The Cursed Prince

After breakfast, Emmelyn asked Horatio if it was possible to have a separate chamber for Harlow since she was used to having her own place with her nanny, and as their parents, they wanted to keep the same dynamic.

She tried to keep a straight face so that Horatio wouldn't think too much of this request. She didn't want Horatio to think she just wanted to get rid of her daughter so she could have an uninterupted sex with her husband.

"We will stay with her until she is asleep, of course," Emmelyn added. "We just want to make sure she will have a nice rest in her own bed, because you know... adults move so much in bed..."

Cough cough.

Okay, that didn't come out well, she thought. Gosh.. this is embarassing.  Emmelyn felt her cheeks heated.

Fortunately, the royal butler was not dumb. He understood what Emmelyn was trying to say without actually saying it openly. He knew it was not easy to be in her position. So, Horatio smiled and nodded respectfully.

"Yes, Your Grace, certainly. We can arrange a chamber beside your own chamber for the little princess and we also have some experienced nanny to help her in the evening and stay with her until morning," he said politely. Then Horatio turned to Harlow and bowed down a little. "I think you will like your new chamber, little princess."

He realized, these people were the king's distinguished guests and they were also royalty from another kingdom. King Loriel already told the butler to make sure that Emmelyn and her family would have a nice stay and he must provide whatever things they needed.

Horatio could understand that as a married couple who had already been separated for a long time, Mars and Emmelyn needed their personal space and opportunity to spend time together.

He was more than happy to help them with Harlow.  The baby was so cute and smart. She would have a lot of fun with the maids in the royal palace.

Many beautiful flowers bloomed in spring.  The lake in the royal garden was also very beautiful with swans swimming lazily, creating such a magical sight.

There were so many things they could do that would keep the baby busy.

"I understand that both your grace need to rest more after taking such an arduous journey from Myreen and Draec," Horatio said. "I will prepare a new chamber for you which has a connecting chamber for the little princess. While you both rest and recuperate to get ready for the journey home, let us entertain Princess Harlow."

"Oh... you would do that?" Emmelyn was conflicting because she actually wanted to spend time with Harlow too.

She missed her daughter so much and wanted to bond with her. It was a difficult situation. She wanted sex, but also wanted quality time with Harlow.

"Of course, I understand you must want to spend time with the little princess. We will only take her off your hand when you want to rest and she still has so much energy to go around places," Horatio quickly added.

The butler understood that many tired parents couldn't keep up with their toddler's energy. "Just look at her. A child her age is a ball of energy that will only keep going as the sun goes up higher."

Emmelyn turned to look at Harlow and realized Horatio was right. Her baby looked so energetic and ready to conquer the world.

"Very well... Let's go somewhere today for a picnic and then we will move to the new chamber." Finally Emmelyn decided.

It seemed like the best choice. She could also spend so 24/7 with Harlow during their journey home.

***

The little family enjoyed a really nice time together, exploring Castilse and the area around it.

The picnic location which Horatio recommended was really nice and they spent almost three hours there to enjoy the nature and the great weather.

Harlow was especially happy because she could chase some small animals with the supervision of her father. She ran around to chase rabbits and squirrels.

Even though she stumbled a lot in the process, never once did she cry. She merely brushed off her dress and then continued chasing more animals.

Emmelyn was so proud and in awe when she observed how healthy and energetic her daughter was.  Kira, who joined them for the picnic, helped supervising the toddler too.

She was immediately in love with Harlow when they were officially introduced by Emmelyn.  Harlow also no longer gave her a cold shoulder.

Once Kira showed off her skills in using her swords, she gained respect from the little princess.

"Oh my gods... Your daughter is so cute," Kira gushed over and over. "I don't want to have kids by myself. So, it's good that you have such a cutie here for me to spoil.. hahaha."

"Why don't you want to have kids? I didn't know that having children would feel this wholesome. You never know until you are a parent." Emmelyn looked at Kira curiously. "Yeah, I know parenthood is not for everyone, but I am curious to know your reason."

Kira shrugged. "No specific reason actually. I just can't see myself with a child 24/7. You know my life is not meant for marriage and become housewife. With other people's kids, I can adore them, play with them, and then return them to their parents... hehehehe."

"Oh, I thought you are looking for noblemen to date with the end game is to get married," Emmelyn asked Kira. "Am I wrong there?"

Kira shook her head. "Not really. I mean, I am bored of the typical men I was surrounded with. They are mostly pirates or thugs and they have no manners. So, I am  looking for a change of scenery. I wanted to see what it feels like to meet educated men from noble families."

"Oh, so you are just looking to date and that's it?" Emmelyn was surprised to hear Kira's reply.

"Sort of. Well... I am not into marriage or children. I am a pirate, Em..." Kira looked at Emmelyn deeply. "My father raised me because my mother, the love of his life, died when I was little. At that time he was not yet a pirate."

She continued. "After he became a pirate lord, life changes for him, and for me too. I don't think I can settle down with another pirate because I don't like them. But I also cannot imagine a nobleman would want to come with me to join the tough life."

"Why not?"

"Are you seriously asking me that question?" Kira laughed softly. "Noblemen has an easy life. They won't survive living as pirates."

"Then... why don't you come and stay with him if you found the one?" Emmelyn asked Kira again. "A stable life in the country is not so bad. I used to be like you. I enjoy traveling and going on adventures to see the world. But now, I  just want to be rooted in the same place where my daughter will grow up. So we can have a home together."

Kira shook her head. "A stable life in the country is not for me. But I don't mind having fun and fooling around for a little bit."

"What do you mean?"

"Ahem..." Kira smiled sheepishly. "Your friend Edgar is coming here, right? I want to meet him again. I like him a lot."

Emmelyn chuckled when she realized Kira was into Edgar. So, she managed to sell the man after all. She felt kind of proud of herself.

"Yes, he is coming this way. My husband said, they will probably reach Castilse in a few more days."

"That's good! I can't wait!"

Their conversation paused when Mars came with Harlow in his arms. He pointed to the west, to announce  that the sun was going down and they should go home soon.

"Ahh..  this is such a lovely picnic," Emmelyn gushed. "This is the best thing to do on a vacation."

Mars grinned when he heard her. No, picnic is not the best thing to do on a vacation. Cough cough.

[Just you wait, wifey.]

[I will show you what is TRULY THE BEST THING TO DO on a vacation.]

[It starts with S and ends with X.]

.

.

***************

From Missrealitybites:

Our perverted male lead is finally back to being his old perverted self and now has been thinking about sex all day. Ahem... Let me know what do you want to read next:

1. Mars and Emmelyn finally get to make love without distraction? Write 1 in the comment if you want more snusnu.

2. Edgar, Gewen and their people arrive in Castilse and the Strongmoors are finally going home together to Draec.. Write 2 in the comment if this is what you want.