CHAPTER 26: DAYS WITHOUT YOU

One week later...

Haru sat on their shared bed, tired and downhearted. Every day, he wore the veil that Maldie had fastened to his hair during the farewell with Shion. His gaze drifted to their bed, once full of warmth, laughter, and love.

Full of Shion.

Now, it felt hollow.

Haru sighed. He didn’t have the strength for much else. The first few nights after Shion’s departure, he’d cried himself to sleep.

I can’t stop thinking that something might happen to him.

I don’t want this bed to stay empty forever, not without him.

He turned to the pillow beside him, staring at its untouched surface. In his mind, he could see Shion lying there, that soft smile, those distant, unreadable eyes.

I could’ve said how much I love you more. I could’ve kissed you longer, held you tighter...

...given you more happy memories before you left. I’m sorry, Shion.

A quiet knock broke through his thoughts.

"Come in," Haru called softly.

The door opened, it was Gari.

"Boss, I can’t stand seeing you like this. I know you miss him, but maybe it’s time to cheer up a little? How about we go out in town?"

"Ah, sure," Haru replied weakly. He wanted to sound more enthusiastic, but he just... couldn’t.

He got up slowly, and Gari gave him a friendly pat on the back.

"Come on, it’ll be fun," she said with her usual wide grin.

"R-right. Will Maldie be joining us?"

"Later. She’s got a few things to finish first."

"I see."

"So," Gari’s eyes lit up with excitement, "tonight we’re not boss and guard — we’re just buddies, yeah?"

"Yeah," Haru said quietly. "I told you before, you can call me by my name. I get why you don’t at work, though."

"Exactly! But since we’re off duty... I can loosen up a little, can’t I?"

"You can," he said with a shy smile.

"Heh. Perfect. I found this great little restaurant — you’re gonna love it."

Ayame’s handling everything, and she told me to rest.

But all I’ve been doing is worrying about Shion and feeling useless.

Maybe that’s not really true, but that’s how I see myself right now, Haru thought before heading out. At least I’ll have some fun with my friends.

*

Gari led Haru to a place that looked like a shabby shack at the edge of town. Maldie would’ve probably smack her on the head for taking the queen into such a sketchy dive.

The diner was small and worn down — its walls wooden and uneven, the air thick with heat and the smell of oil and fried fish. Or rather, fried edible creatures in general.

Behind the counter stood an old man with a heavy beard — like a cross between a grizzled pirate and a tavern barkeep straight out of a bad legend.

The place had only four tables. At one of them sat a group of three rough-looking men with earrings, scars down their faces, beast tattoos ready to strike, blades at their belts, and headscarves that screamed ’trouble.’

"Yo, Gari!" one of them called, getting up.

His cold, assassin-like face melted into a grin as he high-fived her.

"Told you I’d stop by soon," she said, smirking. "Brought a friend, too."

One of the men narrowed his eyes at Haru.

"Friend, huh? You expect us to buy that? She’s not just some random pretty lady, that’s the queen herself! I’m sure of that!"

The old man cleaning a mug behind the counter glanced up beneath his bushy brows.

"Gari... who the hell did you bring in here?" His voice was rough and deep.

Gari, finishing her greetings with the trio of thugs, walked over to the counter.

"You know I love your cooking, Girth! I’ve practically got a loyalty card here."

Girth looked at Haru, who was now surrounded by the three men, they were bombarding him with questions nonstop, wanting to know about noble life, gasping in surprise at every answer.

"What am I supposed to serve a queen?" the old man grumbled. "This is a fish place."

"Don’t stress out, big guy. Here’s the deal," Gari said, resting her elbow on the counter. "I’ll take my usual: soup from white, multi-headed shark soup with extra meat, and spicy fried eel. For the queen... something light and healthy, please. She’s, uh... how do I put this..."

"Allergic to sharks?" Girth asked dead serious.

"No, you idiot! She’s pregnant, okay?! I was trying to put it not-so obvious."

"Hmm." The barman scratched his beard. "Then boiled fish. Light, no oil. And some vegetables."

"Exactly! So, how about it?" Gari flashed a grin. "Free meal and a round of drinks, in exchange for royal approval."

"No," Girth answered firmly. "I’ve got all I need. But if the queen enjoys my food, that’s enough for me." He chuckled lowly, pouring her a full mug of beer.

"Oh hell yes, I missed this," she said, taking several deep gulps.

After a moment, she returned to Haru’s table. The "boys," as she called the trio, were still bothering him with questions.

