Rival Rulers

@ castle.

Alexandria was furious by the time the second day was coming to a close. She had been upset yesterday when no one seemed to know where Dominic had run off to or when he was going to come back. It had put Alexandria in a bad enough mood, a strange mix of concern and guilt for making Dominic want to run off for a day. Though now that the second day had basically come and gone without a single hint of where Dominic might be, her concern had developed into unadulterated fury. Alexandria swore she had asked just about every member of the goddamn pack member where Dominic had gone to and they all tried to reassure her that Dominic would be okay. But now Alexandria was going to fucking make sure Dominic got what was fucking coming to him. If he thought he could just snap at her for two days and then run off and hide for the next two, he had another thing coming to him.

She was clutching onto two non-golden wolf books to her chest with a death grip as she made her way back to her room. Why she was still trying to learn anything about Dominic and his dumbass species was beyond her. Though Alexandria knew she would be better off for it after she ripped Dominic a new one. But, before she got to her room, one of the children grabbed onto Alexandria's skirt and tugged on it lightly. Alexandria smiled softly at the young one, trying to bury her misery as she leaned down to the little boy. "Hello, Aiden. Are you looking for another treat? I am afraid I don't have any on me but there may be some left in the kitchen." Alexandria said softly, giving him a little smile. Alexandria had ended up stress baking yesterday when she could no longer focus on reading. She remembered Dominic's mother mentioning having so much that they actually had to save some. The kid immediately shook his head and told Alexandria that Killian told him to tell her that Dominic was back. Her smile immediately turned strained and she thanked Aiden before marching her way to Dominic's room.

As she made her way, Alexandria saw Dominic in the hall, and with no regard to manners, she immediately started yelling on sight. "You have some nerve, running off for two whole fucking days without so much as a warning, a note, anything." Alexandria yelled at him. "I know I fucked up, OKAY. I know you're furious but I can't BELIEVE that you would just run off like some pussy ass bitch after yelling at me TWICE." Alexandria sneered at him. "Two whole days, and I didn't know where you were. NO ONE knew where you were or when you would be back or if you were even okay. And just because I messed up that gives you no excuse to disappear."

Alexandria raised her hand up, waving that thought away. "And you know what, neither time did you give me an opportunity to speak, to explain myself, to apologize. And you keep yelling at me that I should understand you better, understand wolves better but do you have any idea on how long it takes to read one of these things." She waved the books she was holding in the air. "I should chuck these at you to give you just a clue as to how heavy these things are. And I don't know why I am even trying anymore since you've made it perfectly clear that you have no intention of dealing with me." Alexandria let out a frustrated sigh, knowing that she was getting off-topic. "Honestly, fuck it. I have one more thing I want to say before you disappear into the fucking wilderness again, you act like you're all-knowing like you know everything about wolves AND humans but the fact of the matter is, you don't. Because if you even had half a clue, you would understand. You might still be a little upset but not to this degree. What I did is normal for us. How about you read a fucking human history book and don't get back to me once you do."

With that, Alexandria turned on her feet and started to march back to her room in fury. "And don't even think about trying to talk to me right now because you never gave me that opportunity."

Domiic had rinsed out the container before setting it in the sink as he made his way up to his room. He was exhausted and he was sure that his pack could tell as they moved out of his way the moment that they saw him. He nodded their way, not wanting them to think he was upset with them in the least. He was nearly to his room when Alexandria came across him. He bit back a groan as his shoulders pulled together, his eyes narrowing as the woman began to yell at him. He was sure that people would have tried to listen to any conversation between them but now that Alexandria was yelling, Dominic was almost sure that most of the pack would hear what was going on. He was quiet as she continued to yell, his head cocked to the side slightly. What was there to say? She was angry with him for having disappeared and the thought was all but laughable to him. He shook his head, taking a small step back from her.

