"So, was she killed by your father? Ja's mom."

Mew looks down to his chest and smiles sadly at his wife's worry filled eyes looking up to him. Gulf looks so small and adorable, with his face on Mew's chest.

"Yes. Do not look so surprised, beloved. My father was..."

Gulf sighs.

"You are saying the Lineage Riot actually does not kill the person who asks for paternity test."

"It is the spell that is casted along with the blood. Normally, Lineage Riot is done when the King does not want to disclose his parenthood. Except in our case. The burns on the lady was different that means, father casted another spell after the test. No one questions the King. So in the scrolls..."

"Your father is innocent and the traitor died a horrible death."

Mew gently rubs his hand on Gulf's soft hair.

"Why did he not kill Ja, then?"

"Because even the King cannot hide the truth from revealing. Act of Gods, I say. For whatever sadistic reasons, father gave the kid to me. To kill, mind you. But he did not want to come off as a child killer. Instead Ja was supposed to be my 'training companion'."

Mew closes his eyes in memory and Gulf notices the slight fond smile on his hubby's face.

"Normally they were animals; to torture and brutally murdered by me. All part of my army training. But... it felt odd to slash your weapon against some person who is small and just stands there crying, you know. Ja looked ready to die. I felt... I do not know what I felt. I did not even know who the kid was, then."

Mew gave him a wooden sword to counter attack, like how his masters did. The kid could barely pick it up but he stood there hiccupping.

"I fed him. Taught him how to fight me." Mew chuckles. "His change was remarkable. He is somebody I know is equal to me in close combat fighting and weapon attack. But with no wizardry on his own. Yet, he has developed quite a big shield with all my spell attacks."

Gulf can hear the pride in Mew's voice.

"It was fun, you know. Hiding him under my bed; then lying next to him on floor to sleep. He wanted to follow me everywhere." Mew smiles. " Ja looks just like father. Maybe one of the reason he wears helmet even during off-duty."

Gulf cannot even imagine.

"I thought he was happy. I told father that the kid was killed during one of my weapon training. I still remember his smile. Maybe one of the rare occasions when he called me son." Mew snorts. "When he thought I had killed my half-brother, suddenly he remembered I was his son."

Gulf blinks back his tears.

"He wanted to be in Grogithan. I refused. Ja is not my bodyguard, yet he wanted to. Though at that time I did not know why, I now know he was seeking existence. He wanted an identity of his own. He refused to stop being my shadow though. Hence, his solution was joining Grogithan. I knew he would ace the competitions but he stopped being my little brother. I could not even see his face every day but... he was happy. So, I had to swallow the sour pill."

Gulf pecks Mew's cheek. "You love him."

"No! He is too annoying."

Gul shakes his head.

"When father died and I became the Emperor, I told him he could come out but he was not ready. Ja was scared though he never told me. I told him I could make him the King. Even wrote off a fort for him but he still refused to be away from me. Still a little kid inside, you know. He cannot be the Emperor for his mother was not my father's first wife. But he deserved all of it; he was my father's son. He could demand land, a palace or anything... instead he wanted my silence. He was ashamed of his paternal heritage."

"Do you miss him?"

"What for? He is here whenever I want."

"Not as the brother you want."

Mew remains silent for a few seconds. "Well he is alive and healthy and no one has sabotaged his safety to get me. So, in one way his decision is the wisest."

Mew smirks. "Then you came along. He did not know about the contract or who you truly were or anything, but he always had keen eyes for justice. No wonder he stuck to your side; protecting you with his life."

"He did and still does."

The couple lies there savouring each other's skin through simple but soul embracing touches.

"You will bless their joining, won't you, P'Mew?"

Mew takes a deep breath. "What choice do I have? He came to you with his news of love. That itself says the bastard is deep in love. He was forwarding proposal the traditional way. He does not have a mother. He came to you to tell the news to his older brother- I, who stand as his guardian. Now, it is my responsibility to do whatever I can, for the bride's hand."

"I do not think Ja was thinking it that way. He just wants First to be safe."

"Still... knowing my young brother has fallen in love and he goes to my mate with the news; scared to break it to me... I cannot ignore the alignment of fate."