"Alright, leave hi–, I mean, her alone already," Gari said, standing beside Haru. "She came to relax. Her husband’s off at war and everything."

"Yeah... I get that," one of them said quietly. "If you two want to chill, join us later for a drink."

"Thanks, but in my current state, I can’t drink right now," Haru said shyly.

"I’ll join you after work," Gari said with a smirk. "For now, I want talk with her one-on-one."

"Fair enough. We were finishing up anyway" said the man she’d high-fived earlier. He tossed Girth a coin, waved goodbye, and left with his crew.

Haru and Gari sat by the wall.

"Wow, Gari... you’re always so cheerful. I wish I had your strength," Haru said softly.

"Thanks, Haru," she grinned, this time a genuine, gentle one. "But it doesn’t come from nowhere. I’ve been through some though stuff. That’s why I want to be strong."

"I should be like that too," Haru said. "Honestly, I’ve had a pretty easy life. Things only got intense after Shion showed up, but even then... I know others have it worse. And yet I keep crying because... b-because..."

His lips trembled.

"...I miss him," he whispered.

Gari looked straight ahead. From the kitchen came the sounds of sizzling and boiling.

She took another few gulps of beer.

"I don’t think that’s a bad thing, Haru. It just means you care deeply. Missing someone you love, that’s as human as it gets."

Her cheeks flushed a little, maybe from embarrassment, maybe from alcohol.

"Damn... I wish I had someone like that."

"I’m sure you will find someone someday," Haru said with a faint smile. "You’re lively, strong, and beautiful."

"Th-thanks. Actually, I–"

The door swung open as Maldie walked in, enough to make Girth peek out from the kitchen to see what was going on.

"I can’t believe you brought the queen into this hole," she said, clearly annoyed. "Ugh, big stupid, stubborn lizard!"

She sat down next to them.

"Barman! Your strongest spiced ale – now!"

"Coming right up," Girth replied gruffly.

"Order something, Maldie," Gari said. "Everything here’s delicious, I’ve tried literally everything on the menu."

"No thanks, I ate at the palace. Besides, I need to watch my figure. I’m getting too fluffy."

"But bears are supposed to be fluffy," Gari teased.

In response, Maldie grabbed Gari’s beer and downed it in one go. The half-dragon froze.

"H-how did you just–? You drank that in one gulp! And you’re totally fine! Give it back, it was my sweet precious beer!"

"Years of experience, darling" Maldie smirked. "And no, I won’t. It’s your punishment for being stubborn".

Haru smiled softly. Their banter filled the air with a warmth he’d been missing. He was glad he could talk with them, go out once in a while, and share a few laughs, just like today.

But he knew, however, that it was only a temporary comfort, though a priceless one.

That night, they returned to the palace late. Haru said his goodbyes, still smiling, but as soon as he stepped into his royal chambers, that smile faded.

The empty bed hurt to look at.

He sat down by his desk, a familiar wave of sadness flooding through him. His lips trembled, his heart hammered in his chest.

Shion... I’m worried about you so much.

I just want you to come home, to see our child when they’re born.

I want to feel the joy of life with you again.

I have to... I need to let it out.

Maybe writing it down will make it hurt less.

He opened a drawer and pulled out the supplies he’d bought recently during one of our walks around town with Maldie and Gari: paper, ink, and a pen.

Before he even began, a few teardrops fell onto the blank page.

Haru cried, but kept writing through the blur.

Beyond the sun, you’re far away,

And the night feels cold and dark –

More than every other day.

I wish I’d ignite more of our love spark,

Show my love, that you are mine,

Because if I truly saw you last time, before you die,

I won’t forgive giving me so little with every cry.

Haru tried to reread the poem. He wanted to improve it, but he couldn’t.

Instead, he broke down in tears. He missed Shion so much that it crushed him from the inside, and on top of that, a heavy sorrow weighed on him, shattering his heart.

*

Shion, deeply moved, folded the poem back into his pocket.

But the cursed king’s face had to remain stoic.

One of his generals entered the tent.

"My lord, everything is ready. It’s time to march and reclaim our lands."

"Yes," Shion said quietly. "Let me prove the strength of Hoshigane once more."

The general bowed deeply.

"I will do everything for our plan to succeed, Your Majesty. Even at the cost of my life."

They left the tent. The army’s camp stretched across the reclaimed borderlands.

Shion lifted his gaze to the sky; the soft golden glow of the sun reminded him of Haru.

With longing burning in his heart and calm determination in his mind, he raised his hand and gave the signal to march.

He led his soldiers forward, into the first strike... and into war.