“Thank you, both of you. I couldn’t have done any of this without your support. To be able to complete my first mission with I.R.M.A. as the lead ambassador means so much.” The weight of Ryler’s hand on mine, a warmth lingering there that felt as intimate as it did comforting.
Then Bayn entered, quieter than usual, his scholarly demeanor touched with signs of strain. Though he said nothing, I felt his empathy, his telepathic abilities creating a subtle bridge of understanding that connected us all. “We each have our own way of coping,” he finally said. “But it’s clear we need each other.”
A silence settled over the room, a connection that was as comforting as it was vulnerable. I glanced at each of them, seeing my own struggles reflected back in their eyes.
Kas broke the silence, his voice filled with a rare softness. “Maisie, you’re more than just an ambassador to us. You’ve become someone we deeply care for.”
Ryler nodded, his eyes reflecting both admiration and affection. “Yes, Maisie. I think it’s time we acknowledge what we’re all feeling here.”
A flutter of excitement and apprehension rose in my chest, heightened by the closeness of their presence. “I feel a connection with each of you too, but it’s complicated,” I said slowly. “I don’t want our personal lives to interfere with our duties to Xeno Prime.”
Bayn stepped closer, his telepathic presence adding a layer of understanding that transcended words. “We understand, Maisie. Our commitment to you and to Xeno Prime is unwavering. We believe our relationships can coexist harmoniously with our responsibilities.”
A sense of reassurance settled over me as I absorbed his words. The soft morning light filtered across the room, and in its glow, I felt the possibilities opening up—a chance for somethingmore. “Kas, Ryler, Bayn,” I began, my voice steady and sure, “I couldn’t possibly choose.”
The three princes exchanged meaningful glances, and in their expressions, I saw echoes of my own hope and resolve. Kas’s hand covered mine, his touch gentle yet grounding. “We’re in this together, Maisie,” he said. “For the good of Xeno Prime and for each other.”
Ryler’s smile, usually so carefree, was now laced with sincerity. “We’ll support each other every step of the way, no matter what comes.”
Bayn’s quiet nod and telepathic connection conveyed his wholehearted agreement, binding us together with an unspoken promise. “You don’t need to choose,” he said. “In our culture it is natural for brothers to share a woman. Our population has been a majority of men for generations, so our women have always been cherished.”
Kas added, “One of the reasons we reached out to I.R.M.A was to assist the men in finding mates since the population of women is still dwindling.”
“I wasn’t made aware of that in my reports,” I said.
“Of course we didn’t let that secret out just yet. We had to make sure that our alliance was going to work.” Bayn said.
“I have a great idea!” Ryler excitedly shouted.
Chapter 17
Victory and Revelation
The palace ballroom had been transformed into a breathtaking celebration hall, alive with triumphant orchestral music and the laughter of citizens finally at ease. It was Ryler’s idea to have a gathering–a celebration of sorts. Twinkling lights draped from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the elegantly decorated space. The scent of delectable dishes mingled with the soft fragrance of blooming orchids, filling my senses as I moved through the crowd, greeted by smiles of gratitude and words of thanks.
Standing across the room from the three princes, I felt the luxurious fabric of my gown as it brushed against my skin, a delicate contrast to the smooth marble beneath my feet. Around us, glasses clinked and toasts were made, the hum of voices merging into a harmonious backdrop to the evening’s celebrations.
Kas approached first, his regal attire immaculate, his expression one of pride and relief. “We couldn’t have achieved this victory without you, Maisie,” he said, his voice warm with gratitude. “Tonight is a testament to our strength and unity.”
Ryler raised his glass, his smile brighter than the lights overhead. “Here’s to Maisie, our fearless ambassador and the heart of our team.” The sparkle in his eyes and the cool smile he was wearing conveyed his sincerity.
Bayn gave a small, approving nod, his usually reserved demeanor softened by genuine emotion. “To unity and the bonds that hold us together,” he said, his tone steady.
The crowd’s energy was infectious, each handshake and embrace from grateful citizens and allies adding to the joy. Yet, even as I reveled in the celebration, I couldn’t help but feel my thoughts return to the deeper connection I shared with each of the princes—a connection that had only strengthened through all we’d endured.
Eventually, I slipped away to a quiet corner, finding solace in the plush velvet drapes that softened the bustling atmosphere. The princes soon found me, their expressions hinting at an unspoken understanding. Kas stepped forward first, his presence grounding me.
“Maisie,” he began, his voice gentle but resolute. “There’s something we still need to discuss with you.”
Before I could respond, Ryler and Bayn joined us, each carrying a mixture of concern and anticipation. Ryler’s hand met mine briefly in a gesture of solidarity. “We need finish that conversation about us.”
I took a deep breath, sensing the shift in their tone. “What’s on your minds?”
Kas’s gaze held a rare vulnerability as he spoke. “Maisie, the experiences we’ve shared have brought us closer than we could have foreseen. We need to address the complexities of our relationships.”
Ryler nodded, his characteristic charm softened into genuine sincerity. “We care deeply for you, Maisie. We are happy to share you–your love.”
Bayn’s silent presence conveyed his own internal struggles, his telepathic abilities amplifying the depth of his feelings. “Our emotions are undeniable, Maisie. We have a way to honor them. Also, we should tell you that we mate for life.” His stoic presence made a pit in my stomach while butterflies kicked the bottom of my lungs.