"You do believe me when I say First does not love me like a lover, don't you? The kid is confused. He never had anyone expect me. To be precise, my letters."

Mew sighs. "I really want to believe you."

"He reminds me of myself. How I only had your beautiful pictures on a shiny magazine."

Mew gulps down his fear but his wife with his beautiful eyes, finds it in a blink. The stare is so unnerving and Mew is pressured to tell the truth.

"Look what happened to us. We are in love. Deeply. And the reason is only because you fell in love with me first..." Mew captures Gulf's lips in a kiss. "and why is that? Because of my pictures on those stupid magazines."

"You are afraid if something happens between us, it will be easy for me love First just like that."

Mew turns his face away, shame filling his pores.

He knows his Gulf is far too perfect for him and if Gulf can fall in love with Mew with just pictures, there are chances for First to fall in love with Gulf because of letters too. What if one day Gulf wakes up and can only remember how Mew once was? What if Gulf finally understand Mew is just a broken man with no one to love him and decide he would rather be with...

Gulf can clearly read his husband's thoughts and his heart aches. Maybe it was himself who was hurt during their first few years but now look at his husband, living each day with fear of losing his love.

"Trust me, please."

"Gulfie! Of course, I trust you. I know you have no love or affection or whatever towards the kid like a faen would."

"Not that, tee-rak. First is not in love with me. If he was, he would not have let me go." Gulf straddles his hubby's lap. "How many times have I been away from palace? Huh? And how many opportunities were there for him to seek out for me? He never did. When you finally fell in love with me, you bloody let your whole empire go. Your whole existence; you tilted for me. Trust me, hubby, the kid is a puppet."

Mew nods even though the fear will not let him smile.

"Even if, by any chance he is in love with me, I do not care. I have you. I love you. You are my child's father and the man who has mated to me for eternity. P'Mew I would not have anyone else to hold me like a lover."

Now, that makes Mew smile and he cradles Gulf back to his chest as his wife falls asleep.

The next few days Mew does try his best to analyse First's options but nothing looks so promising. Conspiring against the Royal Marriage is one of the deadly crimes of the country. And like it is proven in the Aan's case, the only way First can come out of it unscathed is by admitting someone else was pressuring him to do so.

The same way Aan has pushed his mother to take the heat. At least Nyraal and Lord Cyas are put together in cell for Gulf is kind to the couple who were once parental figures to his beloved husband.

Mew and Gulf waits for Ja in the Royal Chamber and the man enters without meeting the Emperor's eyes.

Ja stops in front of the Royal Couple and squirms. He does not know how to face Mew.

His clenches and unclenches his palm. He has no answers to justify his choice of picking a person who is in lov... no; who claims to be in love with the Empress; his brother-in-law.

"Baby brother!" Ja hears a squeak and the Empress, his big brother's wife hugs him tight. He feels awkward for no one ever has hugged him the Gulf is now hugging him. "All these times..."

Gul sniffles and Ja is surprised he is sniffling himself. Wait when has he started crying?

"I... am s... sorry." Ja whimpers.

"Not your fault. None of this is your fault. You hear? Can't believe, you, my Loyal Friend, was actually my little brother." Gulf cups Ja's face. "Thank you for trusting me and protecting me."

Gulf hugs Ja one more time and gives the man two affectionate pats before sitting next to husband, knowing Mew has to talk to Ja.

"Do you have any idea about the situation you have put us all in?" Mew booms and Ja nods looking down at the floor.

"Are you aware of the political strain on us if someone knows about your faen making a pass on the Empress?"

Gulf opens his mouth but then decides it will be for best if he sits this one out.

"I apologize on his behalf, Emperor."

"What about the embarrassment we have to face, when people know it is your brother-in-law and faen that has caused the scandal?"

"My brother-in-law, Gulf, is innocent. He is not part of this scandal." Ja states; his voice steady despite his being unable to face Mew and answer looking into the man's eyes.

"What about our family honour?" Mew stands right in front of Ja, almost smiling, remembering how exactly Ja's posture is, to the first time Mew saw him.

Ja falls to Mew's feet. "I am so... sorry. I... First is not a bad person. He... He..."

