The Cursed Prince

Clara took a really deep breath before she nodded at Edgar. She was ready to get out of this carriage and met Edgar's family. 

"Yes, let's go," she said with a nervous smile. The door was opened and Edgar got off the carriage first. Then, he reached out his hand and held Clara's hand to help her get off.

She was very nervous that her leg swayed when her foot touched the ground. She almost fell to the ground if Edgar didn't immediately scoop her up and carry her in his arms.

"Relax," he whispered gently. "My parents don't bite."

"Ahahah.. yeah, I know," Clara chuckled. Her face flushed so red when she realized she was in his strong arms. "Hey.. put me down... This is embarrassing."

"It will be more embarrassing if you fell down," Edgar replied with a smirk. "So... what do you think?"

Clara bit her lip and finally nodded. She shyly wrapped her hands around the man's neck to keep her balance. Her voice was barely audible when she said, "Fine."

Edgar chuckled and walked firmly with the woman in his arms. He looked happy, proud, and overall joyfully. The servants who welcomed him at the door looked slightly surprised to see their young master come home with a young woman. He looked so happy and his face was beaming in happiness.

"Welcome home, Lord Edgar," they all greeted him respectfully with a slight bow.

"It's been a really long time." The family butler walked toward him and bowed down deeply. He was an old man at around fifty who was impeccably dressed and looked very serious. He motioned the other servants to bring their young master's stuff from the carriage. "I am happy to see you return, my lord. How was the trip?"

"It was fine, Albert," said Edgar with a smile. "Very interesting and I am happy I was included in the mission. This is Lady Clara Langley, soon to be my wife."

He tilted his face toward Clara and smiled. She smiled too. Slowly, her nervousness subsided. She turned to the butler and greeted him with her sweet voice. "Good evening, Albert. My name is Clara Langley."

The butler was shocked and, at the same time, happy when he found out from Edgar that this beautiful woman was his soon-to-be wife. It's about damn time, he thought. 

Their lord's youngest son was almost 29. At this age, his older brothers would already have at least two children. However, Edgar never even have a long-lasting relationship with women. To date, he had only dated two women and they were not serious. 

The relationships fell through because he was very busy with military duties, something that he liked doing. His family actually already thought Edgar would devote his whole life to the kingdom without ever thinking about his own happiness.

So, when he suddenly came with a bride, the butler couldn't be happier.  The duchess must be very happy, he thought to himself. He couldn't wait to let Lady Chaucer know.

"It's so nice to meet you, your grace," said Albert with a big smile. "You must be so tired after the long trip. Would you like to see your chamber?"

"Yes, she is tired. Her feet also hurt and couldn't walk. That's why I am carrying her like this," Edgar explained. He didn't want Clara to feel embarrassed or Albert to think his future wife was a spoiled woman who always clung to Edgar. That's why he made that excuse.

"Oh... I am sorry to hear that," Albert looked sympathetic. He motioned them to follow him because he would show them the chamber prepared for guests.

"Where are my parents?" Edgar asked Albert after they arrived in the beautiful chamber at the end of the hallway in the west wing of the castle. He gently put down Clara on the fluffy sofa and then sat beside her.

"Your mother is having afternoon tea with Queen Elara at her mansion," Albert explained. "Your father was attending a meeting in Lord Branden's estate to discuss their plan for the winter. They will be back soon."

"Ahh.. that's good. So, we can rest for while before meeting my parents." Edgar was very happy because Clara didn't have to immediately meet his family. She could go around the castle and familiarize herself with the surroundings before meeting her future in-laws.

"I will come back and let you know when your parents arrive," said Albert politely.

"That's good. Thank you, Albert," Edgar replied with a smile. "Could you bring us some wine so we can unwind?"

"Definitely, my lord," Albert smiled meaningfully and left the chamber.

He returned ten minutes later with a servant carrying a tray filled with a jug of wine and two goblets. The servant placed the tray beside the sofa where Edgar and Clara sat. Then they both took their leave.

Before he closed the door, Albert said, "Enjoy the wine, my lord. Let me know if you need anything else. The servant will be waiting outside the door."

"Uhmm.. it's okay. Albert. Leave us. I don't think we will need anything else," Edgar said. "Clara and I will just rest and it would be nice if you could give us privacy."

"Ahh... understood, my lord." Albert smiled broadly and closed the door.

Once they were alone, Edgar took the wine jug and poured the content into two cups. He gave one to Clara,  and the other one was for himself. He told her, "You should drink a little to calm down your nerves. Have you ever tried Southberry wine? This is a really good wine, in fact, I would say the best wine in the world."

Clara shook her head. "No, not yet."

She took a sip of her wine and immediately looked at Edgar with her big round eyes. "You are right! This is really good!"

She took bigger sips and clearly enjoyed the wine very much. Slowly, her face looked more adorable because her cheeks were now slightly red as the effect of the alcohol. Now, she looked so much more relaxed. Seeing her feeling so comfortable, Edgar was happy.