Taming of the beast - Completed.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Stunned, she could only agree with a nodding head. "But aren't we here for the coronation? I won't take that away from Naim."

Another entered the room, Naim himself. "You will not," he stated. "I will take over the throne, which by rights was Riyad's. What happened was not his fault. You have given his life back, Callie. This is the least we can do."

Her eyes widened, placing her hand on her throat against her racing pulse. "What about Riyad? Does he know? We're already married," she pointed out, yet her gaze drifted over to the wedding dresses on display, her heart aching. To walk down the aisle towards Riyad, in front of family, declaring her love to him would be a dream come true.

"He is the one who is seeing to all the arrangements. All you have to do is find that one perfect dress."

Bewildered, she looked from his mother to his brother. "When? You have a coronation to organise, no, it's too much."

Johara laughed openly. "You are talking about the palace; we can do anything we put our minds to."

Clasping her hands together, Callie placed them against her racing heart. "When?" she licked suddenly dry lips.

"The morning of the coronation," she was informed. It took all of her strength to stand still, knees knocking, feeling weak, hands clasped together.

"You've got to be kidding," she gasped.

Princess Falak joined her side, taking hold of her arm that Callie was grateful for. "Just breathe," she whispered in Callie's ear to do so. Not realising she was even holding her breath. It was too much, shaking her head.

"It will be a perfect day. Riyad's marriage to his bride followed by the coronation. The perfect way to show the people their home is in excellent hands."

"What about the princess' family? I don't want them to be insulted or upset by such an event." The parents of the princess he was supposed to marry. No matter what, there was a part of her that had a fragment of jealousy she hadn't been his first choice, even if an arranged marriage.

He was her first in every way. He loved her, shaking herself inwardly for being foolish. Maybe she was scared one day he would wake up and realise she wasn't that special, surrounded by real princesses.

"Can you all leave us," the Queen ordered to be left alone with Callie. May hesitated, even if it meant disobeying her Queen. Callie nodded at May, who departed, knowing she would hang around nearby, taking a deep breath.

Johara glided across, taking hold of her trembling hands. "Tell me what is bothering you." Callie took another deep breath, knowing she could be open with her.

"First, Naim, it's his day. Riyad was supposed to have this grand wedding with a proper princess," she finished with a wail, gulping to hold back her emotions.

"What's going on, Callie. I know how much you love my son. Surely you know the way he feels about you, so why the doubt. Do not deny it; I saw it in your eyes."

Callie's shoulders sagged and hung her head. "I know it's stupid. An arranged marriage."

"He did care for the princess," Johara told her. Callie nodded.

"I know he told me that, but this was-is the palace. It would have been a grand wedding followed by becoming the next ruler," Callie glanced at her, sucking in her bottom lip. "I don't know what to think," she admitted.

Johara's hand tightened over hers. "Riyad wanted this. He told me everything, why he married you, how you went along with his scheme. How he had to protect you, loved you. Do not doubt that." Callie repelled back.