Mew pulls Ja to his feet, clutching on the crying brother's shoulders. "I am not angry though I should. You are my brother. No matter how stupid I think you are, nothing will change that. You are my family. So, I have no honour any more than you have. If you think this kid is whoever you say he is... I believe you."

Ja hugs Mew with a jump.

"Only if he stays away from my wife." Mew groans.

"Do you approve?" Ja asks in a mumble.

"When have I ever not approved your requests?" Mew asks, breaking the hug for some allergy is making his eyes water.

Ja quickly looks at Gulf and ducks his head.

Mew growls. "That does not count. A husband has all the authority to track down his wife despite one's protests."

Gulf gladly tucks himself under Mew's stretched hand.

"Now, that I have told you what I feel about this as your brother, listen to your Emperor."

Ja gulps; his heart falling to the stomach.

"According to our imperial law, First is a criminal. Now, I know you may object but the evidences are against him. His announcement of loving 'my wife' is also against him. But there is a loophole. Get him to admit someone has threatened him to elope with Gulf. The purpose was only to ruin the Royal Marriage. Clearly state there is no love from his side. Tell the truth about manipulation from Cyas family. Then you two have to marry."

"T... that soon? I do not want to push him to a marriage with me by force, brother."

"As your brother, I am sympathetic but as your Emperor, I say you have no choice. Gulf is innocent for he bears my mark on the small of his back. First does not. He has to marry someone to prove he has no attachment with Gulf whatsoever. At this point, you are his best option."

Ja is dumbstruck. Marrying First is a dream come true but not like this. This is more or less a blackmail and Ja would rather... no he cannot have First dead.

First has barely started having a life. Being the step child of a mother who genuinely forgets about his existence, First wanted an identity. A feeling Ja can understand.

"Convince him." Mew states and Gulf nods along with his husband. "We have no choice. I accept him to our family for I believe you and my wife. If you two think the kid is only a troubled soul... then he is. I trust your love for him Ja. Go... I have a feeling, just like me, fate is playing in your love life too."

Gulf understands the Ja's dilemma – to have an unrequited love is painful but to marry someone who he thinks may never love back is excruciating.

"Ja..." Gulf calls and the man's sad eyes hurt his heart. "We are here. Big or small, you know, you have a home here. First too. If you think it is too difficult, just come back here."

Gulf waves and a tear drops from Ja's eyes.

Mew does not want to be surprised but he is, when he hears about the news of First agreeing to marry Ja. Of course, it is the kid's life in line but Mew was so sure Gulf's name will be dragged into the matter but... no.

If anything the kid cried to the letters that somehow he hid from Mew's eyes.

Maybe his wife has always been right all along.

Why else love a piece of paper instead of the whole deal that is right next to you?

Love is such a strange occurring.

Here Mew is already missing his wife so crazily. Even his son's adorable blabber cannot keep him from thinking about Gulf. He does not know why but the bed indeed feels so cold without Gulf next to him.

Thorn jumps on Mew's stomach and a painful exhalation leaves the powerful Lion's mouth as a groan.

"... an Baby Sa, kyed." Thorn blows a raspberry on his dad's chest.

"Aw... what did you do then? When baby San cried."

"kiss kiss. Then we pay with leeees."

"Good boy, Thorn. What did you make with leaves?"

Mew is left unanswered as his son starts another story. Thorn climbs up this father's body and sits on the man's chest before leaning to the man's ear, whispering. "Baby Ton fa on stone."

"You did? Were you hurt son?"

Thorn nods with a pout.

"Where? Why did you not tell mae? Or me?"

"Baby s paying and fa. Mae tayk baby owie. No pay." Mew shakes his head. Gulf is not that bad but from his kids' perspective mama will indeed stop them from playing until the owie is tended.

Thorn mimics how he had fallen on the stone. "Owie." He whispers to his dad.

"Owie where?" Mew is worried.

Thorn pokes at his right knee but refuses his father from taking his pants off to check. "Let dad check, son. I can kiss it better."

"NO!" Thorn pushes Mew's hand away and keeps on jumping on his dad, already moving on to another story.