"You missed me?" Dominic called even after Alexandria started to mvoe away from him. He let out a bitter laugh as he shook his head, shoving his hands into his pockets as he studied her retreating form. "That's real funny. You know? Because if I remember correctly, someone was carrying a weapon on them the same day that we left on a date together. You would have killed me without batting an eye, hm?" He asked, his voice low enough that only she would hear him. His accusations wouldn't be good if they fell upon other ears. Dominic may have been more than upset with her but he didn't want to cause that sort of drama in his pack.

"Would you have missed me then? Or only after you plunged a dagger into me?" Dominic asked, forcing back the swell of anger that grew in the pit of his stomach. He wanted to lash out at her but that would only prove that he was the monster that Alexandria thought him to be. That was the exact opposite of what he wanted. Even if he was still hurt by her actions. "Or would you have been happy, Alexandria? Happy that you could return home, that you could return and not be wed to a beast that might be unable to control himself during a full moon? Who may lash out at you because he's half animal after all and animals, they don't have control over their actions, do they? All they care about is bloodlust." Dominic's voice was low, accusatory as he sneered.

"Yet, I have never once given you an inkling that I would harm you. But I must be capable of that, I am a beast with no brain in my head. Aren't I, Alexandria?"

@ castle.

"You are putting words in my mouth that never I said or even thought." Alexandria spun back, staring straight at him, her eyebrows furrowing together. Though instead of yelling, her voice came down to his level but there was still as much anger about it as before. "Did you even consider the fact that I wasn't carrying around it for you? You just automatically assumed that it was. Or did you even bother to consider that my family and I have to carry around things like that at home? Have you not thought about the fact once that it is normal for threats to come our way? That, unlike wolves, it's a lot easier for a random human to decide they have had enough and try to attack us because they are angry or disagree with us or are just sick!"

"I didn't even think twice about having a weapon on me because it's normal for me. And that is my bad. I know that. I should have said something or asked if it was okay or if I needed it or literally said anything. But I didn't because I figured it wasn't all that strange. And let me make something clear, I would never hurt anyone who didn't attack me first. I already have a hard time just having to think about needing to protect myself like that." Alexandria took a few steps back and looked Dominic dead in the eyes. "Look at me and listen closely. I know you can fucking read me like a book so you'll know that I am not lying to you. I hoped that I would never need to use it. I never wanted to use it. I had no intention of using it. And by the time we went on our date, I already thought I was safe around you. I only brought it with me because it made me feel safer in case something happened. In case literally, anything happened. Both for myself and for the slim chance, God Forbid, I needed to protect you too. Because the last thing I want is to be in a situation where I am both useless and vulnerable."

Alexandria moved her eyes away from his and took a step back. "But maybe you could never understand that because of what you are. You can shift and be ready to fight if you have to." Alexandria shook the books at him. "And I am sorry that I am afraid. I'm sorry that I'm scared. I know it is not right, I know it is not fair to you but at least I am trying to understand. I am trying to not feel like this and to learn the truth so I don't have to think about the insane stories or the rumors that I know. I don't like feeling frightened all the time but I need time to figure it all out because I don't understand." Alexandria's eyes started to well up with tears. She shoved the books into his chest and let go of them. His words were cutting too deep for her to continue.

"I get it, Dominic. I am the asshole here. I'm the real monster. I can't give you what you need, or what you want. I don't feel the same as you, I don't understand you. And apparently, I'm not moving fast enough for you either. Just take your fucking books and let's call it quits then. I hope you'll find a mate who isn't the biggest bitch in the world like I am." With that, Alexandria turned and headed to her room, this time refusing to get sucked back into the fighting.

Dominic hated the way his heart clenched as Alexandria bit back at him. Her words broke him because he knew that he was the source of her pain. He knew that he wasn't doing enough for Alexandria but he had no clue what else he was supposed to do for her. He had always been open and understanding about what she wanted. He hadn't touched her much at all, he'd let her walk away when she wanted to retire to her room. He'd answered any and all questions, but he had managed to piss her off. All because he had reacted to her carrying a blade with her. His shoulders sagged as he hung his head, running a hand through his hair. He wanted to say something more to her but he had no idea what the hell he was supposed to say. Could they even make this work? They were human and wolf; it wasn't a relationship that had been done before. Dominic had thought he would marry a wolf; but it was becoming more than clear that wasn't what was going to happen.

