The journey back to Aster was peaceful, unlike the trip to Amara. Wren and Benjamin watched the scenery and sat in comfortable silence. The heavy tension was gone, and Benjamin felt more at ease than he had all week at the palace.
Wren suggested stopping at small towns along the way to see the sights, temples, markets, and local cafes. He knew Benjamin wanted to travel, and he wanted him to have this chance before they returned. Benjamin agreed, but only because he didn't want to disappoint Wren. Wren had done so much for him already. It felt like the least he could do.
In truth, Benjamin desperately wanted to be back in Aster. He wanted to go back to the safety of his quiet routine.
During their journey, Benjamin realized that he hadn't spent much time alone with Wren before, not like this.
Wren is so kind to me, Benjamin thought. I love Charles with all my heart, but we can't be together. Perhaps Madam Wagner was right. I should try to get to know Wren better. If Wren is still interested when this is over, maybe… He stopped himself, frustrated. A man like Wren could have anyone.
Benjamin told himself that he needed to stop dreaming and focus on reality. I need to find a solution for my erratic pheromones and… my pregnancy.
Near the border of Arcadia and Isadora, they stopped at an inn for the night. After dinner, they walked together in the cool night air.
"Benjamin, I think you're an amazing person," Wren said.
Perhaps except for your taste in people, Wren thought.
"I know the past week hasn't been easy for you. I hope this trip has helped lift your spirits, even if just a little," Wren said with a small grin.
"It has, Wren. I'm glad we did this."
Wren stopped. "Before the journey ends, I at least wanted to ask… if there is any space left unoccupied in your heart, will you give me the honor of claiming it?"
"Wren… you're a much better person than I am," Benjamin replied. "I really appreciate everything you have done for me. And… I do want to reciprocate your feelings… but I need time. So, for now, may I ask for more time? There are things I have to settle before I can pursue this seriously. But… if you can't wait, I understand."
"I'll wait, Benjamin," Wren replied immediately. "I didn't expect that answer, but I am relieved that you would even consider me. I understand that life gets in the way sometimes. If you ever need help with anything, you can always ask me."
Upon escorting Benjamin to his room, Wren stepped inside. When they said goodnight, Wren stepped forward to hug Benjamin. Benjamin didn't pull away from the embrace. He accepted it.
Seeing as Benjamin did not refuse him, Wren pressed his face into the crook of Benjamin's neck and kissed him. A surge of heat rushed through Benjamin. The kisses were soft and slow until Wren's grip tightened on Benjamin's waist. The kisses grew deeper.
Benjamin let out a moan, startling himself, and he took a step back.
The air was thick with the scent of both their pheromones.
Flushed and unable to make eye contact, Benjamin excused himself and hurried to the bathroom. He splashed cold water on his face, trying to kill the heat rising in his body. He needed medicine, and he needed it now. When he stepped back out, his shirt was soaked.
Wren laughed gently. "Are you okay?"
"I smelled your pheromones," Benjamin admitted, embarrassed. "They… smell pleasant."
Wren's face dropped. "I'm sorry, Benjamin. I didn't mean to—"
"It's alright. I know it wasn't intentional. Usually, I wouldn't react like this, but my pheromones have been erratic lately. I'm sorry mine came out, too."
"No need to apologize. I like your scent, too. It smells of raspberries," Wren said.
Pheromones didn't smell the same to everyone. Every person processed a scent differently, as their own pheromone glands interpreted the chemical signal in their own unique way. That's why the same person could smell like something different to each person who met them.
"I'll go apply scent-blockers. Do you want some?" Wren asked.
Benjamin nodded. The immediate tension was cleared, but his neck still burned where Wren had kissed him.
Throughout their journey, Wren noticed that Benjamin had been acting strangely. He watched him closely, certain that something had changed.
** ** ** ** ** ** **
Upon Charles's return to Aster, a grand parade waited for him. Banners and signs celebrating his betrothal hung from every corner of the city. People cheered and threw flower petals into the air as the royal carriages passed. The city was alive with joy, but Charles felt none of it.
