You’ll Be Okay, With Me

[NOUR]

Walking back home with Grant was something else. 

It was a feeling so new to him and while Nour had come to the palace more than once, walking with Grant in public, felt like he was about to enter the trial-by-fire phase. He was a patient man, one who could wait for as long as Grant needed. 

However, if only they both went pretending to be so into each other this could have been easier. 

Nour noticed the stares he was getting from the werewolves and for a moment it felt like he was intruding. This was his home, and they were his people, but that didn't feel as welcoming when he heard the whispers they had on their lips. 

Sure, his life wasn't always going to be a cup of cake for him, but he sure hoped that after everything, they would be able to have a sit-down and be just a ruler and his people. It was their truth after all.

"I think your people hate me," Nour whispered just loud enough for Grant to hear. Their hands were entwined, like Grant wanted to show him off, even though Nour was sure that this man had ulterior motives. 

There was just no way he had woken up and decided to give the omega he despised a tour of the grand palace. It was more like an illusion than a reality and it wasn't in the end but comforting at all.

"Don't worry, my butterfly. They will eventually have to get used to it," Grant said as he raised their entwined hands to his lips and kissed the back of Nour's hands. He looked sweet, and it was tempting to believe him.

He looked like he was a proud enforcer who was gladly letting the kingdom know that he was taken. But what was the cost of it all then? Who would step up and ask the right questions?

"Okay… I trust you," Nour said as he looked around. 

He seemed to be trying to find someone and when their eyes locked the young wolf let out a sigh of relief. Of course, to Grant, it was a reminder that Nour trusted him, but to Nour, he was certain that Grant wouldn't try to hurt him when HE was around.

"Hello, Grant… What brings you back here this evening? I thought you were done with the work for the day?" Ferhat asked and Grant sighed as he held his mate's hands tightly, like he was worried that Nour would bolt.

Well, he couldn't be blamed. The mouthy omega that the kingdom and him knew, would easily bolt and leave Grant standing there. But the crown prince wasn't even bothered about all of this. He was just glad to see Ferhat again.

Nour stared into Ferhat's eyes, holding them like he was questioning his father's presence in the palace. He wasn't sure what this would do, but having the king around would really be a good idea at the moment.

"I came to show my mate around. After everything that happened, I just want him to have a sense of security and know that the Acrod army will always be there or defend him no matter what happens.

"He is the love of my life after all," Grant said proudly, his voice soothing and convincing that if Nour and Ferhat didn't truly know him, they could have easily bought the act. It was like it was orchestrated for this moment, but they had to wait it out.

"Oh, that is rather sweet. I was hoping you would join me for dinner with the junior warrior, Delbert Cornell," the king's voice suddenly said and Grant froze. This wasn't what he had been expecting and his sudden loss of words proved it to the trio.

"Oh, I wouldn't want to intrude, your highness. As it is, the enforcer was just showing me around the apple. It would be rude for me to join your dinner. Perhaps I shall take my leave and get back home. It's rather late," Nour said instantly.

Grant looked at his mate, wondering what the fuck the man was on. Then again, Grant was the one who had gone mute before the king. If anything, Nour knew he was about to reject the invite, so Nour did it for the both of them.

It would be easier than having to reject it. It would have broken his heart, knowing that the enforcer wanted to introduce him to the inner circle. Well, Nour was the center of that inner circle himself but no one needed to know that, right?

"It's nothing, son. I would have had dinner with you someday, given you're mated to my very able enforcer. Please join us later, alright?" the king said before leaving. 

He didn't bother staying or waiting for what Grant or Nour would say. It was like he had a better place to be, or maybe he was just so excited to see his son after months. 

Nour had promised that he would come to the place twice a week, but in the past two months, he had been able to keep that promise. Instead, he had kept his distance, making his father worry too much. 

The poor king wasn't sure if his son was in the right shape and he couldn't exactly go to the omega quarters himself to seek him out. 

His son would hate him for that.

Seeing him today had to have been encouraging for King Cassius and as his father he needed his son to share at least one email with him this time. He had to be there for his son, just this once, yeah.

"Di… Didn't I do something wrong?" Nour asked meekly when the king and Ferhat had left. He could feel Grant squeezing his hand a little too harshly and while it didn't mean shit to him, he had to make sure that he was in his feelings.

"I'm sorry… I really didn't know what took over me. I didn't mean to talk to the king, please forgive me," Nour said, shaking visibly, making Grant feel like he still had power over the mate he was Granted by the fates.

Grant turned to look at Nour, confusion and anger in his eyes as he took in the sight of his shaking mate. It was almost like he wasn't sure what he had been expecting, but the omega was being fully submissive and it was… attractive to him. Goddamn.

"It's okay, my beautiful butterfly. You did great with the king. I was actually worried you would bolt and leave me. But you didn't, so that's progress. Come along love, let me show you the palace before we can join the king for dinner.

"If it helps, you will see familiar faces at the table. Like Delbert. He's my junior warrior and my friend on the team. Don't worry, alright? As long as I'm here, no one can hurt you," Grant said as he looked into Nour's eyes.

His eyes were soft and even as he stared into the omega's pretty eyes, he looked like he wanted to stare at them a little longer. Perhaps it was the mate bond that was doing this to them, but if they were to pretend, at least they would give in right?

"Okay, let's go then," Nour said chirpily before he kissed the enforcer on the cheeks and he could have sworn that Grant blushed.

Perhaps the enforcer had feelings too?