(Rigel)

Although I don’t wish to leave Amaia behind, when we are beginning a new Chapter of our lives. I have to, at least for a while.

I must speak to my father sooner rather than later.

"I will be back soon. You take care of your health in my absence." I hold Amaia to myself, basking in her scent.

She wholeheartedly smiles. "I will be fine. Go." I let Saiph take her from my arms.

"Don’t let her do any strenuous activities," I instruct and my brother nods at me.

"Don’t forget, this is your home too," Father Orion told Mom, his voice soft. But I could sense the hints of sadness.

She graciously says. "I know. Thank you for everything." Father Hathial hold her by the waist.

Amaia opens a portal for us. After greeting each other and bidding goodbye to my brothers and father, we pass through the portal and arrive just outside the palace. I stand on the other side and wave at Amaia. She excitedly waves back until the portal closes.

A heaviness and sense of loss falls over me. Mom’s gentle hand rests on my back.

"Sometimes distance brings the loved ones closer," she affectionately says.

"I know but my heart doesn’t want to part with her."

"That’s the pull of the mate bond," father wisely answers. "Walk with me in the garden," he asks. I head towards the ever blossoming garden with red rose bushes.

"I will let you two have a conversation." Mom lets two guards take her inside while I follow my father to the garden.

A quietness remains between us for a while. He walks with the grace of a king. His hands are behind his back and his long coat is grazing his legs. His raven hair is neatly held back.

"Rigel, I know this is a difficult decision for you. Someone you had considered as a father for the entirety of your life and then I came along too." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

I stay quiet and listen, watching the red butterflies dancing on the flowers. The scent that fills the air is pleasing to my senses.

"I will not lie and say I understand or can even begin to comprehend what you have been through. But I will listen if you want to ever share." He turns around and halts. I do the same and we face each other. My father places his hands on my shoulders and squeezes.

"I want to build a relationship with you. 29 years of your life I have missed. And I understand, you might not see me as a father figure....but can we try."

Sincerity and expectation in his voice makes me nod my head.

"Yes, we can. But I want to make something clear. I can’t live here, not for a few years at least. I want to bond with my mate. Help her take care of our baby. Spend time with my brothers. I will visit you but can’t make this place my permanent residence."

I don’t want him to have his hopes raised too high.

"I understand that, Rigel. But, remember my throne will be yours one day. Whenever you decide and see it fitting, come to us. With portal opening powers, you will not be away from her for too long."

That power is a true blessing.

"Yes! I understand."

"I am glad. If it’s not too much to ask, will you be open to meeting a few important people of the kingdom?" He kindly asks.

"I can do that." That brings a hearty smile to his face and he guides me inside the palace.

I am shown to my room which my father has already arranged. The hues of black and blue it carries with heavy furniture. I lay on the bed for a while, resting and thinking about Amaia and my brothers.

I have come a long way, from rotting in a dungeon to being the crown prince of Fudaria.

The dinner is arranged and soon I am called. The guards bring me a new garb. I change into this long princely attire of black and gold. It sits snugly against my skin and yet I can move freely. A special kind of fabric this attire has been created from which even gives free space to my shadows—letting them move easily.

The guards take me to the dining room. The grand golden doors are opened and I enter the spacious place. My eyes take in the people who sit around the table. They stand up seeing me, holding smiles. A man who appears like the younger version of my father and a woman with intelligent eyes and a single streak of white in her hair. Both of them hold reverent smiles on their faces, alongside my mother.

Father steps ahead of everyone and greets me. "Welcome, Rigel. We are glad you joined us. Let me introduce you to our family." He gestures towards the elegant woman.

"She is your grandmother, Arma Kane."

With a wide smile and lingering emotions in her scarlet eyes, she holds her arms open to receive me.

"May I embrace you? Grandson," she asks with quivering lips. My gaze floats to my mother and she offers me an encouraging nod.

I step forward and let her embrace me. A part of me feels complete in her arms as if I am where I belong.

"You are such a delight," she exclaims.

"Thank you for having me," I respectfully say, separating from her and she holds my shoulders.

"You are family. Everything is yours now."

"I appreciate that." With a generous smile, she lets me go and I turn towards the man.

He extends his hand. "I am Hathial’s younger brother but much cooler. Technically I am your uncle. The name is Hakial Kane." He winks at me and I take his hand to shake it.

"Hello, I am Rigel." He places his arm around my body.

"Heard so much and now I am finally meeting you." His eyes sparkle and I can see shadows peeking from under his attire. "Sorry, I have been away on a mission and couldn’t join the war. But, now that I am here, we are going to have some fun times." He leads me forward and helps me settle down.

My father shakes his head. "Don’t try to spoil him in your ways. He has a mate."

"I know I know." He clicks his tongue making others laugh.

We settle down and begin dinner. The conversations easily flow and I don’t feel out of place. I have a whole family here. The ones who cherish me, the ones who want me.

How blessed am I? I have not one but two families. Two fathers, four brothers and now a grandmother and an uncle too.

With these thoughts I smile and let Hakial indulge me.