Mama comes to the bedroom rubbing his eyes and yawing but smiles seeing his son and father messing around in bed.

"I thought you were supposed to make our son sleep." Gulf asks on the way to the bathroom.

Mew shrugs showing his helplessness and his wife closes the bathroom door with a sigh.

"Mama baby owie." Thorn screams just as Gulf comes back and Mew knows his wife will start worrying.

"Not that bad, tua-eng. He is fine."

Mew is ignored.

"Owie? On my baby?" Gulf climbs on the bed and Thorn tucks himself close to his mother. "Show mae."

Mew blinks when Thorn gladly helps his mae to take off his pants and shows a dark mark on his knee with an over exaggerated pout.

"This is not bad?!" Gulf glares at his hubby and Mew imitates a fish.

"Mae... owie." Thorn whimpers and there goes his wife completely ignoring him and focusing only on their child.

That little turd! He was fine just a few moments ago!

"Aww... is okay sweet. Why did you not tell mae earlier? Does it hurt?" Thorn nods and Gulf melts. He presses a gentle kiss on his son's knee. "Owie will go by tomorrow."

Gulf pulls Thorn tighter to his chest and places that little leg over his stomach. "Keep your leg on mama, okay baby? It will all go away."

Thorn nods and happily suckles on immi.

Gulf caresses Thorn head and kissing his forehead.

Mew shakes his head. If the little bastard only had this much focus while he runs, compared to drinking mae's milk he would not get an owie in the first place.

"P'Mew the skin is really green. Maybe he is in real pain." Gulf worriedly tells his hubby.

Mew hugs Gulf by his waist. "He is fine. He fell in the evening. He just wanted a kiss from you. Now that he got it, it is all fine."

"Still..." Gulf looks down to his boy who has fallen asleep; the baby mouth still open around his nipple. "He is sleeping with us tonight."

Mew groans as silent as he can but his wife hears it.

"What does that supposed to mean!"

"N... nothing! Nothing! I just remembered that I have an early case to attend."

"He is sleeping with us." Gulf narrows his eyes.

"Of course he is. Look at his little knee. He is horribly wounded." Mew says and prays to Sun God that his Moon will not catch up on the sarcasm.

Thankfully Gulf does not, as he is busy drawing circles around Thorn's bruise to reduce the 'pain'.

Mew stands up with a sigh when it looks like his wife may stay up all night staring at the small bruise.

"Hubby where are you going?"

"Be back."

Mew quickly takes some medicated oils, makes a concoction, dips a thin cloth in it and then slowly ties it around the small knee of his son, covering the bruise.

"A little pain is good, wifey. I do not want to use too much mage on his small body. He needs to develop it on his own." Mew kisses Gulf's forehead and places his son's leg back on the mother's tummy.

"I know... I just..." Gulf stares at his son some more and then smiles when his son starts suckling again even though he is sleeping.

The immi time has reduced a lot but the times Thorn can, his baby will make the most of it.

God, his son is a big boy now.

Mew dims the light and curls around his wife, his lips resting on Gulf's nape.

"Don't forget you are mine too."

"P'Mew!" Gulf exasperatedly says.

"Just saying. For your information, I have a big owie somewhere, which I am ignoring because you won't kiss it with our son on our bed even though the turd is sleeping."

"P'Mew!!!"

"Just saying!"

"And stop calling him a... that word! He is our son and a baby!"

Mew falls asleep with a smile on his face.

Nobody is as excited as Gulf to read the official report of First's pleading.

"Hear it, P'Mew, he has said the person he wants to marry and love is our Ja. Trust me, hubby, this is for the best."

"Ja is not as happy." Mew drops his head on Gulf's shoulder.

"I know." Gulf sighs. "But like you said, we have no choice. I wish we had known of First before all these incidents. Now, they have to marry before either of them is actually ready."

"Let us hide." Mew suggests his head dropping to Gulf's lap.

"What?"

"I do not know. I feel suffocated for some reason. I think a vacation will do us some good. Just us; the family. Siwa, Mild, kids, you and I. Bodyguards will be with us but they know how to keep away from us. What do you say?"

