"Who is she?!" Freya exclaimed nervously, spinning around as an incredibly beautiful woman entered Theon’s war room alongside his secretary.

"Who?" Amber took a quick look and shrugged, uninterested. "It's Princess Cahrona Ashes. I should have invited her at the beginning, but everything happened so quickly... Oh, well..."

Freya looked at the tall and unfairly beautiful Half-Elf and suddenly felt insecure. To be honest, all of Theon's wives looked so beautiful that she felt ugly.

"Something wrong, Freya?" Lavender asked, seeing her cringe.

"I... No, it's nothing. Please, tell me how I can help?"

"If you say so..." The Dryad wasn't deceived by her, but fortunately, she wasn't inclined to inquire further. Queen Amber and Queen Hestia were discussing something more important nearby, and Queen Lavender was half paying attention to that discussion. Queens Irene, Luna, and Aoi were also busy discussing something just a few steps away, but their hushed voices were incomprehensible from a distance. "The Dungeon Cores are preparing for an assault, and we must learn much about their emergency statuses before we formulate any plans. So far, Theon gave them and local lords a fairly simple set of instructions and a free hand in administration. Now, we have to check if they followed the contingency plans. Hestia will inform other Eternals about the situation, and Irene will prepare medical teams. That leaves Amber, me, and you to take care of evacuation plans. You must keep us informed on the statuses and current situation updates."

Freya took a deep breath. "All right, I can do that."

The day passed in an instant, filled with planning, updates, changes of plans, and even more updates. An entire army of secretaries, aids, and advisors of all kinds and specialities surrounded the Queens of Arcadia. Freya was teleported around Avalon, seeing all the offices of other Queens, and had no time to admire the magnificent decorations and various architectural styles. During her short breaks, she recalled speaking with many people, but the exact subject of those conversations had already escaped her mind. She had never expected to see anything similar in this world and was overwhelmed. It was already dark outside when they returned to the Palace, and to her growing shock, she felt simply exhausted. They ate supper without Theon, and while she knew she couldn't sleep, her eyes started closing on themselves...

•••

It was late when I finished planning, prepared all the necessary instructions and orders, and was finally able to return home. The Devilkins were going to regret attacking my Kingdom. I would exploit their expectations and show them what they want to see. Now, it was time to play the unsuspecting victim. Once I returned home, I found Amber, Luna, and Lavender chatting near the hearth. The magic chandeliers were turned off, and the only source of light was flames dancing along a few large pieces of wood in the fireplace.

"Sorry, my Darlings, that it took me so long." I sighed and went toward them.

Luna smiled and yawned. "It's all right. We also finished just an hour ago."

"Thank you so much! Without your help, coordinating everything would have taken me days." I smiled gratefully and sat on one of the large pillows scattered nearby. I took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, but my wives’ strange nervousness instantly caught my attention. "Something's wrong?"

"I... I don't know how to say it." Amber lowered her gaze, and just a single glance at Lavender and Luna made me realise they were just here as some sort of support circle. "I wanted to speak with you, but we should wait for Aoi, who went to sleep-"

As if on cue, the Dragonkin woman entered the room in her thin nightgown with a sleepy grimace. She covered her mouth before she yawned and walked wobbly to Amber. With a sigh, the Half-Elf extended her arms as if she wanted to catch a child, and Aoi sat in her embrace. After seeing the exchange, Luna and Lavender stood up and walked towards the nearby sofa. I blinked a few times and took a deep breath, uncertain what was happening. I looked at Amber who was strangely nervous.

"Cahrona requested to speak with me earlier today," she started with an indecipherable expression, and I felt how it suddenly started getting hot.

"I..." I felt shame and guilt burning on my cheeks, and there was no way to save myself from it, even through my Poker Face.

"No, it's not that." She smiled flatly and gave out a tormented sigh. "She warned us about the powers of Succubusses and Incubuses."

"Oh..." My racing heart calmed down a bit, and I slowly nodded. "It's a very good warning... Her power is terrifying, and she claims that she is not a powerful Succubus at all."

