The Cursed Prince

Mars was astounded when he heard that Killian came with Ellena to the royal ball. So many thoughts were racing in his mind.

His silence made Emmelyn feel bad about sharing the information today when they were having a good time after their wedding.

Now, she could see from Mars' reaction that his mind was filled with questions and plans to handle the situation with Killian.

Gosh... she should have kept this to herself until they went home.

"I have sent people to investigate Ellena. I will get them to send me reports as soon as we arrive back in the capital," Mars told Emmelyn. He touched her hand and squeezed it gently. "Do you think she intentionally did it?"

Emmelyn shook her head. She didn't know what really happened.

Heck, now she wasn't even sure if the man was really her brother. He did look like Killian, but he didn't try to approach Emmelyn when she gave him ample opportunity to do so.

She snuck out of the ballroom and waited for him outside, hoping he would get an excuse to go out and meet her, but he didn't. 

He only threw her a disappointed gaze at the gala, but that was it.

"I really don't know. You must know Ellena better than I do," she replied. "Tell me, do you think she did it intentionally? And how did she know about my brother? I didn't even know he was still alive until I saw him at the gala."

Mars let out a sigh. He knew the old Ellena. However, the girl left for over five years and they didn't communicate for the duration of she went missing.

Now, what they had was the new Ellena.

So much had changed that he didn't think he could see her the same again.

He still knew Edgar and Gewen and hung out with them regularly. He knew them like the back of his hand. However, Ellena... had become some sort of enigma for him.

Mars didn't want to accuse Ellena of being involved with the witch because, no matter what, she was the one who got him freed from the curse. He owed her his life now, and the fact that he could be with Emmelyn.

However, he also wouldn't necessarily clear her of all suspicions. Not until he could find the witch.

Finally, Mars also shook his head. "I honestly don't know what to think about Ellena. Maybe she did plan it, maybe it was truly a coincidence. We will have to find out. If he is really your brother, I will make sure that you can meet him again and we can work together to make peace with him."

Emmelyn nodded weakly and said, "Thank you."

"Don't worry.. I will handle this properly," Mars convinced her. "I will not let anything happen to your brother."

He knew what made Emmelyn hide this information from him. She must be worried about her brother's safety. That's why Mars said those words. He wanted her to have peace of mind.

As Mr. Vitas said, Emmelyn must not be stressed, especially during her pregnancy. That's why Mars needed to show her that he could handle everything and she shouldn't worry about anything at all.

The prince's words were truly reassuring and Emmelyn was glad that she decided to talk to him about Killian.

Gosh.. she loved this man so much!

Emmelyn looked at him and bit her lip. "Are you mad at me for keeping this information from you...?"

Her puppy eyes this time was not fake. She did feel guilty and she hoped he would forgive her for lying to him often or even just omitting the truth for her own gain.

"No, no.. I told you earlier, I am not mad at you. I know you must have your reason," her husband replied gently. He was happy to see Emmelyn seem to regret her action. It was enough for him.

He stared at her with gentle eyes and said sincerely, "I hope you would never feel the need to hide anything from me in the future. I would be able to make an informed decision if I know the whole facts. And... if you do feel like you have to lie to me... I hope you would never do it because you are afraid of me."

Even though his voice was gentle, the message was loud and clear. He wanted her to feel safe around him and trust him 100 percent.

Emmelyn nodded. She understood.

Mars added, "I am your husband and I have vowed to protect you and be there for you in good times and bad times. I will never hurt you for whatever reason. So, you should never worry about telling me anything."

"Thank you," she replied in a low voice.

Suddenly, she hugged him tightly.

Emmelyn was relieved. She felt like the heavy burden on her chest had gone.

Maybe it was really true what they said: "A joy shared, is a joy doubled. A sorrow shared, is a sorrow halved".*

She felt so much better now after she shared what had been bothering her mind for the past few days. She was used to doing things alone. She always had to work hard to protect and save herself, handled all problems on her own.

Now, it felt like her problems became so light after she shared them with her husband. She didn't know that 'being saved' could feel this good!

For once in her life, she no longer had to work so hard to do everything alone. Someone was there beside her, always ready to help and share.

She didn't have to be strong all the time. It was tiring.

Now that she had a husband, her better half, maybe it was time to start getting used to sharing things with him, Emmelyn told herself.

Mars didn't know why Emmelyn hugged him, but he suspected that he had said the right words again. He was glad with the progress of their relationship.

His mind went back to the past when she was still considering him her enemy and would do anything to plot his murder or his father's.

They had truly come a long way.

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1] A Swedish proverb.