Chapter 81 - Giving the king a chance.

Samantha

We didn’t pack any of our furniture. Most of our small things were also left behind. We weren’t moving into the castle permanently. At least, my parents weren’t. I was probably never going to move back home. Adam and I hadn’t set a date for our mating ceremony just yet, but I was sure now that I was moving into the castle, that would soon change.

I heard the whispers when I stepped out of our home with my suitcases in hand, but I ignored them. It was a sad day as it was. I really didn’t need the whispers! I didn’t have to hear the people’s opinion that I wasn’t good enough. I was punishing myself more than enough. I ignored the queen’s pursed lips of disapproval when she welcomed my parents and me at the door.

I wasn’t going to give anyone who disapproved of me the satisfaction to see how much their actions and reactions hurt deep down! Adam and I were destined mates. Surely, the moon goddess’s opinion should have been enough for all of them to accept it.

“I hope the room is to your satisfaction.” Adam’s voice broke through my thoughts and I nodded.

“It is beautiful. I’m not sure if your mother was the one who decorated it, but I’ve never seen anything like it.” I was trying to compliment the queen. It was meant as a heartfelt compliment. I wasn’t trying to impress her in any way. I wouldn’t fool myself into thinking I would ever be able to impress her.

“It used to be her room. You guessed right.” Adam whispered, giving me a quick wink and I smiled. I wasn’t going to tell him that his comment made me feel uneasy about the room!

“Have the two of you decided on a date?” The queen pursed her lips together, interrupting our conversation and completely ignoring my compliment. I looked at Adam, who looked at me with amusement.

“We have not.” I answered, and the queen looked even more unimpressed if that was even possible!

“Well, then, I suggest you decide soon. The last thing we want is for rumours to spread.” She looked at Adam, who sighed before sitting back in his chair.

“Mother, you’ve never been one to pay much attention to rumours. Why are you pushing?” I noticed for the first time that he wasn’t very happy with his mother.

“I don’t know what you mean.” She sighed, and the tension suddenly became so thick that I almost had trouble breathing!

“You know very well what I mean, mother.” He sat forward. I really didn’t want to be there!

“Well, since the two of you moved in together …” She started shrugging as a loud bang hit the table, startling everyone. I looked at Adam, who was suddenly furious! His face was bright red.

“You know very well that we aren’t shacking up!” He growled, and I could only guess that he used those specific words on purpose. His mother must have said something to that effect! “I’ve given Samantha the assurance that she would be safe here. I’ve told her that I won’t push for a mating ceremony until she feels ready. I suggest you do the same!” He growled and, in the blink of an eye, he shoved his chair back and stormed out. The silence in the room was deafening for a moment.

“Excuse me.” The queen’s eyes filled with tears as she stood up and left and the rest of us were left to stare at each other in silence.

“I apologize for those two.” The old king smiled. “As you can see, we don’t beat around the bush in this family and they are both very passionate people. Please, don’t let them put you off your food. Eat. Drink. Enjoy.” He waved his hand through the air and servants appeared to fill our wine glasses.

It was probably the most uncomfortable position I had ever been in! It was even worse than the night I found out he was my mate. Back then I could run! Now, there was nowhere to run. My decision was made. If I was brutally honest with myself, I could actually tell Adam that we could pick a date. I had already made peace with the fact that we were going to end up together. After dinner, I went in search of Adam and I found him in his office staring at the window.

“Do you want this?” My voice sounded strained. He looked at me and smiled.

“More than anything, but I want you to want it.” He frowned.

“I do. I have to agree with your mother. There is no reason we have to wait any longer. I …” He didn’t look happy. Why didn’t he look happy? I hesitated.

“Samantha, I need you to be sure.” He jumped up and closed the gap between us in the blink of an eye. “I’m all in. I can’t wait to be your mate.” The tension became thick between us before his lips touched mine. It was the softest, kindest kiss. I was suddenly glad that I had waited for my mate. To share all these firsts with him was going to be the best thing ever.

“I am sure.” I was completely out of breath when we finally broke apart. Adam smiled and walked me to my room. He left a soft kiss on my forehead before saying goodnight. As I climbed into bed a short while later, I looked around the room. I couldn’t even begin to imagine the queen ever living there. I couldn’t imagine the queen as a young girl. A young woman of my age.

I couldn’t begin to imagine what she must have gone through. I had heard the rumours, but I wasn’t entirely sure how much of that was true. It all sounded so strange. It did make me want to ask her to give me a chance. I wouldn’t, of course, but I wanted to.