CHAPTER 617: THREE MATES — AND ONE

It was inevitable that Queen Seraphira’s attention drifted to the cardinal alphas standing behind her daughter.

"I see you didn’t come alone," the queen said slowly, a knowing look in her eyes.

Violet’s pulse skipped. "Your Majesty," she began nervously, her hands twisting together, "these are—um—my mates."

Why was it so hard introducing her boyfriends to her mother? Oh, Violet knew why. Acceptance. What if her mother didn’t like them? Nothing would change her mind about her mates, but it would still mean the world if the woman accepted them. All of them.

The queen’s brows rose. "Your Majesty?" she repeated, eyes widening as if she’d just been insulted. "Oh no, no, no, my child. You’re my daughter now. Don’t call me ’Your Majesty’—call me Mother."

The words hit Violet so hard her throat went tight. She’d faced countless battles, but this genuine warmth completely disarmed her.

She nodded shyly, whispering, "Yes, Mother."

Seraphira’s smile deepened before her gaze shifted to the men.

"Quite a harem you’ve built here, daughter," the queen teased lightly as she glided toward them with the grace of a goddess. "When Lilarin told me about them, I almost didn’t believe it. But of course, I should have known. You were made with the Goddess’s blessing, after all."

Her eyes sparkled as she looked the men over, curiously. "Come now, don’t just stand there. Introduce yourselves to your mother-in-law."

At the mention of the word, "mother-in-law", it was as if the queen had given a certain green haired Alpha the permission to be himself aka set loose.

Roman was the first to step forward.

"Roman Draven," he said, bowing with exaggerated grace, his smile wicked and his tone dripping charm. "Your Radiance, had your royal servant Lilarin..."

He deliberately stressed the word servant, earning a murderous glare from Lila behind him.

"...not snatched me away in the middle of battle and given me a heads-up that I was about to meet the legendary Fae Queen, I would have brought flowers. But alas, it is an honor to meet the woman responsible for raising a princess powerful enough to steal four hearts — mine included."

The queen’s lips parted, her hand flying to her chest in mock fluster. "Oh, stars! You’re a charmer! If I weren’t already immortal, you’d have killed me with that line!"

Violet groaned. "Mother, please. Don’t encourage him."

On the bright side, both of them were getting along. That had to count for something, right?

"Encourage him?" Seraphira laughed. "Darling, I’d adopt him if you hadn’t already claimed him!"

Roman winked. "There’s still room in the family for a favorite son-in-law, right?"

Behind him, Griffin muttered under his breath, "Someone’s already ranking up... most annoying son-in-law."

Queen Seraphira must have caught his grumbling because her attention shifted instantly to him, and Griffin straightened so fast it was almost military.

Then he gave a polite bow, composed and courteous.

"Griffin Hale, Your Majesty. It’s a privilege to meet you. You have a beautiful kingdom."

Seraphira looked visibly impressed. "Oh, polite, respectful, and well-built. You’re the responsible one, aren’t you?"

"You flatter me, Your Majesty."

"I think I’ll sleep comfortably knowing my daughter has you for support."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Griffin couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at his lips. He was delighted to know he’d made an impression on her.

When Queen Seraphira moved on, Roman threw an arm around Griffin’s shoulder, giving him a congratulatory pat that practically said, "Good work, brother."

With a calm smile, Griffin grabbed that hand and squeezed hard. A small crack echoed in the air, sharp enough to make Roman’s eyes water.

Roman winced in silence, shooting Griffin a wounded look that clearly said, "Why you gotta do me like that, man?" But Griffin’s expression stayed perfectly straight, as if nothing had happened.

Violet watched the exchange unfold, a crease forming between her brows. The Fae realm definitely wasn’t ready for her men.

Alaric stepped forward next, his white hair glinting faintly as if it drank in the moonlight.

His voice was steady when he spoke. "Alaric Storm, at your service, Your Majesty. I’ve read about the Fae and their magic, but none of it compares to seeing it in person."

He paused, glancing around the luminous hall. "Words aren’t enough to describe the mysteries my eyes have seen tonight, or is it still day?"

The question carried a boyish curiosity. Even though it was clearly night, this realm pulsed with such magic that it felt as though the Fae could bend time itself.

"It is indeed night," the queen confirmed, smiling. "I love aesthetics, so I made the palace mirror the loveliness of the night sky."

Her gaze swept over him appraisingly. "Flattery delivered with humility," she said approvingly. "You’re the scholar. How refreshing."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Alaric bowed slightly, the corners of his mouth twitching in shy pride.

And then there was Asher.

Unlike the other Alphas, Queen Seraphira’s smile vanished the moment her eyes met his.

Violet straightened at once, unease prickling down her spine. Asher Nightshade was different from the others, and she was certain her mother sensed it too. She only hoped her mother saw what she saw in him.

Asher hadn’t moved an inch since they entered. His slitted eyes followed the queen with calculation. Then, he inclined his head slightly. "Asher Nightshade, your majesty," he said simply.

Zephira studied him in silence, her gaze sharp and penetrating. "You’re not mated to my daughter," she observed.

"Not yet," Asher replied with cool confidence. "But I’m next in line."

The room seemed to hold its breath. Even the other Cardinal Alphas went still, knowing this was an important moment, and first impressions mattered.

To everyone’s surprise, Queen Seraphira stepped closer and cupped his cheek. Asher stiffened instinctively, startled by the touch, but didn’t move away. He could sense no malice in her, still, his guard stayed up. One never fully trusted a Fae.

"I see cracks in you," Queen Seraphira murmured, her tone soft but piercing. "Why do you carry such heaviness in your soul?" Her gaze deepened, as if she could see straight into the fractures of his spirit.

Asher’s jaw tightened. Then he stepped back, breaking whatever connection had formed between them.