The warm light coming into the royal castle’s bedroom roused Tina from her sleep. Taking a deep breath, she released a long, silent yawn, moving her hands to rub her eyes. After partially getting rid of the remaining feeling of morning sluggishness, she sighed weakly.

As usual, the soft, comfy sheets hugged her body lovingly, trying to prevent her from leaving the bed in pursuit of daily responsibilities. She didn’t remember the last time she had slept this well so today’s influence was even stronger. But, she shouldn’t let herself be lazy and show up late for the family breakfast before she had to leave for school.

Lying on her right side, Tina reached out with her eyes still closed, aiming to grab the edge of the sheets and sit up. Unfortunately, both actions were interrupted almost at the same time, throwing her into brief confusion. Not only had her hand bumped into something soft but also an unexpected obstruction held her body down.

Tina lifted her eyelids and froze. The sight of a beautiful, white-haired lady resting a short distance from her caused her brain to pause for a second. Everything regarding the previous day came back to her the moment Selene showed a tiny smirk on her clearly awake face.

The obstruction she had noticed earlier was also explained shortly afterward. Someone’s arm lay over her waist, gently grabbing it and lightly pulling it back. What she had earlier assumed was the sheets, turned out to be Asterios instead, embracing her lovingly from the back as she had somehow ended up as his little spoon.

She met the fox lady’s gaze and blushed immediately, realizing the position she was in. Selene chuckled subtly as a smile rose on her lips.

“What’s there to be embarrassed about?” she asked quietly.

Before Tina could answer, some rustling arrived from behind Selene and Miria’s head popped into her vision. The sleepy panthergirl rested her cheek on her friend’s shoulder and threw her arm over Selene’s body with an adorable groan. She lazily opened one eye and glanced at Tina.

“I’m jealous… Waking up to Master’s warm breath tickling your ears is just bliss… We need to rework our rotation before the next time…”

Finishing her sentence, Miria slid off Selene’s body and landed back on the bed with a soft thump, disappearing from Tina’s sight. Soon after, they could hear her faint breathing, announcing that their black-haired friend had again entered the dreamland.

That cute scene brought a tender smile onto Tina’s lips, allowing her to get rid of the initial shyness. She retracted her hand, which was still poking Selene’s toned belly, and moved her gaze up to her face.

“I guess nothing. It will take a moment to get used to, haha,” she answered as quietly as she could.

“Used to what?”

Suddenly hearing Ast’s voice from behind her made Tina jolt a little and she hit his chin with her head, causing him to groan in response. She hastily curled herself in.

“Sorry!”

“It’s okay. I had it worse.” Asterios chuckled lightly and rubbed her waist. “Good morning. Slept well?” He kissed her hair from above.

Tina placed her hand over his and smiled warmly. “Yeah. It might have been the best rest I ever had. I don’t think I’ve ever slept so well back at ho—oh no...”

“What’s wrong?” Selene asked, noticing Tina’s expression quickly turning sober.

“I forgot to tell my parents we would be staying. I only said that we were going for a visit. They must be really worried.”

“It’s alright. They know,” Asterios said.

“How so?” She turned her head to the side, trying to catch a glimpse of his face.

“Umbra was nice enough to jump back and inform them about our brief sleepover. You should have seen your father’s face.”

“I can imagine.” Tina giggled adorably. “Please, thank him for me. I was totally out of it yesterday since the moment we arrived here.”

“Sure but you can always do it yourself, can’t you?” He raised a brow at her.

“Oh. Right.”

Tina focused her scattered thoughts and found the connection between her, Asterios, and all his other familiars. It felt much deeper and stronger than before, completely different from what she had been used to.

~Thank you, Umbra,~ she said inside their shared mental link.

~You are welcome. Don’t feel afraid to request my help anytime. Shadow Movement isn’t much for me,~ he replied.

~I will.~

Returning her attention to Asterios and Selene, she found the former looking at her from above, supporting himself on his elbow by her side. Her eyes made contact with his and briefly skipped down to his lips.

