The Forbidden Light [BL] Chapter 23: Heaven, Earth And Jupiter, Part III

Shion entered the garden. He looked at Gari and Maldie, as if trying to figure out what was going on from their expressions. Then his worried gaze moved to Haru, who looked just as, if not more, confused.

"I’ll have to tighten security around the palace," Shion said. "It’s strange that two weird people managed to break into such important places."

Shien finally stood up straight, as if snapping out of a trance.

"That’s not true! I’m the sa person, see?" he said, then transford.

Even though his body and outfit transford, the oily substance remained. His dress soaked through in a few spots, revealing the outline of his thick thighs and black lace underwear.

Ignoring Shion completely, Shien turned toward Haru.

"Maybe you like better like this, sweet Haru?" he teased with a goofy little pout.

For so reason, Gari and Maldie’s faces filled with shock and fear.

"Huh? What’s wrong?" Shien asked, completely clueless.

Shion stood behind him, his eyes burning with fury.

"Only I can call Haru sweet. Now talk, who the hell are you, or I’ll kill you right here."

"U-uh... well..." Shien panicked.

"Honey, you don’t have to be that jealous," Haru said with a small smile. "You know I’ll always be faithful to you."

But Shion had already swung his katana straight at the god’s head. Shien, whose only talents were flirting and dancing, froze in terror.

If it hadn’t been for Aya, who blocked the strike with her staff, Shien would’ve been lying on the grass with his head split in two.

"Have you forgotten what tradition says, brother? Staining the royal gardens with blood is one of the greatest sins a Hoshigane can commit."

"Lady Aya?!" Maldie shouted in surprise. "I was so worried about you!"

When Shion sheathed his katana, Maldie couldn’t hold it in any longer, her lips trembled, and then she ran up and hugged Shion’s sister.

Aya smiled softly.

"It’s good to be ho."

"Aya... you have to tell everything. You’ve been gone for over a month," said the maid.

"Really? I thought it’s only been three days at most. I guess ti flows differently in the Forbidden Library..."

"Why did you even go there?" Shion asked, confused. "You already took every book that–"

"It’s about Haru. And your child," Aya said. "It might sound strange, but the baby will be the first and only star in the sky that is Haru, and you, Shion, are the earth." She paused when she realized no one understood a word. "Sorry, I’m starting to sound like that damn librarian again. Anyway–" she turned to the god sitting on the grass and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You’re coming with ," she said in commanding tone. "Your... friend is very angry about what you did. The trial’s over, and it’s ti to apologize for the ss you caused."

"Wait... you’re the nosy brat Hoshizuma keeps complaining about?!" Shien asked, surprised.

Aya gave him a cold, furious glare that sent chills down his spine. He realized she wasn’t joking.

"Ahem, I an, yes, ma’am."

Shien stood up and brushed off his dress. Then he walked up to Haru and gently touched his belly. Imdiately, Aya pressed her staff to the back of his head.

"Don’t try anything, or I’ll turn you into a bloody stain on the ground. If you harm Haru or the royal couple’s child in any way, I’ll make sure you never forget in who’s skin you got under."

Another shiver ran down Shien’s back, this one stronger than before.

Better not risk it. What kind of blessing can I give this kid as an apology...?

Hmm... oh, I know!

A soft pink glow appeared around Shien’s hand.

"This is one of the few blessings I can offer," he said. "The Blessing of Beauty. Your child will inherit the best of both of you and grow up even more beautiful than its parents."

Haru felt a warm sensation in his belly, then looked at Shien, who was grinning goofily.

"Rember this, Haru! When I co back, I’ll serve you forever! Just one look from you, and I’ll fall at your feet and start li–"

"That’s enough. See you soon," Aya said quickly, and teleported herself and Shien back to the forgotten library using one of Hoshizuma’s ribbons.

Shion’s anger slowly faded.

Haru stood up, hugged his husband, and looked him straight in the eyes.

"You have nothing to be jealous about. You know I only love you," he said, holding him close before kissing him.

"Aww, they’re so sweet," Gari whispered to Maldie.

"For once, I agree with you," Maldie sighed softly.

She looked at Shion with tender pride.

I rember when he was just a little boy, struggling with the pain of the curse.

And now? He’s grown into a great ruler, and he’ll make an even better father.

I’m glad I could help you, Shion.

"So... w-what should we do now?" Haru asked after a mont.

"Co with to my office. We’ll spend so ti together, and I’ll make sure no other weird person gets near you. Gari and Maldie will co with us too."

"O-okay." Haru nodded.

*

Aya brought Shien back to the library. Hoshizuma looked at the god with pure disdain.

"What the hell was that about, saying you wanted Haru even though he’s carrying another man’s child? Do I need to remind you who you belong to?!" he snapped.

"S-sorry..." Shien stamred. "Y-you know that I–"

"Silence," Hoshizuma thundered.

Shien scread in fear as Hoshizuma raised his hand, forcing him to his knees with sheer will.

