As Ben walked through the bustling marketplace with his harem, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him. The scent of spices and freshly baked bread filled the air, and the sound of merchants calling out their wares mixed with laughter and pleasant conversation.

He hadn't expected to see Queen Haley here today, but as he turned a corner, she came into view, her hand resting on the arm of her husband, King Julian.

"Good afternoon, Ben," Queen Haley replied warmly as he and his harem bowed before them. "To what do we owe the pleasure of seeing you here today?" Her eyes darted between him and his harem, her expression a mixture of amusement and understanding.

Ben hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I was just making sure that we were well-prepared for the winter season," he said finally. "And I thought my wives might enjoy some time outside the house." He paused, then added with a smile, "

neither do i, but we need to protect ourselves too. I just... I didn't want to marry Ashton." Her voice trailed off, the words sounding more plaintive than she intended. She knew that breaking off the engagement had been a gamble, but she hadn't expected it would end like this.

ben looked at her compassionately "i know you love someone else"

Her eyes widened in surprise before narrowing slightly. "And how do you know that?" she demanded, sitting up a little straighter. There was an edge to her voice now; the Tsundere coming out to play. She didn't like being caught off guard, and she certainly didn't appreciate people knowing things about her private life without her permission.

The older man smiled gently "it is not hard to guess when someone acts that way around certain person" He stood up and walked toward the door "

She watched as he left the room, his shoulders straight, his steps purposeful. As the door closed behind him, she leaned back in her chair and sighed contentedly. Despite everything that had happened, she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace. Perhaps this was what it meant to truly rule a kingdom: not just through power and duty, but also with love and understanding.

And so, the days passed, and Haley Davolan continued to reign over Darran Kingdom with wisdom, grace, and compassion.

It had taken some time to find a suitable estate for ben in the countryside, but she'd finally managed it. Perched on a hill overlooking rolling hills dotted with wildflowers and sparkling streams, the manor was everything he'd ever dreamed of. And when she presented it to him as his retirement home, complete with eight beautiful women for his harem, even her staunchest guard could not help but be moved by her generosity.

He bowed deeply before her, his voice cracking slightly as he spoke. "

As evening fell, Haley made her way to her father's study, her heart pounding in her chest with nervous anticipation. She had come up with a plan, one that she hoped would spare ben 's life and allow them to continue their forbidden love affair in secret. The door was ajar, and she could hear the sound of papers shuffling from within.

Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself before pushing it open and stepping inside.

King Alexander looked up in surprise when Haley entered his study. "Princess," he said, rising from his seat. "I wasn't expecting to see you here."

She swallowed hard, her resolve wavering for a moment before she found her voice again. "Father," she began hesitantly, "I know that what I am about to ask is a great deal to ask of you... but there is something I must discuss with you regarding ben."

"Yes," she said finally, her tone thoughtful. "I am." The truth was, she'd grown tired of the endless parade of suitors that had come and gone over the years. Each one seemed to be less worthy than the last, their only redeeming quality being their potential value as political pawns. She longed for something more: love, passion, a connection that went beyond mere strategy and manipulation.

"What makes you think you can find someone better suited for me?" she asked archly, finally turning to face ben. There was an eagerness in his eyes that she hadn't seen there before, and it piqued her curiosity. Perhaps this was the fresh start she had been hoping for all along.

"And what sort of request is it?" Haley pressed, her brow furrowing in confusion. She knew that Ben had been loyal to the Darran family for as long as she could remember, but there must be something more behind this request. "Is it something you couldn't discuss with me first?"

"Very well," Haley said slowly, still not entirely convinced that this was a good idea. "I will speak to my father about arranging a meeting between you and the King. But I must warn you, Ben; he does not take kindly to surprises or unsolicited advice." Her eyes narrowed as she considered their long-time friend and bodyguard. There was something else she wanted to say, but she held her tongue.