The reception was fun to say the least, no more drama occurred between the queen and I nor anyone else for that matter.

I danced with my friends who were there and Demetri of course.

Demetri and I mostly slow danced and he held me close and kissed my hair through most of the dances.

Arriving at the palace, I was tired but not so tired as to pass out although I wish I was.

Demetri wouldn't leave me alone for the entire evening and his presence was starting to grate on my nerves.

Not only his mere presence was enough to upset me but it was also because he was practically glowing with happiness at us finally being mated.

I'm less than happy about it, but of course I kept my mouth shut and didn't say shit. Not that that really helped in any way, shape or form because Demetri is now a firm occupant of my mental faculties ever since this afternoon.

He attempted to console me by telling me how much he loves me and how he wouldn't bother my family, how he would adore me and be the best mate he possibly can.

I had only rolled my eyes and stepped past him into our bathroom where I ripped the gorgeous blue dress from my body.

I was too tired to actually open. it properly so I tore the zipper and sliced the ribbon on the corseted back with my nails.

I had taken a quick shower and dressed in a pair of black pajama bottoms and a white tank top before making my way to bed.

Demetri was sitting on the edge of the bed in only his trousers while he used his phone. He looked up at me when I walked into the room and a fleeting of guilt passed through our bond.

He looked at me as he shut his feelings away and I burst out laughing.

"Don't feel guilty on my account." I told him climbing into my side of the bed.

"It's not what you think." He attempted to defend himself but I wasn't really interested in hearing it at all.

"I don't care what it was." I snapped turning my back to him and pulling the sheet up over my head.

"Jessabell, please let me explain." He pleaded and I growled at him.

"Just shut up and leave me alone so I can sleep. I'm fucking tired and annoyed so just get away from me."

"What did I tell you about you language?" He snarled at me.

"Goodnight." I said closing my eyes and burying my face in the pillow.

I could feel his anger through the bond, I thought he would have done something but he got up and walked away.

Good for him. I thought sighing in relief as I snuggled into the bed.

The shower had done wonders for my mind and body, I was more relaxed now than I was when we had just arrived at home, not that its saying much, but at least now I can sleep.

So that's what I did, I closed my eyes and allowed myself to drift into unconsciousness where I had no problems at all.

Waking up the next day, the sun was streaming through the open drapes by the window. Demetri lay on his belly beside me, one heavy arm was thrown across my waist pinning me to the bed where I lay.

I tried to push his arm off me so that I could get up and go to the bathroom but he wouldn't budge so I tried to slither my way out of his hold.

I was almost free and attempting to sit up when his large fingers wrapped around my wrist making me gasp in surprise.

"Where are you going?" He asked, his voice thick and husky with sleep.

"You're awake." I stated the obvious.

"I am." He muttered on a yawn before asking once more, "Where are you going?"

"Bathroom." I mumbled pulling my hand away from his.

I could feel his concern as I got up and walked into the bathroom. I could also feel him flitting through my thoughts while I brushed my teeth and went to take a shower and wash my hair.

When I was finished, I dried off with a fluffy blue towel then wrapped up in another one after wrapping my hair with a white towel.

Walking back into the room Demetri was sat on the edge of the bed looking like he was waiting for me.

His head snapped up at my arrival but I walked past him, into the closet.

I grabbed a pair of blue skinny jeans from the shelf and took out a pink t shirt from the chest of drawers.

I blow dried my hair and put it in two loose braids which I held at the ends with elastic bands.

I put my clothes on and found my pair of carved black combat boots.

When I stepped out of the closet, Demetri was freshly showered and had a towel wrapped around his waist as he exited the bathroom.

His eyebrows furrowed when he looked at me.

"Where are you going?" He inquired stepping closer to me.

"I'm going home for the day." I told him putting in my silver hoop earrings.

He sighed and walked over go where I stood before the mirror,

"Jessabell, you're already home." He told me.

He was slightly irritated with me. He was blocking his thoughts so I could only sense his feelings and emotions.

"I want to go and see my family."

"Why Is it that everything that comes out of your mouth this morning seems to upset me." He mused almost to himself.

Even if he was talking to me, he obviously didn't expect an answer and I didn't give him one.

"Look at me." He commanded and I obeyed looking into his eyes. "Your home is with me, I am your family now, Jessabell." He said and I looked away feeling saddened by what he said.

I couldn't explain it but I actually woke up regretting yesterday. I regret everything starting from the day I agreed to be Derek's escort for the ball.

I regret meeting Demetri

I regret going to Aruba and causing him to find out about aunt Morgan and the kids

I regret not being strong enough to get away from him

I regret agreeing to do the mating ceremony with him, actually I take that back. I didn't agree, he forced me but the point is that I regret mating with him

And this is probably the worst one yet, I regret ever caring about him, even if it was when I didn't remember him.

I still should have hated him and I didn't, but I hate him now and that's what counts.

"May I leave?" I inquired still not looking at him.

"I'll get ready and drop you." He told me.

