The Prince and The Rogue

29: Return

|Samantha|

Within in a few days the commotion outside our gates calmed down and moved onto the next big story. It was truly a relief as now we could figure out of our future without having to worry about people outside. Literally and figuratively. The outsiders want an in on our relationship and break it to the news first. That is what my life will be now agreeing to be his mate. A race to get my secrets and our lives for a quick news story and views. Truly I did not like this, but I had to accept it since I am Theo's mate. 

While it seemed they moved on from the news story, it was still being covered a lot. Not only my shifting, but future in the monarchy. That they were even talking about the King and the Queen's ceremonies and coronations. Speculations arose about when these would take place and to be honest we haven't really talked about it yet.

I flicked off the television tired of hearing about myself and went to find Theo. No shock that he was in his study. I did not enter right away as it sounded like he was talking to someone, but I only heard his voice. Most likely on the phone. 

I went to raise my fist to knock when the door swung open and Theo looked at me, tucking his phone in his pocket.

"Oh good, I was just coming to find you," Theo tells and motions me inside.

"What is going on," I ask.

He takes the seat next to me and continues, "that was my mom."

I tilt my head confused. That can't be good.

"My father is coming to collect us and take us back to the Palace."

"When?"

Goddess, I did not want to return to the palace and not this soon after the banquet. I have not recovered and I don't think I ever will. 

"I am assuming soon, my mom called right as he left to warn us."

I looked at Theo, really looked at him and took in every feature. He was stressed, annoyed, and tired. I don't think any of us knew what truly was going on with this King. He was acting irrationally lately. His actions didn't seemed planned and were driven by impulse, something was not okay within those palace walls. Though he may not be telling us, his actions spoke volumes.

"What is going on," I wonder aloud.

"What do you mean?"

"Your father is acting very out of character lately. I am use to the King having calculated and well thought out actions, but this is not that. He is reckless and- he afraid of something," I realize.

Theo sits for a moment pondering on my words. "Afraid of what?"

"I do not know. Maybe his council? This was his idea to send us here and all a sudden he want us back? He forces my wolf to surface? Something isn't adding up, Theo. I truly wonder if the council is doing this."

He nods in agreement. "You are correct, this is unlike my father. It is very uncharacteristic for him. My father is usually a polished man and now he's tearing at the seams."

I guess we'll have to return to the palace to figure out what is going on. He won't come out and tell us, obviously. And if he was acting like this with us, what were those within the palace experiencing? 

"What should we do?"

He shrugs. "I guess we should pack and prepare for his arrival."

We did a lot of waiting around and eventually a car pulls around the driveway and out steps the King. While he looked polished and perfect in his suit and brushed back hair, I know something was off.

He enters without knocking and stands in the foyer. Theo gets up and greets his father, "Father, we were not expecting you."

His father shakes his head. "I am well aware your mother called you ahead to inform you," he answers.

Theo throws me a wary look over his shoulder. "So, father why are you here?"

"To return you to the palace. You are no longer mending your relationship, therefore you are to return. Samantha is now a member of the royal family as you two have accepted the mate bond."

"Why so soon, may I ask?"

He does not answer, instead he walks about the mansion. I join Theo and we exchange looks. Something was off, something was stressing the King if he was rushing our return. My mind drifted to the Council pressuring him or potential the Rogues rising up again.

"We will figure this out when we return to the palace. My mom will surely tell me."

Within the hour we departed and our baggage packed into another car that followed the King. While Theo was able to keep his composure, I was not. I was anxious and Theo caught onto my body language. My knee bouncing was what gave me away and his hand relaxed on my knee. The comfort somewhat calmed me, but it would not prepare me for what awaited us at the palace.

Goddess, I hope we were just reading into too much. I truly hope nothing is going on and we are just paranoid from the last palace summons.