Taming of the beast - Completed.

Epilogue

Standing beside the bedroom window, Callie stared out across their Estate lands.

The helicopter already packed, ready for the trip to the airport. Also waiting was the private plane back to Riyad's homeland. A time saver and quickest way to the airport, especially with their load. Bella had gone to join her family in France for the holidays. Her mum, who came and went as she pleased, took over while they were gone.

The household had expanded, most of the mansion in full working order, yet still closed down sections at certain times of the year, like when it was winter, saving on power and heating. Callie still liked to keep on top of things, touching the heavy curtains that were tied back in place by sashes.

They even had dinner parties in the grand dining room with a sixteen seater long carved table. Not once Callie had been asked to cater, she was much better at playing hostess. They had two very separate lives. One here in the UK, without the titles, unless they had to attend some official function in London.

They replaced the London apartment for one of her choosing, just as beautiful and opulence without the bling, a lot calmer and with her own added touches of his homeland influenced throughout, with a modern twist. In the same area, close to Hyde Park. 

Wherever Riyad went, she was always at his side.

They spent a lot of their time in the countryside, flying nearly every weekend to his homeland, unless needed to stay longer for some function or another, like the trip they were making today.

Behind the scenes at the mansion Callie had poured over books on the protocol of the palace ruling, in Riyad's study/office that had a major makeover so it was more warm and welcoming and had her own chair and desk, reading while Riyad worked.

Even had lessons in Arabic, much to Riyad's amusement, teasing her shamelessly, saying it would be fine since their children will speak both fluently. Callie hadn't been so sure about that, not wanting them to speak about her behind her back. She learnt enough to get along, yet May was always still at her side when Riyad wasn't around.

Their life was busy at the best of times, worse at the palace, and somehow it all worked. George always monitored the foxes when they weren't around, which had grown in size, family-wise. Callie still loved going to the markets, finding those special treasures. Where they travelled, they always found time to explore, expand their experiences in what the world offered.

At least once a year they cruised with extended family, like her mother and sister, taking a holiday, different ports, different countries where they chilled and spent quality time together. The family was too important to her. Now she had a real one, an extended one, even involving her father.

A real mum and dad who loved her.

Stolen from her mother's arms just to keep it under wraps.

Riyad had been correct, she had kept her. Their relationship had grown stronger and stronger. Her mother seeing the world, experiencing different cuisines, and expanding her culinary skills from all over the world. No longer hiding from the world, following her dream.

Thankfully still young enough to enjoy it. So much time wasted. Even involved with a produce farmer that she had met at the market when staying at the estate. Even looking upon opening her own cafe in the nearby village which meant she would live in proximity and could spend more time together, not only when she visited.

There was no place like the countryside, Callie smiled to herself.

"Beloved, we really have to make a move."

Dreamily she turned around and sighed at the sight of her husband, looking more handsome than ever, if possible, dressed in his suited pants and shirt, jacket free, even if the days were getting colder.