Haru, on the verge of tears, began to pack his things. He angrily pulled clothes from drawers and stuffed them into his luggage.
Maldie, who was looking after the children and playing with them, glanced at him with increasing worry
"Haru, what happened?" she asked gently.
"Isn't it obvious?! After being apart for so long, Shion orders me to leave on my first diplomatic mission instead of… instead of actually wanting to spend time with me!"
Maldie swallowed hard.
"Is Gari going with you?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"Yes. I need my personal guard."
The half-dragon guarding the entrance to the royal chamber felt her heart skip a beat.
Maldie's heart was pounding too.
After only a few days into their relationship, this also meant a long time apart for them.
Silence fell between them – until Shion entered the room.
Haru, still crying, looked at him while continuing to pack. He tried reasoning with his husband, tried to talk him out of it, but Shion stayed unmoved