Clearly picking up the hint, he slowly leaned down and left a gentle peck on Tina’s dainty lips, which she quickly reciprocated with her own light kiss, gaining a faint shade of crimson on her pretty cheeks.

Sparing her any further embarrassment, Asterios sat up and extended his hand to her, helping Tina raise herself too. Afterward, he brushed through her long azure hair to fix it up a little bit, evoking another kind smile from his new companion and mate.

As they looked at each other lovingly, Selene crawled closer and rested her body on Ast’s from the front. He wrapped his arm around her waist and entered a kiss with the fox lady too.

They soon parted and she chuckled tenderly. “Good morning, my Lord.”

He nodded at her while caressing her fluffy tail and glanced around. “Where’s Miria? She’s usually all over me right from the start.”

Selene moved slightly to the side and revealed the peacefully sleeping panthergirl to his sight. They both snickered a bit after seeing Miria sprawled over the bed with her slim tummy completely exposed to the world.

“Well. Someone has to wake her up or we will be late for breakfast with the king,” he said, exchanging glances with the other two.

“I know just the right person to do that.” Selene smiled at him and released Asterios from her hug.

Knowing well what she meant, he arrived above Miria and lovingly brushed her cheek. Unfortunately, that did nothing so Asterios chose to tickle her belly a little. While that action brought out quite some giggling and chuckling from the panthergirl, she still remained unconscious.

Forced to bring out the heavy arsenal, he leaned down and blew a bit of air at the tip of Miria’s rounded ear. It twitched adorably and she stirred, mumbling to herself cutely. She needed two more puffs to finally scrunch her face and lift her eyelids.

Finding Asterios right above her, she stared deep into his crimson irises. She slowly slid her hands over his chest, joined them behind his back, and pulled him down, joining their lips in a passionate kiss. Miria savored the moment and dove deep with her tongue, locking Ast’s hot muscle in a wild dance for almost a full minute.

He withdrew himself first, watching her chase after his mouth a little bit, making him smile at her cute behavior. Someone chuckled on the side and Miria turned her face towards the source.

“Ah.”

She immediately turned into a tomato after noticing Tina and Selene staring at her, squirming under Asterios. She giggled shyly, hiding her red face in his chest.

“Is this how you start every morning?” Tina asked with an amused tone.

“Some of them.” Asterios shrugged, raising both Miria and himself to a sitting position. “Does it bother you?”

She quickly shook her hands. “No, of course not, hahaha!”

“Technically, we usually start with much less clothing than this,” Selene added with a smirk. “Though, the last time we woke up here, we wore quite some bite marks instead.”

Tina immediately blushed, trying to imagine Ast’s chest covered in bites and how they had come to be. She already knew of that night from the girls, at least to some extent.

A light knock on the door made her jump and they turned towards the entrance.

“It’s me, Nola, sir Hestizo. May I come in?”

Asterios glanced at Tina and she nodded, letting him know that she didn’t mind. She appreciated him asking, though.

“Yes, please,” he answered and the familiar maid entered the chamber.

“Oh. I thought there were two like the last time. My apologies, I should have brought more towels.” She looked at Tina with slight surprise.

“It’s okay. We can always use some of ours. Thank you for delivering these,” he replied.

Miria bumped into Asterios from behind and her face popped up next to his.

“Or we can just share one with Master!” She beamed a smile at the maid, still slightly blushing from her earlier display.

He softly bonked her on the head and turned back to Nola. “Are we being expected already?”

“Please, take your time. The breakfast will begin in half an hour. I will wait outside to guide you when you are ready. You, sir Hestizo, and your… ummm… companions?”

“Wives.” Selene smirked.

“Wives!” Miria beamed again.

“W-Wives…” Even Tina joined them very quietly, glancing down at the sheets.

Asterios looked between them and shrugged. “Wives.”

A faint blush surfaced on Nola’s light cheeks as she nodded. Following it with a polite bow, she walked out of the room.

“I thought it was mates?” Asterios asked curiously.

