LYDIA'S POV

　　As I emerged from my mother's room, weary and burdened with worry, I was not surprised to find Evan and Branden waiting for me outside. They have been like this since I started spending my nights in my mother's room. After spending some time with my mother, I like to either go for a walk or on a run with my wolf and they are always there with something to uplift my mood. 

　　Just like tonight, I greeted both of them and Evan offered me his coat, a small gesture of warmth in the chilly evening air, while Branden presented me with a bouquet of roses, their sweet fragrance mingling with the scent of sadness that hung heavy in the air.

　　"Thank you," I murmured softly, accepting their offerings with a grateful smile. But beneath the facade of gratitude, a whirlwind of emotions churned within me. Evan and Branden's presence brought both comfort and unease, stirring memories I had long tried to bury.

　　Walking alongside them, their silent support a balm to my troubled soul, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Guilt for keeping them at arm's length, for refusing to acknowledge the bond that bound us as mates. But the scars of my past, the wounds left by years of abuse and betrayal, made it difficult for me to trust, difficult for me to let them in.

　　I have known about our mate bond for a while but I am keeping them at a distance. I don't know if I can fully share what happened back in the pack with me. 

　　And I don't want to start our relationship with a lie. I can't start something I am not ready for.  

　　Evan's concerned gaze met mine, and I offered him a feeble smile in return. "I'm fine," I whispered, though the words felt hollow even to my own ears. 

　　Evan saw through my facade, his eyes filled with understanding and compassion.

　　"You don't have to pretend with us, Lydia," he said gently. "We're here for you, no matter what."

　　Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill over at any moment. I longed to believe Evan's words, to let down the walls I had built around my heart and allow myself to be vulnerable. But the fear of rejection, the fear of being hurt once again, held me back, trapping me in a cycle of self-preservation. I may come out as strong now, but the Alpha of North Light Pack had always made me feel worthless, they have destroyed a part of me that I don't think will ever heal. 

　　"I know," I replied softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "But it's hard."

　　Branden reached out, his touch gentle yet reassuring. "We understand," he said softly. "But we're not going anywhere. We'll stand by you, no matter what."

　　"Thank you." 

　　The weight of responsibility presses heavily on my shoulders, a relentless burden that I struggle to bear. In the midst of this turmoil, a longing stirs within me, a desire for escape, for freedom from the confines of my duties. Turning to Evan and Brandon, I tentatively voice my request.

　　"Evan, Brandon," I whisper, my voice barely audible above the rustle of leaves, "do you think... do you think we could go for a run? In our wolf forms?"

　　I normally go alone but tonight I needed a little bit of comfort from my mates and our bond. 

　　Their response is silent but understanding, a shared glance conveying the unspoken understanding that binds us together. With a nod of agreement, we venture into the depths of the forest, our steps light but purposeful.

　　As we run, the cares of the world fade into the background, replaced by the exhilarating rush of wind against fur and the primal instinct that guides our movements. Yet, beneath the surface, a sense of conflict gnaws at my heart, reminding me of the responsibilities I cannot escape.

　　Returning to human form, we gather around the table, the scent of tea mingling with the cool evening air. 

　　As I sat in the quiet solitude of my room, the weight of my responsibilities pressing down upon me like a heavy burden, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. The memory of my father's wishes whispered to me in his final moments, echoed in my mind, a constant reminder of the duty that lay before me.

　　Beside me, the Miller brothers sat in solemn silence, their presence a comforting presence in the midst of my turmoil. Evan's steady gaze and Branden's reassuring touch were like beacons of light in the darkness, offering me solace in my hour of need.

　　But despite their unwavering support, I found myself torn by conflicting emotions. On one hand, I longed to embrace the bond that bound us as mates, to surrender to the love that burned brightly within my heart. But on the other hand, the weight of my responsibilities as a princess weighed heavily upon me, casting a shadow over any thoughts of personal happiness.

　　The Miller brothers, sensing my inner turmoil, remained respectful of my wishes, their restraint a testament to their understanding and forbearance. Though I knew they longed to take our relationship to the next level, they respected my need for space and time to come to terms with my emotions.

　　"Lydia," Evan spoke softly, breaking the silence that hung heavy between us. "We understand if you need time to focus on preparing for the Heir Assessment. We'll be here for you every step of the way, no matter what."

　　I nodded, grateful for their understanding, yet unable to shake the sense of unease that gnawed at the edges of my mind. The thought of setting aside our mate bond, even temporarily, filled me with a sense of loss and longing that was almost unbearable.

　　But I knew that my duty to my kingdom came first, and for now, I had to put aside my own desires and focus on the task at hand. With a heavy heart, I made the difficult decision to prioritize my responsibilities over my personal happiness, knowing that it was the right choice, even if it meant delaying the fulfillment of our bond.

　　As the Miller brothers rose to leave, their expressions filled with understanding and acceptance, I felt a pang of sadness wash over me. But deep down, I knew that our connection ran deeper than words could express and that no matter what the future held, our bond would endure, strong and unwavering.