"Completely understandable." Magnus smiled. "We have made arrangements for you both to stay and dine here on Level One."
"Level One?" Ellie stared. "The royal level?"
Magnus nodded. "Yes, the royal level," he teased. "We will want to be briefed as much possible, and it might be easier for you to do so over breakfast and meals as opposed to pulling you away from the children for additional meetings."
"She'll be staying with me," Grant said quietly from across the room.
She didn't know what to make of his austere manner. She felt a blush work it's way up her neck.
"And why would she be staying with you?" Adriel asked.
"Because she's mine," Grant said simply. The announcement silenced the room.
Elizabeth leaned forward, meeting her eyes. "Eleanor, is that true?"
Ellie nodded. "Yes, we figured it out upstairs." She watched him closely. Was he upset that he was forced to admit that they were mates?
"That's wonderful news! Congratulations to both of you!" Elizabeth exclaimed, her face lighting up. She turned to her uncle. "Unky, we have to add them both to the dinner list. I want to learn all about her." She smiled at Ellie. "Grant practically helped raise me. Don't let that fierce expression fool you; he's a softie."
"Looks like I am not the only one who found their mate in Noctem Falls," Kari teased. When Ellie turned to look at her friend, Kari had tears in her eyes. Kari knew more than anyone how much Ellie had longed for a mate.
Ellie stuck out her tongue, and Kari laughed then retaliated, wiping her eyes.
"All the same, you are still welcome to stay here if you prefer," Magnus offered. A low growl echoed through the room. Magnus' eyebrows rose as did Adriel's.
"Grant?" the unit leader asked.
Grant cleared his throat looking contrite. "Sorry, that sort of slipped out. My wolf doesn't like the idea that she will be away from us."
"Grant keeps to himself, but you couldn't ask for a more fierce protector." Elizabeth tilted her head, smiling. "There's something to be said for the strong, silent type." She winked at Ellie. Beside her, Gavriel leaned down and nipped at his mate's neck until she squealed. Ellie had to hide a smile as she rose from her chair again. "If it's all right with you all, I'd like to head back up and sit with the children for a few more hours." She was unsure of how to act around the prince.
"Of course," Magnus said as the men stood.
"Promise you will make it to dinner," Elizabeth practically demanded.
Ellie nodded. "That sounds wonderful, thank you. Though I don't know if I brought anything to wear." Her eyes went to the prince.
Elizabeth waved her hand at her concern. "Trust me, anything will be fine. Meryn comes to dinner in zombie Care Bear tee shirts. I'm sure whatever you have will be perfect."
"Zombie?" Ellie asked.
"Don't get me started," Elizabeth muttered.
Grant placed a hand on her back and steered her to the door. He looked back at the room. "We will need an escort."
Adriel stood and walked over. "I can take you."
"Eleanor, it was wonderful meeting you. Thank you for all you are doing for the children," Magnus said, smiling kindly.
Blushing, she just nodded. They were about to leave when Sebastian rushed into the room from the kitchen carrying a Styrofoam cup. "I figured you will need this," he chuckled. He handed her a small Ziploc bag, which held creamer and sweetener. "Let me know whenever you need a refill." He stepped back to stand behind the prince.
She wanted to kiss the squire. "Thank you! I so needed this." She carefully carried her coffee as she followed behind her mate and his unit leader.
Adriel escorted them up to Level Six and then waved goodbye. Beside her, her mate didn't say a word. They walked back toward the courtyard where the children waited for them. The quiet stretched between them. Just outside the home that led to the courtyard, she stopped, unable to take the silence anymore.
He turned and frowned at her. Behind them the bustle of the marketplace was a droning buzz, but where the houses stood was quieter. He stared down at her.
"I..." she hesitated.