Yasmin's POV

I woke up, my mind hazy and filled with questions. The unfamiliar roof above and the hushed whispers surrounding me left me bewildered. My legs were weak, my head dizzy, and I couldn't remember how I had ended up in this state. Yet, somehow, I didn't feel threatened or alarmed. Instead, I felt a strange sense of ease. The whispers were sweet and soothing, lulling me back towards slumber. I fought the urge to succumb and forced myself to sit up. As I did, the voices around me gasped and murmured worriedly, but I couldn't make out their words until I was fully upright. Silence fell, and I realized the people around me were staring.

"You're shining..."

This sudden whisper made my head spin and my cheeks flush.

'What?'

I turned to look at them, my eyes wide with surprise. The whispers belonged to several men standing a good distance away from where I lay.

I began counting in my head.
One... Two... Three...

Seven. There were seven of them.

As I looked at each one, I realised, that my eyes refused to leave theirs, my heart demanding I continue to stare. When I forced myself to look at the next, the same thing happened again. I was slowly piecing it together, though I didn't say it aloud. I knew what was happening, and the surprise was evident on my face. The reason I felt so at ease, why my earlier pain and discomfort had vanished. When my eyes reached the last two, it was confirmed.

One was my new soulmate, whom I had met earlier on the market street, and the other was my destined Protector... as well as something more. Mate... he was my mate.

All of them were my mates.

"You're all...?" I whispered with trembling lips, the reality dawning upon me. I stared at them in shock, unable to believe it. They smiled and nodded in response, confirming my unsaid words.

For a while, no thought came into my mind other than the word seven. I was stunned and speechless, and I did not know what to do for atleast a minute. And then, slowly, I felt my eyes watering up. I thought about this gift from fate. Seven mates. All the love I had been yearning for would now be multiplied sevenfold. But perhaps by seeing my tears my mates also became emotional through our bond, and they immediately took a few steps closer to me, eyes glistening with happiness. One of them hastily offered me a glass of water, and only after taking a sip did I realise how parched my throat was. I drank it all, and gave the glass back.

Silence fell again.

"We're all soulmates..." I said, finally verbalizing it. The air seemed to still. We stood in silence, letting the words linger in our minds, until soft, warm smiles broke out on their faces. Their eyes, like mine, were watery with joy. I could feel it.

"Yes... Yes, yes." One of them spoke, tears gently cascading down his cheeks. His smile was so beautiful and heartfelt, with love reflecting in his crescent-shaped eyes.

Everyone in the room was overcome with emotion. They had probably waited long for me to appear... But I was here now, and the wait was over. Their yearning for my presence was evident in their tears, and moment was something that they had dreamt of for a long time. I had dreamed of finding the one for me too, yet fate gave me a surprise by gifting me seven mates. I smiled, feeling blessed.

The moment seemed endless, but one of them soon broke the daze, retreating and then returning swiftly with a bowl.

"Drink up, sweet mate," he said affectionately, adding, "You'll feel better." The husky tone of his voice and the little nickname made my face flush and heart beat faster. I took the bowl from his hands, managing to calm myself.

"Thank you..." I uttered, lifting the bowl to drink. I slightly lifted my niqab and took a sip, surprised by the syrup or whatever it was. It had no particular taste but left a cool aftertaste. The initial hesitation gone, I quickly downed it all and gave the bowl back.

"Should we... introduce ourselves?" One of my mates spoke up with a sweet, hopeful smile that I couldn't help but return.

"Yes, that would be good. I'll start." Another agreed, volunteering to go first. "My name is Junaid, and I'm the oldest here. I'm a Talented with fire abilities." I listened intently, engraving the name into my mind. The name of my mate.

They continued in a random order, giving brief explanations about their abilities, ages, names, and how long they had waited for me. By the end, I learned there were two Talenteds, one healer, and four Protectors-Tahir being mine.

"What about you?" Irfan asked suddenly. "What's the name of our last mate?" he smiled.

