CHAPTER 45: MY HAPPINESS

"Damn it! I can’t believe you beat me again!" Shion yelled, clutching his head.

"Heh, you didn’t even take down more than two pieces this time. I totally wrecked you. Pretty weak for the future ruler of Hoshigane, huh?"

"Oh, shut up!"

Yuri stuck her tongue out at him.

Shion the Second stretched with a sigh.

"It’s been a while, and Asahi’s still not back, huh?"

"Yeah. He went with Mom, probably to Aunt Gari’s."

"Huh?! Why didn’t he take us too?! That’s so unfair!"

"Maybe because Asahi’s been hurting lately, you know, with his scales. I even heard him crying in his sleep. Aunt Gari’s part dragon too, so Mom probably wanted her advice."

"Maybe... but I bet that lucky guy got to stuff himself with sweets! That’s what I’m jealous of the most!"

"You’ll never change," Yuri sighed. "So, one more round?"

"Yeah, why not. I’m bored anyway."

"You could always read a book."

"After staring at Dad’s papers all day? No way. My brain still hurts."

"Fair enough."

After another match – and another crushing defeat – Shion gave up.

His pride couldn’t take it anymore.

Not long after, Asahi came back.

"Oh, you’re back already?" Yuri asked.

"You’re grinning like crazy! Don’t tell me – you stuffed yourself with grandma’s cookies, didn’t you?" Shion teased, plopping onto his bed.

Asahi grabbed the pillow lying on the floor.

"What’s my pillow doing here? Were you throwing it around? That’s so mean! Grandma Maldie and I baked you guys a cake, and now I’m not sharing it! Mom and Dad get it all!"

"Huh? I didn’t do anything! Yuri threw it!" Shion said quickly.

"Then she’s getting the smallest slice."

"If you do that, I’ll throw it at you again."

Asahi grinned and hurled the pillow at Yuri – she dodged just in time, and he dove behind the wardrobe. Yuri tried to throw it back...

...but the pillow hit Sayaka right in the face as she walked in.

Shion and Asahi cracked up while Yuri kept saying sorry over and over.

Sayaka said it was fine and explained she only came to collect their lunch plates – and Yuri’s breakfast plate too.

*

King Shion sighed and signed another document.

Finally, done for the day.

Just then, Haru walked into the office.

"Hey, sweetheart. Working hard again?" he teased gently, walking up to him.

Without a word, Haru sat on his husband’s lap and hugged him tightly

"Perfect timing," the King said, kissing him softly. "Just when I needed a break."

"Oh? Then should I leave you alone?" Haru teased with a playful smile, removing the purple veil that covered Shion’s eyes.

"You know very well I rest best in your arms," Shion replied in a low, gentle voice.

hey kissed deeply, Shion pulling him even closer.

"Keep talking like that," Haru whispered with a smirk, "and maybe you’ll get a special reward right here in your office."

"Honey... we can’t do that here... what if someone walks in? The door doesn’t even have a lock."

"Well, no risk, no fun," Haru whispered before kissing him again.

"Oh, Haru... I love you so much I almost wish we could have another child."

"You already have a bunch," Haru chuckled softly. "Still not enough?"

"What are our kids doing now?"

"They’re in their room. Why do you want to know?"

Suddenly, Shion picked Haru up in his arms and stood up.

"I’ll carry you straight to our bed," he said with a confident smile. "I’ll show you how much I love you – even after all these years."

"Oh, just don’t go too wild," Haru laughed, kissing him. "I still have to keep quiet, and you know how you make that almost impossible."

"I’ll try," Shion said playfully, "but no promises."

"You little–" Haru laughed, nibbling his ear.

*

Later, Haru lay under their blanket, sweaty and breathless, his heart pounding. He felt like he was in heaven, and still on fire with love.

Shion stood beside the bed, putting his clothes back on.

"Good thing we finished before the next meeting. Sorry, dear, I had to speed things up near the end."

"N-no worries," Haru panted. "God, I’m in heaven."

"I could say the same," Shion replied with a soft smile.

Haru stared up at the canopy above him.

We have a happy marriage and wonderful children.

They’re smart, kind, learning so fast... Sure, they cause trouble sometimes, but that’s what kids do. I feel so...

...happy.

If only Shion didn’t have to hide his eyes anymore. When I learned that my power as the Key was to break the hereditary curse, I was both glad and a little sad.

Will there ever be a day when he can finally take off that veil?

I want to believe there will.

Shion leaned over him, and his view was completely blocked, but it only made him feel closer.

"I need to go, but I want one last kiss."

Haru smiled. The first wrinkles had begun to show on the King’s face, but to Haru, he only looked more handsome with time. The years passed, and their love only grew stronger.