Unless Alexandria decided to walk away from the relationship. The thought killed him but he wouldn't dare stop her.

Dominic let Alexandria leave, feeling like his heart was breaking in the process. He hung his head, making his way into his bedroom. He locked the door behind himself, biting down on the inside of his lip as he dropped onto the bed. Dominic let out a loud huff, wanting to hunt Alexandria down and mend whatever this was. He wanted to so badly but he had no idea how the hell he was supposed to - she was a human, they didn't operate like a wolf would. Whether Dominic wanted to admit to that or not.

Despite how quickly his thoughts were racing, it wasn't long before Dominic ended up falling asleep. His body was completely exhausted from having been on his own for the last few days.

{this is a bit short. I'm sorry }

@ castle.

By the time Alexandria arrived at her room, she was emotionally and mentally exhausted. It was easy for her to lay down and fall asleep. Even managing to stay asleep long past morning. Though once her eyes opened again, Alexandria felt the same issues from the day before hanging over her head. She wasn't quite sure what to do, at this point. With the argument between her and Dominic, she knew that for some of it, she was the one in the wrong. But the issues that they had that were solely on her, Alexandria was not sure what to do.

She just couldn't move fast enough for Dominic, was what it was. Alexandria was scared, and she had been attempting to squash that fear, but it wasn't something she would get over overnight. She carried weapons around when she didn't feel safe. Perhaps she should have asked but... well Alexandria didn't think it was as big of a deal as he made it out to be. As for not wanting to marry Dominic, Alexandria felt that was more on him than on her. She couldn't feel the mate connection he had. So it seemed unfair that he had any mate expectations for her. Once again, Alexandria could understand why it frustrated him but it wasn't her fault she didn't feel that way or that he felt that way.

Alexandria let out a sigh as she rubbed her face. She didn't feel good about any of this. But was there even a point in trying? Dominic had run off for two days to get away from her... She couldn't say she exactly missed Dominic the way he wanted, but she had been scared something would happen to him. And he really was the only one she spent time with. Plus it made her feel even worse that during that time she couldn't even attempt to make things better. Though now they were just yelling at each other whenever they saw one another. It seemed those two days wouldn't have really made a difference.

A small sigh escaped her lips. Alexandria didn't really want to try anymore. How could she ever live up to what Dominic wanted anyways? Wouldn't he always be upset, be disappointed in her because she didn't feel the same way? Because they didn't have that connection he needed? Besides...this was what she wanted, wasn't it? A way to go home... And she didn't feel like being yelled at anymore or causing him to go on a two-day wilderness hike to hide from her.

She let out a sigh and rubbed her face before pushing herself out of bed. Alexandria knew she looked a little like a mess but she wanted to swing by the kitchen before going back to hideaway. She needed time to think this out.

Dominic let out a groan as he started to come to, rolling over so that he pulled the blankets with him as he buried his face into the pillows. He was exhausted and he wanted nothing more than to sleep, despite having just slept for nearly twelve hours. Dominic groaned as he started to sit up, rubbing the sleep from his face. He squinted, his eyes narrowed as he looked around the room. He knew that he had to show his face around the pack because they had likely started to worry at one point or another. Dominic had disappeared for nearly three days without a word to anyone. Most of them knew that he would be fine but it was normal to worry. Especially about someone as crucial as their one-day alpha.

Pushing to his feet, Dominic padded into the bathroom where he was quick to turn the shower on. He sighed as he undressed, making his way into the shower. Dominic groaned as the heat of the water eased the tension in his shoulders. He rolled his neck before starting to shower, knowing that he couldn't start walking through the house smelling like he did at the moment.

