Chapter 40

River's POV

I ran my fingers lightly against Alastair's arm as he slept soundly beside me. His arm wrapped protectively around my figure, cradling me to his chest as I rested silently on top of him, face pressed against his muscular chest. It had been a while since I had awoken but I had chosen to remain lazily in bed, merely basking in the soft warmth that Alastair emitted from his silent form.

Even in sleep, his arm wrapped around me in a protective hold, face pressed gently against the top of my head. Soft breaths escaped his mouth, sending a slight tremor down my spine as the warm breath blew at my hair, escaping down the nape of my neck to my erotic pulse.

I didn't want him to wake just yet. I knew what was to come the moment his eyes opened. We'd leave. He made it quite clear already that he wanted to leave as soon as possible. It was merely his kindness that had kept us here for another day but had he not been as kind we would be in the carriage back to the palace by now.

I felt bad leaving, leaving after such a horrid occurrence. My stay here was so short lived an in and out as we were hurriedly shoved into a cave, only to return a week or so later by Alastair's men. The stay wasn't the best, probably my shortest yet. There was something strange going on, something I couldn't quite put my finger on yet, but I couldn't help but want to explore the possibilities.

Everything appeared far too peculiar. Though Alastair didn't seem to have the same fascination as I did. His mind was one tracked. Once finishing the task at hand he wanted to move on. Unlike my wondrous soul. I couldn't help but jump from one thing to the next as my mind jumped from one conclusion to the next. My mind was a mess along with the rest of me. Though unlike my mind there was not much I could do about my outer appearance.

Alastair hasn't spoken his distaste with it yet...

My face perked up as soft, careful fingers ran down my neck, resting just above my collarbone, wisping to and through in a gentle manner.

"Good morning, love," A velvety voice filled my ear as the skin behind my ear was pampered with multiple light kisses.

"Good morning," I breathed out, turning to see his face.

My breath lodged in my throat as he smiled brightly at me, white teeth glistening under the morning light streaming in through the window.

I ducked, attempting to hide my heated cheeks as my mind wandered to our time in the garden yesterday. The many lip locks we shared beneath scented flowers, lasting only so long before I took notice of a nearby gardener watching us and squeaked out an embarrassed cry. Alastair didn't seem to mind, asking to merely switch locations but the moment was lost and I was far too embarrassed to even consider continuing.

Now I was hitting myself over it, wishing I would have agreed and had just continued our passion moment elsewhere.

Too late now.

"How does leaving after breakfast sound?" Alastair's voice filled my ears as he played idly with my hair.

I nodded.

I didn't want to leave yet but didn't quite have a choice. There was only so long that the palace could function without Alastair's presence.

It would be selfish to keep him all to myself. Though sometimes I wanted to. To lock ourselves in a room for days just embracing one another, soaking in his gentle heat under firelight. But he had important matters to take care of. He was running a country. He didn't have time to stay in a particular place for very long. He needed to take of what was needed and then move on. No dwelling.

***

I missed the estate already. I missed Anna already. Our stay was cut so short and I could tell Anna wasn't very happy about as she had hugged me goodbye. She wanted to spend more time with me but she understood our need to return. I understood our need to return.

My eyes wandered out the window, hand resting snugly under my chin as I watched the movement of passing trees and greenery. It felt like it had been far too long since we had last been in the palace, my leg shook anxiously as I envisioned our return.

I knew what awaited, less time with Alastair. The moment he walked back into the palace, he would return to his study to review what Isaiah had done during his absence. I didn't have the right to complain. That was his job, his duty to run the country. A duty passed down to him from generation to generation.

"What has gotten you so nervous, love?" Alastair's fingers brushed against my fidgeting knee as he pulled me into his lap.

I shook my head, "It's nothing," I spoke softly as I peered down at my swinging feet.

He nodded, pressing his chin to the top of my head, peering out the window as I continued fidgeting.

The carriage stopped as the door swung open, revealing a carriage man.

"The gatekeepers ask for the royal seal, Your Majesty."

Alastair nodded, pulling a golden ring from his finger and dropping into the man's waiting hand. I peered back at Alastair as he watched the man run to the men by the gate and show them. They nodded in approval, opening up the gates and allowing us in as the man ran back and handed the ring to Alastair.

I remained silent as we slowly approached the palace, large arches and towering walls filled my vision as we grew closer and closer.

I wonder if Alastair had told them of our arrival today or were we merely to prance through the door without any notice?

"Do they know we're coming back today?" I asked.

Alastair let out a sigh, "I sent a pageboy yesterday but I'm not sure if he made it here before us."

I nodded, turning back to the window as we reached the entrance. The carriage stopped, door opening as we were let out and servants scurried from their positions to help with the unloading.

Alastair stopped briefly, breathing in.

Is he just as nervous as am?

"Okay," he took my hand and led us to the entrance.

Maids poured from the door as the door flew open, not even allowing Alastair to knock.

"Your Majesty," a series of relieved breaths filled the doorway.

Alastair's brows pulled together.

The sound of grunting filled the doorway as Michael pushed his way through the maids, eyes narrowed in Alastair's direction.

"What the hell took you so long?!" He demanded, hands on hips as he glared up at Alastair.

Alastair's brows rose, "I hadn't realized my presence was that vital to your life, Michael."

Michael clicked his tongue, "Narcissist. You do realize you dumped all your work on Isaiah while you went off with your mate," his arms rose, "the poor thing has barely gotten any sleep in the past week, attempting to catch up on all the work you left behind."

"Isaiah was trained to be able to cover my position if needed. If he can't handle even a week-"

"They returned," Michael cut off.

"They?"

"Your father's advisors."

Alastair took a breath, "When?"

"Only a day or so after you left. Almost as if planned," Michael muttered, fists pulled tight by his side.

Planned? But we had left because of the rebels. They couldn't possibly plan when the rebels would arise.

"Shit," Alastair clicked his tongue, "Why? Why did they return?"

"With your leave, your father decided to take over, resume his previous position. He claimed your advisors were incompetent."

"How did they take it?" Alastair asked as he hurried inside and followed Michael up the stairs.

"Derek looked five seconds from bashing his head into the nearest wall."

Alastair laughed, "sounds like him."

"Isaiah appeared almost in tears."

I flinched at this. Isaiah being in pain didn't sit well with me. He was such a gentle soul. He didn't deserve such a thing.

I barely processed our surroundings as Michael pushed open a door to our left.

Isaiah sat by Alastair's desk, head in hands as he leaned over a stack of papers. Derek sat in front of him, watching him through hazed eyes. The moment the door opened, signaling our entrance Derek rose from his seat, almost knocking his chair to the floor.

"Finally," he declared exasperatedly.

Isaiah's hands pulled from his face, eyes widening as he took in Alastair's form by the door.

"I'm so sorry," he broke out almost in tears. "I didn't know what to do," he choked.

"It's alright, Isaiah," Alastair spoke softly to his friend.

Isaiah shook his head, "It's not. I-"

"Izzy, he said it's alright!" Derek's fists landed harshly on the wooden desk, causing me to flinch. He rounded the desk and pulled Isaiah to him, speaking softly this time. "Calm down."

Isaiah dug his head into Derek's chest, sniffling lightly as a loud clearing filled the room and disturbed all.

"I see you've returned," A deep voice acknowledged. The room filled with immediate tension, alls eyes focused on the looming figure behind me. I turned slowly, eyes widening.

"And you've returned safely," he added as an afterthought, nodding in my direction.

I tensed.

Alastair pulled me to his chest, eyes narrowing in the man's direction.

"What have you done, father?"