"And you think I’ll let you stop at just one?" Haru teased, pulling him in by the neck.

They kissed again – long, tender, and full of warmth.

"I really have to go," Shion said finally, gazing at his husband with deep love.

"Alright, I know – you can’t ignore your royal duties," Haru said with a soft laugh.

When Shion left, Haru could barely hold back tears of joy.

His heart fluttered – like he’d fallen in love all over again.

*

That evening, after the council meeting, Shion and Haru went to their children’s room. Sayaka had already brought the cake Asahi baked with Maldie, proud she managed not to squish it or trip on the way.

Asahi sat on his bed, legs swinging, proud and happy with himself.

Sayaka stood by his desk, carefully cutting the cake – but she messed up the slices and ended up with one too many.

"What should I do with the extra one?" she asked nervously.

King Shion sighed – her clumsiness always disarmed him.

"You can have it, if Asahi says it’s okay."

"R-really?!" Sayaka’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "That’s such an honor!"

"Sure! Sayaka’s awesome!" Asahi said with a big smile.

Haru, sitting on Asahi’s bed, stood up and gently pinched his son’s cheek after he swallowed a bite.

"How many times do I have to tell you – don’t talk with your mouth full, hmm?"

"Stop it!" Asahi laughed.

See how Yuri and Shion are eating? Try to be like them," Haru said, then let out a small sigh as he saw his son getting a bit down. Tone’s a bit rough, Haru, don’t ruin his day.

"Alright, I’ll let it slide today – since you made such a delicious chocolate cake."

You liked it that much?" Asahi asked eagerly.

"I did," Haru said with a smile.

Asahi beamed with pride and joy.

Shion the Second turned toward them, still chewing. Once he swallowed, he said:

"I helped Dad with work, and Asahi made food. Only Yuri was lazy all day."

"You know Yuri keeps having nightmares," King Shion said, his voice turning a bit firmer. "It’s not nice to mock someone’s weakness."

"S-sorry..." Shion the Second murmured, embarrassed.

"When will I see Auntie Ayame again?" Yuri asked. "She’s so smart, and she helps me with my nightmares."

"Soon, sweetheart," Haru said, walking over. Yuri turned in her chair and hugged him tightly. "Only you and Ayame understand me! And Sayaka too," she added.

"Thank you, my lady," Sayaka said politely with a bow.

"You know your father worries about you too," Haru said gently. "But he’s got his hands full being King, right, love?"

"Yes," King Shion nodded, then smiled warmly.

"Mom, do your magic trick!" Shion the Second called out. "Pleeeease!"

Haru smiled.

"Oh? But do your siblings want to see it too?"

"Yeees!" Asahi said, grinning from ear to ear.

"I always sleep better after you do it," Yuri admitted shyly.

"Oh? Why didn’t you tell me that before?" Haru asked softly.

"B-because I didn’t want to bother you every night..." she murmured.

Haru hugged her closely.

"Don’t you ever think that way again, alright? I’ll do anything for any of you. Starting tonight, I’ll come by every evening."

"Yaaay!" Shion the Second cheered.

Haru stepped into the middle of the room. He raised his hand, and slowly, starlight began swirling around it. After a moment, the light shot upward like fireworks, turning into a cloud that hovered beneath the ceiling.

For a few minutes, their children’s room was filled with a golden, misty sky full of stars. Then, just as quietly as it appeared, it vanished.

Young Shion laughed and clapped, while Asahi and Yuri just stared in awe, smiling in wonder.

"Alright, so... what do you want to play now?" the King asked after a moment, once the kids’ amazement – and the magical sky – softened.

"Tag!" the boys shouted together.

"And then hide and seek!" Asahi added eagerly.

"I want to play chess with Dad," Yuri said. "I’ve beaten everyone else but you." She looked him right in the eyes.

"Sayaka and Mom will do the chasing!" Shion the Second said. Then he stood up and pulled Haru’s hand, and Asahi did the same with Sayaka’s.

"I-I’ll come back and c-clean the dishes later, Y-Your M-Majesty," Sayaka said shyly, as Asahi tugged her along.

"Enjoy the game," the King said warmly.

"Oh, come on! You’ve got it easy! I’m the one who has to chase them!" Haru laughed.

"Well, I’ll be busy thinking hard – Yuri’s getting better and better," Shion said with a warm smile. After the rest went out, Yuri set up the chessboard, and he ruffled her hair. "You’re a little chess master. Maybe just a few more weeks before you finally beat me."

"You think so, Dad?" Yuri asked with bright eyes.

"No, I’m sure of it," he said, chuckling softly.

As Yuri set up the pieces, the evening passed quickly – filled with laughter, warmth, and pure, carefree happiness.

Almost like a perfect little slice of paradise.