(Alnitak)

What we had feared regarding our father is indeed coming true. This is a complicated situation. If I see it from my father’s point of view, I can’t even blame him.

No king would want his sons’ mate to be mated to their bodyguard and yet here we are.

Our thinking has changed when it comes to sharing Amaia especially after the prophecy. It has expanded our hearts, making us more accepting with every passing day.

The abhorrence I felt for Saiph has diminished, the more our bond with Amaia has strengthened. We no longer fight like feral beasts, we understand and we listen.

"Jamina’s passing has made me realise what a gift life is and how we fail to cherish it. I am no longer going to deny this mate bond. You know what loss feels like father..." Alnilam says and our father’s nostrils flare. Alnilam appears to be a changed man since he has decided to accept Amaia as his mate.

I know what he is referring to.

"That was different..." Father’s face has hardened like stone, and a glint of rage shines in his eyes.

"It really wasn’t." A silent tussle follows between father and Alnilam.

All of us sit quietly and observe. Even mama doesn’t interrupt.

"We have accepted Amaia as our mate and once the Inter Guild Wars end, we will be marking her. Be that at the palace or we have to do it somewhere private. The decision rests with you."

Alnilam resiliently tells our father, putting an end to any lingering thoughts.

The latter clicks his tongue in distaste. His eyes waver to all of us and settle on Saiph.

"You should have rejected her, the moment you felt the mate bond. Knowing she is mated to your masters," Father says in a condescending tone which doesn’t sit right with me. Although I have never seen eye to eye with Saiph, fighting for my mother’s affection, we don’t consider Saiph a servant.

Saiph lowers his gaze. "Without an apology. I have been blessed with her. I can’t do that. Put her through pain."

His desperate eyes find Amaia and both of them passionately stare at each other.

"I will never reject you, Saiph. No matter what," she answers with a determination that our mate is known for. He nods with a small smile.

Before anyone can speak Mama does.

"I love all three of you. Being the royal family, this decision is not easy for us by any means. But, I respect your choices and decisions. Will not force you to change it. We mortals can make mistakes, gods don’t. Follow your hearts."

Alnilam gives her an appreciative nod. Both Mintaka and I smile at her wisdom. We can sense she is not pleased with these matches but she is more accepting than our father and knows it’s for the best.

"Esmelda, you understand the backlash they will experience. The complications on who will be the next heir to the throne," father says through gritted teeth.

"I do, but they are adults now. Let them handle this situation. That’s how they will learn. Being a royal comes with responsibility. They must be responsible enough to handle such situations," she says wisely, smiling at all of us, turn by turn.

She is right, it’s our personal matter now and we should be adult enough to deal with it. Not everyone will be happy but it’s not their lives, it’s ours and they don’t have a say in our personal matters.

"We will take care of it but none of us are letting go of Amaia," I solemnly say.

Our parents don’t know the truth about her and it’s Amaia’s secret to tell. Until and unless she feels safe revealing it, we are not going to force her to do it.

To guard her truth all of us have to remain mated to her. Mates never reveal secrets, that’s exactly why the Moon goddess seemed to have mated her to Saiph, Ezran and Alnilam. They all knew her true identity and kept it. Even though Alnilam didn’t even know that Amaia was his mate at that time.

"Same feelings. She is ours," Mintaka firmly says, placing his arm around Amaia’s shoulder.

We have informed our parents of our collective decision and I can see they aren’t thrilled. Mama is understanding but father is furious. There is a glare in his eyes but he doesn’t try to persuade us further.

"Suit yourselves. It’s decided then we will hold a marking ceremony along with a ball on your return from Guild Wars," father finally announces and all of us relax.

I sense the relief flowing through our collective bond. Amaia smiles and leans on Mintaka’s shoulder while she squeezes my hand.

"No matter what, at the end of the day we are a family and I am not a tyrant. I will always want what’s best for all of you and Orion," he says, giving all of us another harsh stare.

"We know." I smile at my father knowing this must be difficult for him.

"I appreciate you accepting our decision," Alnilam’s calm voice comes.

Mama gets up from her sofa and walks over to Amaia. We let our mate go and she stands up to receive her.

Mama places her hands on Amaia’s shoulders. "I wish it was easier but that doesn’t mean we don’t accept you. From today onwards you are part of the family. So welcome."

Amaia’s smile widens at Mama’s acceptance of her.

"Thank you, I appreciate that."

"Let’s have a proper talk after dinner, without these goons." She points towards us trying to make the tense moment light.

Amaia chuckles. "Let’s."

Mama is easy to talk to and it seems that both of them will get along just fine.

"We should head over for dinner and discuss the rest of the details afterwards." Father gets up and all of us follow him to the dining hall. I just pray no trouble comes our way.