Aki hadn't imagined her visit would bring such serious consequences
At first, she'd been relieved that she wouldn't be forced into marriage with a man she barely knew, someone she'd only met at a few formal gatherings.
But she never could've guessed her father would use the broken engagement as a pretext.
The Kingdom of Tora bordered Hoshigane along the Akra River, beyond which lay lands rich in natural resources. In ancient times, long before the first king of the Hoshigane bloodline stole the Flame of the Primordial Glory, those lands had sparked countless conflicts.
King Akihiro was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a full beard and a body that still showed his strength, even in his late sixties.
"Father," Aki spoke in the throne room, where only the two of them were present. "I'll say this one last time, I strongly advise you not to start a war with Hoshigane. I might not know Shion that well, but he's proven to be a fearless man who follows his own path. Maybe it's not much of an argument, but my gut tells me we'll lose more in this war than we'll gain."
"Silence, woman," Akihiro's voice was deep and commanding. "I've ruled this country for over thirty years. I've led it through chaos and hardship to bring it to where it stands now. We've been preparing for weeks to strike against Hoshigane. It would be cruel to let all those preparations, and the spirit of my people, go to waste. The decision is made. The gods alone will judge if it was the right one."
"Then I suppose I should start preparing to take your throne," Aki said, pride burning in her voice. "Because I'm certain you're about to start a pointless war that–"
"Enough. Don't test my patience. Leave me now, I need to calm my nerves before the next council."
*
Haru was just about to grab a slice of chocolate cream cake when Gari snatched it away right in front of him.
"Sorry, boss. Got orders from the other boss. I'm supposed to make sure you eat healthy."
"Oh come on! I even paid one of the maids a few coins to sneak this cake in for me. It's been ages since I had something sweet!"
"And you won't for the next few months," she said, cheeks puffed, clearly chewing.
"Now that's just plain cheeky! Eating my sweets while talking like that?!"
"What's the fight about, cuties?" Maldie asked as she walked into the room.
She took one look at Haru's pout and Gari's crumb-covered cheek and immediately got the picture.
"Haru, sweetie, it's for your own good. Or rather, for your baby's good. Now come on, I'll do your makeup so well that Shion will immediately want to…"
"Want to do what?" came Shion's voice from the doorway.
Maldie froze, then slowly turned around.
"…kiss you all over, of course," she said with a playful smile. "You know what I mean, Your Majesty."
But when she saw Shion's face, her grin faded. He wasn't in the mood for jokes, his expression was serious, heavy with sorrow.
"Please leave us," he said politely but with clear distance. "I need a moment alone with Haru."
The servants exchanged glances and quietly left the room.
Shion let out a long sigh before meeting Haru's gaze.
"The Kingdom of Tora has attacked, which means war," he said grimly. "Tradition demands that I lead our army myself. If I don't, I'll be seen as a coward."
Haru, stunned, shot up from his chair.
"You don't have to blindly follow that! You can command the army from here!"
Shion took Haru's hand gently, looking him straight in the eyes.
"I wish it were that simple, Haru. It's not just tradition, it's how my people see me. Many still remember my father's reign, how he conquered foreign lands and expanded our kingdom as a very young king. But under my rule… there's been only peace. They expect me not just to defend, but to strike back, to bring glory to Hoshigane again. I can't ignore that."
"Shion…" Haru's voice trembled, tears spilling down his cheeks. "But what about us? What about our baby?"
"If the worst happens… you'll have to raise our child alone. I trust Maldie will help you, and Ayame will guide our baby well, she'll also take care of the kingdom while I'm gone."
Haru held on tighter.
"Just thinking that something might happen to you… I… I can't…"
The fear and pain broke through; Haru burst into tears and pressed himself against his husband, holding him tightly.
Shion held him close, gently stroking his hair.
"I know, Haru. Believe me, I'd do anything to avoid this. But Tora attacked us at dawn, burned villages in the south without even declaring war. My people won't forgive me if I let that go without a response. I just hope I can make it back in time for the birth. Think of a name for our child, Haru. I know you'll choose something meaningful and beautiful."
