The White Wolf Chapter 66: Back to the Palace

The drive back to the palace was uneventful and seemed to draw less fanfare allowing them to move more quickly. As the trees gave way to the city, time seemed to speed up before their eyes.

Arriving in front of the palace's grand entrance, Alexia took in the sight of the giant doors that never ceased to amaze her every time. She looked at them as the vehicle came to a stop.

A servant quickly made their way to her door handle and the tires stopped moving. Carefully, Alexia exited the car in the most regal way she could manage. While there were not many eyes around, it never hurt to practice as she would hate to mess up in front of a larger audience. Smiling and mumbling her thanks to the servant holding her door in pristine white gloves she climbed the stairs that led her into the palace. Her Home.

Guards were stationed on either side, opening the doors at her approach. They bowed and she gave them the tilt of her head in acknowledgment.

Servants in the entry stopped their work to turn to greet her. Their faces were flushed but still held sincere smiles. Creases in their uniforms were evidence of their hard work.

The warm welcome she had received from the servants and especially the guards had surprised her. Expecting aloofness, she received heartfelt smiles. She knew her family had a good reputation but she did not expect to this be well received.

"I will inform Caspian of our return," Alexia said turning to Enzo behind.

Relief was evident on his face, obvious he would gladly let her speak to the king about their outing.

"I will leave it to you then." He said with a bow before turning towards his quarters.

Alexia smirked at the action.

Harley looked at the queen with expectant eyes, ready for a task.

"That will be all for the evening," Alexia said dismissing her for the night.

"If there is anything you require I am available at all times," Harley said earnestly.

While Alexia could see she meant it, she also saw the weariness from the day as well. She simply nodded in response, gaining a bow in return before the assistant slipped away. Finally, alone, Alexia set out in search of her mate.

Winding through the halls, she walked with purpose knowing exactly where she wanted to go.

The mate bond had such an impact on her that she was so surprised by how much she missed Caspian when she was away from him even for a short while. If he ever grew tired of her, she did not know what she would do.

Arriving at her destination, she hesitated standing outside the door to the King's study. Her hand hovered over the handle before it came down and pushed open the door.

As the door opened, the sweet scent of her mate infiltrated her nostrils. It surrounded her like a warm embrace evaporating her worries.

This was her true home, him.

Passing the door, he came into her view. Caspian sat behind his ornate grand desk that was covered in stacks of papers. In his hand, he clutched a piece of paper while his eyes read the contents. Reclining in his chair he looked effortlessly beautiful causing Alexia’s heart to beat faster.

As her scent hit him, his eyes moved to her with a small smile gracing his lips.

“There you are.” He said in a sensual voice that caused Alexia to blush slightly.

“Here I am.” She said trying to match his smooth deliverance.

By the time she crossed the room, he sat upright, placing the paper to the side and leaned his forearms on the desk giving her his undivided attention.

She stopped in front of his desk, then slipped into a perfect curtesy. “Your majesty.” She said with eyes dipped down.

Caspian took a pause, studying her actions his eyes narrowed as if weary of her. Her formality.

When she looked up a challenging smile graced her mouth.

His smile echoed hers, as if he too were ready to play. “My queen.” He spoke sensually.

She stood in confidence with her shoulders back as if waiting for him to make the first move.

“How was your trip? Were you successful?” He asked the scotch on his desk gathered condensation from the ice inside of the glass. It showed how late in the day it already was causing Alexia to furrow her brows slightly.

“I came back with more questions than answers.” She mumbled as she rubbed her temple recalling her journey. Her confidence evaporated into the air.

Alexia debated on how much to share with her mate knowing he would not be happy with how her little excursion went. She pursed her lips, eyes darting to different objects around the room.

Watching her contemplate enterally, Caspian turned and opened and reached out his arm. Immediately, Alexia circled the desk and grasped his hand. Once her hand was interlocked with his, he pulled her down onto her lap, wrapping her in his arms.

With her head on his shoulder, she began “Well, unfortunately you won’t be getting a new bath mat anytime soon.”

The playfulness in her words, trying to ease him into the conversation.

He let out a chuckle, able to laugh now that she had safely returned.

“Ah, pity. So you made it there smoothly?”

His eyes had a hint of happiness at the thought. Alexia instinctually smiled at the thought of his happiness.

“Yes,” she said with a sigh.

“That doesn’t sound like you had a good time?” He pressed, gently strumming his hand along her body.

“It was a long day with a lot of information. How was your day?” She hoped her diversion would work, trying to prolong the inevitable.

“Too much paperwork and not enough sunlight. Now stop avoiding and tell me what’s got you so down.” His eyes locked on her face.

She pondered in her mind about how much to share with him. His imploring look had her blurting out the words before she registered what she was saying.

“When we were speaking about the stag the topic of white wolves came up.”

His hand stopped. “Came up how?”