Chapter 73 - No future for us!

Samantha

We bent down at the same time and bumped our heads together, both groaning in pain at the same time. What was the king doing, bending down to pick up my fruit?! I was in such a state of shock that I was mumbling until he took my hand and smiled at me. In that very moment, everything became crystal clear. I could actually be happy. This was my chance. Possibly my only chance to see my parents happy and to be happy myself.

My eyes caught a glimpse of the queen’s disapproving look and the moment was over. The moment had passed, and I knew there was no way that we could be happy. There was no hope that I could be happy. There was no way the queen would allow me to become her son’s mate.

“I … I have to go.” I pulled from the king’s grip and rushed into the crowd that was gathering. Everyone was staring at me, and all I could think about was getting the hell out of there. I didn’t think that he could just ask any one of them, and they would gladly tell him where to find me. I didn’t think that was my problem.

I made it home and quickly started to unpack my shopping. I was trying everything in my power to forget. How did you forget that the king was your mate?!

“Honey,” My mother’s voice interrupted my thoughts. “There is someone here to see you.” She looked worried and slightly excited at the same time! My heart stopped. I knew who she was talking about without even having to see him. I had trouble imagining him in my home. The actual king was in my home! As I walked into the living room, my parents were facing me. To their left was Adam, the king and behind him were his parents.

“You keep running. Why do you keep running?” He smiled, but I could see there was pain in his eyes. I sighed and caught another glimpse of his mother. This time she smiled, and her eyes were filled with kindness.

“I … My grandfather … He … He …” I hesitated and nearly cringed away when Adam’s mom stepped forward.

“Her grandfather was a supporter of your grandfather, son. He was a traitor to our people, but dear. You aren’t your grandfather. Your parents aren’t your grandfather.” She had stepped forward, but her hands were clamped tightly together in front of her as she made no move to touch me in any way. “This is tough for all of us, but I’m willing to move on if you and your parents are. I believe that you and your family didn’t mean us any harm. I’m sure that we can figure things out.” My eyes shot from the queen to Adam and then to my parents. What were they saying?!

“You don’t have to accept me right away …” Adam closed the gap between us and when he took my hands it felt as if an electric current ran through my body. I ripped my hands from his and felt as if my entire life was crashing down around me. It wasn’t feeling like I thought it would feel when I met my mate!

“I am Samantha.” I realized I hadn’t introduced myself yet. Even though the queen already knew who I was, I hadn’t officially introduced myself to my mate.

“I am very pleased to meet you, Samantha.” He smiled and everything and everyone disappeared around us. “If you feel up to it, I would like to spend some time with you.” It was a question and I swallowed hard to get rid of the knot in my throat. I nodded, not entirely sure what he meant by spending time together. None of this was happening. It couldn’t be!

Adam looked around, and my mother suggested we all take a walk. It felt as if I was having an out-of-body experience. Adam took my hand again and we left my house. All around us, people were hanging around watching us. It felt weird! All my life, I have been hiding from people. Now everyone’s attention was on me.

We walked in silence for a bit before he started asking about my age, and where I went to school. He was really trying, and I had to give him that much. I answered his questions and felt like an idiot when I asked him the same questions and he laughed. He wasn’t just one of us. He was the king. He used to be the prince and I couldn’t imagine him going to normal school the way I did.

Our parents were walking behind us in silence and no matter how much I tried to relax, I just couldn’t. This was too much for me to deal with. All my life I imagined having just a quiet life. I never imagined a life in the castle. I never imagined a life of luxury or any of that.

“I … I can’t do this. I’m sorry.” My eyes filled with tears as I stopped walking and looked at him. A moment later, I was running again. It was too much. I couldn’t see it working. All he had to do was reject me. It would all be over then. All he had to do was reject me. He just had to say the words and I would be the girl that used to be mated to the king. He could move on with his life. He was the king. He would have a second chance mate in no time.

A mate who his mother would be proud of. A mate he could be proud of. A mate that wasn’t a reject like me. I rushed into our home and slammed my bedroom door. Slipping down to the floor, I allowed the tears to flow. I couldn’t see us having a happy life. I couldn’t see myself as the queen. I couldn’t see myself as his mate.