"She thinks that she is weak? Well... It's not exactly true anymore, but that's also not a problem," she said with growing anxiety in her voice.

"Okay..." I saw that she was avoiding the point, and I realised that I should simply stay quiet. Seeing that I wouldn't guess anymore, she lowered her head and slowly started talking.

"She warned us about the Succubusses and Incubuses' power to exploit any doubt we could have about the people we love. That power allows Devilkins to influence the hearts and minds plagued by doubts or fears. I... We... I need to confess something, Theon." She took a deep breath, and I felt my heart sink in terror. Against everything she said and done, I was somehow afraid to hear that she didn't love me. "Aoi and I are afraid to lose you."

The fear that had started growing inside my heart vanished. It took me a while to find suitable words, but even then, I stayed silent, still waiting for her to tell me everything. What could I tell her right now? That I will always love them? Of course, I will...

"Amber..." Lavender's displeased tone made the First Queen of Arcadia whimper in panic, but she quickly shook her head. After taking a deep breath, she finally looked into my eyes.

"I brought this on myself, Theon. Not only on myself but also on all my sisters." Her voice was resigned, but there was determination visible on her face. "After you took Freya as your wife, something changed in me and Aoi... For the first time, I started questioning if I made a good decision when I basically made you take more wives. I think I now know how awkward you have felt for this entire time... I don't like it, Theon... I..."

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

"You can say that we are jealous. That would be the best description of what is going on." Aoi interrupted Amber, who seemed lost. The fifth Queen of Arcadia forced a smile on her lips, but I appreciated her usual straightforwardness, which was much more helpful in this situation. "Or maybe not, but we don't want to lose your attention and affection. But that's probably the same thing."

I slowly inhaled and exhaled through my nose, closing my eyes tightly. I gave myself a few moments to think about what to do next. When I opened my eyes, I simply reached out, pulling Amber into my right arm and Aoi into my left. I hugged them, feeling the way they snuggled in close, holding on tightly.

"If any of you feel that way ever again, please tell me... No, you must tell me immediately," I said, feeling terrible.

"It's not your fault, Theon! I…" Amber cried. "It's just... Maybe we just need to spend more time together? But every time I hope we will have more time, another disaster is ready to strike..."

"Well..." I kissed Amber's forehead first and then Aoi's. "Everything we could do to prepare for the upcoming battle is already done. We can pay close attention to details from here as well as from anywhere in Avalon. What about spending the next few days in leisure?" I smiled. "I don't know what the future might bring us or what trials and turmoils await us. However, I can promise you that I will always love you. I'm glad you won't insist on me taking more wiv-"

"Ummm... About that." Amber chimed in.

"God damn it, Amber..." I must have given her an extremely flat stare because all four of them started laughing. Even Amber chuckled guiltily, covering her lips and closing her eyes slightly. However, it was the healthy laugh they needed, so I could only sigh with a soft smile.

"But I promise you, there will soon come a moment when even I will say no, my Dear." She kissed my cheek, and I turned my gaze to Aoi, feeling defeated.

"I talked a lot with Lavender, and I think it’s fine now. Lavender also convinced me to tell you everything after Cahrona's warning." The blond-haired Dragonkin smiled softly, but an abrupt, wide yawn she barely managed to stifle brought a sleepy grimace to her face. "Sooo... now spoil me a little and carry me to bed, my Dear."

"Right away, my Queen." I laughed shortly, and once Amber let me go, I lifted Aoi effortlessly.

The youngest Queen rested her head on my chest and fell asleep before I even laid her on the bed. I smiled softly as I watched her snuggle up to the already sleeping Irene, but a strange feeling stirred in my heart. They were all incredible women who deserved so much more... But I wasn’t going to be a coward, and I wasn’t going to back down from any vow I made. Even if I feel unworthy of their love, I will do everything to become worthy of them. By the incomprehensible hand of fate, their destinies were intertwined with mine. They are my wives, and I’ll be damned if I ever let them feel neglected or unloved.