Dominic was reluctant to pull himself out of the water. He turned the shower off before going back into his room to get dressed. He pulled on a pair of dark jeans and a henley before drying his hair with a towel. Shoving his feet into shoes, Dominic started down into the kitchen. He smiled, offering reassuring words to anyone who stopped him. Dominic bit back a groan when he noticed his mother in the kitchen, almost sure that he was going to receive a stern talking to but there was no avoiding it. His mother would know he was there by now. Running would only make it worse.

"Dominic," her voice cut through the air. He held back a groan as he appeared, offering her a tight lipped smile. "Care to explain what happened to cause you run off like you did?"

Dominic scoffed as he shook his head, pouring himself a bowl of cereal. "No. It's a private matter. That's all that matters," he said, shaking his head.

@ castle.

As Alexandria pushed open the door to the kitchen, she saw Dominic and his mother both inside. She blinked once, staring at the two of them before quickly closing the door and turning back around on the tips of her feet. She was hungry but Alexandria certainly was not that hungry. Quite simply, Alexandria would happily starve for the day if it meant avoiding a conversation with Dominic and his mother. Now that was something that surely would not end well for her. It was hard enough to get Dominic to understand her and apparently he was in love with her.

Once the door was closed, Alexandria started to make her way back to the room. She had thought she was going at a good time to find an empty kitchen. Though that was not the case. But now it was time for her to head back to her room, lock the door and quite frankly, pretend like she wasn't in this country for a bit. Though, Alexandria knew she would need to face what was occurring soon. She needed to think through what to do, make a decision on if she ever wanted to try or if she should give up. It was hard to say but also, Alexandria didn't want to go through much more. And it did seem cruel to her to give Dominic hope when she couldn't give him what needed or deserved.

Alexandria was rather sure she did not have to worry about Dominic coming after her. He seemed upset enough with her. Though she did hope that his mother wouldn't follow and start to pry. She had no idea what she would tell her if that were to happen.

Dominic's body stiffened as her scent hit his nose. His eyes locked on his mother's and they had a silent conversation, the anger evident on his mother's face when Alexandria just retreated. They were supposed to be making progress, not taking steps backward. It killed him to know that his mate was so against being in the same room as him but there was nothing that he could do. That he thought he could do. Because he thought it was wrong to force Alexandria's hand in this situation. As much as Dominic wanted her, he wasn't going to force her to love him. He wasn't going to force her to stay here if she didn't want to be here.

Swallowing at the thought, Dominic averted his gaze from hers. He took another bite of his food before looking up suddenly. "We leave for Alexandria's home three days from now. We will stay for a month," he paused, tilting his head to the side. "Before final decisions are put into place," Dominic declared. He straightened, moving to his feet to bring his dishes to the sink. Dominic had already made a decision that he didn't care for, they were leaving nearly two weeks earlier than they were supposed to.

Not only that but if at the end of his visit, Alexandria wanted to remain.. she would remain with her people. The thought of leaving her had his heart in his throat. Had him want to find Alexandria and beg her on his hands and knees. He would grovel if that was what it took. Dominic couldn't though. He wouldn't do that to his mate, even if it meant giving up the chance of living with her. If it meant that Dominic could not have her at his side for the rest of his life, it would kill him but Dominic had done a whole lot of thinking on his time away. He would give her up, if it meant that Alexandria was happier.

@ castle.
(I am just going to skip the conversation where he tells her they are leaving early. I am imagining it would have been a short one anyway)

A long sigh left Alexandria's lips before she dropped forward and pressed it against the suitcase she was packing. Her eyes closed tightly as her knees pressed harder into the carpet. For the last three days, Alexandria had felt like she was on the edge of some kind of breakdown. And now they were heading back home which filled her with both relief and dread. Relief that she would be home somewhere that she knew and understood. Away from the wolves and their customs that Alexandria just couldn't understand. Dread about what her parents would say once she was there, and the idea of having Dominic there with her twisted her heart.

