The King

Pool Day

Acelynn's POV

It hadn't been long since I had last saw Bianca, but my heart was overjoyed. I looked up at Alex, who looked happy with himself, and gave him a big smile. He winked at me and then looked at his watch. "Ladies, I have to get back to a meeting, but please enjoy the palace. I've been told that the pool is open, and it's supposed to be a beautiful day," he said as he went to exit the apartment.

Bianca and I moved to the couch, where she updated me on what was happening with our pack. My joy increased when she told me that my brothers would be coming later in the week. However, it plummeted when she informed me that our father would be coming as well. She noticed and gave me a reassuring smile. "He isn't coming to stay. King Alexander wants to have a meeting with him, and then he plans on returning home," she stated, which did lift my spirits.

I know Alex had brought her here to make me happy so that I would feel better about being here. Unfortunately for him, though, all I could think was that he was the one that forced me to leave my home. He still hadn't let me leave the palace, so I was surprised that he had suggested going outside to the pool.

We had changed into our bathing suits, and when we were headed out the door, I realized I didn't know how to get to the pool. Luckily a maid happened to be walking towards us, and when I asked, she appeared more than happy to escort us to it. It was a beautiful pool, but I noticed that it was surrounded by a stone wall, so while I was outside, I was still stuck. The pool had a shallow end with stairs that you could walk down, and then gradually, it got deeper. I was surprised to see a slide at the far end. Around the pool, several lounge areas were set up, some with gazebos over them and others out in the sun. "There are different floats in the pool house if you would like them," the maid said behind us.

I turned to her, smiling, "Thank you, what is your name?" I asked.

"The pleasure is all mine, my Queen. My name is Holly, and if you need anything while you are here, don't hesitate to call," she said as she pointed out a button by the pool house door.

She curtsied and then made her way back into the palace. "The curtsey thing is weird," Bianca said behind me.

"Tell me about it," I said with a sigh.

I walked into the pool house, and true to her word, there were several different kinds of pool floats. We picked ones we could lay on so we could work on our tans. The water was the perfect temperature, and for a while, we laid on our floats in silence. Bianca broke the silence first, "You let him mark you?" she questioned.

"I did," I answered, turning to face her.

"How was it?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.

I laughed at her. "It was great. I assume since I have nothing to compare it to, but I can't imagine how it could get any better. It was rather overwhelming," I answered.

"What made you decide to let him?" she asked.

"I'm not sure. He was so sweet, and part of me thought it would make this whole life change easier. Though now I'm worried that maybe I moved too quickly. I like him, but I still have problems with him taking me away from home like he did. I know he's trying to make up for it, and bringing you guys here is part of that, but it kind of refueled my anger about the whole situation," I answered with a sigh.

"Well, obviously, this is something you need to talk to him about. Find out why he thought it was necessary to move you away so quickly. Communication is key, and honesty also. He is the King, used to having his way, but things need to be different with you. You need to be a team." she replied.

I knew her advice was right. I went to say something but was interrupted by two young maids bringing carts of food and drinks out. They set everything up under the nearest gazebo, and once they were done, they approached the pool. "The King requested that we set up a lunch spread for you and your guest, my Queen," the more outgoing blonde one said.

"How did he know we were here?" I asked them.

The other girl, a timid appearing brunette, simply pointed up to a window above the pool. I looked up, and sure enough, I could just make out his silhouette in the window on the third floor. Of course, I thought, this is why he suggested the pool. The girls were still standing by the pool, "Thank you both for putting it together we appreciate it," I said to them.

"You are welcome, my queen," they both said in unison before they curtsied and returned inside the palace.

We exited the pool. I had to admit my stomach was growling. There was way too much here for both of us to eat, but it all did look good. I grabbed a turkey sandwich and fruit and sat down at the table. Bianca sat down across from me and, before she took a bite of her sandwich, asked, "Now that you are mated can you feel his emotions?"

I thought about it for a moment. "No, actually, I haven't, but he is good at hiding his emotions. It wouldn't surprise me if he could also hide his internal ones from me. I think he can sense mine, though. He knew I was worried last night," I answered.

The food tasted amazing here, even just a simple sandwich and fruit. For some reason, this irritated me, though. He's perfect. This place is perfect. It's ridiculous, I thought. Bianca must have sensed my irritation, "Hey, after we eat, why don't we go to the store and grab junk food and magazines and have a girls' night. I drove so we can just take my car," she suggested.

I smiled at first but then frowned. "I don't think he'd let me go," I said, pushing my half-eaten sandwich away.

"Oh, we will be there and back before he knows you are gone. There is a*****e close, and I mean he has to let you live a little. Plus, you are with me. You wouldn't risk my life by running, and I will make sure you come back," she said, lifting my spirits.

"Let's go," I said as I slipped my shoes and dress back on quickly before I lost my nerve.

We walked through the palace towards the front doors. I saw no one. My heart raced. This couldn't be that easy. Right before I went to open the door, though, I heard footsteps, and a deep voice behind me asked, "My Queen, are you going somewhere?"

My heart sank. Of course, we would get caught. There was still a chance though I turned around smiling sweetly. This guy was young, probably my age, and I had never seen him before. Thank goddess, it wasn't the other guy that usually followed me about. I thought a lie up quick, "Yes, actually, my sister and I are going out. The King is in a meeting, but he is aware and said it was fine for us to go."

The poor guy looked torn. If he attempted to verify what I was telling him, he would be saying he thought his own Queen was a liar. "I'll be back in no time, just a quick run out," I said with as much authority as I could.

I turned, opening the door, and we quickly made our exit. We practically ran to her range rover sitting near the entrance. My heart was racing. The last obstacle would be the main gate. As we got closer to it, my anxiety increased, and I could tell by Bianca's white knuckles that she, too, was nervous. To our relief, the gates opened, and the guard waved as we drove by.