I looked around the table hoping that someone, anyone, could help me answer that question. The last person I looked at was Cadfael and he returned my gaze. I hoped he could see the distress in my eyes. Instead, he gave me his usual dazzling smile making me wonder what that meant. I finally looked back at the King and still didn't know what to answer.

"About that..." I started as I worked my brain hoping I would find something. But at the same time, I didn't want to have the answer because that would mean that I WILL have to mate with Cadfael at that time. But the matchmaker already said the pairing. I couldn't refuse or go back now.

"After the ceremony..." I said loud enough for the prince to hear.

He looked at me a little surprised, but then he wasn't just smiling, he was beaming. I knew he waited for me for years, so even if I wasn't ready now, I didn't want to deny him what he wanted the most the last few years. I would be ready.

"That's excellent news! It won't be long then," smiled the King as he took a sip from his glass. "Like Darya and Kaito. Talking about the ceremonies, since theirs is in a few days and yours is in a less than a moon, let me put this straight," his tone was now serious, "Everyone's attending. No exception. It would be a great way to promote our Kingdom and maybe get some alliances with Kaito and Llyr Kingdoms," We all nodded and the older man was all smile again.

"Let's enjoy the rest of the evening," added the Queen with her sweet and calming voice.

We all resumed eating sometimes having a small talk here and there. Nothing as tense or as serious as the earlier matter. As we went through the appetizer, the entree and the dessert, I was so full. The food was delicious and there were things that I never ate before, but all in all, it was a joyful experience. Then we walked back into our room, and I was tackled by Hiro. I laughed and took him in my arms.

"So, this is Hiro," the Prince stated as he kneeled down on his tail. He petted Hiro's head and this little one seemed to enjoy it.

"Thank you again," I replied out of nowhere as I looked at my new best friend since I would probably never see Mira again.

"For what?" he answered from the other side of the room as he was showing the seahorse his new house.

"For letting Hiro live with us."

My mate swam back to where I was still sitting on the ground and he took me in his arms, "Anything for you."

I smiled at him and when he said that it was time to go to sleep, I blushed and I immediately started to feel nervous. I was going to share a bed with someone I just met and this merperson was my mate. When he got to his side of the bed, I was still fidgeting on my end not really daring to go lay beside him. I guessed he could see my discomfort since he gently smiled before promising that he would do nothing. I believed him. I tried to believe him, but I still couldn't get myself on the bed. Then he called Hiro, and he let him sleep in the middle of the bed. I gave him a small and shy smile as I finally got on my side of the bed. I apologized and in answer, I heard him chuckle.

"Don't worry, I don't blame you, but I hope that before our ceremony, you'll be used to me."

On those words, we both slowly fell asleep as I could see Hiro between us. I smiled, I was really happy that my mate was so kind and gentle and patient toward me. It felt like, this mating was going to work perfectly.

As I felt some movement beside me, I stretched my arms before wrapping them around Hiro as I snuggled into him. The texture didn't feel right... I slowly opened my eyes and looked in front of me then I slowly trailed my eyes up. I blushed and was about to jump away when Cadfael wrapped his arms around me.

"This is not my fault. You hugged me first," he said teasingly as he kissed on top of my head.

"I-I thought y-you were Hiro," I stumbled over my words as I could feel my burning cheeks. I was hoping that my hair would hide it.

"Can we stay like this for a little while?" he asked as I nodded. I had to get used to him anyway, so why not start today? "I'm really happy, you being here in my arms makes everything a little more real."

I inwardly smiled. I was relieved but happy too that Cadfael was my mate. He was kind, gentle and considerate.

"Me too," I added as I could feel his hold tightening a little and I looked up, finally looking at him, eyes to eyes. I examined his figure, his eyes, his eyebrow, his lips, his jaw, his hair. He was really handsome. "C-can I?" I asked as I slowly approached my hand to his face. When he nodded, I let myself feel his hair, his skin and tried to remember everything under my touch. Without even realizing it, his face was way closer than before. How didn't I realize?

"Ummm," I started to feel a little uncomfortable.

"Can I kiss you?" he bluntly asked as he looked directly into my eyes. Why did he ask for permission when he kissed me the second he saw me?

I didn't dare to look up anymore I just stared down at our flushed body. I breathed a few times before closing my eyes and our lips met. A second later, I pulled away and I could feel the water temperature change around my face. It was burning hot.

When he didn't say anything, I looked up and I saw his most beautiful smile ever. Even his eyes were shining. "You're way too cute," he said before sliding his face into the crook of my neck.