She still had not been able to come to a decision as to what to do with him and their arrangement. Alexandria had wanted it to fall apart but in a more political way. This emotional rollercoaster was unpleasant. And, she had not expected to be Dominic's mate either. A part of her wanted to do right by him, to help Dominic or be there in some way that didn't make her feel like a complete monster. But she also wanted to keep as much distance from him as possible... Plus, Alexandria knew how people felt about wolves at home. She doubted they would be as kind to him as the wolves had been to her. She didn't really want to put Dominic through that. Despite the fact she was still torn about Dominic, she was still mad at him for how things had gone, he didn't deserve all of that.

After a moment, Alexandria was able to take a deep breath before she forced herself to sit up straight again. Soon enough, Alexandria had finished her packing and pushed her bags by the door. They would be leaving soon, but Alexandria needed to wait until she was told that they needed to get into the car.

The luxury of being a noble meant that they had a private jet; that meant they didn't have to drive to Alexandria's country and they didn't have to wait for a commercialized plane. They could come and go as they pleased. It would be the first time that they were in such a confined space after their fight. Dominic had no clue what it was going to be like once he was in Alexandria's country. His parents had been nervous when Dominic demanded he go alone. That he didn't need any wolves to accompany him because he would be safe in Alexandria's country. Just as she had been safe in his.

Dominic's bags were already packed, in the vehicle that would take them to the airport. He was hesitant to go greet Alexandria and escort her down to the car because there was a small gathering of people outside, waiting to see them off. When the couple hopefully returned together, they would become the leaders of the country. Dominic's parents would move on, so that they didn't have to stress as much about their country.

Letting out a nervous breathe, Dominic left his room and headed toward Alexandria's room. He paused outside the door, hoping that this would all go well. That he would truly be safe in her lands. He raised his hand, knocking on the door several times before he took a step backward. Dominic cleared his throat as he looked up, forcing a smile to his face when the door started to open. "You look stunning," he spoke gently, his eyes dropping, taking in her form before he raised his gaze again.

"May I have your bags?"

@ castle.

As she opened up the door to her room, she took in a moment to take in Dominic. She was surprised to see the smile on his face, even more so when he tried to compliment her appearance. Alexandria didn't stop the look of confusion that came over her face. There was no point in trying to hide what she felt when it came to Dominic. Due to his connection with her, he would always know... And Alexandria was kinda hoping that maybe being a bit more open with things would help smooth things over or help her finally make a decision as to what to do.

A part of her wanted to tell Dominic that he didn't have to fake anymore for her sake. Alexandria could see that the smile on his face wasn't genuine. But she didn't feel like she had the right to say that to him, after everything. "Thank you," Alexandria said softly. Reaching over, Alexandria took her bags and handed them to Dominic, repeating "Thank you," again as she did so. Once Dominic had a hold of them, Alexandria followed him out and closed the door behind them.

She was quiet for a moment before her eyes lifted up and she looked to Dominic. At first, she was just following behind him but Alexandria took a few steps forward so she was walking next to him. "Are you prepared to go my country?" Alexandria asked, her head tilting slightly to the side, worry in her eyes. Alexandria wondered if Dominic had any idea what he was getting himself into. At home, she sometimes had to worry about security threats for himself, so she was rather sure that her guards would have to work harder with Dominic around. Him being attacked was unlikely but she was still worried that he would hear unfriendly words towards him and his people. Alexandria was afraid of wolves but she never felt the same anger that others felt. She wondered if she should warn him or if that would only bring up another fight.

Dominic was going into Alexandria's country, knowing full well that her people were likely to confront him. They were going to yell and jeer and try to do something to him. He had no clue what that something was but he was sure there had to be something. Her people were not known to be kind to wolves but then again, his people had never been all that kind to humans. He was just relieved that his people had never been outright vicious to her. They had been nervous at first before they realized she was harmless. She was a human, what would happen to them? Nothing.