“I think wives suit your realm better, doesn’t it, my Lord?” Selene chuckled softly. “And it certainly has much more impact on others.”

He shook his head with a wry smile. “Spare the maid from your teasing. And Tina too.”

“I’m okay… It isn’t… exactly wrong…” The person in question giggled shyly.

Asterios patted her head dearly. “I guess it’s not. Although, not completely true either. We need a wedding first, technically. I can’t imagine one with so many brides.”

“I can!” Miria showed up by their sides. “I once attended a wedding of a certain Tigerkin who had four mates when they finally hosted the ceremony!”

“We might need the guidance of your family if we ever decide to host one like that.” He chuckled.

“Ah. But I’m fine having each one separate too if you would like to go first, Tina, since yours is already planned. I don’t even need a ceremonial wedding at all. I’m already bound to Master with something much more profound than just some verbal vows,” Miria shared her thoughts.

“I… Ummmm… I don’t know…”

“We have time and plenty of chances to think or talk about it. First, let’s get ready to join Silvia and the king,” Asterios suggested, still brushing through Tina’s hair, who was clearly trying to come up with a decision already.

“Yep! Let’s jump under the shower fast! Should we wait while you go first with Master?” Miria glanced at her.

Tina shook her head. “No. I would hate to get in your way. I’ll go with everyone.”

“As long as you are comfortable.” He smiled at her and helped Tina get off the bed.

They quickly entered the small bathroom together and jumped under the shower just as Miria had said. Tina was a little anxious at first but grew more relaxed and accustomed after seeing the friendly, casual atmosphere between Asterios and the girls.

The way he cared for their ears and tails captivated her. Both Miria and Selene showed joyful and almost melting expressions while experiencing his treatment. She had thought it would get inappropriate quite quickly but they never went further than cleaning each other and perhaps sneaking in a few teases now and then for some chuckles and giggles.

After their turn was finished, they pulled Tina in and employed her help in washing Asterios. Again, without much mischief, they dealt with the task pretty quickly and she was glad Miria and Selene had made her join as it was great practice with a lot of fun they shared together. She really felt like they were trying their best to help her fit in.

Getting done with the shower, everyone hastily dried each other up and hopped into fresh clothes, brought by Nola just like during their last visit. As they had expected, she snuck in another set and one more towel while they were in the bathroom.

Ready as much as they could, Asterios and the girls followed the maid to the same dining hall too and entered the spacious chamber. Welrond and Silvia were already seated at their side of the table while four chairs awaited Ast’s party opposite them.

Everyone sat down and breakfast began. Tina still couldn’t believe she was taking part in the king’s morning feast when just the previous day she had still been a mere student of the Rosewind’s academy. So much had happened in less than twenty-four hours.

“So, I hope you had a pleasant night,” Welrond spoke first.

“Very, Your Majesty. I’ve never rested in such an exquisite chamber. It’s truly an honor to have a chance to spend a night at the royal castle,” Tina answered with an official tone and a respectful nod.

The king chuckled a little. “Please, enough of that. This is just a casual meeting and we are all friends here. At least I do consider Asterios’ friends my friends too. Welrond is fine when we are alone.”

“I’ll try to keep that in mind…” She smiled shyly.

“Besides, you will soon be one of us. If you accept the invitation, that is. No one is forcing you into making either decision. I saw the recording of your duel and I’m impressed. It would be a shame to lose such a talented recruit but I would hate to put pressure on you.”

“You are doing just that by praising her, Father,” Silvia interjected.

“Right. Apologies.” The king laughed softly again.

“I think there’s no reason for me not to accept it. Unless my responsibilities wouldn’t let me see Asterios for longer periods of time…” Tina glanced at the man.

“Then there’s no worry. I’m sure Silvia has already mentioned that you will be free to accompany Asterios on his journeys, only required to show up when called or for important celebrations. After you complete the initiation, of course.”

“Initiation?” Miria tilted her head adorably.

