(Amaia)

"Seems like Saiph takes his job very seriously," I comment.

Mintaka is taking me along the tastefully decorated corridors with paintings, vases filled with flowers and decorative pieces.

"Yeah, Ali gets irritated with him at times. He takes him as a rival for Mama’s affections. As you saw, our mother has an easy-going and loving nature. She treats everyone with kindness and respect. It’s natural to get attached to her."

"Makes sense."

Sons are overprotective of their mothers, and having Saiph spend more time with the queen must be making Alnitak jealous. Although from what I had seen so far is mutual respect between them. Saiph keeps a respectable distance from her. He is her bodyguard, and he not only protects her but is also very protective of the twins.

We pass by a painting and it catches my attention. The gaudy colours and elegance of the woman have me pausing and turning around. The woman appears to be in her late fifties or sixties when the painting was done.

I observe closely that the features are very similar to Alnilam’s and King Orion’s. The same silvery hair as both men possess but the most remarkable feature is her forest-shaded eyes. A rich shade of green.

"Who is she?" I ask, Mintaka.

"Our paternal grandmother," he answers. "She passed away before we were born but father always speaks very highly of her."

I have never seen this woman or met her and yet something draws me to her.

"She must be a powerful witch."

"She was indeed one of the strongest witches of her time," Mintaka answers. It seems like silver hair runs in the paternal side of their family.

With difficulty, I tear my eyes off her and focus them on Mintaka. "Come I will show you our room."

He guides me forward and I feel a thrilling excitement running through my body. I am going to see where my mates grew up. Maybe, if I am lucky I can see Alnilam’s room as well.

Mintaka reaches outside a majestic golden door with different constellations embossed on it. He pushes it open with both his hands and enters, inviting me with his words.

"Come, Amaia."

With a deep breath, I follow Mintaka and step inside their vast room to fully observe.

The royal room of my twin mates is a perfect picture of harmonious duality.

Two heavy beds of carved mahogany, draped in expensive-looking bedspreads, are positioned opposite a grand vanity. A graceful guitar rests on a stand beside two red leather armchairs and a small table. Handwoven gold and red curtains hang against the life-size window, which I am sure opens into the vast gardens of their palace.

Different-sized candy jars line the shelves on the walls, and I know they belong to Alnitak.

Golden Candelabras are in abundance, holding white candles, lighting up the place, illuminating it in their orange glow.

A few portraits adorn the walls and I can only guess they belong to their favourite Moonball players.

"Wow! Never thought red and gold would be so prevalent in your room."

Mintaka has walked over and taken residence on one of the red sofas. Picking up his guitar.

"Our mother thought everything needed to match our eyes and hair colour," he sarcastically says and I fight back a chuckle.

His fingers rhythmically strum against the cords and light music flows out. I listen as well as observe the room where they have grown up.

How many memories must be stored in this place?

I move towards their beds and wonder which one belongs to whom. The one with the nightstand featuring a candy jar has to belong to Alnitak.

"Come sit with me," Mintaka invites me over, pointing towards the empty sofa beside him.

With a smile, I walk over and settle into it. Mintaka begins to play a slow, sad melody, and I just watch him in the flickering candlelight.

The magic his music carries always mesmerises me. The tone is catchy, and without knowing, I begin to hum it behind him. Closing my eyes I am lost in the feel of the music which calls my heart.

"Who can say where the road goes

Where the day flows

Only time

And who can say if your love grows

As your heart chose

Only time...

Who can say why your heart sighs

As your love flies

Only time...

And who can say why your heart cries

When your love lies

Only time.."

Suddenly, the slow music stops, and I open my eyes and glance in Mintaka’s direction.

He is watching me with his eyes twice their original size, with his mouth hanging open.

Sheepishly I smile at him.

"What the fuck, Amaia? Why didn’t you ever tell me you could sing like a siren?"

I brush it off. "It’s nothing special."

Fae were known for their love of music and singing, and most of them had beautiful voices.

He places his guitar aside and gets up, taking a step closer he towers over. His hands grab the armrests, and he leans down, coming face to face with me.

"I have never heard such a melodious voice in my life, stop selling yourself short."

I blink, "Umm! I am pretty sure there are so many people with more beautiful voices than mine. I don’t even rehearse."

"Your voice is magical, Amaia. There is something divine about it. Believe me when I say this, it’s one of a kind." He picks up his right hand and slowly rubs his thumb on my cheek while cupping my face.

"It can heal broken hearts and I swear I can hear you sing all day. Will you sing with me and for me?" He asks, emotions he usually hides now dance naked in his molten gold shaded eyes.

My mate is asking me to sing for him, and how can I say no? Just like I sang for Rigel I will sing for Mintaka too. If that can heal his broken heart so be it.

"Yes, it would be my pleasure to sing for you, Min."