The innocent misunderstanding

A few weeks had passed since the midnight hunt incident. Though peace had regained once again in the palace, that momentary peace would soon be shattered. 

Anemone came knocking on Ceremus' door with devastating news. 

"According to the reports from the huntsmen guild, there have been more sightings of divine beasts and monsters near the village's borders. The monsters have attacked a few villages, and the huntsmen sent to control the situation have been gravely wounded." The advisor's voice carried a sense of urgency as he explained the dire situation. He then took a cautious step back before continuing. 

"It looks like Your Majesty will have to go down personally to rectify the situation since sending the knights over there would be pointless…" He said, his expression a bit grim. 

Anemone was sure the King would be upset to hear this news. He didn't like having to take care of the slack the huntsmen couldn't, and more importantly, it had been a while since Ceremus had set out to fight off some monsters. But to his surprise, instead of getting a plate thrown at him—or worse—the King's usual cold expression was replaced with unexpected enthusiasm, confusing the poor advisor and intriguing him. 

W-What is this? Are my eyes deceiving me, or does the King look excited at the prospect of exterminating monsters?

"Go and fetch Hael. Have him come here right away." He ordered him, the glint in his eyes still apparent, his determination shining through. 

Anemone blinked, stuck in a momentary gaze, before nodding his head. He didn't wait to be told twice, fearing Ceremus would change his mind. He quickly went to the training grounds where Hael had spent most of his time when he wasn't on duty. 

He was met with the sight of Hael practicing the sword alongside another boy who looked to be a trainee from the looks of his uniform. 

"If I remember correctly, that boy is Atilla. His instructors always have good things to say about him. He's skilled and well-adept at the sword. The only problem is that he doesn't interact with his fellow trainees." He thought. 

As if sensing his presence, Hael turned around and locked eyes with Anemone. 

The advisor flinched; he still wasn't used to those piercing blue eyes that gazed at him. 

Whenever Hael stared at you, it felt like he was peering through your soul. It was a disconcerting feeling. 

"Does the king need me?" Hael asked, his innocence shining through, already knowing the answer. 

Anemone nodded after recovering from his previous fright. "You know the drill." He laughed. 

Hael nodded as he tousled the young boy's hair before leaving the training grounds. Unbeknownst to the advisor and the knight-in-training, Hael had a big smile on his face. The thought of seeing Ceremus always brought a smile to his face. 

He quickly changed out of his training clothes and put on his uniform before going to Ceremus's study, where he found the man buried in documents he had been putting off reading. 

The man already knew without having to look up that Hael had entered the room. The warm smell permeating his body, unique to the white-haired man, filled the room instantly, easing his tension. 

When he asked Anemone and the others in the palace whether they could smell the pleasant scent coming from Hael, they all said they could not smell anything. This confused the King. How could they not smell the warm and comforting scent coming from him? Despite his confusion, he surmised that it most likely had to do with Hael being his chosen one. 

An idea that terrified him at first but didn't seem to bother him much now.

"You wished to see me?" Hael called. 

Ceremus nodded, a playful glint in his eyes. "Yes. You better pack up your things. We're going on a honeymoon." He said, his voice grave, but his eyes held an amused glint.

"...Sorry?" Hael repeated, his confusion palpable, unsure if he had heard him correctly. "A honeymoon?!" 

The shock was evident on his face, and Ceremus found his innocent reaction adorable. He couldn't help teasing the young man a little more. "You heard me. We'll be away from the city for a few days." He said matter-of-factly as he got up from his desk, walking towards Hael, who was still shell-shocked. 

"I-I don't...I don't recall us ever getting married. Aren't honeymoons reserved for lovers? Those who have given their…vows…to one another?" He stuttered, his voice weak from embarrassment. 

The King had to resist the urge to laugh in his face. How could someone be so naive and easy to fool? He started to worry for the innocent white-haired man. 

"Of course they are," he said after regaining his composure. With his back now facing Hael, he could feel the smirk tugging at the corner of his lips widening. "Make sure to pack light since we're going on horseback." He said as he patted the man on the face. 

Hael's face turned a deep shade of red as he felt the warmth from the palm of his hands connected with his cheek. The personal guard stood there for quite some time before finally leaving the King's chambers in a daze. 

Loki watched as his best friend frantically paced around the room, his mind elsewhere. His patience was slowly waning, and he could no longer stand to see Hael like this, muttering nonsensical things under his breath. 

The bird couldn't help rolling his eyes at his foolish friend. "The King was most likely playing a prank on you; you know how that man is, " he said. 

"No, not this time. The King looked serious." Hael replied as he stopped his frantic pacing. 

Loki sighed. "You always take everything he says so seriously; it's no wonder he always plays these pranks with you." You are too easy to fool. 

"In any case, I should ensure we are thoroughly prepared." He said, ignoring the bird's words. 

"You ought to listen to what I impart on you, Hael, as the older and wiser one in this room.

"...."

"Haa. Don't say I didn't warn you." 

Several hours later, Hael found himself standing at the border with the sight of monsters and divine beasts wreaking absolute havoc greeting him.

"Loki was right. He was messing with me."