The Cursed Prince

The family enjoyed quality time together while waiting for their men to reach Castilse. As promised by Horatio, they went sightseeing in Castilse and its surrounding area. It was good to see another flourishing civilization other than their own and maybe learn something from it.

"I think Bruinen will enjoy the university here and the magnificent library," Mars commented after they finished checking the two places.

He told Emmelyn that during his trip to Summeria, Mars spent a lot of time with Bruinen and how they thought Draec needed to improve their education facilities.

When the king and the young wizard talked about how Emmelyn was so smart and resourceful, they both agreed that girls should be allowed the opportunity to get an education because it was so important for them to take care of themselves and their families.

Emmelyn had a private teacher who taught her many things and she was street smart too. So, she could implement the knowledge she obtained from her study and survived so many hardships.

The king thought it would be nice if many other women in his country could get the same opportunity as his wife. These women would turn into an important asset to the kingdom.

"Wow... I didn't know you think that way," Emmelyn was impressed by her husband's forward-thinking. She did get an education because she was a princess and she thought she was extremely lucky.

"Yeah, imagine, we have many people who are so smart like Bruinen who is well-versed in history, medical knowledge, and many other subjects. Men and women have the same brain," Mars replied. "Women could study and learn the same thing as men."

He added, "There must be many smart women out there who could contribute so much to our kingdom but they never get the chance to learn and showcase what their brain is capable of. Just look at you! You are the smartest woman I know. You learn many things and your knowledge has helped our family a lot."

Emmelyn blushed when she received the compliment. She often heard people praising her beauty, but rarely did people compliment her intelligence, even though they knew she was smart.

It was as if being beautiful was more important than being smart. 

Mars was right when he said Emmelyn's knowledge and intelligence had helped their family a lot. If she was not smart, she would have died immediately after she was kidnapped by the thugs paid by Ellena.

She wouldn't survive to give birth to Harlow, which means she wouldn't have escaped all the way to Summeria and now Queen Elara would still be dead.

The Strongmoor family owed so much to her and Mars was determined to pay it back with interest by taking care of her and loving her for the rest of their lives.

"That's a good thing," Emmelyn commented.

Mars nodded. "Yes, especially because our child is female. I want Harlow to get the best education in our kingdom. Since she will inherit the throne, I want her to be more educated and smarter than most men around her. Also, it would be good for her to be surrounded by other smart women. So, she wouldn't have to rely on only men as her advisors and helpers."

Emmelyn looked at her husband in awe. "What did you say? Harlow will inherit the throne? But she is a girl."

"So what if she is a girl? She is MY daughter," Mars replied. "Unless she openly says that she doesn't want power, I will make her my heir and she will take the throne when I retire."

Emmelyn was at a loss for words. She thought she couldn't love him more than she already did... but apparently, she was wrong.

Seeing how much her husband was different from most rulers and noblemen she knew who didn't think daughters as important, Emmelyn was truly in awe.

She knew she had chosen the right man to be her husband. Emmelyn smiled sweetly, wrapped her hands around Mars' neck, and then tiptoed to plant a sweet kiss on his lips.

"I love you," she whispered. "So much."

"I love you too," Mars hugged her tightly and kissed her back. 

"It is a good initiative, but it wouldn't be easy," Emmelyn said. "Not all men think like you about their daughters. So, maybe it will take a long time before other girls could have the same education and equal treatment from their parents like their brothers."

"Yeah... I know," Mars nodded. "Change takes time. But if we never start, it would never happen."

They walked hand in hand toward the big jacaranda tree in the middle of the garden. Kira and Harlow were sitting on the grass, waiting for them.

Kira had expressed her desire to follow Emmelyn and her family to Draec. She said she had never traveled there and would love to see a new place. Of course, Emmelyn was more than happy that Kira wanted to tag along.

While the little family was enjoying the beauty of the garden with light chat and some berries, Horatio suddenly came to see them.

"Your Grace, you have guests." The butler bowed down respectfully and announced the arrival of people from Draec. "Lord Edgar and Lord Gewen have arrived with their men."

Mars's and Emmelyn's eyes lit up. They were happy to hear that their trusted men had finally reached Castilse. This meant, they could soon plan their departure and go home to Draec.

"Can I borrow a room to talk with Edgar and Gewen?" Mars asked Horatio. "Or.. do you think you can just ask them to come here? Tell their men to get a place to rest. I think there are plenty of accommodation in Castilse where they can stay."

Horatio shook his head. "Your Grace, you are our king's guests. So, we are also responsible to host your men. I have asked the servants to prepare the barrack to the south of the royal palace for your men, so they could rest."

"Oh... that's so kind of you," Mars smiled. "Then, please just bring Edgar and Gewen here."

"Will do, Your Grace."

Kira unconsciously got up and stood next to Emmelyn with her eyes looking in the direction where Horatio went. Her face was beaming and she couldn't stop smiling.

"Edgar is finally here!!" she muttered.