"Are you serious?" Gulf cradles Mew's head.

"The idea looks tempting as moments pass. Only if you agree."

"You know I will follow you everywhere." Gulf smiles. "I also think you need to rest more."

"Then it is settled!" Mew jumps off excitedly and runs to Siwa to share the happy news.

"Wait! P'Mew where are we going?"

"It is a suuurprisseeee..." Mew shouts without even looking back.

Gulf giggles and wonders if his husband is actually a child.

Much to the Emperor's disappointment, Mild shifted one day forward. Ever since he has taken charge of hiring people for the palace, he cannot just drop everything off and climb a wagon.

But Mew has to admit, the palace is lot calmer than before. There is even a uniform system going on which Mew never cared for.

'If the Emperor can wear Royal Robes when he is in court, then all of you call wear your uniform while working.' No one could successfully counter that logic.

People of palace are quick to forget who they are and where their roots are, after getting some money and power. Uniform is a good way to remind them of their duties and position.

"What are you thinking?" Gulf is trapped under Mew's heavy hand as they walk together along the walking trail of the mountain.

"How N'Mild made me wait another day for this vacation." Mew pouts and then kisses his wife.

"And miss all your vacation sulking at him." Gulf shakes his head.

"I am not sulking!"

"Yes you are."

"No, I am not."

"Yup."

"Nope."

"Yup."

"Nope."

"I have better things to do than pick up a silly fight with you." Gulf cuddles closer and Mew squeezes him tighter.

"What better thing do you have than fighting with me?"

"This." Gulf leans and kisses Mew again.

"Mmm... this I like. Better than picking a fight with me. Please continue."

Gulf giggles. "It was my dream to see a mountain in real life. Like real mountain; like this one."

"I know."

Gulf smiles and Mew smiles back.

The mountain is so thick with forest but this hidden path is well cleared for even kids to walk freely. They are staying at a cabin in the middle of the forest surrounded by other small cabins and tents for their bodyguards.

Gulf takes a deep sigh.

"What is wrong?" Mew asks pecking the side of Gulf's forehead.

"Thinking of Ja."

"He will be fine."

"Yeah."

Still Gulf's mind zones to the conversation he had with his brother-in-law.

Ja did not take the news of the Royal Family leaving for vacation without him well. He could not imagine Gulf going anywhere without his protection.

"Do you not trust me anymore, Empress? I will never sabotage your safety ever. I swear. All my life I was and I will be loyal and..."

"Ja, my baby brother... come sit next to me." Gulf pulls the man's hand and makes him sit right to next to him. "I never ever doubted your trust and loyalty. I know in my heart you are the only person who may protect me with their life after my hubby. But... darling brother, I think you need to put this time aside just for First."

"I... I can do both and I can come with you all and I..."

Gulf chuckled. "I know but I want you to do this. Actually one of the reason I think this vacation is a good idea is because this will also give you some time off of work. Time you can solely focus on your faen. Remember what your big brother did to win me back?"

Ja nodded. "He left everything and focused only on you."

"And even then I gave him a very hard time. But at this time First really needs you. Our absence will indeed make him open up more to you. For once, Ja think of you, your family. I will be fine. Do you think P'Mew will let anything happen to me?"

"But..."

"No buts. I promise I will be safe. If I even get a scratch you can tell me 'told you so'."

Gulf knows Ja is not happy but he has seen that eyes warm up thinking of having some time alone with First. Especially with their marriage being so near, it is essential for them to have a heart-to-heart talk.

"He is fine." Mew tells his worried wife again.

"I know." Gulf shrugs every memory off and heeds to his own advice of focusing only on his family for the time being.

"Thorn, baby, be careful!" Gulf says, seeing his son trying to climb up a tree. The little troublemaker giggles and runs around them holding some stick.

"Mama, dada luk, I rying hosie and war."

Gulf laughs. "Oh, yes, I see you riding a horse."

The kid is just jumping on his feet but... oh well.

Thorn runs away from them when San roars from behind a rock.

"Be careful! Do not fall. San, do not lick the rock." Gulf shouts. Mild is sitting on a low hanging branch eating some fruits Siwa is giving him. "Look P'Mew, a monkey."

