Rival Rulers

@ castle.

Alexandria headed into the room, taking it in as her eyes glazed over it all. It took her a few moments to take it all in, but she ultimately decided that she rather liked it. Again, it was much different than the style at home. But even so, there was a feeling about the room that she took a liking to. It felt warm and cozy. A place where she could rest, unwind and hide from everything that was going on outside her doors. It was what she needed if she was going to be living in a place of beasts, somewhere to feel safe.

As Dominic spoke, Alexandria turned back to the man. She was quick to notice that he had not entered her room, which she had appreciated. For the first time, it felt like there was some room between the two of them. As he spoke, Alexandria was quiet, taking in every word that left his lips. At least Dominic did not expect her to be a beta to him immediately, but it still remained that he expected her to...

"I believe that it is possible to bring our people together as well." Alexandria spoke softly. "Though, it will take a lot of work." She folded her hands back together. In truth, Alexandria was unsure the words she spoke were even possible. There has been so much resentment and war between the two species for so long. How could they grow to even accept each other? And it reminded so that she did not wish for an alliance such as this one. This seemed destined to fail and Alexandria feared the betrayal of his kind.

Dominic's wolf was whining, wanting nothing more than to be close to Alexandria. He wanted to scent her, wanted to shift and wrap her in his body. He knew she would likely be afraid the first time that she saw him shifted. Dominic was an alpha, larger than other wolves that she may or may not have seen in her life. He was big enough to give a bear a run for its money. Couple that with his natural intelligence and he was easily able to fend off most predators in the wild, on his own. It was a source of pride for him. That he was an alpha, that he could hold his own, that he could protect those around him. That he could defend and provide for his pack.

His wolf was unhappy, having already recognized Alexandria as his mate. His wolf was content with it, which surprised him because it was uncommon for a wolf to bond to another species without something else bringing them together. Dominic shoved his hands into his pockets, eyeing the girl warily.

"I will leave you for now," Dominic paused, his eyes dropping to the floor between them. "I will come around in a few hours so that we can go down to the feast. I will escort you there and back to your quarters once it's time," he stated, having no intention of leaving her alone around other wolves. While he doubted that they would try anything, Dominic knew how wolves were and he didn't want to risk it. Not yet, not until they had started to accept her as one of their own.

@ castle.

"Thank you." Alexandria said softly before Dominic left her room, closing the door behind him. She immediately started to relax once the door was in between them. Even though she was there, in her new room, having already met Dominic, Alexandria could not believe that this was happening. It still shocked her that her parents were going to leave her alone in a country full of beasts that just months prior had been trying to kill her people. She pressed a hand to her forehead as she could feel herself growing dizzy.

No, Alexandria needed to calm down before this started to get out of hand. She couldn't just keep upsetting herself when what she needed to was remain calm. She was in the home of the beast and there were certain things she needed to do in order to stay alive. But, at least for now, Alexandria could lay down for a bit and rest. It would be best to be well rested for tonight.

After her nap, Alexandria awoke and started to get ready for the feast. While it was just close 'family' that was coming, it was still best to put her best foot forward. She didn't want them to think she wasn't trying... She quickly dressed into one of her short dresses before moving onto her hair and makeup. Once again, deciding to go with something a little more simple. Some light curls and more natural makeup.

Female wolves tended to wear less make up than their human counterparts, wolves were more in tune with their natural selves. Dominic knew that humans tended to do things a bit differently so he had no idea what to expect when he went to collect Alexandria from her room. He wore a simple black henley shirt and a pair of black jeans. It wasn't a suit by any means, but Dominic still exuded power as he moved through the halls. The wolves that he passed all gave him a nod, moving out of his way and staying still until Dominic had passed entirely.

Dominic came to a stop in front of Alexandria's room, hesitating a moment as he listened to the sounds coming from her room. It didn't sound like she was dressing still so he decided that it was safe to raise a hand and knock on the door. He hesitated a moment before taking a step backward, holding his hands behind his back as he waited for Alexandria to answer the door.

When she appeared, Dominic couldn't help the way that his eyes swept over her frame or the smile that broke his features. He cleared his throat, giving a tiny nod of his head. "You... look stunning," he said, running his tongue over his bottom lip. Shoving his hands into his pockets, Dominic took a step back, wondering if it was proper to offer his arm to her. He knew it was but he also... he wasn't sure she'd be comfortable with it either. Exhaling slowly, Dominic opted to do it anyway. He offered his arm out to her, a hopeful look growing on his features. "Let's head down to the feast, what do you say?"

