The Cursed Prince

People said time flew by when you were having fun, and that was exactly what happened to Emmelyn and Mars. It felt like their time in Southberry ended so quickly. 

Too fast!

When Emmelyn was packing her bag and changed into a men's outfit, she broke down in tears.

"I don't want to go home..." she cried. "I like it hereee..."

Mars who was wearing his coat turned to her and saw her tears. His heart ached for her. He actually felt the same way. Their short escape to Southberry was a nice distraction from reality.

After they were back in the capital, they would have to think about the best time and the best way to break the news of their wedding to his parents.

Mars and Emmelyn both agreed that after their baby was born healthy would be a good time to tell King Jared and Queen Elara about it.

Not only it was needed to give legitimacy for their baby, but also having the little one present when they told the king about the secret wedding would hopefully soften the king's heart.

King Jared would definitely be reminded of himself when he was young and defied his father so he could be with the woman he loved. He would see himself in his son and be more understanding of their decision.

However, before they could go there, Mars needed to make sure that no external parties would give them problems. They were thinking of Killian and Ellena.

The connection between Ellena and the witch was still unclear. In addition to that, now Emmelyn's brother suddenly showed up out of nowhere. He came with Ellena and the relationship between them was quite mysterious too.

Mars needed to find Killian's whereabouts and what was his intention to suddenly appear before Emmelyn. He had to send more people to do the search.

The thing was, they had not even got any news from his men that were sent months ago to find the witch's location.

Now, he was thinking that the key to everything was Ellena. He must think of a way to get her to talk or at least reveal the secrets by accident. But how?

Maybe he could invite her to come and pretend like nothing happened? He might be able to probe more information over wine, just like a few months ago when they had a drink in the tavern after Ellena returned.

He would need to talk about this with Edgar as he was closer to Mars than to Ellena, unlike Gewen who might take Ellena's side.

Gosh... There was so much to do before the baby was born.

Subconsciously, Mars let out a sigh. He didn't want to go home this soon, just like Emmelyn, but he knew he had no choice. 

They had so much fun in Southberry.  Going back would mean they had to return to their real life. Mars would be busy with state duties and Emmelyn would be lonely again.

That's why she was crying.

Mars quickly came to give his wife a hug. He didn't say anything because any words of consolation would be useless.

He just wanted her to know that he understood her feelings and that he was sad too.

However, he would always be there for her and face everything together.

Emmelyn pressed her forehead on his chest and sobbed. The prince patted her back lovingly and waited until she could pull herself together. After her sobbing subsided, he spoke to her.

"I have talked to Athos and invited him and his family to visit the capital next month. You can see Lily and their kids again. Would you like that?"

He knew she was lonely in their castle. She had to keep herself busy by sewing. She didn't have any friends in Draec.

He could see how she was glowing and beaming with happiness in Southberry when she spent time with Lily Greenan and her sons.

Getting them to visit Draec from time to time would be good for Emmelyn. She couldn't go to Southberry once her tummy became bigger. It would be uncomfortable to travel and also quite dangerous.

He wouldn't take any risk for their first child. 

So, it would only make sense to invite the Greenans to come to them. Plus, he would slowly talk to his father about the possibility of giving Athos an important position in the capital once Mars ascended the throne.

This would be a win-win for everyone.

"Sobs... do you promise?" Emmelyn looked up and asked Mars with a pout. She looked upset but still adorable. Her pout made the man couldn't hold back himself and claimed her lips in a deep kiss.

This reminded him that for the next two days or more, he wouldn't be able to kiss her and do anything inappropriate to her since all his soldiers thought Emmelyn or Lord Aldrich was a man.

So, he kissed her to his heart's content before they left the Greenan's castle.

"I promise," Mars said after he kissed her. He wiped the tears from her eyes and cheeks and kissed the corners of her eyes. "There, there..."

Finally, Emmelyn believed him and stopped crying. She put on her coat and tied her hair. Now she looked like a handsome young man.

"Are you ready to go home, Lord Aldrich?" Mars asked her with a broad smile.

Emmelyn nodded. She had stopped crying completely. "I am."

Mars took her bag and his own and waited until Emmelyn left their chamber before he followed behind her*. They went directly to the castle courtyard where the soldiers were waiting for them on their horses, ready to depart.

"Good morning," Gewen nodded toward Mars and Emmelyn. "Your Highness, Lord Aldrich. Are you ready to go?"

Mars nodded. He gave the bags to a soldier who put them together with Gewen and Edgar's bags on a horse assigned for logistics.

Emmelyn got on her horse and got ready to go. Her acting skills were really good that Mars was impressed.

The sad lady whom he saw crying earlier in their chamber was gone. Now, there was only an aloof young man, who acted like he had no care for the world.

Mars was relieved that Emmelyn didn't use her acting skills to take advantage of him, because she was so good at it, and he was so in love with her.

He couldn't imagine if Emmelyn was still his enemy, he could be really dead someday if she decided to fool him by pretending to love him but then she would betray him behind his back.

He took a good look at the woman he loved and then looked away. He was embarrassed that such a thought even crossed his mind.

Emmelyn was too sweet and she loved him back. She would never betray him.

Athos came out with Lily. Both were all smiles as they send the prince and his entourage off.

They were happy that the crown prince trusted them with his secret wedding. They promised that they would keep the secret with them until the time came.

"Thank you so much for your hospitality and everything you have done for us," Mars said in a low voice so that his men wouldn't hear him. "My wife and I are indebted to you."

"Ahh... don't mention it. We are happy to help," Athos replied. "Take care and safe travels. We will visit you guys next month."

"All right. See you soon, then."

"Bye!!"

Mars, Emmelyn, Edgar, and Gewen bid their farewell to the Greenans and then rode their horses to go back to the capital.

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1] Notice that Mars let Emmelyn take the first move to leave or to enter a place, etc? That reminds me of the saying "Ladies first".

I actually suspected that the saying was coined by men who love seeing a$$. What do you think? XD