Lust for the King’s Wife

Chapter 7: Shared Bed, Two Thoughts (1)

“Listen to this: first, Alf marries the princess. Then, we just wait for the king to get old and kick the bucket! The queen’s a witch, so she won’t age, right? In just fifty years, everyone gets a happy ending!”

“But the Queen won’t age, Siha, while Alf will. By the time the king’s gone, Alf will be an old man. What kind of ending is that?”

“Ah, damn, you’re right. Then… oh, I know! We just speed up the king’s death somehow! Stuff him full of greasy food until he croaks, or drown him in booze until he’s a hopeless drunk. Isn’t that a decent plan?”

“The royal diet is strictly managed by the palace, Siha. It’s said that while even the king’s personal guards can be bribed, his chef cannot. Also, where on earth do you even come up with these ideas?”

“This? It’s a method elves sometimes use when they want to steal someone already taken. We’re not really into meaningless killings, you know.”

“Elves certainly have peculiar moral boundaries.”

As the suffocating ceremonial attire tightened around my neck, Siha and Jorfe’s conversation floated around the room. 

Normally, their absurd banter might have drawn a reluctant smile from me, but this time, it was impossible to laugh it off.

“What on earth are you doing, Siha?”

“What does it look like? Trying to help make your wish come true! This magnificent elf has been thinking all night about how to grant your deepest desires.”

“Doesn’t seem helpful in the slightest.”

“It’s a joke, idiot. Just trying to ease your nerves a little. But seriously—do you really like the queen? Or is there some other motive?”

“…”

Even after I tried to dismiss the topic, Siha’s imagination ran unchecked. Before long, even Jorfe chimed in with a more serious tone.

“It’s not something you can just brush off, Alf. If even someone like Siha thinks this way, it means there are likely many others seriously considering the same possibility.”

“I didn’t think the Sage of Harbit paid attention to idle gossip.”

“There are no meaningless rumors in the palace. And if the subject of the rumor is you, Alf, I can’t help but care—as your friend.”

“We’ve only been here for a day. This is the peak time for baseless rumors. Just yesterday, I overheard someone seriously claiming that Siha is over six thousand years old.”

“W-what? Which bastard said that? Tell me! Now!”

“That just proves how much nonsense is circulating. Give it a week, and it’ll all blow over.”

Hoping to end the discussion quickly, I kept my tone calm. But Jorfe, frowning, continued to express his concerns.

“Most rumors do fade away, but some linger. If they’re persuasive enough, they evolve into conspiracy theories.”

“Neither the king nor I are foolish enough to be swayed by the words of fools.”

“I know Alf is smart. But I don’t trust the king. And no matter how sound your logic, if a thousand fools insist otherwise, it turns into nonsense.”

“That’s hard to argue with.”

“All I’m saying is, be cautious. Of course, I trust you’ll handle things well.”

His unease began to subside, softened by the trust we had built over time. Feeling slightly relieved, I stood up.

“Well, I should get going. His Majesty must be waiting.”

“Good luck. Honestly, I hope the king reconsiders the engagement. I think it’s too soon.”

“Yeah, tell him loudmouth women aren’t your type. Oh, and if there’s good food, bring some back! The royal kitchen doesn’t listen to elves. I’ve begged for meat, but all they give me is grass!”

“They probably haven’t encountered a carnivorous elf before, Siha.”

“Well, I’ve never met such tightfisted, inferior creatures either.”

“Haha…”

With the tension lifted, a faint smile finally returned to my face. Watching me, Jorfe offered one last remark.

“Oh, and Alf—don’t completely dismiss what Siha said. She might be a loudmouth spouting nonsense, but this time, she made a surprisingly valid point.”

“What point?”

“If you’re truly set on winning the queen, marrying the princess first might not be the worst strategy. It’s surprisingly plausible.”

“Jorfe, not you too…”

“Half-joking. But if you ever need serious advice, come see me in Harbit—with a fortune in hand, of course.”

With his characteristic mix of wit and wisdom, Jorfe gave me a knowing wink. To him, it might have seemed like useful advice, but to me, it sounded like a reminder that our time together was running out.

When they leave, how will I act? Will their absence make me more cautious, or will I lose control completely?

The answer was already clear. But I ignored the truth and moved forward. Each heavy step seemed to drag a shadow that clung stubbornly to my heels.

***

“Ah, here comes our hero.”

Guided by the maids, I entered the room, where the king greeted me with a broad smile. Beside him, the princess was practically bursting with excitement, ready to leap up at any moment.

But one person was missing. The king, seeming to anticipate my unspoken question, spoke before I could.

“Oh, the queen will be here soon. Women take forever to get ready, you know. Not like us men, who can just throw on armor and head into battle.”

“I must have been too eager to meet Your Majesty. If I arrived too early, I beg your forgiveness.”

“Haha, no need to apologize. If anything, it’s that woman’s indifference that’s the problem—taking her time to prepare while we discuss her daughter’s engagement.”

“I’m grateful for Your Majesty’s generosity.”

“Always so polite, aren’t you? Now, everyone else, leave us. We don’t need to say anything secret, but I prefer we have this conversation alone.”

Once I was seated, the king dismissed the attendants with a wave. Then he leaned back into his chair in a casual manner.

“Phew… finally, some breathing room. Not to blame them, but sometimes they really suffocate me.”

“It’s your lack of decorum that’s the problem, Father. Alf is a guest, and you’re being rude.”

“Oh, come on, dear. He’s about to become family. Can’t I relax a little in front of my son-in-law?”

“Even so…”

“Now even my own daughter nags me. I miss the days when I could swing a sword on the battlefield. Don’t you agree?”