@ castle.

Alexandria gave Dominic a pleasant smile as he came to the door. Though she could feel her heart beating a bit faster as he offered his arm. She didn't really want to do it... To be so close to him. The idea of it was rather frightening. Despite the fact that Dominic was in his human form, Alexandria always kept in the back of her mind that he was indeed part wolf. She was quite frighten of making any wrong moves, even though she had no idea what those might be.

Though, Alexandria nodded and took a step forward before putting her arm into his. Her fingers pressed against his large bicep. Actually taking his arm felt quite nice, but the idea of being so close to a werewolf still make the princess uneasy. Though, she put on a smile and followed him towards the feast.

Many questions started to run through Alexandria's mind. She knew who had been invited, but how many people? Would they even try to be nice to her? And what would they serve? Plus what would this feast even be like? So many questions and she was just moments away of finding out. After a few moments, Alexandria realized she had not spoken a word and she looked up at Dominic. "Everyone arriving tonight is your family, correct?"

Dominic had expected for Alexandria to wave off his arm but it was an offer that he had to make. A silent peace offering, a silent invitation to get to know each other a bit more. He knew that there was a whole lot of progress that they both had to make but it would happen, in due time. As long as they both worked toward that. He gave her a gentle smile as she took his arm as they started down the stairs.

Wolves continued to glance their way as they moved, surprised to see that Alexandria and Dominic were already seemingly closer than they already were. He bit back a smirk, not wanting to seem overly arrogant or that he was expecting anything out of Alexandria. In due time, he would but now they knew little more than each others' names. He couldn't ask much more of her, not right now.

Clearing his throat, Dominic gave a tiny nod of his head. "Some are more... extended than others. But they are all family," Dominic answered as they stepped into the feast room. "We are more or less an extended family and have remained that way for thousands of years; we know each other intimately. You'll notice," he paused as he looked around the room, nodding at a few people. "That we are physical in nature. We'll brush against each other, we'll nudge each other with an arm... we are connected on a more primal level because we have evolved that way. Because we've been so close for so long, it is now in our DNA," he explained, hoping that what he said didn't bother her in any sort of way.

@ castle.

As they walked into the feast room, Alexandria glanced around. There were more people there than she had expected for a family dinner, however it was not a large party by any means. Though as they walked in, she could see and feel the eyes that had moved to them. She was used to stares but this was different, and it made her feel uneasy. These people were her enemy, whether they knew it or not.

Alexandria grew tense as they continued into the room. She didn't want to be there, surrounded by strangers, by wolves. And she certainly did not want to be touched. Holding Dominic's arm tonight was more than enough contact for her for the rest of the week (or month). Getting brushed against, nudged, poked or whatever else they would do wasn't welcomed. Alexandria thought she would only have to fight Dominic off, not his whole family as well.

"You have a very large family." Alexandria whispered to him. Her eyes shifted, looking for her own. Soon enough she was able to find her own parents with Dominic's. They were already chatting with some of the others. This could so easily be a trap, they were so vulnerable here.

Dominic couldn't help but let out a soft laugh as he shook his head. "These are only the closest members. Sisters, brothers, uncles, aunt's.." he explained to her, leading her to the head of the table. Pulling out Alexandria's chair for her, he motioned for her to sit with a small grin. He sat beside her once he'd pushed her chair in, beside his father and opposite of his mother. Now that Alexandria was to marry him, she was to sit near the head of the table.

"You will meet everyone else as time and schedules permit but it won't be all that long before you do..." Dominic said, greeting his parents as they appeared. He gave a lopsided grin before turning toward Alexandria. "I gave her the house tour, of course," he said, nearly rolling his eyes when his mother began to ask. "I know, I know. If I have a guest over, I'm not going to just completely ignore basic manners," he grumbled, his voice low as if it would prevent the wolves around them from hearing his mother scold him.

"Tomorrow, we're planning to go to town. So that I can show her around and she can become familiar with the city that she will call home..." Dominic said, glancing toward Alexandria. He gave her a hopeful smile, knowing that she would be uncomfortable with the idea but he knew that there was really no other choice in the matter. He needed to take her to town so that he could show her her new home and so that he could show her off. She would be his mate, it was important that the wolves saw her.