"Yes," Dominic answered her quietly, keeping his attention focused forward. It was strange to him; to be leaving his people behind. "Our pilot and his copilot will be leaving tomorrow, after they have had a night to rest," he explained, not going into detail about how he would be the only wolf in her country. Alexandria could sort that out on her own, he didn't want to appear as if he was trying to show off to her.

He paused outside the entrance of the home, glancing toward Alexandria for the second time. An unsettled look crossed his features. "A small group is gathered outside to bid us farewell before we leave. And," he hesitated, clearing his throat. "A safe return, of course," he added. Dominic gave a tight smile before he nodded toward the door.

"Ladies first," Dominic said, motioning again.

@ castle.

A small nod was what she offered Dominic as a response. Perhaps he did know what he was getting himself into. Maybe it was better that she left it alone for the most part. If Dominic had a question, if he wanted to know something, he would ask, right? At first, Alexandria would have said yes but she really wasn't sure anymore. Perhaps he wouldn't. As for the pilots leaving after the night, it was what she had expected. Alexandria had been alone in his country, so she expected the same from him. At least nothing should happen in their home. Unlike here, they didn't have a large group of people living there. And they had strict rules for those who were allowed in.

Once they got to the door, Alexandria lifted her head back up and listened to Dominic's words closely. She gave him a small nod. "That is nice of them," Alexandria responded. It was nice of them, of course. Though the idea felt a bit awkward with how strained she felt with Dominic. Stepping out of the entrance, Alexandria lifted her eyes up to see the group outside of the palace, standing in front of the car.

They all smiled up at the two, coming in closer to provide fair wells and hugs to the couple, to wish them safe travels. One of the older women pulled Alexandria into a tight hug, tight enough that Alexandria was getting the air pushed out of her. The wolves were so strong, even when they grew older. "We are sad to see you go so soon, Alexandria." The woman said as she pulled out of the hug, though her arms held onto her side.

Alexandria smiled softly at her. "It is unfortunate that I had to end my time here early but I will be back soon."

Dominic had to bite into his bottom lip to keep from laughing as he watched one of the elder women pull Alexandria in for a tight hug. He didn't find it that odd to watch but he hoped that Alexandria was at least a bit more comfortable around them. He had his instincts telling him that nothing had really changed but he hoped that perhaps things could become better between them when Alexandria was in her own lands. Then she would be able to feel at home, at peace and be able to relax. Or so Dominic was hopeful for that to happen. This trip was going to go one of two ways. He was either going to return with his mate at his side or he was going to be completely heartbroken when he returned. One of the two. Nothing in between.

He moved through the crowd, hugging most before he came to a stop at the back of the car. Dominic opened the trunk and dropped her bag inside before he stepped back around the side. He stepped up to his parents, hugging them both in bone crushing hugs. It would be awhile before he saw them both again, a month. Dominic had never been away from either of them for so long. "I will see you both soon. Do not worry too much," he teased sofly, moving to pull the car door open.

Dominic glanced toward Alexandria. "Shall we then?" He held his hand out to her, only intending on helping herself inside before he dropped his grip from her. Dominic climbed inside, settling back in his seat.

He cleared his throat, letting several moments of silence stretch between them. "Tell me about your home."

@ castle.

Taking his hand, Alexandria accepted his help into the car. Though once she slid in, their hands dropped from each other's grip. She leaned back into the car and took in a few deep breaths, trying to get the air back in her lungs from her hug. Though as Dominic started to speak, Alexandria turned her attention back to him. A light smile came over her lips at his question. She wondered if he was nervous. Alexandria could understand why he would be. Even though she was nervous about how some people would treat him, she also hoped he would enjoy himself. It is an amazing place.