The moment he arrived at the palace, Charles went to find Benjamin. He was disappointed when the Imperial guards told him that Benjamin had already left with Wren. Without a word to anyone, Charles mounted his horse and rode to the clinic alone. He let his guards rest. The journey had been long and tiring for everyone.
The clinic was dark and locked. There was no sign of Benjamin. Charles unlocked the door and walked through the quiet rooms, hoping to find some trace of him, but the home was empty. He spent the night there before returning to the palace the next morning.
His parents were worried. They had expected to congratulate him upon arrival, but Charles was nowhere to be found. When he returned the next morning, Charles had stayed in his room and asked for his meal to be delivered. Hearing this, his mother went to see him.
After Kai announced her arrival, Queen Asterion entered the room. Charles greeted her with a formal bow, which was unusual. He didn't say a word. He just sat back down in his armchair and gazed aimlessly out the window. The Queen knew her son well enough to see that something was wrong.
"Charles, where have you been? I wanted to congratulate you yesterday," she said, taking a seat across from him. "The parade was lovely, wasn't it?"
When Charles didn't respond, her voice softened with concern. "Are you unwell? You look pale. I know the trip was long, but your father is upset. You didn't even greet us after being away for so long."
"I'm sorry, Mother," Charles said. "I will ask for Father's forgiveness when I see him later."
"I'm glad you haven't lost your manners entirely," she replied. "But tell me the truth. What's wrong? I am your mother. I can sense when something is bothering you."
Charles let out a long, heavy sigh. "You won't be happy to hear it."
"I am more forgiving than your father, Charles. I have always tried to be open-minded."
Charles turned away from the window and looked her in the eyes. "I have a lover. And it isn't the Imperial Princess."
The Queen's eyes widened. She sat back, trying to process the news. She wondered if this was why the Emperor had mentioned Charles's hesitation to marry.
He must be serious for him to act out like this, she thought. But it is likely just a first love. A puppy love. He is confusing it for something real.
She leaned forward, speaking with a calm, steady authority. "Charles, I understand that matters of the heart feel heavy and overwhelming. But in our life, there are things we must give up. As rulers, we don't just lead the people—we serve them. And that service requires sacrifice."
She looked at him with sympathy. "Your father and I were lucky. We were in love when we were betrothed, but life doesn't always work out that way for everyone. This engagement is the future of the Empire. You are feeling down right now, but these emotions, they are fleeting. Trust me, in a few months, you will feel much better. You will see that I am right."
Charles gave her a small, empty smile and thanked her. He realized then that she wouldn't truly understand.
Later that evening, Charles found Sofia in his room. She was sitting in one of the armchairs, looking sullen.
"What's wrong, Sofia?" Charles asked.
"Our stay in Amara was too short," she said, looking at him begrudgingly. "They invited us to stay for a few more days. We could have stayed longer."
"I'm sorry, Sofia. I was being selfish. I'll make it up to you."
"Well, you can't."
"I can ask Father and Mother if you can visit for your studies. That way, you can stay longer."
Sofia looked at him, untrusting, before finally sighing. "You better keep your word."
"Why are you so upset?" Charles asked. "Did you enjoy the Imperial palace that much?"
Sofia didn't respond.
"Did you meet someone?"
Again, she remained silent.
"Who is it?" Charles sat in front of her, his curiosity growing.
He thought back to the past week. He had been so preoccupied with breaking the engagement and thinking about Benjamin that he hadn't paid much attention to her. But he did remember seeing her with Zaid.
"Is it… Zaid?"
Sofia didn't say a word, but her silence was an answer.
"So, is it him?" Charles asked again.
Sofia finally nodded. Her eyes were wide and welling up with tears. But as she looked at Charles, her expression shifted from sadness to confusion, and then to annoyance.
"Charles, why do you look like that? Are you rejoicing in my sadness?"