"Nothing too exciting. Lunch and maybe a bit of shopping if she'd like.." Dominic said, figuring the promise of gifts might help to warm his betrothed up to the idea.

@ castle.

As they sat down, Alexandria started to look around at all of the werewolves around them. If these were only the closest members, she was afraid to see how packed it would be when Dominic's whole family was here. While the Queen was scolding Dominic, Alexandria took a moment to try and calm herself back down. There were more people than she had anticipated and she felt so tense and uncomfortable. Many of them were staring at her, trying to get a good look at the human princess. She was used to staring but this felt different. Alexandria felt like she was the pray and they were just waiting for permission to pounce on her. She couldn't help but wonder if they could smell her fear.

The princess came back to the conversation as Dominic said that she would call the city her home. Those words struck her deep and she suddenly felt ready to burst into tears. This wasn't home and Alexandria had no desire for it to become that. Why was life so cruel to force this on her? It would be a while until she could break herself out of this agreement but she wanted to go home now.

Normally, she was so calm but this situation was completely overwhelming her. Alexandria hoped that at least her face wasn't breaking. She was excellent on keeping a mask on but she had no idea if werewolves were more perceptive than humans. And, if they were, how perceptive. Alexandria felt like she wasn't going to make it out alright if she couldn't lie to them. Fuck, Alexandria needed to buckle down now. She needed to get through this dinner, despite the fear and intense sadness coursing through her.

"Yes, it will be nice to see the city that you call home, Dominic." Alexandria said softly, a smile on her lips. Was she being convincing enough? If not, then all she could hope for was Dominic being easy on his human wife to be. Though who knew how he would feel about her hesitation.

Dominic's wolf whined, obviously uncomfortable as he picked up on how uncomfortable Alexandria was. He wanted to keep himself together because he knew that she wasn't ready for all of the comfort that he could provide, as desperate as his wolf was to give it. He exhaled slowly, his eyes roaming over the crowd of people that had filled the room. He knew them all intimately; most of the younger ones had grown up beside Dominic. They might not be siblings but they were close enough that they were considered ones. His eyes locked with a few, his head tilting ever so slightly and that was all it took for their eyes to navigate away from the woman beside him.

He thought that Alexandria was putting on a brave face for the crowd around them. He would be a fool not to be able to recognize that but he hoped that her nerves about the entire situation would settle in time. Dominic thought it was normal, he could only imagine how nervous and uncomfortable he would have been if the roles were reversed and he was surrounded by an entire room of only humans. The thought was enough to send a chill down his spine.

"I will take us to Portum for lunch and after that, we're going to go down to the town square. See if anything catches her eye..." Dominic trailed off, shrugging. He didn't really have major plans but he thought that if he showed Alexandria that he could provide for her, and properly at that, that it might help her to calm down a bit more. So that she knew she would have no problems in life; she would never have to worry about what the future held because she would be fed and housed.

Dominic cleared his throat, motioning to the food around them. "We tend to eat heartier meals," he explained to Alexandria, turning a bit more toward her so that he was facing her. "Just because we're wolves, we tend to need more energy. There's never a shortage of vegetables and lighter things to eat if you'd prefer..." he said. "What do you prefer to eat?"

@ castle.

Alexandria gave Dominic a little nod as he mentioned what they were going to be doing the next day. She couldn’t help but wonder if it was going to be better or worse than the current situation. On one hand, she was sure the stares from his citizens would be a bit more relaxed and manageable. Though, on the other side, she was sure Dominic would expect a bit more from her in a more relaxed setting... It didn’t matter what was happening as it seemed all of it was going to be uncomfortable.

“I eat a variety of things.” Alexandria said softly as she glanced down at the food in front of her. Admittedly, it did not look too far off from what they typically ate. “Probably not as much meat as you and more vegetables and pasta. Meat tends to be a bit more cooked as well.” She told him honestly, she was rather sure there was no harm in that. Though she did keep to herself that she wished to be back in her room with a pint of ice cream and the door locked... “But everything looks delicious, thank you.”

As Alexandria filled up her plate a little, she took a moment to look up at his family again. Though she was more than surprised to see significantly less eyes on her than before. She blinked a few times before quickly moving back to her food. Had they sense her emotions? Maybe they were as perceptive as Alexandria has feared? She took a moment to look up at Dominic, had he done something? But how could he have while talking to her?