"There are many things that are different between here and my home." Alexandria started. She let out a small hum in thought before continuing on. "Let's start with how it looks. We do not have many forests, not like here. It is mostly mountains, plains, and ocean. There are miles and miles of beaches to go swim at and lay on. And the plains during the spring are beautiful, especially when the flowers bloom. You can turn to one direction and see an unending sea of color. Once you are settled there, I can bring you around, if you would like. Anyways, our cities and people are also so different. Here, it seems that nature is everywhere but that is not the case at home. The cities are much bigger, taller. They are filled with life and so so many people. It is amazing what you can find when you go through. There is so much diversity, so many different types of people and cultures, thoughts and ideas. It's wonderful, really. Maybe I am wrong, but it seems that wolves have a sense of understanding and unity, right? Like even if you disagree, you are a pack and you stick together. It seems to make for more cohesion. But humans don't really do that, not to the same degree. So I think there is much more of a spectrum of how people are. Which is wonderful but humans become a bit more extreme in that sense as well. Some people will love and respect you and others will hate everything you stand for. Most are in the middle but... well we have people on both sides."

She glanced over at him, her eyes softening. Alexandria hoped he knew what she was trying to say without having to outright say it. "I love my home, my people. We have a strong culture and strong communities within it. I think you'll find amazing people and groups that you don't have at home. But that being said, the unity is not the same. People will help you out of the goodness of their hearts but others won't because they don't feel that connection, that need, like wolves do." She was quiet for a moment before continuing, her voice much quieter now. "I really hope you will not be too harsh on them all when it comes to that..."

The beaches of Dominic's home weren't pleasant to be at. They were mostly rocky and not really able to be enjoyed for a day at the beach. He wondered what it would be like to lay on a smooth, sandy beach with the sun beating down on him. What would it be like to swim in the ocean and be able to step onto the beach without climbing over rocks that were as large as he was? The thought made his face scrunch, knowing that Alexandria's country would be unlike anything that he had ever experienced before. Dominic was nodding before Alexandria had even finished speaking. "Of course. We are pack. We are... blood. We stick together. Without question," he added, nodding eagerly. Dominic still wondered if Alexandria even fully understood what a pack meant to a wolf. Without a pack, they had no meaning. No life, nothing to live for.

"So," Dominic paused, trying to sort out how to voice his question without coming across as rude or judgmental. That was the last thing that he wanted her to think or feel. "How.. does a human handle it then? What if they do not have... a.." he trailed off, trying to sort the words he wanted to use still. "Family? Or.. if.. they need help? Who helps them? What happens if you.. disagree with your family that you do have? We settle it. Sometimes in an extreme way but that doesn't mean we would ever refuse them aid if a situation called for it."

"I just.. I don't understand," Dominic huffed, becoming almost a bit too frustrated at the concept of not understanding. "Why would you not want to be so close to each other? It is like an extended family, always. Like my pack are my brothers and sisters; regardless of who they are. Why would you want to be.. at odds with your neighbor?"

@ castle.

"People tend to create their own families through friends, especially if they are in need of one. Sometimes, people find themselves closer to their friends than to their biological families. Some people are lucky to have both. Though what I am saying is that people do decide who they want to stick by. It doesn't always last forever, for many reasons. Like a disagreement, some can't be solved. Most are but it doesn't always get settled. That is why we have more developed court systems." Alexandria responded. "But people can find new families in those situations, new groups to call home."

She glanced up at Dominic with soft eyes. She could see the frustration that was coming over his face. Alexandria knew this was going to be a huge culture shift for him. It was for her. "It is not that people don't want to be close to others. It is just a desire to be close to others that think more similarly to you. You don't have an automatic connection with everyone around you so you need to make one... So it is a bit difficult when you don't see eye to eye. Especially, when it is someone you first meet."

"Most are not at odds with their neighbors." Alexandria continued. "Some are but most either are friendly or ignore them. It's just that you can't always find a stable foundation with the people that are around you. It's not something that is automatically there and people can differ greatly."

As the car stopped, Alexandria glanced out of the window to see that they were at the airport. She glanced at Dominic gently before sliding out of the car. It was time to leave.