"Ya... Amira." The question caught me off guard. I was about to say my real name but caught myself at the last second, and, without thinking, said the name of one of my maids. I instantly regretted it.

My nose flared as I realized what I had done. 'I should have told them my real identity...'

But I remembered my father's strict prohibition against revealing my name. Surely, he would at least allow my mates to know my real identity?

But what was done could not be undone. I had already lied to them... I decided to wait until I could ask my father.

The feelings of guilt emerged, nonetheless. Along with fear. I had blurted out a name that wasn't mine to my mates. How would they feel when the truth was revealed? Angry? Disappointed? Probably...
I felt incredibly restless and anxious.

While I was contemplating, my mates were praising the name that didn't belong to me. "Such a beautiful name you have, my love... Amira. Amira." Javed complimented, savouring the feeling of that name. A bitter taste formed in my own mouth, but I refrained from voicing my displeasure.

"It is," Tahir agreed, grinning. I could feel his elation. My smile became heavy, and I tried to think of a different topic to talk about.

"Uhm... will we... bond?" I asked with some bashfulness. At this, they all stared at me in surprise. I stared back at them with slight embarrassment. Was it too early to ask this? But wasn't it a valid question? I had never seen anyone bonding myself, but I was taught it was a beautiful process. Now that we were together, why delay it?

Samir chuckled, "Not yet, sweet mate. Your body must still be weak from the shock you had earlier. We can do it tomorrow," he smiled, and I nodded with a sigh. This is for my own betterment, after all.

"Oh, that's... fine," I chimed, trying to convince myself not to be dejected. But when I was halfway through my sentence, I remembered something.

Tomorrow...

Through a horrifying realisation, I recalled that it was my birthday in four days. A banquet was organized, details of which were already planned by my father and other high courtiers. Royalties from foreign countries was invited, meaning they would start arriving by tomorrow. And this meant that it was crucial for me to be present at the palace.

I panicked.
The serious discussion with my father and my attempts to hide from Zahid had me forget about this. I let out a string of curses under my breath, realizing how complicated things had become. My body was not fit for bonding now, but if not today, then I would have to wait at least a week due to royal duties. Foreign dignitaries didn't leave immediately and usually extended their stay. Escaping again or doing anything similar would not be a good decision since the celebration was in my honour. I had to be there, for the sake of diplomatic obligations. But the yearning and longing for my destined lovers would drive me insane, and I wouldn't be able to concentrate on anything.

"Oh, Amira... Are you alright? Is there... something on your mind?" Hasan, one of my mates, asked sweetly. It was only then I realized they were all staring at me with worry and concern, probably sensing something was wrong. Our half connected bond allowed that.

"Uh..." I hesitated. Would they think I was too eager if I said I wanted to bond now?

"Amira... please let us know if something is troubling you. But only if you feel comfortable to do so, that is," Tahir expressed his concern, reassuring me they wouldn't mind if I chose not to tell them. But I had to. It would be unfair not to.

"Yes... It is necessary that I share this with you all," I nodded, deciding not to stall and just say it. But my words caused quite the uproar, a symphony of anxious remarks like 'is everything okay' and 'is it serious' sounding all at once.

"No, no! It's nothing to worry about," I said, standing up slowly from the hard cot. However the intense contemplation in my head never ceased, so I blurted out, "I suppose..."

The momentary relief on their faces disappeared.

"Please tell us what the matter is, dear mate. Why are you hesitating?" Irfan asked, his lips stretched in a line and brows furrowed.

"I... I have to leave soon. And I'm afraid I won't be able to visit you for some time." I said, taking small pauses to carefully choose my words. I did not want to alarm them. Even so, the flicker of surprise and shock in their eyes was visible.

"You... have to go? Why?" Javed asked, perplexed. I could hear a tinge of fear in his voice, enough for me to want to grab all my mates' hands and never leave. But my feet remained in place, and Aayan spoke up before me.