"I will show you monkey!" Mild throws a fruit kernel but misses by a few miles. Gulf blows a raspberry that Mild gladly gives back with interest.

"Mae luuuk!!!!" Thorn calls and Gulf moves away from Mew and the Emperor feels the coldness of forest seeping into him.

"No! Don't go away."

Gulf smiles widely at him and cuddles back. "I am not going anywhere. Always with you, tee-rak."

They lean to each other rubbing their noses and gets interrupted again by their son.

"Maee..."

"Mama is with daddy, baby. We can see you from here. You play with San, okay."

Gulf and Mew hugs again.

"This has happened before." Mew says and Gulf laughs at the confusion on his hubby's face.

"What has?"

"You, kids, I... we are so happy. This feels like it has happened before."

"We have never been to a forest mountain P'Mew..." Mew sits on a flat rock and Gulf happily sits on the man's lap, looping his hands around Mew's neck.

"Maybe in our past life."

"Or a déjà vu."

"But tua-eng, it is exactly like this. Like even the happiness feels the same."

Gulf only shakes his head but then they both happily watch their kids playing and indeed winks when the other set of family leaves early to have some... fun.

"Siwa will take the kids at night." Mew bites Gulf's ear and seductively whispers.

"You want something you do not already get?" Gulf teases back.

"Maybe..." Mew bites his lower lip.

"What do you want that I do not give you?"

"I am going to chain you up." Mew purrs.

Gulf goes flaming hot and tries to wiggle away.

"Wiggle too much and it may happen right here. I am not wearing an underwear."

"Oh God, P'Mew! How can you? Uggh. Let go! I am not sitting on you ever again."

"Hey, the reason I do not wear it anymore is precisely because you prefer my lap all the times."

Gulf smacks his husband the next morning when Thorn cries seeing red marks around his mae's hands. It does not help when Mew lied to the kid that Mae is sick and that is why Gulf is not here to serve him breakfast.

What! He did not want his son to wake up his sleeping wife who he had not let to take rest all night long.

The vacation is as perfect as Mew has imagined. By the time they reach the palace his wife is practically glowing and it is almost like he has wiped away all the sadness Gulf has ever had.

To be honest, Mew loves this clingy Gulf a bit too much. For once, it feels nice not to be the only clingy one.

Gulf pouts when the pocket watch chimes. "Do you have to go now?"

"It will be quick."

"Promise?" Gulf asks and Mew smiles.

"Yes, baby."

"Good, because I will be waiting." Gulf peeks around and presses a kiss on Mew's lips quickly before rushing to their bedroom.

Mew keeps his promise and here they are just goofing around naked on their bed; his wife talking a mile per moment.

Or when he is not talking, he is purring on Mew's chest.

"... and dad got mad and took it away. He gave it back to me the next day though. Dad cannot stand me crying."

Mew smiles, playing with Gulf's hair. He has never heard any of these stories before. Maybe he should chain Gulf more often. Look at those pretty eyes twinkling.

"I can get you one."

"Will you?! Really? P'Mew, you are the best. And play with me please. I do not remember the last time I played with leather ball. Thank you, thank you!!!" Gulf peppers his face with kisses and Mew is over the moon.

The wedding is small and Gulf is not really okay with it.

Ja deserves the best wedding ever but given the circumstances, Ja is so against inviting anyone.

Gulf's intuition says the decision came from First.

Sigh! Just ten people excluding his family, priest and the couple.

"If this is what he wants, what can we do?" Mew brushes Gulf's hair. "It is with great effort that I agreed him to call down my friends."

Mew sighs thinking of his brother. Ja is so against everything he has said.

The conversation is like taking to a stubborn bull.

"You are not just anyone. You are my brother!!! Now, it is time to obey me. I know you do not want to go far away from me but you are not a kid anymore. For God's sake, you are getting married!" Mew roughly turns the kid – the man – around tying his army belt.

"I do not want to be a King."

"Tough! You are!" May be Mew should leave and bring his wife. "Ja, the position is rightfully yours. If you do not want it, take it for your kids. For your wife. I know power means nothing. I learned it the hard way but I can give my wife whatever he wants. Do you know what I got him for his birthday?"