“Just a short event during which you will summon a beast companion which also serves as your mount,” Silvia explained. “The members of your assigned squad participate in it too and give their assistance, guidance, tips, hints, and such. It’s like a personal introduction to some extent, even more since you are a Summoner yourself.”

“Can Asterios assist me or can it only be people from the team?” Tina asked.

“Hmmmm…” Welrond stroked his chin. “I guess there’s nothing against that. I’m not sure if we will achieve the desired result as easily with an outsider instead of someone already contracted with the winged tribe, though.”

“We can at least try and see, right?” Silvia joined in. “After what I had seen, I believe Asterios won’t have an issue attracting the attention of a winged tiger. It doesn’t even compare to the entities he can summon.”

Asterios glanced at Silvia. “Did you already talk about our expedition to the Demon Continent?”

Welrond groaned while rolling his eyes. “She didn’t want to tell any details, only teasing me all the time. You should have seen the smirk on her face. I can tell something is different and it’s eating me inside out.”

The princess smiled faintly. “I didn’t want to ruin the surprise, or to disclose any sensitive information without you present.”

Shortly after Silvia finished her sentence, an orange aura surrounded her figure and formed spiritual plates and a diadem of fire. Welrond slammed his fist into the table and chuckled.

“I knew it! I just knew that you had advanced shortly after departing! There was no other reason you would cut me off that early! I’m so proud! And grateful, of course.” The king showed a wide smile at Asterios.

“It was only a matter of time. Although, the circumstances of that weren’t the best. We attempted another summoning and it got a bit dangerous,” he replied wryly.

“Did something happen?” Welrond looked between him and Silvia.

Asterios nodded at her and she turned to her father. “He summoned a Dragon.”

The king’s brows immediately shot up. “You summoned a Dragon?!”

“And not just a Dragon but a True Dragon,” she added.

“Unconceivable! You now have a Dragon under you?”

“Unfortunately, that Dragon was hostile, thus the dangerous situation. But, we managed to kill it before anyone got seriously hurt,” Asterios explained.

“Dangerous my ass! You took down a damn Dragon!” Welrond couldn’t hide his amazement.

“Well… Not without assistance but yeah.”

“From who?”

“Possibly my father.”

“Oh? Did you manage to do something about that seal of yours, then?”

Asterios shook his head. “I didn’t meet him personally. It was more like some kind of a spell he put on me that activated on its own. Although, we did push through part of the seal later, which is somehow related to him. And to Teira.”

Welrond frowned slightly. “Do you mean the village of Teira? The one plagued by the curse after being razed to the ground by bandits?”

“And the same one in which my mother found me amongst the burning rubble. Also, the same one that our party visited some time ago.”

“Wait. Does that mean…”

Asterios nodded. “Perhaps by accident, but we are the ones who took the curse down. I apologize for not mentioning that earlier.”

“You are just full of surprises. I guess I should thank you. That case never let me rest.”

“I wouldn’t be so hasty.” He smiled wryly. “I’m actually expecting a completely opposite reaction due to the connection I share with that village, which I would very much like not to.”

“What do you mean? I know it might be tough but being the lone survivor shouldn’t be that bad. And from what you said, there’s a chance that your father is alive, no?” Welrond wondered out loud.

“Yes, there’s a chance that he’s still alive. But, he’s also most likely the person who razed the entire village and burned all the inhabitants alive.”

The king frowned deeply again. “What?”

“We already talked about my possible draconic origins. There’s a high chance that my father really is a True Dragon, and also the person behind the entire story of the village of Teira.”

“That’s impossible. No one has seen a single Dragon in centuries.” Welrond shook his head.

Asterios summoned a crystal from his spatial ring and tossed it at him. He had prepared a recording of that memory beforehand just for this occasion. The king closed his eyes after catching the item and everyone waited for him to finish watching the scene. In the meanwhile, Silvia received one too since Asterios didn’t want to leave her out. As for Tina, Umbra shared it with her directly.

A few short minutes later, Welrond opened his eyes, rested the crystal on the table, and supported his chin on his joined hands while assuming a serious expression.

"So, it's like this..."