"You suddenly ran away from the market too... Why again?" he whispered, restless.

"Please answer, love..." Junaid looked at me with sorrow, gripping Irfan's hand for warmth.

"I..." I didn't want to lie to my mates, but I couldn't reveal my true identity without my father's permission.

"I have some work to take care of... But I assure you, it will only take a week! I'll definitely come to you after that." I informed them, trying to get them to understand that I wasn't abandoning them, but just going away for a while.

"How are we going to stay without you for such a long time?" Javed said, his beautiful eyes welling up slightly. Tahir leaned into his side, wrapping his arms around Javed's, while looking up at me with equal sadness and worry.

"Please don't cry, I... I really don't want to go, but..." I shook my head, trying to blink away the tears that had unknowingly gathered in my own eyes. My mates shifted closer to me from wherever they stood, all feeling confused and sorrowful at this sudden turn of events, yet gravitating towards each other in search of the solace that only the presence of their mates brought them.

"Why do you have to go? Will you not be able to stay even for another day?" Irfan asked me quietly, his voice reluctant and sad, devoid of the happiness which he was filled with just minutes ago.

"I am needed somewhere else, Irfan... Beside my father. He is not doing very well at the moment. But he is still working. This week things will be especially hectic, so I have to be there." I said, knowing that what I told them wasn't the whole truth, but it was not a lie either. And I believed that this turned out to be the right thing to say, since the others now finally seemed to look slightly less troubled.

I took in a deep breath and after a while, I continued with an uneven voice. "If we do not bond today, then I'm afraid we won't be able to do it until at least a week later."

"So you are saying that we should bond now?" Samir asked with widened eyes, his beautiful deep voice now tinged with worry, "But, sweet mate, your health-"

"It's fine... I don't feel any discomfort now. The brew you gave me, it helped. I'm feeling better. And... it's for the best that we bond now." I said, trying to get them to believe me. I actually really did feel fine now. Fine enough to bond, at least.

We continued debating whether we should go on with the bonding or not. Some of them were against the idea and thus it was almost half an hour later that I finally managed to convince my anxious soulmates. It took a lot of reassuring and persuading on my part to soothe their concerns, and it left me feeling grateful towards the universe for gifting me soulmates who worried so much for my health.

"Fine, sweet mate. You're insisting so much... We'll do it. For you." Samir said, giving in to my relentless persuasion. Everyone else heaved a sigh with defeat as I breathed with relief.

I decided to say something. "This bonding... I truly want it to happen. With all my heart. My duties are crucial, but this... this is even more so to me. I can't concentrate on anything else until we're bonded."

My words hung in the air, creating an atmosphere that was brimmed with feelings the of warmth and tenderness. My mates' faces reflected a mix of emotions - understanding, worry, and an unmistakable one of love... mirroring my own.

Aayan stepped forward and gently took my hands. "Amira, if this is what you wish, then we'll do it. We understand the importance of your duties, and even though we may not be able to help you, we can support you. We'll bond tonight."

The other six nodded In agreement, their faces softening with resolution and support. My heart swelled with gratitude and love for these men who were now such an integral part of my life.

"We need to prepare then," Junaid said, his voice filled with a calm authority. "This is a very memorable moment for all of us. We need to do it well."

"I'll get the necessary items," Samir volunteered, and with a nod from the others, he left the room.

"We'll need to make sure you're fully comfortable," Tahir added, his eyes scanning me for any signs of lingering discomfort.

As they busied themselves with preparations, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The magnitude of what was about to happen hit me. I was about to bond with my seven mates, a connection that would go beyond anything I had ever known. It was a daunting yet exhilarating thought.

Soon, the room was transformed. Soft cushions and blankets were spread on the floor, creating a cozy and intimate space. Candles were lit, casting a warm glow and filling the air with a soothing scent. Samir returned with a bowl of what looked like a thick, honey-like substance in a bowl.