"No." I said quickly looking at him and he frowned at me, "I can just call a taxi you don't need to take me."

His eyes slightly tinted purple, "Jessabell, I am taking you." I opened my mouth to say something but he interrupted me before I could, "End of discussion."

I nodded once and stepped away from him. "Okay."

When he went into the closet I couldn't help the tears that gathered in my eyes and spilled over.

I woke up feeling trapped and I don't know how to get out.

I frantically searched for the pair of sunglasses that I had seen on the top of the vanity a few days ago, all the while, tears flowed from my eyes.

I heard Demetri close the closet door and I hastily wiped my eyes and pushed the glasses on my nose before turning to face him.

He was dressed in a black suit with a slim dark red tie. His hair was combed neatly with not a speck out of place.

He approached me and took my face in his hands.

"I feel everything that you do, so you don't need to hide your tears." He pointed out pressing a kiss to my forehead.

"I do not know what to say to make this better for you." Demetri said moving my glasses, "I'd say I'm sorry, but I'm not because I love you and this is what I wanted and even if you don't agree, we both needed this." He pressed kisses to my eyes and cheeks and gently wiped the fresh set of tears that came as a result of his words.

"I want to leave now please." I said softly, pulling away from him.

"Let's go." He said handing me my bag.

We made our way to the back of the castle where Demetri and I hopped into the black Bentley that waited for us.

The drive to my parents' house was silent although Demetri kept a hold of my hands and played with my fingers.

I kept my eyes set firmly on the passing trees and buildings as I tried to abstain from feeling regret for my actions. I was distracting myself by thinking of other things and trying not to think of my life now or what it would be like in the future with Demetri.

As it is, I've practically moved in with him since the majority of my clothes and belongings are already at the castle.

Arriving at my parents' home, the gates opened and the car drove up the driveway to the doorway, I couldn't wait to be away from Demetri and spend a nice, quiet, relaxing day with my family.

Well I hope that's what we're doing. Mom, Aunt Morgan and I should be going to the spa today. It is supposed to be Aunt Morgan's mating gift to me.

I was quite shocked when Demetri climbed out of the vehicle and came around to my side where I was already standing because I had jumped out of the car before it stopped properly.

"Um, what are you doing?" I inquired suspiciously.

"Relax, I'm just accompanying you to the door." He said with a roll of his eyes.

"Okay then." We walked up the steps to the front door and Demetri knocked before I could.

The door opened almost immediately and a little bundle of curls wrapped herself around my legs with an excited squeal.

"Jessabell!" Katherine exclaimed when I picked her up and covered her face in kisses.

"Hello my little angel muffin." I cooed to her as I tickled her with my free hand.

"Hello love." Aunt Morgan greeted embracing me in a one armed hug. "You're early." She stated and I instantly noticed that she was still clad in her pajamas.

"Good morning your Highness." She addressed Demetri formally.

"Good morning." He responded.

"Morgan, who's at the door this early?" I heard my mother's disembodied voice approaching the door way.

"Darling." She said giving me an awkward hug after she pushed aunt Morgan out of the way. "Come on in Jessy."

It appeared as though she had not noticed Demetri standing behind me all along because she seemed to startle when her eyes landed on his figure behind me.

"Good morning Your Highness." She addressed him frostily.

"Good morning Mrs.Archer." He said, "There is no need to look so worried, I'm just dropping Jessabell off." He assured her and mom visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

I mean the relief was literally painted all over her body like picaso had made her a canvas for a painting depicting immense relief.

It would have been very amusing if I hadn't felt Demetri's hurt at the back of my mind poking into my subconscious like a stick.

He's hurt that my family doesn't like him and they barely tolerate him.

As sad as it is, I could not find the heart to feel sorry for him because whatever he got he deserved and it was all his fault, mainly because he's been such a dip shit.

"Well. I'll just be leaving now that I know Jessabell is safely with you." He addressed my Mom and Aunt before turning to me.

"I'll pick you up this afternoon when you are finished." He said firmly. It wasn't a request but a command.

"I was actually thinking of staying with my family for dinner tonight." I told him and he frowned his eyes taking on the purple tint I have grown so accustomed to seeing. Why? Because he's always angry with me.

"I'll call when I'm ready to return to the castle." I said purposely refraining from saying the word home because that castle will never be my home.

"Fine." He said the purple in his eyes spreading and darkening. He leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to my forehead before tapping Katherine's nose affectionately, then he left.

I stayed by the door watching the black Bentley drive away. The further away it went, the more relaxed I became.

I stepped into the house with Katherine still in my arms.

It seemed as though everyone else was still asleep. So I went into the kitchen to get something to eat since I was hungry.

I placed Katherine on the counter to sit just as she began to talk about her school and her friends.

She talks a lot but I don't really mind. It is difficult however to keep up with her story as her focus switches between different things very quickly so I had to listen extra carefully in order to give the appropriate responses.

