The Rogues Who Went Rogue
Chapter 32

Xandar loosened his tightening grip on Lucianne's waist, and he peered into her eyes as he said, "I do try to be better everyday, baby. I love you, and I'll do anything for you. You know that, don't you?" "I do. What is this about?" Lucianne asked with furrowed brows as she closed the distance between them.

He held her close and squeezed her tight for a moment before he muttered, "I just...wished I knew how you think...like how Greg knew."

Lucianne's body tensed-up at the mention of the other duke, and she parted their bodies only slightly before she said, "Xandar, Greg didn't...know how I thought per se. We just came to the same conclusions with the available facts. It's just analysis and strategic thinking. He could do it because he has practice in committing illegal activities without ever getting caught. I have practice as a Gamma when I needed to keep Blue Crescent and our allies safe. It's not about knowing one's thought process, darling. It's just... individual...yet similar strategic thinking"

Xandar wasn't satisfied. His fingers ran through her dark, luscious curls when he murmured, "I wish I could do that."

Lucianne's heart broke when Xandar wished he was different. He was already so much, and was still trying to be so much more than he already was. She couldn't have dreamt of a better mate, neither could the kingdom ask for a better king. Her hands went to both sides of his neck, and she stroked it lovingly as she assured him, "Strategy a skill, darling. And all skills can be learned, acquired and improved. You'll get there in no time once we work on this case."

She pulled herself up and pecked a kiss on his cheek before she said, "You're more than what you think of yourself, Alexandar. Don't ever wish that you were different. I love you for just being...you."

As the familiar warmth wrapped around his heart, he smiled blissfully at his beautiful wife before pecking a kiss on her nose and said, "Thank you, baby. I love you, too."

A cheeky glint entered Lucianne's eyes when she teased, "Honestly, My King. If there was anyone who knew how I think, it would be you. You knew what I wanted to do with Greg's conditional pardon request even before I said anything. And did you really think I'd favor anyone else over my history geek?"

Her thumbs started drawing circles on her mate's shoulders as she continued, "Nerds are very hard to come by, and to this day, I've only met one who can make my heart flutter and has the ability to make me feel safe and loved with his presence." "And I'm determined to keep it that way, My Queen." Xandar answered in his deep voice and kissed her cheek as she chuckled. They then went over to join Christian and Tate, who were both speaking to Chief Dalloway about extracting Margaret's pack. Christian suggested, "Maybe the queen should go."

Tate immediately said, "No. Using the Authority at this stage won't do any good, Your Grace. It'll just drive the rogues away. The compulsion might even make them consider turning against us. Besides, Lucy might be needed here when the other duke's people are rounded-up. I can go with you, chief."

Chief Dalloway replied, "As much as I appreciate that, minister, I'm afraid it won't alleviate the problem."

"What problem?" Lucianne asked.

The chief offered her a slight bow before explaining, "It's about extracting the rogues without bloodshed, My Queen. I was telling the duke and the minister about how rogues are inclined to turn defensive in the presence of authoritative figures, as you would know from your own experience, Your Highness. It's worse now because they know we're holding their leader in custody."

Lucianne nodded in comprehension before she asked, "So, you're asking for permission to bring Margaret along to reduce the likelihood of any possible attack?"

The men around her turned wide-eyed before the chief muttered to himself, "That might actually work." He then proceeded to ask, "Do we have the Crown's permission to do this, Your Highnesses?"

Lucianne looked up at her mate with her signature doe eyes, and linked, 'Margaret won't escape. Stella is still with us. She wouldn't leave her daughter here and flee with her people. Let the chief bring her there?'

Xandar's heart always melted whenever Lucianne looked at him like that, and that voice she used when she asked for something was very difficult to say no to. After running his fingers through her hair in a way that made her animal purr, he pecked a kiss on her temple and linked in response, 'It's definitely better to bring her along. We should let Tate go, too. It might give them time to bond. Margaret might even learn to open up and trust him and us!

Lucianne's eyes twinkled in excitement as she exclaimed, "That's great!" The queen's hand flew to cover her mouth when she realized that her excitement made her respond to the king's link out loud.

Christian, Tate and Dalloway jerked a little with her sudden outburst but Xandar found her demeanor to be so adorable that he couldn't resist pecking a sweet kiss on her nose.

It was decided that Tate would accompany Margaret, Dalloway and his task force to collect the rogues under her supervision. All that was left to do was hope that Margaret's followers and Greg's followers would get along.