She would need to test this out but now was not the time... definitely not the time. So Alexandria focused back on Dominic. “Do you spend a lot of time in town?’

Dominic made a mental note to speak to the wolves in charge in the kitchen. It was largely his mother and sisters but there were other wolves around as well. They wouldn't change their own eating habits or truly expect Alexandria to adapt to their way of eating. It was important for them to eat together, as a family, but if Alexandria preferred her meat a bit more cooked it wouldn't be a problem. "Pasta is always eaten before big events. If we have to hunt.. or we have to travel extensively. The carbs are good for it," he added quietly, not wanting to leave Alexandria in silence. He wanted her to be able to feel comfortable around him.

Shaking his head at her question, Dominic offered her a light smile. "Not often.. a fair bit, I suppose. We like to go into town at least once a week, just so that the common pack can see us, interact with us if need be.." he explained. "I've been in town already but I thought it would be good to take you in, show you the town and if anything catches your eye, you're more than welcome to it," he said, wanting to ensure that Alexandria understood that.

He never wanted her to wonder or worry about being provided for. Dominic would never allow her to want things, she would always have what she needed... wanted. That was a promise that he had already made himself, now it was just a matter of proving that to Alexandria. He could tell just how nervous she was and he couldn't really blame her at all, but he hoped that with time, it would help calm her and ease her into the new life that she would now lead.

"I am sure that you've heard tales of our home..." Dominic paused, his smile growing slightly at the thought. "If there is anywhere in particular that you want to go, just let me know and arrangements will be made. I promise, okay?"

@ castle.

Alexandria looked up at Dominic, her eyes softening a bit as he offered to buy her something in town again. Admittedly, it was a nice gesture. Even if it was not at all necessary. After all, Alexandria had her own money. Her family did as well. In reality, Alexandria was able to get whatever she wanted without a second thought. She also believed that was Dominic and his family were the same way. However, perhaps she would get a small something in town from Dominic. He had offered twice and she wanted to avoid coming off as rude. "Thank you." She said before continuing. "It sounds like you go into town more than I am able to. Though it does sound nice, being able to walk around and see everything."

She could not help but be curious as to why his country, his government and his cities were like. Many tales and rumors have come from her people that had been here. Some Alexandria was sure could not be true as they were completely ridiculous in nature. Almost impossible... And, of course, there were some that Dominic would probably not like to hear about. Things he would probably find a bit insulting. Though, there were some people that she was able to trust that mentioned some things about the city here that she found very curious. And, luckily enough, they were things that Alexandria could actually share as even if they were wrong, it was (as far as she knew) not rude.

"I have heard many tales, yes." Alexandria confirmed for him before continuing. "I would like to see it for myself, a few things that is. I have heard that your city looks like it is almost engulfed by the woods, as if mixing your town and nature into one. And that there is a church for the moon. Also that there is an enormous greenhouse here as is two stories tall, filled to the brim with beautiful and exotic plants. Is that true? I would like to go there if it is."

Being able to see everything with her own eyes was at least one good thing about coming here. Alexandria could only trust what others said so much so to see and experience for herself would be rather exciting. Though there were some rumors she hoped weren't true. Like, did they really turn into 8 ft tall, hairy, blood desiring monsters when the full moon came out? "So, am I right in assuming that you have also heard stories of my home?"

"It's important for our people to be able to see us, to be able to have a relationship with us if they need. We need to be open, so that they can bring problems to us if they have one. To praise us, if they so desire," Dominic continued to explain, wanting Alexandria to be able to fully understand why it was so important to them to always be available to the public. He knew everyone in his pack, some a bit more intimately than others. But that didn't mean anything, he was always willing to listen to anything than any of the members had to say.

Dominic couldn't help but smile when Alexandria started to talk about the tales that she had heard. He didn't even care about what she had to say, he was just happy that she was talking. It was more than he had thought he was going to get for a bit there, with how closed off she had been. It was a small step but it was still something and he would take anything that he could get, truthfully.

"Yes. It is true. Our city is nearly one with the woods. There are paths but they aren't paved, like your cities. We mostly walk barefoot unless we plan to go off of the trails because the trails are so beaten down that they are smooth and there's nothing to worry about stepping on," Dominic explained further. Dominic began to nod almost before she had even finished speaking about the greenhouse. "Yes, of course. We can make a day of it because the greenhouse is massive, it takes hours to walk through if you take your time and really enjoy your time there."

