Who Is My Husband
Scene 62

The group lowered near an open courtyard behind the castle. Kailee glanced around nervously as soldiers all stood at attention lining the path to the palace. Rows of soldiers stood on either side of the stone path creating an intimidating aura. Kailee licked her lips nervously. She was in it now. No turning back. Trey tilted to the side and lowered himself as much as possible. Bethany was there in her human form instantly to reach up to help Kailee off Trey’s back.

“Thank you, Bethany.” Kailee said, glancing towards the castle nervously.

Trey placed his hand on Kailee and gave her a reassuring smile. Reggie walked over and slapped Trey on the back.

“Formal protocol time.” Reggie said with an annoyed sigh.

Grum took his position next in line as Trey’s first knight. While Lance motioned for Bethany to join him in the back. Kailee frowned as she glanced backwards.

Trey looked ahead and adjusted his stature. He tucked Kailee’s arm around his and winked at her. “Time to meet mom and pops.” He lowered his head to hers and kissed the top of her head. Then he led her through the wall of soldiers that were all standing at attention. Trumpets began to sound announcing the presence of their prince.

Kailee wished she could disappear like her gnome friends. She felt herself pushing more into Trey as they walked past the line of intimidating men. She thought she would feel relieved once they entered the castle… boy was she wrong.

As the footmen opened the castle doors there were both ladies and men bowing around the entryway. Kailee caught the curious stares and evil glares that were directed towards her. They were no doubt shocked to see this unknown woman attached to their prince.

Kailee swallowed hard and chewed on her inner l*p as Trey continued to lead her deeper into the castle. Another set of two tall double doors were opened. There was a red carpet that ran down the middle of a large open room. Men and women were gathered on either side of the carpet. And at the end of the carpet was a man and woman sitting on thrones.

She could feel the intense gaze shift onto her. Trey sensing her discomfort unlinked her arm from his and wrapped his arm around her. He held her tight by his side and smiled at her when she looked up at him. Once she met with his warm gaze and sweet smile it was enough to recharge her confidence. Having a mate could be dangerous because they could make you feel invincible next to them.

Trey and Kailee continued walking down the red carpet. Some of the attention shifted to Bethany who was another unknown. And when a few male eyes lingered too long Grum sent a lethal gaze their way. He also continued to steal glances at Bethany out of the corner of his eyes. Only because she was new and couldn’t be trusted though. At least that is how he reasoned it with himself.

“Look my dear. Our son has come to pay us a visit.” A man spoke while his eyes rested on Kailee.

“Can’t be our son. I don’t know if we even have one of those anymore.” The woman held a decorated blue fan up and moved it back and forth. Her gaze switched to Kailee. “Who have you brought with you?”

Trey rolled his eyes. They knew exactly who he had brought with him. “Mom. Dad. I would like to introduce you to my mate.” His eyes met with theirs fiercely as he said this. Something the rest of the people in the crowds would not be able to see. “She bears my mark as I bear hers.” He added this last part to solidify everything. A marked mate was already a taboo area to mess with but mutual marked mates were a treasured rarity.

The woman looked at Kailee curiously. “So what exactly are you?”

“She is a magic wielder and a powerful one at that.” Trey answered for Kailee.

“Powerful you say?” Trey’s father smiled. “I’d like to see how powerful she is…”

“Dad, we aren’t here to put my mate to the test. I’m just here to introduce her to the kingdom.” Trey rubbed his fingers on Kailee’s side as he kept a firm gaze on his parents.

“Oh, whoever said anything about putting her to the test. Overprotective mates…” Trey’s mom reached her hand out to Kailee. “Come here let me see you.”

Kailee glanced up at Trey before she took a step away from his protective warmth and towards the stranger. She looked at Trey’s mom’s extended hand and slowly placed hers in it.

At first Kailee felt a strong burn attack her hand but her own magic immediately shielded her pushing it back. She watched the woman grin as she looked at Kailee. “Very impressive.” She whispered quietly. “What is your name?”

“It’s Kailee.”

“Kailee, you may call me Edith and you can call my husband here Richy. His name is Richard, but you are family so call him Richy.” She pulled Kailee closer towards her. Kailee almost stumbled from the sudden tug and had to use her other hand to brace herself on the arm of the chair. “I’ve never felt a power like yours before. Or encountered someone strong enough to deflect my own.” Edith whispered near her ear.

Kailee felt Trey’s arm on hers as he pulled her back away from his mother. His eyes narrowed on his mother. “Everything okay Kailee?” He wouldn’t let anyone get away with mistreating his mate. Even if it was his parents.

Kailee smiled up at him and shook her head. “Everything is fine. I just tripped a bit.” She didn’t feel like Edith had any ill intentions. Maybe she was testing Kailee out some, but she didn’t feel anything malicious over it. It was more curious.

