level as she found her feet again. She didn't bring up what happened in Australia, pushing back into a compartment in her mind, and slamming the door on it. The only time she felt connected was locked in Riyad's arms in their bed.

As promised she had toned down the brightness, overreacting to the dark and gloom of the room, turning it sultrier with deep rich reds that they both loved, heavy curtains canopy on the poster bed, and pulled up with matching colour ropes.

Riyad didn't leave the bed until she woke and savoured his kisses which usually led to making love all over again. Together as one, she felt a part of him. He still worked late into the night. She often went to bed alone, yet always found him when he joined her. However, still not ready to start a family as yet. How could she, when she was still unsettled? Riyad so understanding, feeling guilty only to turn away at the buzzing doorbell.

"I'll get it," she told Bella. Charles had left to get the weekly groceries, also when it was needed, not as a regularly scheduled time frame as before. Often she had a brainstorming cooking session with Bella and needed ingredients that they didn't normally keep. They also try to keep to Riyad's food book, yet he is more relaxed with that as well. Sipping more tea, she headed for the front door.

Only guests used the front entrance, frowning. Even with the changes inside the household, they were still isolated, and no one got past the gates unless approved. Charles wasn't here. Placing down the cup onto a hallway table, she charged towards the front door and flung it open.

Stopping dead, she stared at the person in front of her, her heart slamming in a tight chest, roaring in her ears. Not possible, her fuddled mind couldn't comprehend, blinking, trying to focus on a face from her past. One she had pushed aside.