Ja shakes his head.

"Nothing." Mew says. "I gave him nothing but took him to the luxury islands of West Crassic Seas and four of them are now his. Only because he fell in love with the place when he saw it."

Ja gulps.

"Now do you think you can buy your faen some land just because he likes the place if you are making fraznuts as salary working as a bodyguard?" Mew knows he is losing his temper and takes a deep breath.

"I am a bastard child of your father. I am not meant for this. I am afraid." Ja admits and Mew feels remorse for shouting.

"What for? I am here. I do not care what my father did but you are my brother! You are mine and that itself is enough. What is there to be afraid of. If it becomes too much just come back. What do you have to lose?"

Ja is silent.

"You are young now. Go there and try it. Ruling is in our blood. Your blood and mine. Which will flow in all our kids' veins. Do not make it difficult for them when the time comes because their dad did not take the right decision at the right time."

Mew knows his young brother is troubled.

"You are going to be the Brigadier of Harbon. For first two years. Take it as your probation. Then you will understand being King of Rytar is just a fancy post with access to better wine."

Ja quickly hugs Mew and the Emperor hugs him just as tight.

"I wish... I was a better brother to you." Ja pulls back to answer but Mew walks to the door without giving him a chance. "Your brother-in-law wants to talk to you and pretty you up. He says he can dress your hair. Do not trust him if you do not want to go out there with an apple head."

"I heard that!" Gulf comes in frowning and scolding his hubby. "I know different hairstyles, for your information, Mighty Emperor." He quickly hides the hair bands inside his pockets.

The frown smoothens down when he sees Ja.

"Mild is getting First ready. The valets are there. You did not tell First that you are the Emperor's brother."

Ja agrees and Gulf sighs.

"Lies between faens never end well, brother. I know the marriage is rushed but disclose who you are before it is too late for him to know."

"He does not want to know me. This marriage is just for him to get away from law. Who I am does not matter to him."

Gulf takes the wedding robe and puts on the man. "Tongue may lie; heart cannot. I remember when I thought the same but here I am, finally listening to my heart."

"It is different, Empress."

"Oh, is it? I find it odd that it was your name that he had called out when he thought he was in trouble."

"That means nothing." Ja ignores the skip of his heart beat.

"Hmm... well, you look handsome." Gulf says and then takes the man's hand to draw the Empire Insignia. "Your brother wants you to bear this when in wedding altar. He regrets not doing this on his wedding day."

"I am sorry for my brother was blind at that time."

"Do not be sorry, just do not make the same mistake." Gulf advices his brother in law. "I know you are going to be married but give him time."

Ja nods. "I do not... I won't try to..." The blush on Ja makes Gulf smile.

"I know you will not but that will not be enough. His heart is hurt; his soul is hurt. And a hurt person is difficult to love for their decisions are impaired by the pain. Doesn't mean they are unworthy of love. They just need understanding and space more than anyone else. If you weren't already in love with him... I would have asked you to reconsider this marriage because First is as hurt as I was. And I have made it all difficult for P'Mew. I do not want that for you. But it is my selfish side speaking."

Gulf sniffles and stands up. He mindlessly takes the hair brush and Ja does not have it in him to stop his beloved brother-in-law.

"But you have already chosen this person in your heart. Now own the decision like a man. Give him your immovable presence without smothering him. It is not as easy as I make it sound but I have belief in you."

Ja stands up when the movements on his head stops. "My everything is dedicated for him, My Empress."

"Good, he may even demand more."

"And I am willing to give."

Gulf cups Ja's head and lovingly rubs those cheeks. "Your brother is proud of you. I am going to miss you, Loyal Friend but it is time. It is time for you to acknowledge your ancestry. You are ready, baby brother."

Gulf leaves and Ja looks at the mirror, tears threatening to spill.

A body of a warrior, blood of royalty, protected heart of a scared kid, mind of a ruthless ruler, shield of the most powerful mage – all gifted by his big brother; the Mighty Emperor Mew...

... and adorable apple head – gifted by his brother in law Empress Gulf.

Ja is indeed ready.