"This is for you, love." he explained. "They'll give you energy to bond without any problems and will help with the overwhelming sensations." He handed me the bowl, and this time, the sweet brew easily went down my throat.

A while later, Irfan returned with the sacred red thread that was used in bonding rituals. Unravelling it, he tied a secure knot on my fourth finger, stretching it and then tying it on the same finger of all seven of them... binding us together with the thread that symbolised love.

"This will connect us, and help our bond form." He explained, a gentle look on his face. I nodded, feeling a surge of anticipation. As they finished setting up, Javed stepped forward again.

"Are you ready, Amira?" he asked gently.

I took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes, I'm ready."

Finally, we formed a circle and held hands as we closed our eyes. We focused on the bond we were creating. The air around us seemed to hum with energy, a tangible connection forming between us.
In that moment, all the wait that they had endured and the longing that I had felt... it all seemed to be worth it. This path for us was created by fate, and so, at that moment, we were connecting not only our foreordained love, but also our souls together for eternity. Never to be separated, forever with each other.

"I vow to cherish and protect you, Amira," Aayan began, his voice steady and full of emotion. "To stand by your side through all trials and triumphs, and to love you with all my heart." As he completed his sentence, a vivid red glow brightened up the chamber, the thread glowing along with it. I could feel the thread growing hotter, and then slowly going transparent - leaving just a red ring shape on my finger behind.

One by one, each of my mates echoed similar vows, their words a sweet promise of a love that would last forever, and of never-ending faith in us. Each time a mate completed his vows, red sparks that lit up the small chamber and the thread flashed red and burned on my skin, slowly dissolving away into air. The ring shape grew darker with each vow, and I found myself feeling increasingly elated. When it was my turn, I found my voice trembling with emotion.

"I vow to cherish and love each of you," I said, my eyes shining with unshed tears. "To support and stand by you, just as you would do for me. I promise to honour this bond and love it with all my heart." The red glow shone bright one again. The thread that connected us disappeared all together, and this time all of ours rings grew a shade darker to become crimson red.

As we completed the ceremony, a sense of a deep-rooted connection settled over us. The bond was not just a physical or emotional one; it was a merging of our very souls. I could feel their presence within me, a comforting and empowering sensation that filled me with strength and peace.

We sat in silence for a moment, letting the gravity of what we had just done sink in. Then, slowly, the room filled with smiles and soft laughter, the joy of our union washing over us. Our bond was complete. We were now officially a fully bonded mate group.

"You'll never be alone, Amira," Tahir whispered, his eyes filled with tenderness. "We are with you, always."

"And we will wait for you to return, no matter how long it takes," added Javed, his hand squeezing mine reassuringly.

My heart swelled with love and gratitude. I had found my soulmates, my protectors, my partners in this journey. The challenges ahead seemed less daunting now, knowing that I had them by my side.

|⚜️|

(A/n)

Dang, 3174 words🥲

Anyway, our Shehzadi is now officially a bonded woman! Congratulations to her, congratulations to her mates and also, congratulations to the readers!

I know I took long to get them to this point (I dragged out ONE day for 6 whole chapters💀) but I hope that you had fun reading it.

So-
Three new things happened in this chapter - first being that she bonded, of course. The second is that she lied to her mates about her name. It was an honest mistake made out of fear, but she chose not to correct it. Do you think it was correct of her? Especially with Zahid on her back?

The third major thing that happened is her having to go away for a while. The yearning will not be as intense as it would have been if she didn't bond, but it would be there slightly. Will our newly bonded Shehzadi be able to control herself?

And... In the honour of some sweet readers, I present to you...

A spoiler for the next chapter!

So you'll see a regal but riled up shehzadi, a mischievous father and a Zahid moment. Also, there will be two new characters introduced.

Look forward to it!
I'll come back soon with Chapter Eight.

Toodles~

Words :- 3174
Date :- 21 July, 2024

P.S.
How many of you play RC? The song I've added here this time is the ost of The Desert Rose, a story that I ABSOLUTELY love😭✨