"I don't want to pick a name without you! I want you there when our child is born!" Haru cried, his voice breaking.
He pulled Shion even closer and kissed him with all the love he had.
Shion gave a weak smile.
"Let's hope fate shows me some mercy. We've got a few days before we march. I need to gather the troops and plan our strategy with my most trusted advisors. I thought the issue with Aki was behind us."
"S-so… this is all b-because of m-me?" Haru stammered.
"No. I could've stayed with Aki, but I didn't. I wanted to follow my heart, for once. This is the consequence of my decision, and mine alone. Don't blame yourself."
"S-so… y-you'll still be here for a few more days, right?" Haru asked after they hugged in silence for a while.
"Yes. But I'll be busy. I just had a short break between meetings, so I came to see you."
Haru kissed him again, passionately this time, tears running down his face.
Shion slowly broke the kiss and softly wiped a tear from Haru's face.
"Don't worry. We have to believe it'll all work out. I promise, I'll write to you every single day."
"Please do. You don't know how much I'll worry about you," Haru whispered, his eyes full of emotion.
A warmth spread through Shion's chest. He never imagined that someone with such a beautiful eyes could look at him with such love and care all at once.
He kissed Haru again, more hungrily and more deeply, before gently letting the kimono fall from his shoulders.
*
One week later...
Haru let out a long sigh. His heart felt unbearably heavy.
For the past five days, he'd only seen Shion late at night or during meals. Each time, Haru held onto him for as long as possible before sleep took over.
On the nights when Shion wasn't too exhausted, they made love – tender and at the same time passionate goodbyes
Those nights were beautiful... but every moment of pleasure carried a shadow of the sadness to come.
And then, the morning finally arrived.
Maldie finished applying Haru's makeup. Everyone felt down, especially Haru.
Maldie painted his eyes, lips, and nails a soft pink, explaining that in noble circles, the color symbolized longing for a loved one.
Then she dressed him in a white kimono with golden cherry blossom patterns, white being the color of faithfulness.
Before leaving to say goodbye to Shion, Haru thought about what he could give him.
He prepared a silver butterfly-shaped pin, the very same one he'd worn on their wedding day, lightly sprayed with his perfume. Still, somehow, it didn't feel like enough.
Then he remembered a poem he had written. He pulled it out of the drawer and read it once more, sighing softly.
I didn't even have time to write a new one…
But it's from the heart. That's what matters.
He folded the paper carefully and placed it together with the pin into a small wooden jewelry box inlaid with gold floral patterns.
It was small enough for Shion to carry with him at all times.
Maldie helped him put on a sheer pink-and-white veil and pinned two roses of the same colors in his hair.
Moments later, Haru, accompanied by Gari and Maldie, left the palace courtyard. Ayame joined them along the way.
"You have no idea how much I feel for you," Ayame whispered as they walked. "Try not to worry too much. Everything will work out somehow."
Soon, Haru stood before his husband, now clad in armor.
"Shion!" he called out, running toward him and wrapping his arms around his neck. He kissed him deeply, pouring all his emotions into it.
"Promise me you'll come back safe," he said, voice trembling, and handed him the box.
"H-here. Something to remind you of our love when things get hard."
"Thank you, Haru," Shion said, smiling softly. "I promise I'll return as soon as I can. I'll crush our enemies and be back before the baby's born."
They kissed again, tears rolling down Haru's cheeks.
And then, Shion, King of Hoshigane, Haru's first love and husband, rode off with his army, disappearing into the golden light of the southern sun.
Will our relationship survive this? Haru thought, pressing a hand to his chest. His heart pounded wildly. Will Shion survive this war?
No, he has to! I don't want our child to grow up without a second parent.
He watched until Shion vanished beyond the horizon, pain gripping his heart so tightly it made it hard to breathe.
Haru couldn't hold back any longer and broke down, bursting into heartfelt tears as Shion disappeared from sight.
Maldie, face full of sympathy, wrapped her arms around him and held him close.