Dominic couldn't help but laugh, shifting in his seat when she asked about anything he had heard. He gave an almost immediate nod of his head as he tilted his head to the side. "I have, yes... mostly about how different it is than here. How things are a bit more.." Dominic trailed off, scrunching his face as he tried to decide what the proper word for what he wanted to say was. "Proper. More.. expectations of how things are supposed to go. We are far more reliant on our instincts, and thus we aren't as prim as your people tend to me. More animal, I suppose," he said, his lips quirking upward in a smirk. "Just because we are different, doesn't make either one of our cultures wrong."

Dominic cleared his throat, glancing around the room. Most of the people were busy in their own conversations, hardly paying any attention to the newly engaged couple. "How does a walk through our gardens sound?" Dominic asked, hoping to steal Alexandria away for a bit of time alone with her tonight.

@ castle.
As Dominic started to confirm the rumors she had heard, Alexandria's mind started to go wild in imagination. She couldn't help but wonder what all of it looked like. These were things that Alexandria thought were barely likely to exist. So, to know that was the case, how could she not get lost in her own thoughts. Was the Greenhouse really so tall? Were there plants she had never heard of before? Alexandria felt like she had seen a lot of nature. But she was sure that it was nothing in comparison to Dominic who basically lived in it. Would she be expected to go barefoot in their city?

So many thoughts were getting whirled around in her mind that Alexandria almost missed the rumors that Dominic had heard about her home. Though she was able to snap out of her own thoughts to listen to him. "Yes, that is true," Alexandria said softly. Her home was definitely more 'put together' than it was here. The idea of being so available to the people was an interesting and rather frightening thought. As much as Alexandria enjoyed talking to her people, as much as she loved them, the princess also enjoyed the protection of being separated. Not everyone had good intentions towards her and her family. They were loved but there were always extremists. 

"A walk?" Alexandria asked, looking up at Dominic in surprise. She had not been expecting him to ask her to head off alone with him. And, in all honesty, Alexandria was not sure that she wanted to agree to his request. The princess felt nervous enough being in a room with his own kind and she was unsure what being alone with him would entail. Did she have to agree? It felt like she did. Besides, Alexandria did have the option of ending it short, right? "That would be nice." Alexandira continued. "Are you sure no one would miss us?"

Alexandria has every choice in the world to make. He hoped that with time she would feel comfortable to adopt their customs, like walking through the city barefoot. Simple things that would help her adapt to the country that she would one day rule over, by Dominic’s side. The thought of Alexandria melding to the community that she would join soon was enough to make his wolf whine, wanting nothing more than to get closer to her. He wanted to shift and rub his scent all over her, mark her as his. But he didn’t think she would appreciate that. She was a human, she didn’t understand the importance of scent marking yet. Did she?

Dominic couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle as he shook his head. He glanced around the room before settling his attention on Alexandria. “We are betrothed. No one will blame us if we sneak away to spend time together, privately, he explained gently. “It is almost expected because there are things that you don’t begin to know about someone until you are betrothed, he continued. His eyes widened slightly when he realized what he had been hinting at. “Nothing physical, though.”

Standing, Dominic stepped over the bench before he offered his hand to Alexandria to help her up. “I will show you our gardens. They aren’t quite as marvellous as the greenhouse but they are quite lovely still,” he said as he turned, beginning to lead the way out the large dining room.

@ castle.
"If you are sure." Alexandria took Dominic's offer of help. Though once she was on her feet, her hand slid out of his and dropped to her side. She knew she had held his arm earlier but now she was feeling more uncomfortable than before with the thought that they were heading off alone. It wasn't something that she wanted to do - though it felt like everything today was filled with things she didn't want to do. At least some choices were still hers, despite it not feeling that way.

Her hands folded together in front of her as she walked alongside Dominic. Once again, Alexandria's mind started spinning. Dinner had gone well but what if this was a ploy to attack her? What if he just wanted to murder her separately, to claim that another wolf had done it. Alexandria was afraid still that this was all some large trick that her parents had fallen for. Maybe they just wanted it to look like an accident?

At least she knew where her dagger was, in case she needed it. Though how well it would do against Dominic, Alexandria didn't know. And Alexandria didn't want to whip it out if it was discovered that Dominic's intentions were true. She wanted to make her plan work and doing something so drastic was sure to set off alarms. 

