The family of a missing lady who was ‘discovered’ in a Scottish woodland has spoken out, despite the woman’s claim that she was there by choice.

Kaura Taylor, from Texas, made news recently when she was found in Scotland after reportedly disappearing without a trace from her home in the United States.

A ‘King and Queen’, claiming to be the leaders of a vanished tribe, ‘discovered’ the 21-year-old mother of one in the woods.

She is now known as ‘Asnat of Atehene’ and ‘Lady Safi,’ and the tribe is referring to the area of woodland near Jedburgh as the ‘Kingdom of Kubala,’ saying that they are reclaiming territory that their ancestors had 400 years ago.

Asnat is accompanied by former opera singer King Atehene, 36, and his wife, Queen Nandi, 43.

Kaura’s anguished family has spoken with The Independent about her disappearance three months ago.

Her aunt, Teri Allen, stated, “It is really stressful and challenging. It tears our hearts. We are unduly concerned about Kaura, but she does not believe anyone is concerned about her.

Taylor has responded, stating she was not ‘missing’ at all and that staying away was her decision and free will, emphasizing that she is ‘an adult, not a helpless kid.’

She posted on Facebook, “I’m very happy with my King and Queen; I was never missing. I fled a very abusive, toxic family,” after first communicating with the ‘King’ online in 2023.

Her relatives contradict her story, claiming she was reared in the church and was ‘very sheltered and protected.’

King Atehene stated, “We live a basic life of returning to innocence.

“We connect with nature. We connect with the trees surrounding us. Every morning, we become grounded. We take a bath in the spring water. We live a basic existence, dependent on the Creator for food, shelter, and clothes.

“We live in a tent without walls, but we are not afraid of anyone, for we have the protection of the creator, Yahowah.”

Allen criticized the tribe’s faith, stating, “It’s a bunch of hogwash,” and said Taylor discovered the organization through a high school acquaintance.

She stated Taylor concealed her activities and remained alienated from her friends and family while living with her other aunt, Vandora Skinner.

Skinner told The Independent that Taylor went missing in May and described her as a ‘very rowdy kid’ who could be ‘very rude.’

“She lived in a four-bedroom house, with her own room, and maybe I shouldn’t have been so easy on her; I let her boyfriends come over, but maybe I shouldn’t have.” But I did get her through high school,” Skinner continued.

Taylor reportedly tried to persuade her boyfriend to go to Scotland, but her aunt claims he was turned off by the ‘ungodly rites’ they purportedly perform.

Her daughter was just eight months old when she left.

Skinner stated that her niece texted her, stating, “We had to get out and explore a little bit,” but did not respond when Skinner attempted to find out where she was, and that she never heard from her again.

Skinner learned about what allegedly transpired after speaking with Taylor’s ex.

“I phoned her ex-boyfriend, who told me about the [Kingdom’s] Facebook site and that she was heading to the United Kingdom. “I looked up the Facebook page, and there she was,” Skinner explained.

Taylor’s mother allegedly believed the photographs were ‘photoshopped.’

They have been pictured in robes and dancing around campfires, with Taylor kneeling to the king and queen and bringing them food.

Taylor’s family is claimed to be particularly concerned over a video she released in which she claims to be the king’s second wife.

“Now she’s talking about how she’s married to this man and he can have as many wives as he wants?” Skinner exclaimed.

The family believes she landed in the UK on May 25 with a six-month tourist visa, and they hope it means she will be compelled to return to Texas in November, when it expires.

King Atehene stated, “We obey the principles of the creator; everything belongs to those who created it. We don’t believe any authority owns the land. The ground belongs to the father.

“We do not know about any eviction—all we know is that we are here to stay and establish our authority and power, just like our ancestors did.”

The Scottish Borders Council has been communicating with the police about the situation.

A representative clarified, “This has included the provision of advice and information about housing options and other support services.”