Lust for the King’s Wife

Chapter 15: The End of a Fairy Tale

Three years, two months, and nine days since the princess was abducted by the wicked dragon.

The hero party was disbanded. The whimsical elf left in pursuit of new adventures. The seeker of knowledge returned to his research tower.

And the hero who saved the princess remained in the kingdom.

On the day of the disbandment, as each prepared to part ways, they gathered at the royal palace gates before sunrise.

“Ahhh… Haven’t slept that well in ages. Royal beds really are the best, don’t you think?”

“Hmm. They really are. A good night’s sleep is priceless.”

“What’s with that tone, Jorfe? You’re hiding something, aren’t you?”

“…”

“And Alf, why do you look so exhausted? Didn’t sleep, huh?”

“…”

Even in their final moments together, secrets lingered among the group. 

One joked lightly, while another concealed memories of a night they couldn’t share.

But with parting imminent, there was no reason to press. Secrets could stay buried, hidden forever if needed.

Yet not everyone had the luxury of letting things lie.

“Alf, you look really tired. Did you go for another midnight walk?”

“Yes, I went out for a bit, Princess.”

“Oh… I see. Your bed must’ve been uncomfortable.”

“Perhaps the habit of standing watch at night still lingers.”

“Mmm…”

The princess’ reply trailed off, dissatisfaction apparent in her tone. She seemed ready to ask more, but before she could, Siha spoke up, her voice brimming with irritation.

“He probably couldn’t sleep because he’s upset about parting with us. But seriously, brat, do you have to be here? Can’t you let the hero’s party say goodbye without barging in?”

“I’m not here because of you, Siha.”

“Hah, you little brat. I should’ve whacked you ages ago.”

“Go ahead. I’m curious to see how it turns out.”

“Fine. Guess I’ll grant myself one last wish before leaving.”

Siha, as if steeling herself, strode toward the princess. The princess flinched and took a step back, but instead of throwing a punch, Siha cupped the princess’ cheeks in her hands.

And for the first and last time, she smiled warmly.

“I’ll miss you, brat.”

“Uh…”

“Don’t make that face. I’m lying.”

“Ah… yes. I’ll miss you too.”

“If we meet again, I hope you’ve shoved some manners into that thick skull of yours.”

It was a farewell quintessentially Siha. She adorned the moment with her unique charm, then turned to face me.

“I’m off, you idiot.”

“Take care, Siha.”

“That’s not how it goes. You’re supposed to say, ‘See you again.’ Are you planning to live the rest of your life without ever seeing me again, now that you’re a big-shot hero?”

“I’m not confident I’ll live long enough to match your years.”

“You think that’ll make me cry?”

Maybe it would. Hoping to catch the first glimpse of elven tears, I met her gaze. But Siha scratched her head awkwardly and looked away.

“Whatever. I’m done. Playing with humans has gotten boring. You’ve seen all there is to me, so I’ll leave gracefully.”

“Thanks for everything.”

“Yeah, yeah. Don’t do anything stupid. I’m going.”

“Pretty sure that’s the third time you’ve said that.”

“You little—hey, Jorfe! Deal with this idiot for me. He’s so annoying!”

In the end, Siha couldn’t maintain her sharp demeanor, leaving her parting words to Jorfe. The sage stepped forward, first bowing to the princess.

“It’s been an honor, Princess.”

“Goodbye, Jorfe.”

“And Alf.”

“Jorfe.”

“See you again.”

His farewell was short and succinct, as if saving his words for another meeting. 

Perhaps he thought it better to leave things unsaid for now, trusting there would be a next time.

And yet, that brevity left a lingering ache. Perhaps it was because someone who was usually so affectionate had chosen to hold back. 

Or perhaps it was the thought that I was losing the last restraint that had kept me grounded.

Pushing the thought aside, I forced a faint smile.

“I’ll come visit when the time is right.”

“Please do. Dealing with quarrelsome scholars at the academy, I’ll need a break.”

“I never make empty promises.”

“I’d be the first to know that.”

“Then may your journey home be blessed.”

I extended my hand for one final gesture. Jorfe, seeming overcome with emotion, gripped it firmly, almost too tightly. 

The force shifted my clothes slightly, and as the princess habitually reached to fix them, she froze mid-action.

“Alf.”

“Yes?”

“Did… did you get bitten by something last night?”

“…”

Raising my collar, I quickly hid the faint red mark that had been revealed—a mark not left by an insect but by something, or rather someone, else.

The princess, naturally suspicious, opened her mouth to question me further. But Siha’s boisterous voice drowned her out.

“Screw you, world! Here I come again!”

“Siha, that’s embarrassing.”

“Open the gates!”

Her commanding presence startled the guards into compliance. The massive gates of the royal palace creaked open, and the horses at the carriage snorted impatiently.

And just like that, they were leaving. The pages of the fairy tale fluttered like flags at the story’s end. A wave of emptiness surged in me, wishing to delay this moment just a little longer.

But the driver, oblivious to my thoughts, snapped the reins. The carriage kicked up dust as it rolled onto the vast fields.

“…!”

…

Perhaps even Siha’s final farewell had been buried in the commotion. 

The dust they left behind settled, and silence returned to the land.

Thus, the hero party ended. Though it was but one of many adventures, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something irreplaceable had been lost.

“…”

“Um… Alf?”

The princess’ hesitant voice broke the long silence. She lingered beside me, sharing in the bittersweet aftertaste.

“Yes?”

“Well…”

Before she could find the words, another voice interrupted from the distance.

“…Oh dear. Has the hero’s party already left? I seem to have missed something quite important!”

