"A request?" Haley glanced at John, who raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "What is it, ben? You know you need only speak your mind."

The bodyguard hesitated for a moment before continuing.

"Retire?" Haley repeated, feeling a pang of disappointment in her chest. "But... you're the best bodyguard I've ever had. The kingdom wouldn't be where it is today without you." She paused, studying ben's expression. "Is there something wrong? Something I should know about?"

"I... I know that things have changed since I got married..." Her voice trailed off as she searched for the right words. "And I know that you must feel like you don't have a purpose anymore. But please, don't give up on me." She reached out a hand, taking his arm in hers gently. "I need you, ben. I always will."

There was a long silence between them before he finally spoke. "You have your family now, Your Highness," he said quietly. "

Her heart ached at his words, but she refused to let it show on her face. "But we could... find a new purpose together." She suggested tentatively. "Perhaps something that would allow us both to be happy. Something that doesn't involve me being the center of attention all the time."

He looked at her for a long moment tears in his eyes.

"Thank you, ben," Haley said with a tired smile as they disembarked from their carriage. She couldn't help but feel a sense of renewal within her, like she had been reborn anew during their time away. As they made their way through the palace halls, she couldn't wait to see her youngest children and tell them all about the amazing adventures they had on their trip.

Perhaps, just perhaps, this was the start of something new for her.

The days went by in a blissful haze, and Haley found herself looking forward to each one with a sense of anticipation and joy. She had never been happier than she was now, surrounded by her loving family and protected by ben. It almost felt as though she could face any challenge that came her way knowing she had this unbreakable bond at her back.

One day, as she sat in the garden, enjoying the warm sunshine on her face, she noticed ben standing nearby, watching her intently.

"Come in," Queen Haley called out as she sat at her desk, going over reports from various nobles within the kingdom. Ben entered the room, his expression serious and concerned. "What is it, Ben?" she asked, setting aside her papers.

Queen Haley sat back in her chair, surprised by Ben's sudden announcement. "You do? Who is the lucky lady?" she asked with a smile, already feeling a wave of happiness wash over her at the thought of one of her closest friends finding love.

She clinked her glass against his, their wine mixing in an intimate toast as she smiled up at him. "To our victory," she echoed, her voice strong and clear despite the emotion that threatened to overwhelm her. "And to many more to come." She took a sip of the wine, savoring its rich, fruity flavor as it danced across her tongue.

The night air was cool against her skin, but she barely noticed as they sat there together in silence for what seemed like hours.

"Ben... I want to thank you," she finally said, looking at him with such intensity that it made his heart skip a beat. "For everything you've done, for putting up with me and my moods... For being there when no one else was." Her words came out haltingly, like they were difficult for her to say aloud.

He nodded slowly, understanding what she meant. "It's been an honor, Your Highness," he replied softly, his gaze never leaving hers. "

"A request?" Haley glanced at John, who raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "What is it, ben? You know you need only speak your mind."

The bodyguard hesitated for a moment before continuing.

"A year?" Haley repeated, her voice pitched higher in surprise. "Why would you want that? Don't you enjoy your duties here?"

John cleared his throat, his expression thoughtful. "What does this request entail, ben? Where do you plan on going during this time away?"