As I returned to the living room, Amber and Lavender were already gone—most likely off to the bathroom to shower and talk. Luna was waiting for me by the fireplace, half-reclining comfortably on the pillows. I sat silently beside her, and she gently pulled me down to rest my head on her thighs.

"No, I'm not jealous or afraid that you will leave me," Luna said almost amusedly. After she noticed my tired expression, her fox ears twitched with a hint of concern.

"Thank you for believing in me, I guess..."

"You're welcome, but..." Her ears twitched in a way I learnt to recognise as deep satisfaction. "First of all, and I can't stress this enough, you are not the type of a guy who would cast any of us away simply because you got bored with us or you found yourself a nicer girl. Secondly, I wouldn't let you just send me away or order me to go. After all this time, I will still fight for you. Sorry, my Dear, but you are my Champion and I am your Kitsune. Lastly, you are doing everything so far to fulfil our mission, and, for me, this is the greatest display of your love."

"Don't you think that's a little bit..." I got stuck on finding a proper word, which only amused Luna more. "Odd...? I mean, I try to be the best husband..."

"I'm a Kitsune, and our mission is ingrained in my very being. So don’t get me wrong—you’re a wonderful husband, Theon, and I love you for making me feel special. But a small part of me is always checking to see if our actions serve the greater purpose of saving the world." She explained it as if that settled everything, though it only raised more uncomfortable questions.

"That's a bit unsettling..." I admitted, feeling the tip of her fluffy tail tickling my wide-open side. "Luna..."

"Sorry." She winked playfully but stopped. "Amber and Aoi have it much harder than the rest of us. Oh, I'm not sure about Freya. Anyway, Amber and Aoi..." She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. "The case of Aoi is actually easy. She has the blood of a Dragon, and like Dragons, that girl can be greedy and possessive. While she is not hoarding gold or other riches, she craves all your love and attention. I would consider it normal that she would become jealous of any new woman in your vicinity."

"What about Amber?" I asked, realising I still had much to learn about the women I love.

"Amber..." Luna mused and tilted her head back. "From a literal no-one, she became the most powerful woman in the continent overnight. Then, she was discovered to be an heir to the legendary kingdom of Baltanica. However, that latter part changed nothing compared to the benefits of being the queen of Arcadia. Her heart remained pure despite the unbelievable power she obtained. She remained the simple girl that she was before she met you. She is not afraid to lose that power or influence, but she is afraid of losing you and your love."

"Have I given any of you the impression that anything between us has changed? Or have I said anything to upset you?"

"No, Theon." Luna sighed sadly and hugged me tightly. "I know what you really wanted to ask, and I'm thankful you didn't. I would be blind not to see how you feel each time a new wife appears in your life. It was Amber who encouraged Hestia, Aoi, and Lavender in one way or another. I was afraid you might mention that, but you surprised me again..."

"It would be simple to shift the blame, which would ultimately destroy us..." I sighed and rubbed my face with my hands. "Even when I wanted to promise to not take another wife-"

Luna interrupted me with a shrug. "Of course, she would shoot down that idea but don't ask me why. I don't know. Maybe Lavender knows more, but neither will elaborate, even if you ask them directly. As far as I can tell, Irene, Hestia, and Lavender are perfectly fine with the current arrangement."

"I can only try my best to make you all feel loved." I sighed from behind my hands.

"I most definitely am going to enjoy that, but don't stress too much about that." Luna giggled playfully. "Remember that they told you about their doubts and fears, not because they are consumed by whether you truly love them or not, but because of Cahrona's warning."

"I don't know if I should be grateful for her warning or not. But that woman changed so much..."

"That's true." Luna nodded. "I began to respect her and even appreciate talking with her."

"You have no idea how awkward I feel about her..."

"Of course I know." She grinned. "I'm your Kitsune, after all."

"Argh..."

"Pretty much." She laughed wholeheartedly. "But don't worry. It was more awkward for me to let go of my grudge against her."