“Are you sure?” Trey asked as he turned to look down at her. His hands spun her to face him, and he looked her over. He looked into her eyes as he searched for any sign of distress.

“Well of course she is fine Trey. Whatever did you think I was going to do?” Edith clicked her tongue.

“Who is that woman?” Richard asked, looking at Bethany.

“She is Kailee’s knight. And she is also…” Trey stopped and looked at his father. She is also Grum’s mate but he hasn’t accepted her yet. Trey mind linked his father. His father knew about Grum’s past and who his real family was.

Richard nodded his head quietly. He looked out in the audience where Grum’s biological family was. Grum, who was once known as Mort, was the forgotten son of the Welsh family. In fact, they had told everyone that their son had died in a horrible accident. But that wasn’t true.

Mort was mercilessly tormented by his older brother Gage. Gage was jealous over the attention Mort got from everyone. He was a cute charismatic child who everyone loved. Gage always made up stories about Mort to his parents and told them of how cruel and manipulative he was. He even told his parents how afraid he was of his younger brother’s temper. It wasn’t long before his parents began to look upon him with disgust.

Then one day Mort’s life was forever changed. Gage attacked him after he overheard a woman talking about what an adorable child his brother was. He began to beat and choke his younger brother. But he was taking it too far and Mort’s life was in danger. Sensing Mort’s danger his inner beast freed himself becoming one of the youngest ever to get his dragon. With his dragon strength, he became blinded by his rage. He kept attacking and attacking Gage until he was a bloody mess. And even then, he didn’t stop. Their father came and pulled Mort off of Gage, but he was still lost in his bloodlust. His rage against his brother boiled over.

Gage lied and said how Mort just attacked him for no reason. The high aristocrat family could not have a skeleton like Mort in their closet. So instead, they dropped him off in a secluded area away from the kingdom. They gave him a coin bag and said for him to never return. That as far as they were concerned, he was dead to them.

Mort was no more. With a new name and a new identity, Grum made his way in the world and into the position he is in now. His own family doesn’t recognize him or have any idea who he is. And after they received the whole story from Grum the royal family wanted to punish the Welsh family. But Grum asked them not to. He said he would rather them never know of his existence.

Richard looked back at Bethany deep in thought. No wonder Grum wouldn’t want a mate. Deep down he probably was afraid of abandonment again. He was afraid of being tossed aside and rejected. No matter how much power the royal family had they couldn’t force Grum here. It would be up to him to open his heart. His eyes hazed for a moment before he finally spoke.

“Well son, let’s announce to the kingdom that you have found your mate. We will have a banquet tonight in our new princess’s honor.” Richard smiled at Kailee.

“How long will you be staying? Is this for good now?” Edith asked with hopeful eyes.

“Not for good yet. We are still dealing with the important matter there. And there are matters here I must deal with as well. I’m not sure how long it will take to resolve what I need to. So for now it is an undisclosed amount of time.” Trey could see the serious expressions on both of his parent’s faces. But he wasn’t going to elaborate any more than that.

“Kailee.” Edith said standing up. “Come and take a walk with me.”

Trey gripped Kailee’s arm and frowned looking at his mother. “I don’t want her out of my sight.”

“Who will harm her with me around?” Edith looked at him like he was crazy.

Trey frowned and furrowed his eyebrows. “I feel better having her near me.”

“Oh, for goodness’s sake. Send her lady knight along with us if it will make you feel better.” Edith waved her hand dismissing her son’s nonsense.

Trey scowled and looked at Kailee. “It’s okay if you want to just stay with me.”

Kailee smiled up at him. She reached her hand up to smooth out the creases over his forehead. “Don’t worry so much. I’ll be fine.”

Trey sighed and leaned forward to k**s her forehead. “Bethany.” He turned his head to look back at the woman. “Stay with my princess. Don’t let her out of your sight.”

Bethany nodded her head. She had no intention of just letting Kailee leave without her anyways. She quickly walked up behind Kailee and followed them out through a back door. As she left the room her eyes trailed back to where Grum was standing. And for a split second their eyes met. Her heart began beating loudly. He was looking at her too. She felt dumb about her reaction earlier today. She was embarrassed meeting her mate and caught off guard. So, she announced she didn’t want a mate. At first, she was sure that was how she really felt. But as the day went on, she began to feel the constant pull towards him. And her eyes were beginning to follow him and look for him.

She had always wanted to experience having a real family. And when she finally had her chance, she ruined it. She looked away and slowly walked through the door. As if he would want her now… plus he said he didn’t want a mate either.

Ugh, what are you doing Bethany? Just focus on keeping Kailee safe. This will be better once the connection has been broken. I don’t need a mate… I don’t need a mate. She thought to herself quietly trying to convince herself that was how she felt.