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."