The retired hero winked at me, seeking affirmation. When I smiled faintly, he laughed heartily, clearly satisfied.

“Ah, it’s good to have someone who understands. People like us need kindred spirits, don’t we? How many in this world truly share our burning blood?”

“Your words honor me, Your Majesty.”

“Enough of that formal talk. Drop the ‘Your Majesty’ already. Call me Father-in-law if you like.”

“I wouldn’t dare…”

“Haha, forcing you to relax might be counterproductive, huh? Anyway, let’s talk about why I called you here today.”

The king’s tone grew slightly more serious, though the playful smile lingered on his lips.

“As you’ve probably guessed, it’s about your engagement to the princess. If it were up to me, we’d have the wedding today. But we’ll start with the engagement. What do you think?”

“It’s an incredible honor, Your Majesty.”

“Of course, it is.”

“But isn’t this a bit rushed? For the princess’ engagement to be decided so quickly, I’m concerned it may not be the wisest course.”

“I trust you, Alf. I’ve never met a man as capable as you.”

“Even so, isn’t a marriage something that should be considered a thousand times over? While I’m grateful for your trust, I worry I may fall short of your expectations.”

“Hmmm…”

My tactful rejection made the king pause, seemingly deep in thought. The princess, hearing my words, unexpectedly came to my support.

“Father, he’s right. The royal family’s reputation is at stake. If we rush this engagement, what will people think?”

“Wow, I thought you’d agree with me no matter what.”

“Of course, I support it. Alf is amazing. But that’s why we need to handle this carefully.”

“Great. Now even my little girl’s nagging me. When did you grow up so much?”

“Father.”

“Have I overstepped again? I’m sorry, my dear. But you must understand the longing in this father’s heart, who has suffered in silence, missing his beloved daughter all this time.”

The king’s voice trembled slightly as he gazed at the princess with moist eyes, lost in sentimental reflection. Then, as if embarrassed by his own display, he shifted his attention elsewhere.

“At times like this, the wisest counsel is needed. Just as Alf has a sage by his side, I too have a most brilliant advisor. But today, for some reason, she seems to be taking her time.”

“Yes, I’ve been wondering why she’s paying so much attention to her appearance today.”

“Or perhaps she’s preoccupied with something else. Either way, my dear, why don’t you go and help her? In the meantime, I’ll have a little chat with our hero.”

“But—”

“Please, my dear. It won’t take long, will it?”

At the king’s gentle insistence, the princess reluctantly rose from her seat and left the room. As the door closed behind her, the atmosphere shifted, leaving just the two of us.

The king sighed deeply, directing his gaze toward the floor. Then, with a wry smile, he spoke in a tone tinged with humor.

“…Talking with her is becoming a challenge. I suppose she’s truly become a woman now, hasn’t she?”

“…”

“If only you’d come ten years earlier, my life might’ve been a bit easier.”

Though spoken in jest, his words carried a faint undercurrent of sincerity. After venting his brief lament, he leaned closer to me.

“She’ll return soon, so let me be direct. Marry the princess, hero.”

“Your Majesty—”

“And become the next king. Take over my legacy.”

“I…”

“That’s all I ask.”

His voice was steady, devoid of hesitation. It felt as though he had been contemplating this for a long time, and his next words carried no uncertainty.

“People are already talking, you know. They’re saying the next hero is eyeing my throne. It’s only natural—they assume you’re as ambitious as I was.”

“I have no such intentions.”

“I know. You’re noble enough that I can trust that. But precisely because of that nobility, when enough people rally behind you, you might feel compelled to fulfill their wishes. And I’m not strong enough to resist that.”

“Your words are far too dangerous, Your Majesty.”

“And that’s why they’re honest. I know you’re more suited to this throne than I am.”

His hand came to rest on my shoulder, firm and reassuring. The touch felt like an invisible mantle, gilded with the weight of a crown.

“A hero always knows when it’s time to leave. For me, that time is now. Even if not tomorrow, I hope you’ll accept my goodwill sooner rather than later.”

“So when you said the engagement would happen tomorrow, it was just to unsettle me.”

“I told you, I’d give anything to the one who saved my daughter. That includes the kingdom I’ve built and my most precious daughter.”

“Your Majesty—”

“It’s all yours. All I ask is that you accept it.”

“…”

“And as your predecessor, let me give you some advice. Very few heroes ever get to take what they want as easily as this, Alf.”

For the first time, he addressed me by name. It was a rare moment of sincerity, one kindred soul reaching out to another.

But just as his earnest plea began to sink in, the door opened, and the weight of his words was swept clean from my mind.

“…I seem to be a bit late.”

“…”

“Please forgive my discourtesy, hero.”

Her voice was calm and elegant, yet it resonated with a quiet intensity. As I absorbed the sweetness of her tone, the king stood up and greeted her with enthusiasm.

“You’re unusually late today. There’s no need to go to such lengths to prepare—your beauty never fades.”

“Without care, it will eventually be swallowed by time.”

“Such unnecessary modesty. You’re even more beautiful than I remember.”

“Is that so.”

Mirian’s response was as cold as ever, her words cutting through his flattery. The king, perhaps slightly stung, shrugged lightly before noticing something.

“What’s this? Something new, isn’t it?”

“What do you mean?”

“Spending all that time dressing up, and yet you missed something?”

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

“That red mark on your neck—did you get lipstick on it?”

“Who knows.”

“…”

“It’s probably just a bug bite.”

At those familiar words, my head snapped up. Her gaze followed, meeting mine with an icy clarity.

“…”

“…”

The mark I had left on her neck the previous night was still visible, stark against her pale skin. That vivid red stood out, filling my narrowed vision completely.