Dominic's face scrunched as Alexandria continued to explain her ways to him. It was so strange that they would pick and choose who they were close to. Of course, there were some that wolves that Dominic was closer to but that didn't meant anything. He would still do anything he could to help those around him because they were his pack and that was just it. There was no need for a reason past that. He didn't understand why another reason was needed. He nodded slowly, deciding that it wasn't worth questioning any more. He would hopefully understand a bit more once they were in Alexandria's lands.

Clearing his throat when the car came to a stop, Dominic was quick to follow after her. He stepped around to the back of the car, grabbing their bags easily before they were led into the airport. It took hardly any time at all before they were led out onto the tarmac, toward the private jet that would bring them to Alexandria's home.

"What will they be like?" Dominic asked once they were settled back in their seats. "Will they welcome me?" He asked suddenly, wondering what her people would be like. He wondered what they would be like when they met him finally. Would they welcome him openly or would they hate him? "Or will they be hostile?" He hoped that she wouldn't take the question offensively but it was something he felt like he needed to ask.

@ castle.

"I can't give you a straight answer to that question," Alexandria told him gently. She knew this was going to be difficult for Dominic. He lived in a close-knit community. Though, at her home, he was going to have to be able to work with people that did not like him. Even she worked with nobles that she hated and who hated her. "Even I do not have the love of everyone there... It is just not how humans are. You will never be able to get everyone to like you but at the same coin, you will never have everyone hate you."

Alexandria let out a small hum before she walked onto the airplane and sat down on one of the couches. Leaning back, she folded her hands into her lap as she glanced over at him for a long moment. "There will be people who will not like you. But there will be people who will be obsessed with you the moment they lay their eyes on you. I think most will be welcoming, but unsure of you. They won't know what to expect from you but will be willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. And they will wait to see what kind of person you are before doing anything."

The young princess hesitated for a moment before reaching over and taking Dominic's hand, squeezing it gently. "I am telling you this because I don't want you to take it to heart, not yet. They do not know you. Those who will dislike you from the beginning are not being fair. Like I said, there are people there that I have known for all my life that do hate me but I also know that I am loved by many more. It is just how humans are, there are extremes to either side and then there are those in the middle. It is those who are in the middle that you need to pay attention to. They'll be the ones to show you if you are being kind and doing right by the country. As their opinions on you are willing to change depending on who you are. I know this is going to be different for you but I just want you to know that it is going to be okay... I think humans can show you more love and support than you think reasonable but you'll also see the opposite. And I promise I'll help you along the way. I don't want you to feel lost in it all."

Dominic was just relieved that they had decided to go about this arrangement in the order that they had. He had the comfort of his mate nearby, even if they weren't as close as he wanted. He wasn't going into Alexandria's home country completely isolated from everything like she had been. The more that he thought about it, the more he realized how terrifying it must have been for her. The angrier it made him at himself before he realized that he could have been far more welcoming to her presence than he had been. He should have been - especially after he realized who Alexandria was to him. The fact that he had been so cold to her when she brought a weapon along to protect herself had been wrong. Dominic bit back a sigh at the thought, trying not to really remember it. It had been a hard time in their relationship and even now, it wasn't like they had moved past it yet. They still had so much to work through before this relationship could even work.

Dominic had told no one of his plans to leave Alexandria behind if she opted to stay behind; including herself. If she did not feel some sort of love for him, by the end of all of this, that would be it. He would tell her and then he would leave her alone. The thought of walking away from her churned his stomach but he would do it. For her. Being selfish in a marriage would never make that last. Ever.

Looking up in surprise when Alexandria grabbed his hand, Dominic blinked, listening carefully to each word that she spoke. This was the most that they had spoken back and forth the entire time that they had known each other. It was all about Alexandria's people and he enjoyed it, being able to learn more about her. It wasn't as if he knew all that much at the moment. He wanted to learn everything that he could about her and her people, by whatever means necessary.

"I hope that I am able to show them that I am a kind prince. That I am not the monster they think me to be," Dominic spoke quietly, tilting his head to the side. That you think me to be. "I hope to leave with them knowing you are in good hands, and safe."