His Forbidden Mate
Part 38

“Edward.”

He unwrapped his arms from around my waist and I felt my heart shrink in my chest and cold gripped my skin.

“Father,” he bowed his head a little, and I did likewise.

“We had plans to meet this morning. What changed? What could be more important than your future?” the grey-haired man demanded, his eyes too fixed on his son to acknowledge my presence.

“My presence was needed here, father and I needed to commit to this.”

“You’re sounding just like your brother. Do not become reckless. The kingdom cannot afford that at this point.”

I saw Edward’s teeth clench and I could tell he was doing his very best to keep silent while his father ranted on. “I know my part to play and when my time comes, I’ll do what needs to be done.”

Edward didn’t look happy about what he had to do, and I didn’t know what that was. He had spent the day with his father the whole day yesterday, but didn’t tell me what his meeting with his father was about. I should have asked, but from the look of things, I doubt he would have wanted to tell me.

The old man’s face turned to me, and his eyes caught mine

“Good evening, your grace.” I curtsey and he nodded at me.

“Father, this is lady Kailani Zaine. Kailani, meet my father, the alpha of alphas,” he said and my heart clench painfully. He had introduced me without ties to himself, as if I had travelled to the capital on my own accord. As if I meant nothing to him. Yes, I didn’t want to put a tag on what we were, but this was straight-up hurtful. He called me his woman, and he had introduced me as his mate to his brother, the king. Why was it different with his father?

My eyes blurred up, and I wanted to go away from here.

I couldn’t leave, though, not yet. That would be disrespectful to the alpha of alphas.

I bowed my head, “It’s such an honour to meet you, your grace.”

He returned his gaze to Edward, paying little mind to me. Why would he? I was a nobody glueing herself to his son as far as he knew and Edward made me out as a nobody when he introduced me to his father with no attachments to himself.

“I’d like us to talk things through. I will send you a carriage tomorrow morning. Dismiss early and get rest.”

“I will do that, father.”

The alpha of alphas walked away without giving me a second glance, and I swallowed painfully.

Edward said nothing for the first few minutes that passed, and I didn’t want him to.

“Kai…”

“Please don’t,” I held my hand up, “I can’t do this. I need a little space to think about everything.”

I said and walked away from him and gladly enough; he didn’t follow.

I walked to the counter where the wine was being served and sat on the stool before it.

“Grape wine please,” I told the server behind the counter and the young man smiled at me.

“Coming right up.”

“I see you have fallen in love with grape.” I heard the voice of Queen Mia from behind and I jumped down from the stool, not bothered that I could fall and hurt myself.

“My queen, I didn’t see you there.”

“I followed you, please seat.” I did, and she occupied the empty seat next to me. “You seemed a little upset. I hope it’s not because of the unending guest at the party.”

I laughed a little, knowing that must be why she ran from the hall to this private corner.

I shook my head, “No, it’s not.”

“Is it the prince, then?”

I stay silent and instead drank my wine. “Edward has what I call a blind loyalty to people and that can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how you look at it. He takes care of people but doesn’t let them take care of him. I think he carried his burden because he believes no one would understand, even if he shared them. I have to admit at first I didn’t think he desired a woman. If he did, I didn’t notice it. Then he spoke about you and I knew you had to be the one.”

It was nice getting to hear about Edward from his families, those that cared about him. My heartache felt better, realising Edward had spoken about me to her but feeling sad that he hadn’t to his father. “I think he’s ashamed of me. He wouldn’t even tell the alpha of alphas I was with him or let him see him holding me. He also lets a noble lady flirt with him earlier.” I didn’t want to sound hurt, but my voice announced as I spoke.

She placed her hand on mine and squeezed tenderly. “I’m sorry. I do not know what to tell you.”

I sniffed. “How did you know the alpha king was the one?”

“I didn’t, not before I fell hopelessly in love with him. I was afraid of never being loved back, but here we are. Of course, it’s not always rosy every day but we fight to keep going. We can give up or keep fighting, but you have to be certain what it is you’re fighting for.”

I nodded. I love Edward. I have for a while now and I could tell he loved me too, despite having over a million reasons not to. Perhaps this was something we could talk through. I wanted things to work between us. I needed it to because every day my feelings grew.

“Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, queen Mia. I appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome.” She beamed at me.

I finished the goblet of wine in my hand and placed it on the counter before getting down from the stool. I had to replace Edward. I needed to replace him and stay with him. We could work through this, and I’m no longer afraid of how I feel.

I moved through the crowd, going over to where I had left him earlier, but I saw him there, having a cheerful laugh. I tried to make out the face of the one he was speaking to and it was none other than Shewa. My stomach tightened, and I told myself this would not sway me. She was his childhood friend who didn’t know how to keep her hands to herself. I approached them, hoping to reach there and put her in her place, but I stopped when I saw her lean in and kissed Edward deeply on the lips. Edward kissed back and my heart stopped in my chest and I immediately turned away.

Tears ran down my face uncontrollably. I needed to get out of here. I couldn’t stay here anymore because I wasn’t welcomed. It was all a lie. Edward lied to me and I believed.

I didn’t have a place here, and I was stupid to believe I did.