From behind, the king’s booming voice rang out. Before I realized it, he had appeared, approaching with a slightly disheveled appearance. 

He placed a heavy arm around my shoulder, his presence commanding as always.

“I wanted to bid them farewell myself, you see. Such a pity I missed them. Though, of course, I imagine not as much of a pity as it is for you.”

“Did Your Majesty have a restful night?”

“Ah, no need to put up a brave front. I know how it feels. The sorrow of parting with comrades—no words of comfort can mend that pain.”

“…You’re right.”

“But a drink can certainly ease it! It’s still early, but let’s go have a light drink together. And my beloved daughter, how about you?”

The king, heedless of the atmosphere, arrived at his usual conclusion. It wasn’t a particularly appealing suggestion, but one I could hardly decline.

The princess, however, offered a bitter smile and shook her head.

“No, I’ll pass this time. It feels like you two have things to discuss, just between men.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes. I’ll take my leave first, Father.”

“Very well. But don’t rest too long, will you? I’ll call for you soon enough, you hear?”

The princess only nodded without replying, then turned and began walking back toward the palace.

I didn’t know where she was headed. My gaze followed her quietly, her figure slowly fading as her shadow stretched along the ground.

***

“Your Majesty, you have a visitor.”

“I won’t see them.”

“My apologies, but you must.”

“Why?”

“It’s the princess.”

The unexpected name caused a faint crack in the queen’s otherwise impassive expression. Save for her childhood, the princess had never once visited the queen’s chamber.

Even so, the queen attempted to refuse. Yet, before she could speak, the princess opened the door and entered.

“Your Majesty.”

“I didn’t permit you to enter.”

“I know. But—”

“I said I didn’t permit it.”

The queen’s voice was unusually cold, almost cruel. If the princess hadn’t steeled herself beforehand, she might have turned back immediately.

“I understand. Then I’ll ask just one question before leaving.”

“I won’t allow it.”

“Your Majesty.”

“Farewell.”

“Where were you last night?”

The princess couldn’t hold back anymore, her voice rising almost to a shout. 

She hadn’t intended to be so rude, and her shoulders slumped slightly in regret.

Still, her outburst seemed to work; the queen’s gaze shifted to meet hers. Emboldened, the princess pressed on cautiously.

“I’m sorry. But I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Lately, many in the palace have been struggling to sleep. The chilly weather is part of it, but there must be more to it.”

“…”

“As a princess, I can’t ignore such things. And if Your Majesty is experiencing discomfort as well, I must know. So please, tell me—where were you last night?”

“I was with the hero.”

“…Pardon?”

“I was with him.”

The answer came far too easily, with no hesitation in the queen’s calm expression or voice.

For the princess, the impact was overwhelming. Stunned, she managed to stammer out a weak response.

“Th-the hero…?”

“The hero.”

“You mean… Alf?”

“That’s right.”

“Why… Why…? Was there some urgent matter?”

“I couldn’t sleep.”

The princess’ hands trembled, her fingers quivering as though barely holding back her emotions. 

In contrast, the queen remained utterly composed, her detachment bordering on cruelty.

Had she deflected or given a dismissive answer, it might have hurt less. But the queen offered no such mercy.

“Y-you can’t, Your Majesty. That’s… that’s not right.”

“It’s fine.”

“It’s not fine! You can’t do that. How could you, Your Majesty…?”

“Am I not allowed to spend time with others?”

“That’s not the point! Alf is my fiancé. He’s the man I’m going to marry…”

“And how does that relate to me meeting with him?”

The queen’s reply was chillingly rational, even cruelly logical. It wasn’t a conversation but a dissection.

“There’s no law forbidding a queen from meeting a hero. It’s not even taboo by custom. We’ve already met several times, even in your presence.”

“But that was only for my marriage…”

“Then let’s call it assessing his suitability as your partner. Does that sound better to you?”

“E-evaluating suitability…? Your Majesty, that’s…”

“Would you prefer I said that was my true intent all along? Does that satisfy you?”

“W-your Majesty…”

The princess’ words faltered, and her body began to tremble. The queen, observing her, spoke again in her usual tranquil tone.

“Of course, you might not understand. After all, relationships between men and women often carry ulterior motives.”

“A-are you admitting to that? Then…”

“Before that, let me ask you one question.”

“Yes?”

“If the hero were to fall in love with someone else, would it be my fault, or yours?”

The princess’ trembling lips finally fell silent. The queen turned her gaze toward the window.

“I suppose the hero’s companions have left today.”

“…”

“I look forward to tomorrow.”

With that cryptic remark, the queen gestured behind her. A maid appeared silently, supporting the princess and guiding her out of the chamber.

“W-wait…”

“…”

“Your Majesty…”

The princess tried to speak, but the door had already closed. The maid offered a brief bow before departing to attend to her other duties.

Left alone, the princess lingered by the door, unable to move. Eventually, unable to contain her rising emotions, she sought someone to confide in.

“Jorfe… Sage…”

…

“Siha…”

…

“Alf…”

The sage, always offering kind advice. The elf, irritable yet dependable in crises. And the hero, whom she had always thought belonged to her.

Calling their names in turn, she realized two of them were already gone. And the one remaining had silently slipped through her fingers.

Finally, the princess understood that parting from the hero also meant parting from the party itself. Covering her mouth with both hands, she let out a muffled cry.

“Ugh… Uuuu…!”

A mix of despair and rage seeped through her trembling fingers. Unable to contain herself, she opened the window, looking skyward.

The morning was just beginning. But already, the shadow of another dawn loomed heavily on the horizon.