I ended up making bacon eggs and chocolate chip pancakes, enough to feed mom, aunt Morgan Katherine and myself.

After plating the food and taking them into the dining room, I returned to the kitchen to see Katherine attempting to climb off the counter. Thank God I returned when I did because she was about to face plant right into the floor if I hadn't grabbed her in time.

"I could have done it alone." Katherine pouted adorably. I couldn't resist kissing her nose.

"I know you could have." I lied smoothly, "But I wanted to help my little angel."

She giggled and assisted me in taking the glasses and the jug of orange juice to the table.

I placed her in the seat next to where I was planning to sit before returning to the kitchen to retrieve the bowls of fruits that I had assembled.

Mom and aunt Morgan had already returned to the table and were seated and digging into their breakfast.

"Jessy, this is great." Aunt Morgan complimented between mouthfulls of food. I responded with a thanks, as I sat and dug into my own plate.

When we had finished. Mom and aunt Morgan left to get dressed while I sat with Katherine on my lap as she watched a show on television.

I was using my phone to text Monique and Kaitlyn as I waited for them.

It wasn't long before they both returned. Mom dressed in a sunny yellow dress and white flats while aunt Morgan wore a pair of dark blue shorts and a pink sleeveless top.

Uncle Kevin accompanied them down the stairs. He gave me a kiss on the forehead as he scooped Katherine up telling her to give me a kiss before I left with Mom and aunt Morgan.

The drive to the spa was quiet. Everyone lost in their own thoughts.

Mine in particular were focused on Demetri and what our lives will be like from now on.

I did promise him that I would try to make it work but I can't help but think, 'what have I done?'

Will he be capable of changing enough to make me happy?

If he can't change, will I be able to live the rest of my life in a loveless marriage where I don't have control of my life?

"Jessabell, are you okay?" Aunt Morgan inquired and I nodded my head as we pulled up to the spa.

Today isn't the time to contemplate my life decisions. I just need to take it in stride.

Today I will enjoy myself with my mother and aunt, and when I return to the castle, I will plan my future and analyze all possible outcomes.

And anyway, there is always my plan B if things go south.

I thought reassuring myself as I exit the car and made my way into the high end establishment where we would get mani-peddies, massages and more.

Aunty Morgan signed us in and the nail tech got started on us as he asked me questions about being mated to a prince.

It's strange that I don't have a security detail trailing me. Although I might not know since I've only seen Freya's security detail once and its because she was almost kidnapped.

It was super strange, they four large guys just came out of the shadows and attacked the would be kidnappers.

After the spa day, Mom brought us to Cafe Hella for lunch and we sat, ate and talked before taking a little shopping trip through East Central mall.

By the end of the day, when we returned to the house for dinner which uncle Kevin had made I was beat.

I was super tired and dreading my return to the castle by the time we were finished eating. Mom, aunt Morgan and I retired to the den with a bottle of Merlot while mom sipped her grape juice.

We were talking and laughing when my phone rang, Demetri's name flashed on the screen and I answered.

"Hello?"

"Are you ready to come home?"

"Whenever you're ready to collect me." I said tightly and mom turned to look at me.

"I'm coming now." He said and I didn't respond as I cut the call.

When the doorbell rang, I was seated with my head tilted onto the arm of the sofa and the third bottle of wine in my hand.

Mom already went to bed and aunt Morgan was passed out on the sofa.

I heard the door open and footsteps made their way to the den. Lifting my eyes to the doodway, I saw my father standing behind Demetri who was staring at me with concern.

"Jessabell," he sighed making his way over to me. He took the bottle from me and helped me to my feet, catching me around the waist when I stumbled drunkenly.

"I can walk." I slurred slapping at his hands and stepping away from him with my unsteady gait.

"Bye, Daddy." I said stepping past him with a slap on his chest.

"Good night Mr. Archer." I heard Demetri say to my father as he approached where I was trying to push the front door open.

"Let me help you." He offered reaching for the door but I slapped his hand again.

"I can do it!" I snapped pushing the door harder.

Demetri just stood behind me and waited until I tired myself out before I gave up and admitted, in a quite sorrowful voice that,

"I can't do it." I steppes away from the door and Demetri opened it by pulling it in and allowing me to step through.

I wobbled my way to where the black Bentley was parked in the drive way. Demetri walked silently behind me until we reached the car and he opened the door for me before climbing in beside me.

"You're drunk." He said staring at me with unreadable eyes.

"No, I'm a skunk." I burst out laughing and he frowned at me.

"Why did you drink so much?"

"I was thinking about youuu." I slurred, " You drive me crazy and I don't want you."

"I already knew that, and I promised we would work through this." He declared adamantly.

"I don't want to work through anything with you." I pouted folding my arms across my chest.

"You don't have a choice." He snapped leaning closer to me, "I will make you love me Jessabell, that's a promise."

He moved his lips over mine in a brief whisper of a kiss before he whispered, "sleep." And that's what I did I fell asleep right there in the back of the car with my unwanted mate.