Once outside, Alexandria allowed herself to look around at their impressive gardens. Things grew much more freely, and there was certainly more to it than the gardens at home, which were more proper and organized. Admittedly, there was a lot that she liked about it. The beautiful chaos of it all intrigued her. "This is certainly marvelous," Alexandria agreed, looking back to Dominic. She wanted to keep her eyes on him.

Dominic had been hopeful that this would be the start to a whole new part of their relationship. There was no getting out of their soon to be marriage but that didn't mean they had to hate each other. Dominic would cherish Alexandria, would do just about anything she asked him to do because as his wife, as his queen, that was what she deserved. He would never do anything else - the thought was enough to make the wolf inside of him crazy. Alexandria was his mate, even if she didn't understand that or what it meant. When she dropped his hand, Dominic couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed but he kept the smile on his face. He wasn't going to treat Alexandria any different because she wasn't comfortable around him yet.

"Nature is our home but we cannot sleep in caves, as our ancestors once did," Dominic explained, with an almost sad sort of smile on his face. He could tell how nervous Alexandria was, her scent was full of fear and apprehension and... something else that he couldn't place but he was forcing himself to just treat her well. To show her that he was nothing to be afraid of. That he could be a source of love, warmth, and family. Everything that he hoped that Alexandria wanted.

"So we bring nature to our homes, so that we can feel as much a part as nature.. as it is a part of us," Dominic tried to explain, wanting Alexandria to understand wh ythe wolves were the way that they were. He cleared his throat, chewing on the inside of his lip as he glanced toward Alexandria. "I know that it is... hard for you to be here. Hard for you to feel at ease but I want you to, as much as possible. I want you to be comfortable here because while this is your home, I don't want it to be that wa ysimply because it has to be. I know that a lot of this is going to be trial and error but I want you to know that you can always ask questions. That you can always speak your mind here - you are the future queen of our people. They love you already, for what you are and what you will be."

@ castle.

Alexandria's heart started to beat a bit faster. She had not expected him to be so blunt about their situation, at least not yet. Though, admittedly, Alexandria felt better than he was. His words, their meanings felt sweet to her ear but she worried that he was trying to make her fall into a false sense of security. Was he really what he appeared to be? It seemed difficult to believe that. Alexandria was aware of their war techniques. Plus when had anyone been what they said they were? Alexandria would give Dominic a chance to show that he was who he said he was. It didn't change her end goal, but if he was a good man, it would change how she went about it.

"I do not feel that they should." Alexandria said softly, deciding to be honest about some of her feelings. There should be no harm in that. "I know that I would try my best, to do right by them... But in truth I know very little about your culture, your rules and about werewolves at all really. I only know what I was told by those fighting and well." Alexandria let out a small sigh. War rumors were neither kind to either side, and tended not to be true.

"I just always thought I would live at home and be Queen of my people. So moving here, away from everything and everyone I know... It's difficult." Alexandria knew that, even if she did fail in her plans, she would still rule her people and home. But she would also be in charge of those she didn't know or understand. And she would have to split her time between both countries, ruling with someone she didn't know. "It will just take me time to adjust."

Dominic knew that what he was saying wasn't entirely truthful. He knew that his people were still skeptical of having a human as their queen but she would be one of them, soon enough. It was only a matter of time until he marked Alexandria, until he claimed her as his and that was inevitable in his eyes. Alexandria would be a wolf, one day. When the time came and they both trusted each other because even before this arrangement had been made, Dominic was sure that he would never turn a human. His feelings had shifted when this marriage was put into place, Dominic would have to bite her one day. He only hoped that she would come to terms with that, one day.

"We are not all monsters," Dominic commented softly, tilting his head to the side. He bit back a sigh, eyeing the woman in front of him. He wanted so badly to just make everything alright in her world but they weren't at that point in their relationship yet. Alexandria didn't have that sense of trust in him yet. "There are some that make horrible decisions, but those of us are punished almost immediately. My father does not tolerate abuse of power nor will I, when I take his place one day.

Dominic stepped over to the bench that they had come up to and he was quick to sit down. He motioned to the seat beside him, hoping that Alexandria would join him. "There are concerns you have and they're just... but you have questions, I'm sure. Ask them. If you have concerns, raise them. I promise you that I will not get angry. "