Aya watched the scene, wondering what this librarian really was.

Hoshizuma grabbed Shien’s chin, forcing him to look up, his eyes filled with both fear and desire.

"Go back, young Hoshigane. Leave us so privacy," Hoshizuma said roughly.

Without another word, Aya teleported back to the palace.

*

Soone knocked on Shion’s office door. The king invited the guest, it was Aya.

She sat across from her brother, looking at him, then at Haru.

"I’m sorry I couldn’t be at your wedding, but congratulations, on both the marriage and... the baby," she said with a small but genuine smile.

"It’s fine. We are not mad at you," Shion replied.

Haru gave him a hesitant look, he could tell from Shion’s tone that the words ca out more out of politeness than warmth.

"Really, it’s a sha you couldn’t be there," Haru added.

"I’m sorry," Aya said sincerely. "I left to learn sothing important, but honestly, I didn’t learn much and I ended up putting your relationship in danger. I’m such a terrible sister. I thought I was doing it for the good of our family, but... I was wrong."

"Wait, hold up," Maldie said. "So that weird guy showing up had sothing to do with you being gone?"

Aya sighed.

"Unfortunately, yes."

She told them everything, step by step. Shion’s expression didn’t change at all. Gari looked increasingly confused, Haru grew more surprised with each word, and Maldie frowned thoughtfully.

"Okay, but why would that Hoshizuma guy even do this? I doubt he did it just for fun. And who is he, anyway?" Maldie asked.

"I don’t know," Aya sighed again. "He’s a being even gods fear. But he never leaves the library, he uses others to do what he wants. I don’t know what he’s planning, but... despite all the unknowns, I guess my trip wasn’t for nothing. The more I think about what he said, the more certain I am of one thing–" she pointed at Haru. "Your child will be the key to breaking the curse. But for that to happen, I sohow have to be there when Haru will give birth. That’s all I could find out."

A mont of silence fell.

"Shion, are you angry at for all this?" Aya asked.

"No, sister," he said gently, though his tone carried distance.

A small shiver ran down Aya’s spine. She knew he was hiding sothing.

"However," Shion continued after a pause, "I forbid you from eting Hoshizuma again. We have no idea what you’re dealing with. Until you learn who, or what, he really is, stay away from him."

"I’ll try, but... sotis he can summon . And when he does, I’d better not refuse. Otherwise, he might send sothing much worse than–" she stopped herself just in ti, before saying "the manifestation of the curse." She remind herself that they didn’t rember that day.

"In that case, we’ll find a way to protect you from him," Shion said. "We’ll figure sothing out together."

"Yes," she nodded.

"Oh, by the way, Aya," Haru said, "I borrowed your notes. The curse-breaking beca even more important to us, so I thought I’d read them, but honestly, I couldn’t understand a thing. Could you explain them to soti?"

"Of course," Aya said with a smile.

"Aweso!" Haru replied. "See, Shion? Nothing to worry about now! That weird dancing guy won’t show up again."

"Probably not," Shion said. "Anyway, with Aya back at the palace, we’ll be fine. Gari, Maldie–"

The two servants, who’d been arm-wrestling, teasing each other, and making silly faces at one another in the background, imdiately snapped to attention.

"Yes, sir," Maldie said.

"I’ve got it, boss!" Gari added.

Haru stood up along with them.

"Then... see you later," he said, smiling.

"Haru, sleep without tonight. I’ve got a lot to handle, and I’ll probably be back very late."

"O-okay."

"Don’t worry. I’ll take the day off tomorrow to make it up to you."

"Sure, but you don’t have to. Honey, I know you’re busy" Haru said as he left the room.

"I’ll co by tomorrow to teach you a bit about curses," Aya called after him.

Aya and Shion were left alone.

"I’m not mad about you being gone," Shion said quietly. "I’m upset because you’re dealing with Hoshizuma again. I might not know what he really is, but I know he’s hurt you before."

"I’m not doing this because I want to," Aya replied seriously. "For now, he’s the only guide I have in all this chaos. You have no idea how much it frustrates too."

*

Late at night, Haru was still awake, but Shion still didn’t co back from the office.

I’ve written apology poems for politicians before... but never for Shion.

I want it to show how I feel, but also to be read quickly, since we fell in love fast and got married even faster...

Haru sighed and thought for a while, then wrote a four-line poem:

Your dark gaze, like the night’s deep shade,

To so it’s scary, but I find it beautiful instead.

Your love brings warmth that fills my heart,

Like the night sky near – it wraps around tight.

He read it over again, cheeks turning red.

I-I’m not ready to show him this!

No, wait, co on, Haru, you’re literally pregnant with his child! Why would you be embarrassed to show him a poem?!

He stared at it for a mont longer and finally realized why.

Because... I think it’s not good enough yet. I’ll write sothing better and show him later.

With that thought, he hid the page in his wardrobe and went to sleep.